Evil Zone

Evil Zone, known in Japan as Eretzvaju (餓狼伝 Breakblow: Fist or Fang), is a 1999 3D fighting game developed by Yuke's and published by Enix for the PlayStation. It is known for its unique, story-driven single-player mode, anime-inspired character designs, and over-the-top special attacks.

Gameplay:

Unlike traditional fighting games, Evil Zone heavily emphasizes cinematic presentation and narrative. Matches are typically one-round battles, and characters can perform elaborate special moves that trigger cutscenes. The game utilizes a "hyper mode" system, allowing characters to power up and unleash even more devastating attacks. Blocking is not a standard feature; instead, players rely on dodging and timing to avoid attacks. The controls are relatively simple, focusing on executing special moves rather than complex combos.

Story and Characters:

The game features a distinct story mode for each of its ten playable characters. Each character is drawn into a mysterious dimension known as the "Evil Zone" by Ihadurca, a powerful being seeking to find a worthy opponent. The plot branches based on the player's actions and choices, leading to multiple endings per character.

The characters in Evil Zone are diverse and memorable, ranging from intergalactic warriors and cyborgs to high school students and ancient martial artists. Key characters include:

• Erel: A skilled martial artist searching for her missing father.
• Setsuna Saizuki: A high school student with psychic abilities.
• Midori Himeno: A cyborg created by a mysterious organization.
• Gally "The Fist" Gregole: An intergalactic bounty hunter.
• Alty Al Lazel: A powerful warrior from another dimension.
• Ihaderuca: The antagonist and summoner of the characters to the Evil Zone.

Reception:

Evil Zone received mixed reviews upon release. While praised for its originality, unique art style, and engaging story modes, it was criticized for its simplistic gameplay, lack of depth compared to other fighting games, and sometimes awkward animations. Despite the mixed reception, the game has garnered a cult following due to its memorable characters and distinctive approach to the fighting game genre.