Jupiter Station

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The series is set in the late 22nd century, where humanity has colonized Mars and established space colonies orbiting Jupiter. This expansion relies on two key advances: the Laborious Extra-Orbital Vehicle (LEV) for labor and military use, and Metatron, a high-energy ore discovered on Callisto. Tensions rise as Earth's leaders view the 'Enders' of Mars and Jupiter with suspicion, imposing exploitative laws. The rebel group Bahram emerges on Mars, utilizing new Orbital Frames powered by Metatron technology. These mecha become central to the conflict, shaping the fate of both Earth and its colonies. Key frames include Jehuty and Anubis, named after Egyptian gods Thoth and Anubis, which serve as 'keys' to a superweapon called Aumaan. In the first game, Bahram attacks Jupiter's colony Antilia to seize these Frames, leading to civilian casualties and the introduction of protagonist Leo Stenbuck.

In Their Own Story

In Zone of the Enders (2001), colonist Leo Stenbuck accidentally finds himself piloting Jehuty after Bahram forces attack Antilia. Hired by the Space Force to return the Frame, Leo rescues civilians and converses with Jehuty's AI, A.D.A., debating the value of life. Despite saving the colony, he learns A.D.A. is programmed to self-destruct Jehuty within Bahram's fortress, Aumann. Two years later, in Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (2003), ex-Bahram operative Dingo Egret discovers hidden Jehuty on Callisto. Nohman, Bahram's leader, shoots Dingo for his reluctance to return, but Nohman's minion Ken Marinaris saves him by connecting Dingo's body to the Frame. Dingo joins Leo and the Space Force to defeat Nohman, ultimately destroying Anubis and stopping Aumaan using the remains of both Frames.

Reader's Guide

The franchise includes several distinct entries across platforms. The original Zone of the Enders (2001) on PlayStation 2 follows Leo Stenbuck piloting Jehuty against Bahram forces. Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars (2001) for Game Boy Advance offers a side story about Cage Midwell and a BIS resistance organization, exploring a conspiracy to build Orbital Frames for Earth. The sequel, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (2003), stars Dingo Egret on Callisto fighting Colonel Nohman and his frame Anubis. In 2012, the HD Collection arrived on PS3 and Xbox 360, featuring updated interfaces, redrawn art, Trophy/Achievement support, improved audio, rumble, and a new Sunrise opening animation set to 'Beyond the Bounds'. A canceled PlayStation Vita version was also announced. Later, at Tokyo Game Show 2017, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner Mars was revealed with 4K resolution and VR headset support.

Did You Know?

• The two main Orbital Frames, Jehuty and Anubis, are named after the Egyptian gods Thoth and Anubis.
• Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars is a side-story for Game Boy Advance featuring protagonist Cage Midwell.
• The HD Collection includes a demo for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, mirroring the first game's inclusion of a Metal Gear Solid 2 demo.
• A twenty-six episode anime television series titled Z.O.E. Dolores, I ran from April to September 2001.
• Zone of the Enders: 2167 Idolo is an OVA released in March 2001 that serves as a prequel to the entire series.