Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
Sony Computer Entertainment - Sony Computer Entertainment
PlayStation2
Release date: 1970-01-01
Video Game
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Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
Date undefinedMetal Gear Solid games were always fun to watch while playing them was pretty fun too but they always felt more like interactive movies with a huge emphasis on story rather than gameplay. On the other hand, Zone of the Enders is kind of the opposite: it's got a story, sure, but the bulk of it is centered around you and your mech smashing things up. However, the game suffers from serious nagging issues that prevents from being a stellar release. It's still fun in its own right but whereas most games have a great concept but never utilize it well enough, 2nd Runner has a great concept and solid gameplay if only for a few nitpicks.
Story: You play Dingo Egret, a soldier who stumbles on the Orbital Frame (another word for mech, really) and turns out the BAHRAM military wants it and so Dingo has to reluctantly join up with members of the Space Force to help bring down the leader Nohman and Aumaan, an impregnable fortress. There's more to it but I'd rather not spoil it.
Graphics: Anime inspired character designs with cutscenes that seem very reminiscent of Sons of Liberty, it's got a stylish feel to it. In gameplay, the graphics look kind of underwhelming with the locales looking at times just plain looking...that is until you meet enemies and things go boom incredibly purdy-looking and with the increased speed, it might scorch your corneas there's so much stuff to take in.
Sound/Music: To be honest, the soundtrack was kind of iffy. Like a lot of action games, the music helps with the pace of what you're doing but you probably can't remember anything about the tracks at all. The voice acting is not up to par as MGS stuff but its serviceable although it does suffer from that Saturday morning vibe where lines seem kind of overacted and overeager but it beats reading.
Gameplay: When in battle, there's not a lot that you can do but it's fun anyways. You can combo your opponents and depending on your last button choice for the combo you can send them up in the air or the ground. You can fire multiple shots from far away when there's too many little things to take on or you can go into Boost mode and deal a stronger attack. Also equipped are subweapons which can range from Grab (use enemy as a bat or toss them into other enemies) or one where extra damage is dealt if a shot knocks them into a wall, an incapacitator and others.
The biggest knock I have to give the game is the controls. At times it's frustrating to control mainly due to the always-annoying camera either being too slow or can't seem to turn of its own accord at times, or lock-ons you don't want to lock onto. However once you get past that, you got to admit how fun it is to send enemies ramming into each other and taking hordes of baddies by your lonesome. Control might be annoying at times and if this was changed, this would've been one of the funnest action games on the PS2.
Along with Ico, this was probably the hardest game on the PS2 for me to find. But whereas any flaws in Ico are easily overlooked, 2nd Runner is the kind of game that's one of those flawed gems where it is a blast to play and a pain in others.
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
Date undefinedThis title is one more brilliant video game coming from the genius mind of Hideo Kojima.
Few things have changed since the first title. For start, Jehuty has now a new runner. I found the new runner even more likable and intriguing than the last one. The cutscenes are made in fashion of anime (japanese cartoons) witch is, for me, a big plus. The graphics have also changed (improved), looking more as cell-shaded game. Gameplay is similar to the previous game so it should please the players of the previous game and the newcomers. Also, I would point out that the story has also improved. I found myself more connecting with the characters and story in this title than the last one. Only flaw I could point out is the duration of the game, but then again, that might have spoiled the game in terms of the story.
But there are vs mode and unlockables for those that seak more from game.
All in all, this game is great in every aspect. If you are looking for action packed game that revolves around fast gameplay and mechas, that comes along with interesting characters and story, I think that you should pick up this title and enjoy it.
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
Date undefinedZOE2 is one of the most overlooked games of the ps2 generation in my opinion.
ZOE: The 2nd Runner is an sci-fi action/adventure game for the ps2.
The storyline follows respectivly from Zone of Enders 1 and no you don't need to buy ZoE 1 to catch up. ZoE 2 actually has a summerized video of ZoE 1 in the game menu.
Well let's start with the review.
Characters|Story: [4.5/5] +Characters are well built / -Story is a bit rushed
ZoE 2 Main characters are great, they have lots of dept, mysterious backgrounds, lots of feeling, are multi-dimensional and they grow and mature. Dingo is the main character (typical anti-hero) with a bad additude and relucently ends up doing the good deed... (even if only to save his own hide).
The story is great in my opinion, shocks and turns around every corner and believeable dialogue. The only problem is everything is a bit rushed... understandably to get it all in but still.
Each boss is unique and you really feel like it's a triumph to defeat them.
Also if you have played the first ZoE you get some great suprises and old faces await you.
Sound/Music: [5/5] +Great ambience and SFX / - some of the hits could have been a little heavier.
The sound effects where well done, everything from a sword swipe to the charging of a mega blast. All rocked my 5.1 sound system. Everything had a robotic/hollow metallic tinge to it, which was respective to the genre.
Only complaint is I think that some of the impact sounds where too light in my opinion. I grab a guy, wind up, fling him as hard as I can and smash him against at wall. He explodes but there is hardly a huge thud/metal-grind before the explosion. Picky I know but sound is very important in emercing the player so tune up the base!
Gameplay: [4.5/5] +Improved control system / -unique control system
This is a very unique sci-fi game in which you are controlling a faster then light flying robot (Called an orbital frame) and all of your opponents can and will surround you 360 degrees from above and below.
That being said it takes a little getting used to navigate your orbital frame but the game offers a very comprehensive tutorial which you can review at any time.
The game provides a lock on system and 3+ difficulty settings.
Over time you can gain mastery of your orbital frame and it really feels quite rewarding when you do. However you still have to learn the weaknesses and the patterns of the bosses in order to apply your new skills.
This game is short but comes with a varity of extra options/missions/settings and secrets and even a PvP mode in where you can square off against a friend. VERY FUN, great replay value.
Graphics: [5/5] +Great graphics & Presentation / -None
Hideo was really going for a certain style here... very futuristic / stylish / sleek. I've seen it attempted in other sci-fi like batman beyond and Digital Devil Saga. Pulsing/glowing lines, pulsing armor, pulsing areas.
Hideo nails it completely. The graphics and presentation are nothing short of amazing. Hideo is well known for his presentations for Metal Gear Solid Series. This game is no exception, from the start you feel like your in a movie. The cut scenes and gameplay are taken with great care and it shows.
Overall: [5/5]
This is a PS2 Classic a rare gem that for some reason was over looked. If you can get your hands on it I suggest you keep it close I have a feeling this game will be rare and valueable soon.
