Zone of the Enders (video game)

Zone of the Enders

Developer(s)| Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
Publisher(s)| Konami
Director(s)| Noriaki Okamura
Producer(s)| Hideo Kojima
Artist(s)| Yoji Shinkawa
Nobuyoshi Nishimura
Writer(s)| Noriaki Okamura
Shuyo Murata
Composer(s)| Maki Kirioka
Akihiro Honda
Norihiko Hibino
Toshiyuki Kakuta
Shuichi Kobori
Series| Zone of the Enders
Platform(s)| PlayStation 2
PlayStation 3 (HD)
Xbox 360 (HD)
Release|

March 1, 2001

*     * JP: March 1, 2001
* EU: March 23, 2001
* NA: March 28, 2001

* HD Collection
* PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
*     * JP: October 25, 2012[1]
* NA: October 30, 2012
* EU: November 30, 2012[2]
* AU: December 6, 2012

Genre(s)| Third-person shooter
Hack and slash
Mode(s)| Single-player
Multiplayer

Zone of the Enders (ZONE OF THE ENDERS (ゾーン オブ エンダーズ), Zōn obu Endāzu; ZONE OF ENDERS), officially abbreviated as Z.O.E., is a 2001 third-person shooter hack-and-slash video game that was developed and published by Konami for the Sony PlayStation 2. The game is based around mecha combat in outer space. Over the course of the game, the player obtains new weapons and has to protect towns from enemies.

The story is set in the space around Jupiter and follows a young colonist named Leo Stenbuck, one of the few survivors from his colony after it was attacked by the military force BAHRAM. The player controls the Orbital Frame known as Jehuty. Surviving using a mecha, Leo is on a mission to return Jehuty to the Space Force and uses the Frame to protect civilians. The game was created with the intention of having a more serious and realistic focus on the mecha genre. The mechas were designed by Yoji Shinkawa, the character and mechanical designer for the Metal Gear series.

The critical reaction to Zone of the Enders was positive. While the combat and graphics were generally well received, its short length and poor localization were the areas most commonly receiving criticism. The game spawned two follow-ups: The Fist of Mars, a spin-off for the Game Boy Advance, and The 2nd Runner, a direct sequel for the PlayStation 2. The Japanese animation studio Sunrise also produced two works related to Zone of the Enders.[clarification needed] The game was re-released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 alongside its direct sequel, Zone of the Enders, in October 2012 as part of the Zone of the Enders HD Collection.

## Contents

* 1 Gameplay
* 2 Plot
* 3 Development
* 4 Reception
* 4.1 Zone of the Enders
* 4.2 Legacy
* 4.3 HD Collection
* 4.3.1 Reception
* 5 Notes
* 6 References
* 7 External links
* 8 Features
* 9 History
* 10 See also
* 11 References
* 12 External links
* 13 Features
* 14 History
* 15 See also
* 16 References
* 17 External links

## Gameplay

Jehuty defeats an enemy Raptor with its blade. The green bar shows Jehuty's health while the top shows the remaining enemies.

Zone of the Enders is a hack and slash and third-person shooter game in which the player takes follows Leo Stenbuck, a child who becomes the pilot of the advanced mecha, or Frame, known as Jehuty. Jehuty is capable of three-dimensional movement, flying, and hovering. Leo uses Jehuty to traverse across different areas of a space colony orbiting Jupiter while attacking rogue Orbital Frames using its advanced weaponry. In some stages of the story, there is also the objective of minimizing damage to nearby buildings and civilians, encouraging more strategic combat. Players are given ranked depending on how many buildings and civilians were destroyed or spared. This grading affects the ending sequence outcome. Additionally, the player is given options to first take different areas where to fight in order to avoid linearity. In order to restore Jehuty's health, an item known as Metatron Ore can be found and used in every area.[3]

In battle, Jehuty locks-on to a single enemy Frame and is able to perform advanced maneuvers such as grabbing and throwing enemies, deploying an energy shield, and using booster jets to move quickly and dodge enemy attacks. It is equipped with an energy sword, an energy projectile, and various sub-weapons. As the player progresses, Jehuty's arsenal grows and its abilities expand by obtaining programs alongside their respective code.[3] Every time Jehuty defeats an enemy it gains experience; after gaining a determined amount of experience, it levels up, improving most of its qualities.[4]

Upon completion of the game, a Versus Mode is unlocked. The player can use it to compete with the artificial intelligence (AI) bots or another player while controlling two Frames.[3]

## Plot

The game takes place in the year 2172; mankind has colonized Earth's, Mars', and Jupiter's moons. A military force known as BAHRAM sends its primary offensive unit to attack Antilia, a Jupiter colony, in an attempt to secure two advanced machines known as Orbital Frames.[5] One of the few colony survivors, a young boy named Leo Stenbuck, witnesses a falling Laborious Extra-Orbital Vehicle (LEV) killing his friends. He flees to a hangar, where he finds an Orbital Frame by the name of Jehuty. Using this suit and its built-in intelligence, A.D.A, he fends off the BAHRAM forces led by officer Viola who seek to claim Jehuty on the orders of their leader, Nohman.[6] Leo is then contacted by Elena Weinberg, the commander of the civilian transport vessel Atlantis; it belongs to Earth's military forces, the United Nations Space Force. As Jehuty's original pilot died during the attack, Elena requests Leo's assistance to deliver Jehuty back to them so they can take it to Mars. Leo, however, refuses to kill enemies.[7]

Battling through Antilia, Leo rescues civilians, including Celvice Klein, a friend; he defends the colony from destruction, defeating the BAHRAM forces and their commanders one by one.[8] Before reaching Atlantis, Leo encounters Viola, who seeks a rematch; Leo defeats Viola and spares her.[9] Later, Atlantis pilot Rock Thunderheart meets Leo in person, revealing that BAHRAM forces are still determined to obtain Jehuty and are threatening to destroy the colony. Thunderheart requests Leo's help to pilot Jehuty, as he has realized Leo's skills are superior.[10] Viola then appears, shooting Celvice this time, forcing Leo to fight again.[11] Celvice is taken by Thunderheart to be treated while Leo goes to save the colony.[12]

Leo goes to the docks and Viola battles him once more. However, Viola is defeated again and killed when a leftover bomb blows her out of the colony and into Jupiter's atmosphere.[13] Nohman himself then appears in Jehuty's superior twin Frame Anubis, forcing Jehuty's escape.[14] As Jehuty is docking, A.D.A. reveals to Leo its programming: when taken to the fortress Aumaan on Mars, the mechas is to eject its pilot and self-destruct Jehuty, destroying the frame and the fortress.[15] Leo leaves Jehuty's cockpit and meets up with the crew of the Atlantis and Celvice, who survived a gunshot wound.

## Development

Zone of the Enders entered development for the PlayStation and PC, but in actuality Konami had no intentions of releasing them for those platforms.[16] Early prototypes of the game were built on Dreamcast.[17][18][19] The game's focus is on anime-style robots with an emphasis on realism compared to common sci-fi works. Development staff were advised by professionals who had done scientific research for other anime series. Director and scenario writer Noriaki Okamura wanted to write a serious story featuring people with complicated lives; its main theme examines the purpose and nature of life, as reflected in Leo's hardships during the game. To support this message, multiple endings for the main narrative were avoided, although side quests could feature different endings. Despite this, two other endings can be unlocked depending on the player's performance when protecting civilians. In contrast to other 3D games, the team worked to give players the sensation that they are controlling a fast robot; this demanded a year of camera work to achieve.[16]

Okamura designed Zone of the Enders to tell a story through gameplay sequences, rather than during cutscenes. As such, the staff focused on adding details such as the destroyed buildings to inform the player's objectives.[20] Character designer Nobuyoshi Nishimura expressed difficulties in designing characters who would both fit the mechas and the 3D models. In order to take advantage of the 3D space, Nishimura sought to move the camera as often as possible. He tried not to "go overboard" during cutscenes to emphasize the appeal of the mechas during gameplay.[21] During development of the game, producer Hideo Kojima assisted the team.[16]

Yoji Shinkawa was in charge of designing the Orbital Frames, the games mechas. Initially, the Frames were to feature unique transformations, but he determined that flying and skating with Jehuty was enjoyable on its own.[22] As a joke, Shinkawa placed the cockpit in the Frames' crotch region.[23] The staff first had the idea of naming a Frame Anubis based on Egyptian mythology; this led to the name Jehuty for the main Frame, a reference to the Egyptian deity, Djehuti.[24] LEVs were intended to appear during the gameplay as weak, easy opponents that would target Jehuty and the Raptors; however, they ultimately appeared only during cutscenes.[25]

Zone of the Enders was originally set to release in Japan on February 1, 2001, but was delayed to March 1, 2001.[26][27] The Japanese edition premium package contains an original video animation titled ZOE: 2167 IDOLO; produced by Sunrise, it is set five years before the events on the game. Okamura was satisfied with Sunrise's work, noting their experience in producing robot anime.[20] During the animation's production, Shinkawa suggested a design for the titular Frame, IDOLO, to ensure style continuity between the animation and the video game.[22] The English versions of Zone of the Enders were released on March 23, 2001 in Europe and March 28, 2001 in North America.[28] They were originally sold packaged with a preview demo of the then-upcoming Metal Gear Solid 2.[29]

The game's soundtrack was released in Japan on April 25, 2001 by Konami Music Entertainment.[30] According to director Okamura, the music is calm during normal situations, with new tracks added in combat situations to increase the complexity of the music while fighting.[16] The main theme, "Kiss Me Sunlights", was composed and performed by Heart of Air.

## Reception

### Zone of the Enders

Zone of the Enders

| Aggregate score

Aggregator| Score
Metacritic| 78/100[31]
Review scores
Publication| Score
AllGame| [32]
Edge| 7/10[33]
EGM| 7.67/10[34][lower-alpha 1]
Famitsu| 31/40[36]
Game Informer| 9.25/10[37]
GameRevolution| B−[38]
GameSpot| 7.4/10[3]
GameSpy| 75%[39]
GameZone| 6/10[40]
IGN| 7.5/10[41]
Next Generation| [42]
OPM (US)| [43]
X-Play| [44]
Maxim| [45]

The original Zone of the Enders received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[31] Chester "Chet" Barber of NextGen called it "a great action game that any gamer will surely enjoy. Unless you simply hate anything with mechs, this is one game you shouldn't miss."[42] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 31 out of 40.[36]

The game's fighting system was praised for its use of 3D camerawork and Jehuty's fast movements.[3][38] GamePro found it superior to the PlayStation 2's other mecha game released by the release, Armored Core 2 thanks to its responsive controls and quick combat.[46][lower-alpha 2] The visual design has also been praised as highly detailed.[41][40] The game was critically acclaimed by Justin Leeper of Game Informer, who remarked Zone of the Enders as one of the most appealing games and found its visuals as ones of the best ones ever found in the PlayStation 2 and added praise to its fighting.[37] However, the presentation has been a major area of criticism; the game's localization was criticized, with the English script being regarded as repetitive and the voice acting "emotionless" by David Smith, writing for IGN. He also reported being annoyed by Leo's English voice acting.[41] The story has been disliked by reviewers with Smith finding the main characters inferior to the ones from other mecha series such as Mobile Suit Gundam whereas Snackdawg of GameZone disliked the story as he stated that despite its dark parts such as the deaths of Leo's friends, his father and his friend being shot, it instead made everyone "simply seems whiny".[41][40] While liking the game, Leeper recommended players to skip the cutscenes.[37] Despite these complaints, Smith considered it one of the best mecha games he had ever played.[41]

The combat was also considered too easy due to poor enemy AI, lack of variety, and an excessive number of tactical options,[38] and the game has been found to be too short without an increase in challenge on higher difficulty settings.[38] PSX Extreme writer Patrick Klepek criticized the game's open ending, suggesting that the project had been rushed and that it would have been better to increase the game's length and fill in missing plot elements.[47] Shawn Sanders felt the game verged on being "a better rental than purchase," but that the included Metal Gear Solid 2 demo made the game worth buying.[38] The versus mode was better received, with Shane Satterfield of GameSpot praising its competitiveness and its accentuation of the singleplayer campaign's strengths with Klepek giving similar responses.[3][47] On the other hand, GameZone criticized this mode stating it was not worth the wait to unlock it.[40]

During 2001, it was the 81st bestselling game in Japan, with a total of 120,658 units sold.[48] It was the sixth best selling game in North America during March 2001;[49] sales were boosted by the inclusion of a demo for the highly-anticipated Metal Gear Solid 2.[50]

The game was nominated for the "Most Disappointing Game" award at GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2001 Awards, which went to Luigi's Mansion.[51]

### Legacy

In June 2001, Konami announced a spin-off game titled Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars for the Game Boy Advance to be developed by Sunrise Interactive.[52] Sunrise also produced an animated television series titled Z.O.E. Dolores, I in 2001.[53] Although there were no plans for a sequel to the original game,[16] in May 2002, Konami announced Zone of the Enders; it was released for the PlayStation 2 in February 2003.[54] To bridge the two games, Konami published an intersequel following Leo's activities with Atlantis and witnessing his growth as a pilot.[55]

### HD Collection

Zone of the Enders was ported to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 alongside The 2nd Runner as part of the HD Collection in 2012.[56] A sequel to The 2nd Runner was announced in May 2012 as "The Enders Project," but was cancelled a year later due to difficulty with the HD ports.[57]

#### Reception

Zone of the Enders: HD Collection

| Review scores

Publication| Score
PS3| Xbox 360
Destructoid| N/A| 8/10[60]
Eurogamer| 8/10[61]| N/A
GameRevolution| 5/10[62]| 5/10[62]
GamesMaster| N/A| 83%[63]
GameSpot| 5.5/10[64]| 6/10[65]
GameTrailers| 8/10[66]| N/A
Hardcore Gamer| 4.5/5[67]| N/A
IGN| 7/10[68]| 7/10[68]
OXM (US)| N/A| 8/10[69]
PSM| 8/10[70]| N/A
The Digital Fix| N/A| 8/10[71]
Metro| 6/10[72]| N/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic| 73/100[58]| 75/100[59]

The Xbox 360 version of the HD Collection received "generally favorable reviews", while the PlayStation 3 version received above-average reviews, according to Metacritic.[58][59]

## Notes

1. ↑ In Electronic Gaming Monthly's review of the original game, two critics gave it each a score of 7.5/10, and the other gave it 8/10.
2. ↑ GamePro gave the original game 4/5 for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor.

## References

1. ↑ Vaughn.H (May 25, 2012). "Zone of the Enders HD Dated". Manhooky Media. http://thegamershub.net/2012/05/zone-of-the-enders-hd-dated/.
2. ↑ "Zone of the Enders HD Collection gets UK release date!". October 31, 2012. http://uk.games.konami-europe.com/news.do?idNews=682.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Satterfield, Shane (March 28, 2001). "Zone of the Enders Review". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/zone-of-the-enders-review/1900-2702237/.
4. ↑ Zone of the Enders (instruction manual). Konami of Europe. March 23, 2001. p. 5. SLES-50111.
5. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Nohman: Calling all Orbital Frames. Our mission this time is to secure these two Frames or to destroy them. To complete this mission, you are expected to make whatever sacrifices are necessary. / Viola: Even if it costs us the colony."
6. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Nohman: I repeat. Evacuate now! You have other things to do, don't you? / Viola: You embarrassed me this time so look forward to the next time. See you again, boy!"
7. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Elena: Listen. I must ask you to do something for us. Can you deliver that Frame to our base? / ... / Leo: All right. I'll do it just this one time. But that's all I'll do. /.../ Leo:But I want you to remember one thing. I will never help you kill anybody."
8. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Celvice: Listen, Leo... Can't you help those people? / Leo: How? / Celvice: Just like you helped me."
9. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Viola: Kill me now. / Leo: Don't say that. I won't."
10. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Rock: So I'd like you to work for us one more time. / Leo: What? / Rock: You go and find the bombs. / Leo: Me? / Rock: I watched you fight against the red one. I have to admit you're better than I am."
11. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Viola: Time to settle our fight. Come to the Space Port. I'll be waiting."
12. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Leo: Could you please take care of Celvice for me? / Rock: I will. You take care of what you have to."
13. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Leo: ADA. Could we go and save the Frame? / ADA: Jehuty is not designed to resist entry into Jupiter's magnetic storm. The Orbital Frame is already being pulled ever faster by gravity. While it is not impossible to save the Orbital Frame, it is very risky. / Leo: Any ideas? / Viola: Stop it."
14. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "Elena: I'll blast a hole in the side walls of the central hub in 15 seconds. Follow the beacon's signal. I'll give you cover with my cannons. Be careful, if you deviate even slightly from the beacon, you'll get burned. / Leo: I'll try."
15. ↑ Konami. Zone of the Enders. "ADA: Jehuty's duty on Mars is to penetrate the military fortress, Aumaan and to destroy the fortress from the inside by self-destructing Jehuty. / Leo: Jehuty will self-destruct? /.../ Leo: What about you? / ADA: All my function aboard Jehuty will cease."
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Williamson, Colin (December 12, 2000). "Z.O.E.: In The Director's Seat". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/13/zoe-in-the-directors-seat.
17. ↑ "待望の「Z.O.E」続編に関する発表もあった"はいだら"づくしの「ZONE OF THE ENDERS HD（はいだら）-NIGHT 宇宙最速～ReBOOT Preview～」をレポート" (in ja). Aetas Inc.. May 26, 2012. https://www.4gamer.net/games/134/G013401/20120526007/.
18. ↑ @noguchi_ (September 21, 2019). "メガドライブとZ.O.Eに直接接点はないのですが…Z.O.Eは正式タイトル決定前に「メガドライバー」というコードネームがついていました。学年に必ず一人はいたメガドライブ愛好家の敬称としても知られますが、開発初期にDreamcast環境で試作していたため、自然とそう呼び始めていた記憶があります。" (in ja). https://twitter.com/noguchi_/status/1175414984479670274.
19. ↑ @noguchi_ (September 21, 2019). "Z.O.Eをマルチプラットフォーム化できれば良かったのですが、DreamcastとPlayStation2は長所が別々にあるので、できませんでした。（だからこそパワースマッシュ2などの両機種で展開されたゲームは、やるヤン…と思います）タラレバですが、Dreamcastに最適化されたZ.O.Eも見てみたかったですね…。" (in ja). https://twitter.com/noguchi_/status/1175416770095534080.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Z.O.E staff interview: Part 1 - Noriaki Okamura screenplay / director". 2001. http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/zoe/english/topic/topic_01.html.
21. ↑ "Z.O.E staff interview: Part 2 Nobuyoshi Nishimura character designer / art director". 2001. http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/zoe/english/topic/topic_02.html.
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Z.O.E staff interview: Part 3 - Yoji Shinkawa Mechanical designer". 2001. http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/zoe/english/topic/index.html.
23. ↑ "Interview Segment 1 Overall ZOE Mechanical Design". 2001. http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/zoe2/english/interview_01.html.
24. ↑ "Interview Segment 2 Orbital Frame "Jehuty"". 2001. http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/zoe2/english/interview_02.html.
25. ↑ "Interview Segment 6 About LEVs". 2001. http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/zoe2/english/interview_06.html.
26. ↑ Sato, Yukiyoshi Ike (November 2, 2000). "Z.O.E. Delayed [date mislabeled as "May 17, 2006""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zoe-delayed/1100-2649786/.
27. ↑ Sato, Yukiyoshi Ike (November 13, 2000). "Z.O.E. Delayed Again". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zoe-delayed-again/1100-2653128/.
28. ↑ GameSpot staff (March 28, 2001). "Zone of the Enders released for the PlayStation 2". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zone-of-the-enders-released-for-the-playstation-2/1100-2702275/.
29. ↑ IGN staff (February 2, 2001). "MGS2 Demo Packaged Inside Z.O.E". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/03/mgs2-demo-packaged-inside-zoe.
30. ↑ GameSpot staff (April 12, 2001). "Z.O.E. soundtrack announced in Japan [date mislabeled as "May 17, 2006""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zoe-soundtrack-announced-in-japan/1100-2707544/.
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Zone of the Enders". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/zone-of-the-enders/.
32. ↑ Thompson, Jon. "Zone of the Enders - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=26347&tab=review.
33. ↑ Edge staff (April 2001). "ZOE – Zone Of The Enders". Edge (Future Publishing) (96): 72–73. https://retrocdn.net/images/f/f9/Edge_UK_096.pdf. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
34. ↑ Chou, Che; Mielke, James "Milkman"; Sewart, Greg (June 2001). "Zone of the Enders". Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (143): 110. https://retrocdn.net/images/0/01/EGM_US_143.pdf. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
35. ↑ "Zone of the Enders". Greedy Productions Ltd.. May 17, 2001. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=5849&full=1.
36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 "プレイステーション2 - Z.O.E" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain) 915: 87. June 30, 2006. https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9479&redirect=no. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 Leeper, Justin (May 2001). "Zone of the Enders". Game Informer (FuncoLand) (97). http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200105/R03.0804.1757.48278.htm?CS_pid=938152. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 38.4 Sanders, Shawn (April 2001). "Zone of the Enders Review". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33546-zone-of-the-enders-review.
39. ↑ Alupului, Andrei (April 7, 2001). "Zone of the Enders". GameSpy Industries. http://www.planetps2.com/features/reviews/2001/zoneoftheenders/.
40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 Snackdawg (April 30, 2001). "Zone of the Enders Review". http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r17013.htm.
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 41.4 Smith, David (March 26, 2001). "Zone of the Enders". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/03/27/zone-of-the-enders.
42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Barber, Chester "Chet" (June 2001). "Zone of the Enders". NextGen (Imagine Media) (78): 78–79. https://archive.org/details/NextGen78Jun2001/page/n79/mode/2up. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
43. ↑ Davison, John (May 2001). "Z.O.E: Zone of the Enders [sic"]. Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (44): 96–97. https://archive.org/details/official-us-playstation-magazine-issue-44-may-2001/page/96/mode/2up. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
44. ↑ Bub, Andrew S. (April 10, 2001). "'Zone of the Enders' (PS2) Review". TechTV. http://www.techtv.com/extendedplay/reviews/story/0,24330,3320664,00.html.
45. ↑ Boyce, Ryan (March 30, 2001). "Zone of the Enders". Maxim (MaximNet, Inc.). http://www.maximonline.com/articles/review_videogames.asp?videogame_id=932. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
46. ↑ Weigand, Michael "Major Mike" (June 2001). "Zone of the Enders". GamePro (IDG) (153): 100. https://retrocdn.net/images/d/d7/GamePro_US_153.pdf. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Klepek, Patrick (August 4, 2001). "Zone of the Enders review". http://www.psxextreme.com/scripts/reviews2/review.asp?revID=44.
48. ↑ "2001年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP300" (in ja). http://geimin.net/da/db/2001_ne_fa/index.php.
49. ↑ "Top-selling video games". USA Today (Gannett Company): p. 10E. April 27, 2001.
50. ↑ Pavlacka, Adam (November 25, 2001). "Video Games - 'Metal Gear Solid 2' is a must-have". Courier News (Sun-Times Media Group): p. D3.
51. ↑ GameSpot staff (February 23, 2002). "The Best and Worst of 2001 (Most Disappointing Game)". CNET. http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/p4_01.html.
52. ↑ Nix, Marc (June 28, 2001). "Portable Orbitals in the Zone of the Enders". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/06/28/portable-orbitals-in-the-zone-of-the-enders.
53. ↑ Sato, Yukiyoshi Ike (February 20, 2001). "Second ZOE anime announced [date mislabeled as "May 17, 2006""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/second-zoe-anime-announced/1100-2687901/.
54. ↑ IGN staff (May 9, 2002). "New Metal Gear, Z.O.E Announced". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/09/new-metal-gear-zoe-announced.
55. ↑ "Story Between". 2003. http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/zoe2/english/story_between.html.
56. ↑ Magrino, Tom (June 2, 2011). "Metal Gear Solid, Zone of the Enders HD remakes coming to PS3, 360 [date mislabeled as "June 3, 2011""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-zone-of-the-enders-hd-remakes-coming-to-ps3-360/1100-6316494/.
57. ↑ Gaston, Martin (May 3, 2013). "Kojima axes Zone of the Enders sequel". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/kojima-axes-zone-of-the-enders-sequel/1100-6407899/.
58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 "Zone of the Enders HD Collection critic reviews (PS3)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3.
59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 "Zone of the Enders HD Collection critic reviews (X360)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360.
60. ↑ Zeidler, Brett (November 24, 2012). "Review: Zone of the Enders HD Collection (X360)". Gamurs. https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection/.
61. ↑ Haske, Steve (November 12, 2012). "Zone of the Enders HD Collection review (PS3)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection-review.
62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Ingenito, Vince (November 9, 2012). "Zone of the Enders HD Collection Review". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/57922-zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection-review.
63. ↑ "Review: Zone of the Enders: HD Collection". GamesMaster (Future plc): 79. January 2013.
64. ↑ Brown, Peter (November 1, 2012). "Zone of the Enders: HD Collection Review (PS3)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection-review/1900-6399365/.
65. ↑ Brown, Peter (November 1, 2012). "Zone of the Enders: HD Collection Review (X360)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection-review/1900-6399277/.
66. ↑ "Zone of the Enders HD Collection - Review (PS3)". Viacom. November 2, 2012. http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/74djc0/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection-review.
67. ↑ Cunningham, James (October 30, 2012). "Review: Zone of the Enders HD Collection (PS3)". Hardcore Gamer. https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-zone-of-the-enders-hd/16942/. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 Dyer, Mitch (November 1, 2012). "Zone of the Enders: HD Collection Review". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/02/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection-review.
69. ↑ Bailey, Kat (October 29, 2012). "Zone of the Enders HD Collection review". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US). http://www.oxmonline.com/zone-enders-hd-collection-review. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
70. ↑ "Review: Zone of the Enders: HD Collection". PlayStation: The Official Magazine (Future plc) (65): 81. December 2012.
71. ↑ Marshall, James (January 4, 2013). "Zone of the Enders HD Collection Review (X360)". Poisonous Monkey Ltd. http://gaming.thedigitalfix.com/content/id/1456/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection.html.
72. ↑ Hargreaves, Roger (November 27, 2012). "Zone Of The Enders HD Collection review – ZOE's makeover (PS3)". Metro (DMG Media). https://metro.co.uk/2012/11/27/zone-of-the-enders-hd-collection-review-zoes-makeover-550721/.

## External links

* MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

## Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

## History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

## See also

* IGDB - game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/.
2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/.
3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1.
4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521.
8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media.
9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned.
10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner.
11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames.
12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games.
13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/.
14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/.
15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/.
16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/.
17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames.
18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628.

| Wikidata has the property:

* NO LABEL (P1933) (see uses)

|

## External links

* No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

* v
* t
* e

Atari

Corporations|

| Primary|

* Atari, Inc. (1972–1992)
* Atari Corporation (1984–1996)
* Atari SA, Atari, Inc. (2003–present)

|

Subsidiaries and
spin-offs|

* Atari Games
* Atari Interactive
* AtariAge
* Chuck E. Cheese (1977–1978)
* Cyan Engineering
* Digital Eclipse
* Kee Games
* MobyGames
* Nightdive Studios
* Tengen

Arcades games
and amusements|

* Anti-Aircraft
* Asteroids
* Asteroids Deluxe
* Atari Basketball
* Atari Football
* Avalanche
* Battlezone
* Black Widow
* Breakout
* Canyon Bomber
* Centipede
* Cloak & Dagger
* Crash 'N Score
* Crystal Castles
* Destroyer
* Dominos
* Fire Truck
* Firefox
* Food Fight
* Gotcha
* Gran Trak 10
* Gran Trak 20
* Gravitar
* Hi-way
* I, Robot
* Indy 4
* Indy 800
* Jet Fighter
* LeMans
* Liberator
* Lunar Lander
* Major Havoc
* Millipede
* Missile Command
* Night Driver
* Outlaw
* Pin-Pong
* Pong
* Pong Doubles
* Pursuit
* Quadrapong
* Quantum
* Quiz Show
* Qwak!
* Rebound
* Red Baron
* Return of the Jedi
* Shark Jaws
* Sky Diver
* Space Duel
* Space Race
* Sprint 1
* Sprint 2
* Sprint 4
* Sprint 8
* Star Wars
* Starship 1
* Steeplechase
* Stunt Cycle
* Super Breakout
* Super Bug
* Super Pong
* Tank
* Tank 8
* Tempest
* Tournament Table
* Triple Hunt
* Ultra Tank
* Video Pinball
* Warlords

| Prototypes|

* Tank II

|

Software and utilities|

* Atari BASIC
* Atari Calculator
* Atari DOS

Video game
consoles|

* Home Pong
* Stunt Cycle
* Atari Video Music
* Video Pinball
* 2600
* 2800
* 5200
* 7800
* XEGS
* Lynx
* Jaguar
* CD
* VCS (2021)
* 2600+

| Prototypes|

* Game Brain
* Cosmos
* 2700
* Atari Mindlink
* Panther
* Sierra

|

Personal
computers|

* Atari 8-bit computers
* Atari ST
* MEGA STE
* TT030
* Transputer Workstation
* Falcon

| Portables|

* STacy
* ST Book
* Portfolio

|

Prototypes|

* Sierra

Peripherals|

| Printers|

* 825 80-Column Printer
* 1020 Color Printer

|

Gaming devices|

* CX40 joystick
* Atari joystick port
* XG-1 light gun

Other|

* Atari Democrat
* Atari Flashback
* Intellivision
* Sears

0.00

(0 votes)

Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MobyGames. Read more

|

* MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

## Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

## History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

## See also

* IGDB - game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/.
2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/.
3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1.
4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521.
8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media.
9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned.
10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner.
11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames.
12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games.
13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/.
14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/.
15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/.
16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/.
17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames.
18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628.

| Wikidata has the property:

* NO LABEL (P1933) (see uses)

|

## External links

* No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.

* v
* t
* e

Atari

Corporations|

| Primary|

* Atari, Inc. (1972–1992)
* Atari Corporation (1984–1996)
* Atari SA, Atari, Inc. (2003–present)

|

Subsidiaries and
spin-offs|

* Atari Games
* Atari Interactive
* AtariAge
* Chuck E. Cheese (1977–1978)
* Cyan Engineering
* Digital Eclipse
* Kee Games
* MobyGames
* Nightdive Studios
* Tengen

Arcades games
and amusements|

* Anti-Aircraft
* Asteroids
* Asteroids Deluxe
* Atari Basketball
* Atari Football
* Avalanche
* Battlezone
* Black Widow
* Breakout
* Canyon Bomber
* Centipede
* Cloak & Dagger
* Crash 'N Score
* Crystal Castles
* Destroyer
* Dominos
* Fire Truck
* Firefox
* Food Fight
* Gotcha
* Gran Trak 10
* Gran Trak 20
* Gravitar
* Hi-way
* I, Robot
* Indy 4
* Indy 800
* Jet Fighter
* LeMans
* Liberator
* Lunar Lander
* Major Havoc
* Millipede
* Missile Command
* Night Driver
* Outlaw
* Pin-Pong
* Pong
* Pong Doubles
* Pursuit
* Quadrapong
* Quantum
* Quiz Show
* Qwak!
* Rebound
* Red Baron
* Return of the Jedi
* Shark Jaws
* Sky Diver
* Space Duel
* Space Race
* Sprint 1
* Sprint 2
* Sprint 4
* Sprint 8
* Star Wars
* Starship 1
* Steeplechase
* Stunt Cycle
* Super Breakout
* Super Bug
* Super Pong
* Tank
* Tank 8
* Tempest
* Tournament Table
* Triple Hunt
* Ultra Tank
* Video Pinball
* Warlords

| Prototypes|

* Tank II

|

Software and utilities|

* Atari BASIC
* Atari Calculator
* Atari DOS

Video game
consoles|

* Home Pong
* Stunt Cycle
* Atari Video Music
* Video Pinball
* 2600
* 2800
* 5200
* 7800
* XEGS
* Lynx
* Jaguar
* CD
* VCS (2021)
* 2600+

| Prototypes|

* Game Brain
* Cosmos
* 2700
* Atari Mindlink
* Panther
* Sierra

|

Personal
computers|

* Atari 8-bit computers
* Atari ST
* MEGA STE
* TT030
* Transputer Workstation
* Falcon

| Portables|

* STacy
* ST Book
* Portfolio

|

Prototypes|

* Sierra

Peripherals|

| Printers|

* 825 80-Column Printer
* 1020 Color Printer

|

Gaming devices|

* CX40 joystick
* Atari joystick port
* XG-1 light gun

Other|

* Atari Democrat
* Atari Flashback
* Intellivision
* Sears

0.00

(0 votes)

Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MobyGames. Read more

|

ja:ZONE OF THE ENDERS#ZONE OF THE ENDERS Z.O.E

0.00

(0 votes)

Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone of the Enders (video game). Read more

|

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