Zone of the Enders, also known as Z.O.E, is a video game that was developed and published by Konami in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. It was produced by, and is closely associated with, Hideo Kojima. The game is based around mecha combat. The mechas were designed by Yoji Shinkawa, also the character and mechanical designer for the Metal Gear Solid series.

Z.O.E was initially released in most territories with a demo version of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, the second installment of Kojima's popular stealth-based action game. Because of this association, initial sales figures could be counted as misleading; many buyers simply wanted the demo. A great many copies of Z.O.E appeared on "pre-owned" shelves of major gaming stores when the full version of Metal Gear Solid 2 was released.

Series

One sequel exists, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (known as Anubis: Zone of the Enders in Japan), also for the PlayStation 2. There was also a spin-off turn-based strategy title named for the Game Boy Advance.

Two anime series were produced: a single-episode direct-to-video story titled ZOE: 2167 IDOLO, set prior to the events of the first game (it was originally created as a pack-in premium for a "Special Edition" release of the first ZOE game, and to supply some of the game's back story), and a 26-episode television series titled ZOE: Dolores, i. Both anime series were animated by Sunrise, the Japanese animation studio best known for the legendary Mobile Suit Gundam anime franchise.

All three games, and both anime series have been commercially released outside of Japan.

While ZOE focusses mostly on the loss of innocence of a child faced with having to kill to survive, "IDOLO" and "The Fist of Mars" explore issues surrounding colonialism, independence, political and personal power and ambitions, and revenge -- many of the same themes explored in the various Mobile Suit Gundam series. "Dolores, i" adds the emotional conflicts and tensions of a family, split by ditance and circumstance, as they try to come together to overcome their differences in the face of an impending conflict.

Mechanics

Anubis
Class: Orbital Frame
Purpose: General
Piloted By: Nohman
Weapons: Unknown

Cyclops
Class: Mass Produced Orbital Frame
Purpose: Melee
Piloted By: Unmanned
Weapons: Arms

Jehuty
Class: Orbital Frame
Purpose: General
Piloted By: Leo Steinbuck
Weapons: Primary - Arm Cannon, Sword, 4 Beam Homing Laser, Burst Attack, Grab
Sub Weapons - Decoy, Javelin, Sniper, Phalanx, Geyser, Comet, Halberd, Gauntlet, Bounder, Mummy

Mummyhead
Class: Mass Produced Orbital Frame
Purpose: Long Range Support
Piloted By: Unmanned
Weapons: Halberd, Phalanx

Neith
Class: Orbital Frame
Purpose: General
Piloted By: Viola
Weapons: Sword, Burst Attack, Fire Trail, Arm Cannon

Phantoma
Class: Mass Produced LEV
Purpose: General
Piloted By: n/a
Weapons: Vulcan Machine Gun

Raptor
Class: Mass Produced Orbital Frame
Purpose: General
Piloted By: Unmanned
Weapons: Javelin, Sword x 2, Geyser

Tempest
Class: Orbital Frame
Purpose: General
Piloted By: Unknown
Weapons: 6 arms and powerful energy blaster.

Tyrant
Class: Orbital Frame
Purpose: General
Piloted By: Unknown
Weapons: Unknown

Nebula
Class: Orbital Frame
Purpose: General
Piloted By: Unknown
Weapons: Unknown

Character

Leo Stenbuck
A withdrawn youth who has difficulties getting along with others, he boarded the Jehuty by accident. He is making a stand against the Antilia crisis

Celvice Klein
A girl working as a volunteer for the church. She is both devoted and giving. She looks after the orphans. The loss of both of her parents during their emigration to Antilia has left her all alone in the world.

Viola
She is an adjunct battery officer for the Bahram army's primary offensive unit. A belligerent fighter, she has caused problems for Leo innumerable times. Not afraid of death, she is always at the forefront of a battle.

Brock Thunderheart
A worker on the civilian transport vessel "Atlantis". Rides a LEV. He loves the adventure of taking on dangerous tasks, and he hopes to fulfill his duty by capturing Jehuty.

Elena Weinberg
Second pilot of the civilian transport vessel "Atlantis", she is a rational and kind woman. She commands the troupe trying to capture Jehuty.