Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS

 PlayStation 4
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Sep 4, 2018
  • Also On: PC
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS Image
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 36 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

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  • Summary: JEHUTY lives. And there, ANUBIS thrives. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner returns with 4K and VR support on Steam.

    Relive the experience Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS as a full-length remaster of the classic fast-paced 3D robot action game, recreated in VR, native 4K and in full    JEHUTY lives. And there, ANUBIS thrives. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner returns with 4K and VR support on Steam.

    Relive the experience Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS as a full-length remaster of the classic fast-paced 3D robot action game, recreated in VR, native 4K and in full surround sound. Enter JEHUTY's cockpit and fly through Martian skies!

    The year is 2174 and the despotic BAHRAM military organisation is using new Orbital Frames robot technology to secure its grip on Mars and Earth. Seizing control of the JEHUTY Orbital Frame, the player is the last hope for the stricken planets. Strike deep at the heart of the BAHRAM army with unrivalled powers! Written and directed by Shuyo Murata, The 2nd Runner MARS is recognised as a masterpiece among space action titles.    … Expand
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Zone Of The Enders: The 2nd Runner Mars - TGS 2017 Trailer
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. VRFocus
    Sep 4, 2018
    100
    If you can master the somewhat difficult controls, there is a great deal of enjoyment to be found in Zone Of The Enders: The 2nd Runner – Mars. Fans of the series should buy this immediately, and giant mech fans will also want to add it to their libraries. For others, it is certainly worth investigating, though the challenging controls might prove off-putting for some.
  2. CGMagazine
    Sep 11, 2018
    85
    The definitive way to play the best entry in the Zone of the Enders franchise.
  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Oct 1, 2018
    80
    The 2nd Runner – M∀RS brings back the gorgeous arcade shooter gameplay of Zone of the Enders, with an adrenalinic VR twist. Welcome back Jeuthy.
  4. Video Chums
    Sep 9, 2018
    74
    Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is a classic action game that holds up beautifully. That being said, this Mars remaster certainly doesn't feel necessary, especially because we already have an HD Collection and the VR implementation is far from perfect.
  5. Forbes
    Sep 23, 2018
    70
    The standard game is an excellent high-definition remaster and is the best version of the game to date. The VR mode ruins that impressive achievement and is wholly unnecessary. In short, play this for the high definition remaster and give the VR mode a very wide berth.
  6. Critical Hit
    Sep 19, 2018
    65
    Beyond the resolution increase, improved audio mix and middling VR, there’s really not much to this remaster. The exclusion of the first game also makes recommending last gen’s collection easier.
  7. Twinfinite
    Sep 10, 2018
    50
    A faithful remaster of a game that time has not been kind to. It fails at modernizing it for 2018 standards, making it feel like a clunky mess to play. It pains me to say this because of how beloved the series is.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Althair
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    GIANT GUNDAMS + SUPER FAST COMBAT! Nough' said.

    More seriously, it's too bad there is no japanese audio still in this version - but then,    GIANT GUNDAMS + SUPER FAST COMBAT! Nough' said.

    More seriously, it's too bad there is no japanese audio still in this version - but then, this is basically your original game really neatly brushed up in 4K and VR - definitely not a remake. As a fan of the game, works for me, but not for everybody!    … Expand
  2. Nazeem
    Sep 6, 2018
    10
    The mech are soooooo smooth! I can't believe slashing giant robots feels this good are so many years, the remastered look really is lookingThe mech are soooooo smooth! I can't believe slashing giant robots feels this good are so many years, the remastered look really is looking sharp. Wish it was longer - but if you're into fast battle and japanese game, treat yourself!… Expand
  4. DManCry
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    15 years later and slaying in VR - the style and flow of the game is incredible! Can't wait to see ZOE3
  5. J227BR
    Sep 5, 2018
    9
    From my expernce with playing this new version of Z.O.E 2 I think that Cygames has done a good job of bringing it to ps4, when I jumped intoFrom my expernce with playing this new version of Z.O.E 2 I think that Cygames has done a good job of bringing it to ps4, when I jumped into the cockpit of Jehuty in VR i felt immersed by the VR I like how the design of the Jehuty's cockpit graphics, the VR is enjoyable as it feels comftable and pleasent experience to use VR as ive hardly felt like i was motion sick and the graphics always looks smooth in VR too. I have also cehcked out 2D mode. Even though I dont have a 4K tv or ps4 pro for that matter, the game in 2D through 1080p looks superb and can still tell all the work that Cygames has put in to make it look the best it can for this generation. I also have a 5.1. home theatre system and again z.o.e 2 has never sound this better before, It has great sound direction for various sound effects, the sounds great. So I think they have done a bang up job on the sound department. The extra new modes like 3D model viewer and hangar viewer are great to view in VR. the new pro control schemes are great as well as being given the option to use the original controls as well. I'd say the only drawback to this version is and it's a small gripe is that when I playes the game in VR its off putting that there's a small portion at the start that is in first person not VR until jumping in Jehuty then its truly becomes immersive VR, and the cutscens during the campaign is not VR even though that the CGI cutscens are 3D through the VR headset, I wish this could have been VR. Over all this new version of Zone of the enders the 2nd runner is a really great additon and if youre a fan of Z.O.E or have VR its a worth getting.… Expand
  6. SoobiCake
    Sep 15, 2018
    8
    ZOE: The 2nd Runner flew under the radar when it came out in 2003 and now it will again because of Konami's sh*t marketing. Even without VR.ZOE: The 2nd Runner flew under the radar when it came out in 2003 and now it will again because of Konami's sh*t marketing. Even without VR. ZOE: The 2nd Runner is still a must buy.… Expand
  7. CraigEchols
    Sep 10, 2018
    8
    As a person who played and beat the PS2 original, I was elated when I heard a VR version of this game would be coming. When the demo arrived,As a person who played and beat the PS2 original, I was elated when I heard a VR version of this game would be coming. When the demo arrived, I was ecstatic and after playing it, knew I would be happy with this version.

    Aside from Eve:Valkyrie, the VR has really lacked versatile cockpit fighting games. Granted ZOE is a linear game, but the immersion of the VR and versatility of Jehuty (not to mention the myriad of various enemies) makes the combat anything but linear. Its fast-paced, action filled, and more captivating since you have to be more careful of your surroundings than playing it in the 3rd person view like many other game.

    I've heard a bit of the complaints with controls, but again, as a veteran of the game it wasn't that hard of a transition. Also, hard controls are what makes the game more immersive since, as mentioned above, you are more immersed in the cockpit than simple hack and slash.

    The only knocks on the game are length and not adding anything particularly new for the game (as well as the graphics could have been a bit better even in the VR mode after 15 years since the original. However, if you are looking for finally having a gundam/armored core like experience from the cockpit in VR, this should do nothing less than tickle your fancy.    … Expand

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