EDENS ZERO is a 3D action role-playing game adapted from Hiro Mashima's space fantasy manga and anime series. Players take control of Shiki and his growing crew aboard the interstellar warship Edens Zero as they travel across planets in the Sakura Cosmos. The experience centers on a single-player campaign that blends linear story progression with open exploration on select worlds.
Gameplay
The core loop involves traveling between locations, engaging in real-time combat, and managing a party of characters. Shiki relies on his signature gravity-based Ether Gear abilities to manipulate enemies and the environment during fights. Combat mixes direct melee attacks with special moves that allow players to launch foes into the air or pull them in for combos. Outside of battles, the game emphasizes crew interactions, where completing tasks for companions unlocks additional dialogue and minor rewards.
Exploration forms a major part of the experience. Players can freely roam large areas on planets such as Blue Garden, searching for collectibles, hidden items, and side activities. These activities include cooking meals, playing minigames, and customizing party members through equipment and accessories. Ether Gear upgrades and team adjustments help tailor combat performance as the story advances. The single-player focus keeps the emphasis on narrative delivery and personal progression rather than competitive elements.
Game Modes
Two primary modes structure the gameplay. Story Mode follows the main plot through a sequence of cutscenes and contained areas filled with enemies and treasures. This mode advances the central adventure in a directed manner while introducing new characters and locations.
Exploration Mode opens up a vast open area on the central planet for free roaming. Here players tackle over 200 quests that range from simple fetch tasks to Guild Quests that raise an Adventurer Rank and longer Episodes that unfold across planetary surfaces. Rewards from these quests provide practical upgrades and items that carry over into the story progression. The mode supports repeated visits to uncover additional conversations and hidden content not present in the original manga.
Story and Setting
The narrative begins on the planet Granbell, where Shiki lives among androids before joining adventurer Rebecca on a journey through space. The Edens Zero serves as the central hub where players interact with the crew, accept personal quests, and prepare for upcoming chapters. The setting draws directly from the source material, presenting familiar characters alongside new side stories that expand on their backstories and relationships.
Progression ties exploration rewards to story advancement. Items and rank improvements gained in open areas help prepare the party for tougher encounters later in the campaign. This integration encourages players to balance directed story beats with optional planetary activities.
Is It Worth Playing?
EDENS ZERO suits players who enjoy single-player action RPGs with strong emphasis on story delivery and open-world side content. The combat system receives consistent praise for its responsive controls and creative use of gravity mechanics during encounters. Exploration Mode stands out for the volume of quests and collectibles available, giving substantial playtime beyond the main plot.
Reception highlights the faithful adaptation of characters and the addition of crew-focused activities that feel rewarding. The game maintains active support through updates that refine existing systems. Those interested in anime-inspired action RPGs with a mix of linear storytelling and free-form planetary roaming will find the experience engaging. Players seeking purely competitive multiplayer or highly complex simulation elements may prefer other titles.
