Z.o.e

[Viraneth]

I just picked up Z.O.E. (Zone of the Enders) and I must say it is a phenomenal mech action game. Are the other games in the series as good? And does the series have anything to do with the Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card?

[Smashed Brother]

The first Z.O.E. was looked upon more as a Metal Gear Solid 2 demo that came packaged with an awesome mech game. The game had great graphics, innovative controls and pretty good gameplay, but it barely scratched the surface of it's potential, due to it's repetitive environments and missions.

So, this is where Z.O.E. 2nd Runner picks up the slack. Better graphics, an amazing anime presentation and more variety in missions and in the gameplay, in scope of what you could do. The main character is also far more interesting than that horribly voice-acted brat in the first game (he does make an appearance in here, though). This is basically what the first game should've been. I haven't played any of the GBA games though, so I don't know how those are, nor do I know anything about the Ender's Game comparisons.

But, if you can find it, definitely pick up 2nd Runner... it's totally worth it.

[nestlekwik]

I would just have to second what Smashed Brother said. ZoE was pretty much a front to push out Metal Gear Solid 2 demos and that's all it's really known for. ZoE: 2nd Runner didn't really generate much buzz but was met better critically (GameRankings - Zoe: 76.8%; Zoe: 2nd Runner: 82.9%). ZoE: 2nd Runner is the better game and it's notable the game has still retained most of its value (around $25-30 right now; I see a sealed copy is closing in on $100 on eBay right now). ZoE: 2nd Runner also made a pretty good cameo in the import title Pop'N Music 8 with a song from the game and Dingo and Ken being selectable avatars. It really is a series that doesn't get appreciated as much as it should.

I personally haven't played the GBA version but its GameRankings rating is 70.6%. I would still be interested in checking it out.

[erehwon]

Zoe 2 is one of my favorite games. It is too bad we don't get mech games like this very often. Most of the other mech games I've tried are terrible. I'm hoping the rumors I've heard of work being done on a ps3 sequel are true.

[j_factor]

All three of the games are great. The GBA one, however, is much different; it's kind of like Front Mission.