Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner (2003)

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner cover

Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 2
Genres: Shooter, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Rating: 4.0 of 5, 31 player ratings

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A high-speed, acrobatic mech combat experience where you tear through enemies with slick, fluid motion and overwhelming firepower in a sci-fi spectacle.

fast-pacedcinematicfluidintensestylishfuturisticaction-drivenempowering

About

The sequel to Zone of the Enders is based around mecha combat with the player once again controlling the "Orbital Frame" Jehuty. Unlike its prequel, the game is now centered on action elements with the player not needing to protect civilians in need and instead Jehuty contains more weaponry than in the previous game. The plot is set two years after the events from Zone of the Enders and focuses on Dingo Egret, a former member from Mars' military organization BAHRAM whose leader Ridley "Nohman" Hardiman wants back with him. Nohman shoots Dingo following his rejection but the agent Ken Marinaris saves Dingo by connecting his body to Jehuty and forces to work in order to defeat BAHRAM. The game had a new director, Shuyo Murata, who producer Hideo Kojima appointed in order to provide a different experience. The team worked to cover the criticism the original Zone of the Enders received resulted in The 2nd Runner having more action elements. The game received generally favorable critical response due to the improvements it has in comparison to the previous game. Critics praised the game's graphics and gameplay elements but criticized its short length and presentation. Despite the positive critical reaction, the game suffered mediocre sales. North American & Japan got regular ZOE2, but the regular edition of ZOE2 was never released in Europe. Europe directly got the ZOE2 Special Edition.

What players say

A blisteringly fast, stylish mech-action game that feels like piloting an interactive anime, with spectacular visuals and combat marred only by a fussy camera and lock-on; a cult favorite often overshadowed by the MGS2 demo it shipped with.

Screenshots

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner screenshot 1

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner screenshot 2

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner screenshot 3

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner screenshot 4

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner screenshot 5

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