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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 33 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 28 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: Konami
Developer: Konami Tokyo
Genre(s): Action
Players: 2
ESRB Rating: M (Mature)
Release Date: March 11, 2003
Summary
From "Metal Gear Solid 2" producer Hideo Kojima, comes the sequel to the anime inspired mech combat game "Zone of the Enders." Take control of a lightning fast mechanized robot and fight an evil militaristic force with new weapons, maneuvers, and tactics. Conflicts and settings of ZOE2 take place in cityscapes, enemy fortresses, and even in the depths of space! Features fast-paced fighting action with unbelievable cinematic visuals and a gripping epic storyline. Target and destroy hundreds of enemies on screen at the same time. All new sub weapons enhance strategic play during combat. [Konami]
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central IGN
Also On The Web: GameSpy Preview Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Cheat Code Central
Fun to play and offers a great story and awesome visuals. The hardest thing you may have to decide is when to hit the save button and stop playing. The game draws you in quickly and holds your attention.
GameNow
Takes what was cool about the first installment and builds a gorgeous, challenging, and satisfying game around it. [Apr 2003, p.47]
GamerWeb Sony
Using some of the finest visuals to grace a next-generation platform, and solid gameplay, the game proves that PlayStation 2 has more than a bit of fight left in it.
Read Full Review >GameZone
The game is a whole lot faster than the previous game. There is so much going on at the screen at once, it might be hard for players to keep up, but that will never be the case.
Read Full Review >GameBrink
It plays mostly like the first, so if you liked it you’ll love this one.
Read Full Review >Into Liquid Sky
The game is very story-heavy and linear because of the heavy focus on story. Outside of that, though, the game is a vast improvement over the previous game.
Read Full Review >GamingTrend
While short, grabs you for those few hours and won't let go. The game is such an improvement over the first installment that those who didn't like the first game will probably like this one.
Read Full Review >Play Magazine
When it comes to the raw energy and unadulterated action, ZOE2 has few peers. [May 2003, p.72]
GameCritics
Everything the first game was not, and far more. Not only did the developers correct, expand and improve upon every aspect, they have authored one of the most utterly perfect synergies of gameplay, direction and storytelling that I've ever witnessed.
Read Full Review >Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
No other game out there offers such a chaotic yet brilliantly visceral gaming experience. [May 2003, p.96]
PSM Magazine
Murata and his team haven't just given us a great sequel, they've also created one of the PS2's best action games; one that comes within mere inches of achieving classic status. [May 2003, p.24]
Thunderbolt
It’s everything that we could come to expect from a game; it has an excellent storyline, a cast of remarkable characters, intense gameplay melded with style, and a presentation so vivid and brilliantly executed that you’ll feel right at home.
Read Full Review >netjak
Konami’s act of reconciliation for the original version. It makes up for all of the flaws of part one, and is even an improvement upon the few things that the original got right. The game is indeed difficult, but for the right reasons.
Read Full Review >IGN
A dazzling masterpiece of high tech production... The 2nd Runner isn't so much a videogame as it is an all-encompassing experience.
Read Full Review >TotalPlayStation
It might be a little light on content for the full price, but if you’re a fan of eye candy, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better source of pupil fodder on the PS2.
Read Full Review >Game Informer
If you can accept the fact that the playtime is shorter than the running time of a Kevin Costner film, The 2nd Runner offers an explosive and highly fevered gameplay experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. [May 2003, p.85]
GameSpot
Thanks to its excellent controls and sheer depth, the combat system will ultimately be one of the reasons this game will keep drawing you back in even after you complete the single-player campaign.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
Gameplay is instinctive, chaotic, and breathtaking. Unfortunately, the entire thing is still very linear, a bit too segmented, and repetitive. [May 2003, p.124]
Game Revolution
Improves upon the original through and through. We're happy they got it right.
Read Full Review >Maxim Online
The closest we’ll get to interactive anime, this game couldn’t be more Japanese if it featured a ninja penguin schoolgirl getting bukkaked.
Read Full Review >GMR Magazine
Combat is intuitive and intense, it looks absolutely gorgeous, and it never gets boring. [Apr 2003, p.55]
Eurogamer
There simply isn't enough of it. The game is packed to the gills with imagination, stunning design and addictive, hugely varied gameplay - but while it triumphs in quality, it lacks in terms of quantity.
Read Full Review >G4 TV
The combination of stunning graphics and frenzied gameplay make Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner a must-have for anime RPG fans or, heck, anyone with a functioning pair of eyeballs.
Read Full Review >Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
The strikingly impressive robo scrapper returns. Cracking stuff. [Jan 2007, p.106]
PSX Nation
Cel shading has never been as underplayed and better used in a PS2 game as in this one, and even the English dub and J-pop tunes fit like a glove with The 2nd Runner's anime-inspired universe.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
Most every mission is so unique that the core of the game fades into the background, instead replacing it with ever-changing objectives... Little stays constant enough to become an actual gameplay mechanic.
Read Full Review >Game Over Online
It may not take long to beat, but there is a good amount of unlockable missions, time trials, and a fairly entertaining versus mode to be had once you do.
Read Full Review >GamePro
The 2nd Runner is also easy as hell, and if you're willing to skip through the cut-scenes, you'll button-mash your way through the sucker within six hours.
Read Full Review >Yahoo! Games
Most of its faults are forgiveable, and the excellent controls coupled with the intense action often make for an engrossing experience.
Read Full Review >eToychest
While visually that game is unmatched, there just isn't enough game here to warrant anything other than a rental.
Read Full Review >games(TM)
ZOE2 really is a beautiful game. With its unique mixture of clean-cut robot models, cel-shaded smoke and manga FMV cut-scenes, the whole thing just oozes style in a way that most other games just can't approach. [Oct 2003, p.108]
Edge Magazine
In action the game is undeniably pretty, as long as you can stomach the monstrous camera. But beyond ther anime-inspired visuals, the action turgidly limps along without ever really engaging or entertaining. [May 2003, p.94]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 28 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
kyuu dmc gave it a9:
I just cant give this game a score lower than 9 !!! but unfortunately, its critically underrated and was a commercial disaster considering its a Hideo Kojima game! Too bad we probably wouldn't see a sequel. Anyway, ZOE2 is must have for any Playstation 2 owner.
008 gave it a9:
WOW. This game is extremely good. I wasn't "lucky" enough to play the first thank goodness, but I can definitely tell that Hideo Kokima put the Metal Gear feel into ZOE2 right down to the O button replacing your standard A button and the nice glossy effects. Boy, I gotta tell you that I REALLY hate mech games and especially ones like Gundam and Armored Core games. I don't know why, but I just do. The reason why is probably that those games have go many gimmicks listed on the back of the cover such as (and I'm just making these up) "Up to 300 customizable mechs!" which means there is really only 20, since majority of the options suck and aren't the best, even though they look cool. Just like when a game says it has over 100 weapons to choose from; it's all bull becuause most you get from the beginning SUCK and only 3 are "good," or statistically the best. I know a lot of people can relate to this. I think I saw something like this on the back of the case, but I'm not quite sure what it was, but all I know is this game's THE shizz-nite (shi-zz-naite). Anyways, since the first ZOE supposedly sucked a lot and was a major disappointment and has to do a little with the second story, they put in a great "previous story" option in the main menu so you know exactly what's going on (assuming you don't read the manuel, which you should with all games, but unfortunately I didn't get one becuase I luckily got it at blockbuster used for 16 bucks. Hey, lemme tell you, if you're looking for rare or great games, EB/Gamestop isn't always the answer, goto some of the unlikely places, you'll often be surprised). Furthermore, since the controls are fairly involved at first, there is a "VR training" mode where you can learn the controls. On to the actuall real game. Once the controls are learned, this game is excellent. When mastered, anything is possible and the various subweapons are all useful, even though you may not...use all of them as much. However, when you get in trouble, they can literally be a lifesaver. Various times you will be fighting dozens of enemies and get swarmed and your subweapon "clone" will help for example and make a static image of yourself that the enemies will mistake for you, which ultimately gives you some breathing room and make you invisible. Though bosses and a couple enemies can see though it, it is still great. i could go on and on and ON about each one, but I'm starting to get carpo-tunnel or whatever it's called and I'm in school too. Typically, since I'm poor and never have any money, I research games to the nth degree and have probably read at least 10 reviews before getting the game, since trade in value for games are typically a dollar. Games that last forever are Resident Evil 4, Guilty Gear X2, Time Splitters Future Perfect, Final Fantasy XII, Disgaea 2, Valkyrie Profile 2, and Metal Gear Solid 3: SUBSISTENCE, Not the regular Snake Eater. The thing all these games have in common is that they are VERY Replayable games and always have things that can be unlocked the next time around. For example, after you finish a game and gain all of your prized weapons and the invaluable "Zero Shift" subweapon, you'll usually want to keep them and maybe try the hard difficulty. Well with this game, you can choose either or, and this different versions of the main mech you play named Jehuty (and yes, it is J-E-H-U-T-Y). Because thoughout the game, Jehuty will improve, and even...well you'll have to see. All I know is that it's a pleasant surprise. Oh yes, the camera, the camera, the camera: the element that can make or break a game. In this lightning fast game that makes DBZ Tenkaichi 1 or 2 (which I HATE) look slow, this camera is very good at keeping up, and many times you must target enemies and switch targets, this is relatively easy. Now I'm not saying there are no problems, because every now and then there are, but it doesn't take away from the experience. Overall, this game is great, which great story (a little better script is needed, but passionate voice acting), and...oh I gotta go, but it's SWEET, get it if you can NOW!!!
BLITZ Kim gave it a10:
This is realy a great game!!!! i wish theres will be more zone of enders games!!! and also fantatstic high speed robot action
BLITZ Kim gave it a10:
This is really a great game! I wish there will be more zone of enders games! and also fantatstic high speed robot action.
Donald F. gave it a 10:
I'm very impressed with the new sequal to Z.O.E, because of the anime cut scenes and the new sub weapons and abilties. I was angry about not being able to fight Anubis. FINALLY I can have some excitement. The best thing I've ever done, to really have some action,is setting the difficulty on hard and fight Anubis. Who ever said that the game was pathetic, I will do my best to hunt that person down!
Ninja Mafia gave it a 9:
An incredible improvement over the first game. The graphics are now cel shaded, but not over the top like Robotech Battlecry.However I could care less about the games graphics the gameplay is where this game truly shines. First off, you being able to grab enviromental objest is an extreme improvement and makes the game alot more fun. Also you can now lock on to multiple enemies and unleash tons of lasers at them. The gameplay is fast and surious that it sucked me right in. The storyline is much more interesting than the first. It focuses more around war and really gives you the feel like you are participating in a giant mech war (especially one part of the game, all you people who have beaten it know). Also, your main character is no longer an extreme wuss that doesn't want to kill people, making there be less cut scenes where you complain about killing and war. The music was extremely good, however, the voice acting was only ok. There are still a few improvements need to be made, like making your sword attack not the most valuable beginning weapon in the game. Also I would like it if you could find different swords and arm guns. The game has a ton of unlockables so you won't get bored in a weeks time. Still this game may not be for everybody, there will be some people who hate it because it is cel shaded, others because its gameplay seems somewhat monotonous, and others just to be idiots. Overall ZOE2 is one of the best mech games i have ever played and I anxiously await ZOE3.
008 gave it a9:
WOW. This game is extremely good. I wasn't "lucky" enough to play the first thank goodness, but I can definitely tell that Hideo Kokima put the Metal Gear feel into ZOE2 right down to the O button replacing your standard A button and the nice glossy effects. Boy, I gotta tell you that I REALLY hate mech games and especially ones like Gundam and Armored Core games. I don't know why, but I just do. The reason why is probably that those games have go many gimmicks listed on the back of the cover such as (and I'm just making these up) "Up to 300 customizable mechs!" which means there is really only 20, since majority of the options suck and aren't the best, even though they look cool. Just like when a game says it has over 100 weapons to choose from; it's all bull becuause most you get from the beginning SUCK and only 3 are "good," or statistically the best. I know a lot of people can relate to this. I think I saw something like this on the back of the case, but I'm not quite sure what it was, but all I know is this game's THE shizz-nite (shi-zz-naite). Anyways, since the first ZOE supposedly sucked a lot and was a major disappointment and has to do a little with the second story, they put in a great "previous story" option in the main menu so you know exactly what's going on (assuming you don't read the manuel, which you should with all games, but unfortunately I didn't get one becuase I luckily got it at blockbuster used for 16 bucks. Hey, lemme tell you, if you're looking for rare or great games, EB/Gamestop isn't always the answer, goto some of the unlikely places, you'll often be surprised). Furthermore, since the controls are fairly involved at first, there is a "VR training" mode where you can learn the controls. On to the actuall real game. Once the controls are learned, this game is excellent. When mastered, anything is possible and the various subweapons are all useful, even though you may not...use all of them as much. However, when you get in trouble, they can literally be a lifesaver. Various times you will be fighting dozens of enemies and get swarmed and your subweapon "clone" will help for example and make a static image of yourself that the enemies will mistake for you, which ultimately gives you some breathing room and make you invisible. Though bosses and a couple enemies can see though it, it is still great. i could go on and on and ON about each one, but I'm starting to get carpo-tunnel or whatever it's called and I'm in school too. Typically, since I'm poor and never have any money, I research games to the nth degree and have probably read at least 10 reviews before getting the game, since trade in value for games are typically a dollar. Games that last forever are Resident Evil 4, Guilty Gear X2, Time Splitters Future Perfect, Final Fantasy XII, Disgaea 2, Valkyrie Profile 2, and Metal Gear Solid 3: SUBSISTENCE, Not the regular Snake Eater. The thing all these games have in common is that they are VERY Replayable games and always have things that can be unlocked the next time around. For example, after you finish a game and gain all of your prized weapons and the invaluable "Zero Shift" subweapon, you'll usually want to keep them and maybe try the hard difficulty. Well with this game, you can choose either or, and this different versions of the main mech you play named Jehuty (and yes, it is J-E-H-U-T-Y). Because thoughout the game, Jehuty will improve, and even...well you'll have to see. All I know is that it's a pleasant surprise. Oh yes, the camera, the camera, the camera: the element that can make or break a game. In this lightning fast game that makes DBZ Tenkaichi 1 or 2 (which I HATE) look slow, this camera is very good at keeping up, and many times you must target enemies and switch targets, this is relatively easy. Now I'm not saying there are no problems, because every now and then there are, but it doesn't take away from the experience. Overall, this game is great, which great story (a little better script is needed, but passionate voice acting), and...oh I gotta go, but it's SWEET, get it if you can NOW!
