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Edens Zero Chapter 254 Review/Recap

I don’t know who first said it, but it sounds appropriate to quote this: “The more things change, the more things stay the same.” There are characteristics to people that are so fundamental that no matter how much time passes, they remain a part of them. Even machines that claim to have evolved beyond their programming can still follow it, even when they don’t mean to. In the case of Edens Zero, Rebecca managed to prove that Joker Helix isn’t evil. Deep down, they just everyone to have fun. 

Color me surprised. This is a big win for gamers.

Recap

With time running out to save Shiki and the Professor, Rebecca races to solve the escape room. Unfortunately, the door won’t open; it has a sign that says that she needs to find the right door, and a symbol of the five elements. Putting the clues together, Rebecca realizes that the real door’s underneath the earth floor, and goes through.

After that, she has to deal with a hallway of endless doors, only to get stumped at every turn. That’s when she remembers that in the old game she played, the correct door would glow. Thanks to that hint, she chooses the right one and frees Shiki and the Professor. Unfortunately, Joker Helix wants to keep playing deadly games with Rebecca.

However, Rebecca tells the two to stand down; she’s figured out Joker Helix. Despite evolving, Joker Helix remains the same: they want to help people have fun. They like to help them when they’re stumped in a game. At the end of the day, they’re kind, and that’s what Rebecca wants them to be. 

Somehow, this works. Joker Helix stands down, and their army of bots disappears!

Review

Well, that was not how I imagined how things would end.

In keeping with the references to video games over the last few chapters, I appreciated what Mashima did. I never cared for puzzle-based video games when I was young, and that dislike seems to have continued well into my adulthood. That said, I understand how they mentally stimulate the mind and force players to think to succeed. And the best games always give hints when players get frustrated. In that regard, Joker Helix is a good AI.

As for the resolution, I suspected that that might be how things would end. Given Joker’s obsession with playing with Rebecca, it would make sense that their motive was mainly to just play games. It only 

I Give “Stage 2” a 3.5/5

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Edens Zero Chapter 251 Review/Recap

Last time on Edens Zero, Professor Weisz (the old version) revealed the truth behind OSG’s Joker Helix. Instead of just being a machine, they’re an AI he created years ago that went Skynet. Worse, it’s machine bodies can slow time down to a near-standstill. That, and an army of them showed up on Miltz. This could be trouble, people!

Recap

Right as the Jokers surround Miltz, the machine scanning the Mother Ether finishes its calculations. As a result, the path to Mother is now open. The only problem is that with the power out, they can’t call the Edens Zero for help. Using his own Ether Gear, Profressor Weisz manages to re-establish contact with Hermit…and they both scream.

After informing them of the situation, the Crew of Edens (and Old Weisz) resolves to make it to the ship and escape Miltz while Rebecca’s parents stay behind.

The only problem is the Jokers standing in the way, and the fact that they can’t get too close to them. Thus, they have to resort to ranged combat, with only Rebecca able to engage in melee. with Feather’s help, they reach the ship, only to discover that one of the Jokers is already aboard!

Review

There isn’t too much to say about this chapter, but let’s give it a shot. 

Firstly, the fact that there are now a hundred Jokers besieging Miltz feels rather implausible. Didn’t Rebecca’s parents say a few chapters ago that it would take a long time for anyone to find it? Either it’s not as well hidden as they thought, or the Joker AI’s just that good. At the least, their ability to slow down time gives the heroes a notable handicap. Otherwise, there’s a good chance the Crew of Edens would mow through them.

Secondly, there’s that red flag that Professor Weisz gives off trying to give Pino that flash drive. Pino even lampshades this fact. Now there’s the chance the Professor Weisz might die before they get off of Miltz. 

Lastly, and this is a nitpick, but since when could Homura use ranged attacks? Her Ether Gear’s never given that impression.

That aside, this episode did have a few funny moments with Professor Weisz. Seeing her and Hermit’s reactions to each other, and how he went gaga over Weisz’s Arsenal armor, make him a bit of a goofball. All the more reason why I hope he doesn’t die.

For now, though, it looks like Shiki’s got to get Joker off his ship and gun it on the path to Mother. Hopefully, the next chapter will expand on this more.

I Give “Escape from Planet Miltz” a 3/5

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