PlayStation 2

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner

Advertising Blurbs

Kojima's cel-shaded sequel Mechs its way onto the PS2, sporting deeper gameplay, cooler characters, and loads more giant robots

Many people will remember the original Konami outing Zone of the Enders, not so much for the game itself, but for the precious demo disc included in the package. Somewhat unfortunately (in hindsight) for ZOE, it was bundled with the Metal Gear Solid 2 demo - a move which saw it coming off looking like the poor cousin to Hideo Kojima's stealth-based masterpiece. But for those who resisted the urge to compare unfavourably and persisted with ZOE's slightly flawed charms, this remarkable anime-influenced actioner began to seem pretty good in its own right. Sure, it was criticised for being too short, and a tad repetitive, but if you looked beyond these imperfections, there was definitely a unique experience to be had. And now it seems that the developers have taken all these criticisms on board, and managed to create the game that they'd hoped for with the first title.

Lead by new director Shuyo Murata, (but still presided over by Hideo Kojima) The 2nd Runner seems to be bigger and better in just about every way. One of the original criticisms levelled at ZOE - that it suffered from a touch of style-over-substance - has been tackled in a variety of ways, the most striking of which being the sheer depth of gameplay involved. Which isn't to say that the graphics have been neglected, on the contrary, they're more stunning than ever, but we'll get to that later. The real improvements are clearly in the gameplay and this strength raises the whole mechanised space-battling shebang to impressive new levels.

Picking up the story a couple of years after the first foray, The Second Runner passes the mantle from original hero Leo to ex-military type `Dingo' (I know, I know) who slips his war-worn self into Jehuti the awesome mech for a spot of inter-galactic justice, big-giant-robot style. This time, the action is based around a battle kicking off between Mars and Earth, with some cunning double-crossing plot developments thrown in for good measure.

Controlling your mech will be a piece of cake for those familiar with the first game; the moves are exactly the same, with ascend and descend, lock-on and attack moves all present and correct. Whilst these may not have changed, Konami have gone all-out to refine and tweak the existing functions with, for example, the lock-on function now enabling you to target multiple enemies. You can take on a huge number of opponents at any one time and pull-off some awesome moves using new customisable combo attacks and specials. The main thing to get yourself in a lather about is the addition of brand-spanking sub-weapon attacks, with commands including Decoy (creates multiple illusions of Jehuty to confuse your enemy), Gauntlet (inflicts double damage), Comet (a homing plasma ray) and the Geyser command (which stuns the enemy temporarily) amongst the 14 attacks on offer. Oh, and you can pick up various props and create makeshift weaponry using the buildings and stuff littered about your surroundings. Nice.

And of course, it's all wrapped up in some of the most gorgeous, eye-strokingly beautiful graphics you're likely to come across for some time. Melding anime-style animation with ultra-detailed environments and spectacular battle sequences, The 2nd Runner really is a visual treat that's unlike anything you'll have seen before.

If you're a fan of the original ZOE, you'll no doubt be awaiting this sequel with eager anticipation, and rest assured - it contains everything that was great about the first, plus some neat new extras. If you've never played Zone of the Enders before, The 2nd Runner will undoubtedly be the game to get you hooked on huge, shiny Japanese mechs in a big, big way...


• Take on multiple mechs for the first time, in massive battles



• Utilise your environment to create makeshift weapons



• All-new list of sub-weapons, including Gauntlet, Geyser and Comet attacks



Contributed by DreinIX (9294) on Apr 15, 2008.

HIGH SPEED ROBOT ACTION



ZONE OF THE ENDERS: THE 2ND RUNNER is an entirely new 3D adventure from producer Hideo Kojima and character designer Yoji Shinkawa, the creative team behind the hit mech-combat game ZONE OF THE ENDERS and the blockbuster METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY.

This mission based action game totally immerses you in the world of high-flying, action-packed mech combat like never before. You will marvel at the game's stunning graphics as you take control of a mechanized robot with lightning-fast reflexes and an incredibly powerful arsenal of weapons.

The story finds you thrown into an interplanetary conflict, with the fate of Jupiter and Mars held in the balance. Fight an evil militaristic force in cityscapes, enemy fortresses and even in the depths of space.Discover a host of new gameplay features to help balance the odds. Exhilarating new maneuvers enable you to swing enemies around, target and destroy swarms of enemy fighters, tear down walls to use as a shield or a weapon, and even teleport out of danger.

FEATURES
- Fast-paced fighting action with unbelievable cinematic visuals
- Target and destroy hundreds of enemies on screen at the same time
- All new sub weapons enhance strategic play during combat
- Gripping epic storyline

SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES This European Special Edition of Z.O.E: The 2nd Runner include new gameplay sequences and polygon demos, a new opening demo, more secret extras, new 3D models and further improved graphics.


Contributed by Evilhead (1039) on Aug 07, 2005.

BIGGER. BETTER. FASTER.

Take control of a lightning fast mechanized robot in Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, the most intense mech combat game ever. Fight an evil militaristic force in exotic locations, including huge free-roaming cityscapes, enemy fortresses, and even in the depths of space. With new weapons, mysterious characters, and an epic storyline that touches upon the themes of power, freedom, and love, ZOE2 revolutionizes the genre of mech combat.


• Execute grab maneuvers - throw enemies into each other or use them as shields
• Destroy up to one hundred enemies on screen simultaneously with impressive laser weapons
• Unbelievable cinematic visuals combine with anime cut scenes to reveal an epic storyline
• Additional gameplay modes, including 2-Player Versus, Extra Missions and VR Training
• From the creative team behind Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty



Contributed by Kartanym (9910) on May 17, 2003.