Evil Zone
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| Evil Zone | |
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| Developer(s) | YUKE's Future Media Creators |
| Publisher(s) | Titus Software |
| Release date(s) | January 14, 1999 |
| Genre(s) | Versus fighting game |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen (T) |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation |
| Media | CD-ROM |
Evil Zone or Eretzvaju (封神領域エルツヴァーユ Fūshin Ryōiki Eretsuvāyu?) is a fighting game released for the PlayStation console. It was developed by YUKE's Future Media Creators and published by Titus Software in 1999. The player can choose from ten characters to fight in several game modes including story mode, arcade mode, versus mode, practice and survival mode.
The storyline of the game tells of a being known as Ihadurca, a powerful being who can exist in multiple dimensions at one time. Through heavy cost, the inhabitants of the world of I-Praseru (Happy Island) were able to temporarily confine Ihadurca in a dimension known as Evil Zone. Now, a tournament is being held to select the strongest warrior throughout the dimensions to destroy Ihadurca before she can escape from Evil Zone and threaten the world once more.
The story mode is a unique aspect to the game and sets it apart from other fighting games. Each character has a unique story mode which progresses like an ongoing television program, complete with episode names and previews with voice acting. As the mode progresses, you learn more about the character's backstory and why they are fighting, an incentive to play through the game with each character. Evil Zone is also one of the few games to feature a fully fleshed out story mode for its boss character.
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[edit] Gameplay
The game tries to focus on simplicity with a "pick up and play" feel that isn't daunting to new players. Fighting takes place on a 3D field and allows characters to move backwards, forwards, and sidestep left and right with ease. Most of the fighting is done with range-based attacks, but it is possible to attack from a short range and use grapple moves on your opponent. The fighting system only utilizes two main buttons, attack and guard, unlike most fighters, such as the Street Fighter series.
Each character controls in exactly the same manner; however, each character has a set of unique attacks along with an ultra-attack that requires the player to expel Power Stocks. By holding the down the attack button, a character can charge up to 3 Power Stocks. The time that it takes to fully charge a stock depends on the current health of the character; a character with more health will take longer to charge while a character with minimal health could charge all 3 stocks in a few seconds.
Many characters feature attacks that have lengthy animations, which adds a more dramatic and dynamic feel to battles. A general "dramatic" encounter can occur if both characters perform a dash attack at each other at the same time. This results in an event called a Pressure Dash where both characters must rapidly hit buttons in order to gain an advantage over the other player. The most notable animations are those used for each character's ultra-attack, which can last up to 20 seconds long. These animations can become even longer when they are used as the attack that will finish the opponent.
[edit] Characters
- Setsuna Saizuki - "The Guardian Angel"
Setsuna has another separate entity existing within her (how exactly is never explained). This entity is called Karin and takes the form of another girl in a translucent form that apparently only Setsuna can see. It is Karin that gives Setsuna her supernatural abilities and a sword.
Setsuna is friends with another cast member, Midori Himeno. All of Setsuna’s physical fighting moves had been taught to Setsuna by Midori. She is also acquainted with Keiya. Her blazer uniform is brought up in a few of the other character’s story modes.
- Linedwell Rainrix - "A Medium at Daybreak"
Also known as Lie. Linedwell Rainrix stole a sword named Shahal from an antique shop. The sword grants him a variety of unusual abilities. It is suggested throughout the game that Shahal is an incarnation of Satan. The sword does possess Lie late on in his story and Kakurine and Ihadurca are aware of its identity.
- Erel Plowse - "Mercenary"
Erel uses a special suit of armour that rests on top of her shoulders she calls Alphonse, powered by her spirit to fight. It is revealed that it was once called the armour void, and was created by Kakurine.
Erel’s story mode has the characters she is about to fight appear in each prologue sequence in a kind of comedy sketch. Often the kind of sketch is dependent on which character she will fight.
Erel is hopelessly in love with Al and frequently acts out or ponders fantasy romance situations with him through the game.
- Gally 'Vanish' Gregman - "The Bounty Hunter"
Gally is hired to kill Ihadurca by a client. He has a large sword and a form of mechanical armour that can shoot missiles and lasers. He has a wife who appears with him during the trailer sequences for each episode in the story mode. He is apparently a keen piano player and tries to hide his drinking from his wife.
- Keiya Tenpouin - "The Man in the Shadow"
Keiya is an onmyoji who is planning to kill Ihadurca and claim her power for his own. He wishes to use it to restore what is only referred to as the ‘energy’ of his friend or lover Kimika. Kimika’s energy was apparently drained by Lie at some point in the past. Consequently, Keiya hates Lie.
Keiya’s story mode is unique in that during the trailer sequences he receives letters asking for advice. These letters are sent by the individual Keiya will fight in the next episode, each letter is often a reflection on the character that sent it. For example Gally asks how he can hide his drinking from his wife while Kakurine’s letter has no return address or postage and simply states how much she wishes to kill Ihadurca.
- Midori Himeno - "Grappler and Passionate"
Midori Himeno is a passionate martial artist who is next in line to inherit her family’s dojo. She is friends with Setsuna and refers to her as Yuki. She also knows Keiya Tenpouin and despises him. Midori battles the other characters to train her attack move that she will use to become the successor to the Fuin Dojo
- Danzaiver - "Exceptional Inspector"
Special inspector Danzaiver (real name Sho Mikagami) heads to I-Praseru to release his partner Yuri from the Evil Zone. Yuri is being used to stabilise Evil Zone to contain Ihadurca. Danzaiver is supported by Yuri’s twin sister Ruri. Danzaiver is the self proclaimed main character of the show. In his home dimension he is fighting the a crime syndicate Crios headed by Galaclava, who apparently bears striking resemblance to Ihadurca. He is a parody of all the heroes in henshin hero genre most notably the Metal Hero shows like Uchuu Keiji Gavan. Famous among players for his battle cry, "The power of the Supreme Ruler destroys evil! The ultimate hero! DANZAIVER!!"
- Alty Al Lazel - "Wizard"
Al is a middle name given to court magicians. Although this is how Al is referred to though most of the game Al himself does not like it. Al fights using a magical formula called Lost Legacy that consists of seemingly fire based offensive spells. He is in love with Erel and enters the tournament to stop her from being hurt. Al and Erel were likely inspired by the Slayers manga and anime. he was the one who summoned most of the other characters to I-Praseru
- Kakurine - "Priestess"
Although she is over 10,000 years old, she looks, sounds and acts like a little girl. She has super transcendental powers. Kakurine wants to destroy Ihadurca, Lea's incarnation, in order to bring her childhood friend and lover Lea back to one existence.
- Ihadurca - "The Absolute Existence"
Lea's incarnation in the world of I-Praseru. Her original name was Ihadurca Il Immella and was a court magician in a state of I-Praseru before Lea possessed her. She was sealed away by the inhabitants of I-Praseru. Recently she has been nearing escape from Evil Zone therefore the people of I-Praseru began to summon warriors from other dimensia to destroy her.
[edit] Story Modes
Each of the characters story modes is presented like anime TV series. Each character gives nararation in his or her own cutscenes. Each story mode even come with its own series title.
- Lost Legacy Alty Al Lazel's story mode
- Episode 1: "His Inevitabilities" (vs Danzaiver)
- Episode 2: "Two Reasons To Hold Out" (vs Keiya)
- Episode 3: "Anguish And Power" (vs Midori)
- Episode 4: "Feeling" (vs Kakurine)
- Episode 5: "Guarding Valuables" (vs Setsuna)
- Episode 6: "A Little Truth" (vs Gally)
- Episode 7: "Long Known Answers" (vs Alty)
- Episode 8: "A Competitive Spirit" (vs Linedwell)
- Episode 9: "Her Inevitabilities" (vs Erel)
- Final Episode: "What Happened On The Last Day" (vs Ihadulca)
- Danzaiver (Kanzen Chouaku Danzaiver in the original) Danzaiver's story mode
- Episode 1: "The Power Of The Supreme Ruler To Destroy An Evil" (vs Alty)
- Episode 2: "Erradicating (sic) The Evil Shadow Assassin From The Darkness" (vs Keiya)
- Episode 3: "Eerie Series Of Summer Vacation. Terror Of The Magic Sword, Shahal" (vs Linedwell)
- Episode 4: "Assaulting Thrust: The Love Of A Mercenary Girl" (vs Erel)
- Episode 5: "An Executioner In A Blazer" (vs Setsuna)
- Episode 6: "Attacking The Challenger. Fiery Fist!" (vs Midori)
- Episode 7: "Cornered Danzaiver" (vs Kakurine)
- Episode 8: "The Girl Sheds Sad Tears On The Battlefield" (vs Gally)
- Episode 9: "Threats Of A Powerful Enemy: Secret Love" (vs Danzaiver)
- Final Episode: "And The Future..." (vs Ihadulca)
- ♥Erel (Moe Moe Erel in the original) Erel Plowse's story mode
- Episode 1: "Passionate Erel" (vs Danzaiver)
- Episode 2: "Go Erel!" (vs Gally)
- Episode 3: "Decisive Erel" (vs Midori)
- Episode 4: "Shrewd Erel" (vs Keiya)
- Episode 5: "Grave Erel" (vs Setsuna)
- Episode 6: "Impatient Erel" (vs Linedwell)
- Episode 7: "Fake Erel" (vs Erel)
- Episode 8: "Serious Erel" (vs Kakurine)
- Episode 9: "Erel In Love" (vs Alty)
- Final Episode: "Bye, Bye, Erel" (vs Ihadulca)
- Bounty Hunter (Klutzy Rogue in the original) Gally 'Vanish' Gregman's story mode
- Stage 1: "Cherry Boy" (vs Alty)
- Stage 2: "Crazy Punk" (vs Linedwell)
- Stage 3: "Burning Queen" (vs Midori)
- Stage 4: "Noisy Girl" (vs Erel)
- Stage 5: "Counterfeit Bounty Hunter" (vs Gally)
- Stage 6: "Man In Black" (vs Keiya)
- Stage 7: "Angelic Girls" (vs Setsuna)
- Stage 8: "Metallic Hero" (vs Danzaiver)
- Stage 9: "Dancing Pixie" (vs Kakurine)
- Final Stage: "The Best Bounty Hunter" (vs Ihadulca)
- Fantastic Abilities (Mugen Saiyu in the original) Kakurine's story mode
- Episode 1: "I Am Kakurine" (vs Alty)
- Episode 2: "That One And Me" (vs Danzaiver)
- Episode 3: "My Memory" (vs Erel)
- Episode 4: "I Am Lost" (vs Gally)
- Episode 5: "That Is The Reason I Am Alive" (vs Keiya)
- Episode 6: "The Place Where I Return" (vs Linedwell)
- Episode 7: "I Am A Fool" (vs Kakurine)
- Episode 8: "I Am Alone" (vs Midori)
- Episode 9: "I Am... After All, 'Kakurine'" (vs Setsuna)
- Final Episode: "I Am An Idiot" (vs Ihadulca)
- The Legend Of Tenpouin (Tenpouin Souma Kitan Gaiden in the original) Keiya Tenpouin's story mode
- First Night: "Feeling" (vs Setsuna)
- Second Night: "Chivalry" (vs Gally)
- Third Night: "Bewilderment" (vs Alty)
- Fourth Night: "Justice" (vs Danzaiver)
- Fifth Night: "Revenge" (vs Erel)
- Sixth Night: "Fate" (vs Midori)
- Seventh Night: "Shadow" (vs Keiya)
- Eighth Night: "Void" (vs Kakurine)
- Ninth Night: "Wish" (vs Linedwell)
- Final Night: "Conclusion" (vs Ihadulca)
- Day Breaker Linedwell Rainrix's story mode
- Episode 1: "Greed" (vs Erel)
- Episode 2: "Arrogance" (vs Gally)
- Episode 3: "Judgement" (vs Linedwell)
- Episode 4: "Fate" (vs Keiya)
- Episode 5: "Self" (vs Setsuna)
- Episode 6: "Balance" (vs Alty)
- Episode 7: "Rebirth" (vs Midori)
- Episode 8: "Loss" (vs Danzaiver)
- Episode 9: "S" (vs Kakurine)
- Final Episode: "Re-Pledge" (vs Ihadulca)
- Passionate Midori (Zettai Nekketsu Midori ga Ichiban in the original) Midori Himeno's story mode
- Round 1: "Storm And Stress" (vs Linedwell)
- Round 2: "Herculean Strength" (vs Gally)
- Round 3: "Never Was And Never Will Be" (vs Alty)
- Round 4: "No Objections" (vs Danzaiver)
- Round 5: "Beyond Comparison" (vs Erel)
- Round 6: "Startling Event" (vs Midori)
- Round 7: "Like A Phantom" (vs Kakurine)
- Round 8: "A Flash Of Lightning" (vs Keiya)
- Round 9: "An Opportunity In A Thousand" (vs Setsuna)
- Final Round: "Enchanting Tranquility" (vs Ihadulca)
- Guardian Angel Setsuna Setsuna Saizuki's story mode
- Act 1: "Setsuna and Karin" (vs Danzaiver)
- Act 2: "Willfulness" (vs Erel)
- Act 3: "My Setsuna" (vs Keiya)
- Act 4: "Reflection In Your Eyes" (vs Setsuna)
- Act 5: "With A Blow" (vs Linedwell)
- Act 6: "I'm Here" (vs Midori)
- Act 7: "Trembling Heart" (vs Gally)
- Act 8: "The Object Of Love (Part 1)" (vs Alty)
- Act 9: "The Object Of Love (Part 2)" (vs Kakurine)
- Final Act: "Setsuna and Karin" (vs Ihadulca)
- Evil Zone The Confinement Area -I Wanna Kiss in the Dark- (Fuujin Ryuoiki Eretzvaju in the original) Ihadurca story mode
- Episode 1: "Gorgeous Goddess" (vs Ihadulca)
- Episode 2: "Unique" (vs Erel)
- Episode 3: "That's Why I Am Alive" (vs Keiya)
- Episode 4: "The Corruption Of Esperanto" (vs Linedwell)
- Episode 5: "Pentration Mark Or The Second Original Sin" (vs Danzaiver)
- Episode 6: "Hiding The Feeling And Enduring The Pain" (vs Alty)
- Episode 7: "Why, Did I Say Why?" (vs Gally)
- Episode 8: "The Name Of Ihadurca Il Imella" (vs Midori)
- Episode 9: "Memory Is Like A Kaleidoscope" (vs Setsuna)
- Final Episode: "Do You Still Cherish The Memory Of That Day in Your Heart?" (vs Kakurine)
Note: Erel's English story mode title is pronounced Passionate Erel.
[edit] Trivia
- Erel's in-game model was changed in the North American version. Originally, her outfit had no leggings and looked similar to a bathing suit. However, her in-game model in Evil Zone does have her legs covered. Her original design is still reflected in the official art and the animated cutscenes.
- The songs used in the opening, closing, and Erel's stage had vocals in the Japanese version. The entire tracks was replaced in the English version.
- The original music for the opening credits in the Japanese version was titled "Kiss In The Dark", performed by popular Japanese pop artist, Masami Okui.
- Alty and Setsuna are actually older in the English version than they are in the Japanese version. In Eretzvaju, Alty and Setsuna are teenagers, but they are both approximately 20 years old in Evil Zone.
- As a part of Danzaiver's tributary to Henshin anime, his real name is Sho, which is most likely a reference to Shō Fukamachi from the Guyver series.
- In battle, when they take enough damage, Erel and Keiya loose their hairties and their hair becomes unfurled, Danzaiver loses a segment of his helmet revealing a part of his face.
