Review by Jon Donnis
EDENS ZERO brings Hiro Mashima's space fantasy manga and anime into a 3D action role-playing format, and it does so with a lot of energy and style. At the heart of the game is Shiki Granbell and his friends, setting out on a cosmos-spanning adventure that mixes the familiar storyline with original content created under Mashima's supervision. For fans, it means a chance to step back into a world they know, while also experiencing quests and scenarios unique to the game. For newcomers, it is a polished, action-heavy RPG with plenty to discover.
The game opens at a measured pace, and the graphics at first feel a little underwhelming. Stick with it, though, and the scope soon reveals itself. Blue Garden, the planet of Adventurers, is fully explorable, and the freedom to wander, collect cards and notes, and uncover secrets makes the setting feel alive. Across that journey, there are more than 700 equippable items to find, and the customisation system is generous. You can alter appearances with accessories and gear without changing stats, letting you design characters to your taste while keeping their builds intact.
Combat is the real highlight. You take control of eight playable characters, including Shiki, Rebecca, Weisz, and Homura, each with their own Ether Gear abilities and unique fighting style. Close-range brawlers, long-range shooters, weapon specialists, and magic users all play differently, and switching between them mid-battle feels natural. The controls are easy to pick up, and experimenting with different line-ups adds variety. Boss fights, in particular, stand out, demanding focus and rewarding you with the satisfying rush that only a tough win delivers.
Visually, once the game opens up, it comes alive. The vibrant anime aesthetic, bold character designs, and flashy combat effects look striking, and when paired with smooth controls, it feels built for high-energy sessions. The inclusion of Jiggle Physics, while not essential to gameplay, adds to the sense of leaning fully into the anime style. It is light-hearted, playful, and consistent with the tone fans expect.
If there is a criticism, it is a minor one: the map could do with improvement. With so much ground to cover and so many items to find, a larger or more detailed map would make exploring less fiddly. That aside, the game runs smoothly, feels polished, and offers enough depth to keep players engaged for hours.
What makes EDENS ZERO work is that it manages to appeal beyond the existing fanbase. Even if you have never read the manga or watched the anime, it plays as a strong action RPG with character variety, a vast world, and rewarding combat. For long-time fans, the blend of canon story and new material makes it feel like an expansion of the universe they already love.
I went in unsure whether it would be for me, but it won me over. It is packed with content, stylish to look at, and consistently fun to play. A few small flaws aside, it is a confident and polished adaptation. I score EDENS ZERO a strong 8 out of 10.
Out Now on Xbox - https://amzn.to/4p9XZ3U
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