The story is set on a moon orbiting Jupiter. The local colony, Anitillia has fallen under attack. During the confusion, a young boy called Leo, stumbles across an orbital frame called Jehuty. Joining Leo in his adventures are a "damsel in distress", called Celvice and finally the intelligent computer aboard Jehuty, called ADA.

There is a large arsenal of weapons available to you (expanding as you move through the game) ranging from large plasma balls to strategic decoy images. This immense array of weaponry does not diminish the speed of your control at all. A simple use of the D-Pad allows you to cycle through weapons, and a unique combination of speed boosting and primary weapon allows yet more weapons to be used.

One of the most outstanding points about the game is the camera system. It doesn't matter if you're somersaulting, spinning, twisting or boosting, the camera is always in the right place allowing you to keep a close eye on the action. This kind of camera control mastery has never been as good in three dimensions; it really is a marvel to behold.

There are only three regular types of frame that you encounter, which does tend to take away some potential variety. After a while, you do know exactly what to expect, but as the numbers increase, it does get much harder. The attacking force is no motley crew; they are an elite group, like storm troopers in Star Wars. As you progress through the game, the enemy artificial intelligence adapts, creating superior programs, and becoming more and more challenging. On occasion you'll be stunned as an enemy anticipates your attack and dodges it completely, followed by slashing you from the side. The intelligence involved, mixed with the main enemies such as Viola, means you never feel as if you are on replay mode.

Adding a large amount of diversity to the game's structure, are the rescue missions that you can take part in during the game. You are challenged with ridding small towns and cities of the orbiting menace that threatens them. It isn't as simple as that though, because you must also limit the amount of damage you cause to the surroundings, thus preventing the loss of civilian life. There are also occasions when you will need to retrieve a particular code or item, and in addition, a chance to use an enemy frame, which adds a lot of depth to the gameplay.

The lighting effects are also phenomenal, showing off perfect tones on all surfaces (varying according to the orientation of the light source). The particle effects from the thrust and also from explosions are also a beautiful sight.

I will not give away any of the ending, but I have to admit that the use of music during the events of the finale are so emotionally powerful that it brought a tear to my eye. Its rare for me to experience this in a game, which made it even more special.