My infatuation with Zone of the Enders

While perusing my library of video games, I often stop and stare at my copy of Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner. Who does not love giant robots with enormous strength moving at blistering speeds?

Come on.

Anyway, my infatuation started years ago, back when Toonami, the Cartoon Network afternoon precursor to Adult Swim, aired Gundam Wing. I was entranced by the animation of the show, always pining for a Mobile Suit of my own (heck, even Talgeese would have fit the bill). I caught myself often wondering why there was never a proper game based on the show. No, the SNES 2D fighter does not count.

Enter Zone of the Enders. Originally known as "the game that came with the Metal Gear Solid 2 demo," I instantly fell in love with the mechanics, controls and gameplay. "Holy crap," I would think. "This is it. This is the game I have waited years for ..."

Now, by no means was the game perfect. The story was a bit on the ... whiny side, and the art style, while interesting, was dominated far too much by that dark blue/metallic look. Still, it was fun and I loved it.

Then I sold it to a friend for $20.

I did it because I had played the crap out of the game, squeezing every morsel of action goodness as I could.

Fortunately, the sequel came out not too long after. Oh, and how I love the sequel.

The game also had its shortcomings, but the memorable levels, sharp graphics, enormous battles, and variety of ways to destroy your opponents had my mouth watering for weeks.

That one level where 100s of opponents streamed onto your screen, taunting you, all while your friendly amigos are taking a notorious beating made the game for me. Sure, the framerate would take a crap due to the PS2s shortcomings, but nothing was as satisfying as taking out 10+ enemies at once with the Homing Missiles.

What about that Bahram Battleship sky level? AWESOME. My jaw dropped the first time I was told, "so, yeah, take out those GIANT WARSHIPS OF DESTRUCTION." I did so, slicing and dicing everything in my path.

Jehuty is unstoppable, yo.

Now all I need is Zone of the Enders 3 to be announced so that my brain can explode all over my monitor. Whichever console obtains this game will likely decide which I splurge cash on.

Yeah, my infatuation is that strong.