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3.5; when destruction looks its prettiest

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: September 30, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Metal 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.

Hideo Kojima strikes again

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 09, 2007
Author: Amazon User

This 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.

Short but Epic

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: May 22, 2007
Author: Amazon User

ZOE2 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.

VEctor cannon

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: November 03, 2006
Author: Amazon User

What an awesome game! all I'v to say is the vs battle was superb where u get to battle against all the defeated bosses or become them. Its pretty challeging with some of the bosses but its all worth it when u recieve ur subweapon called the vector cannon. What power! better than ffx7 13 knight summon

THE EXPLOSIVE ACTION-PACKED sequel to Zone of the Enders!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: March 25, 2005
Author: Amazon User

It useless to describe this game because is SOOO popular and COOL!! but I will say the basic stuffs witch are: IMPROVED action sequences, weapons, graphics, anime, settings and intro. The bad things are: Girl not so cute, blood was tuned down and when you finish the game you will be like "Thirsty for more".

This is the kind of sequel that makes the action more important than the story!! Let's not forget the movie sequel RAMBO 2. The story is not so touching as the fist one except for the ending witch is the only part that was kind of "deep". In fact! the whole story is about improving Jehuty to be STRONG enought to beat a WHOLE army and his powerfull enemy Anubis. But anyway! this is only a videogame, this sequel is SOOO ENTERTAINING that you will play it over and over and again!!!

P.S: If you like improved action-packed sequels like this then you will love: Onimusha 3, Devil May Cry 3, Tenchu 3, Contra 3, Soul Calibur 2, Ninja Gaiden 2, Zelda 2, Megaman X4 and Mortal Kombat 2 or 5.
One last thing: I never understood why this game is rated "Mature" intead of "Teen", but I guess is beacuse the game contains many innocent masacres.

Enders strike again

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 5
Date: March 08, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This is the best game yet. 1. it has new types of jehuty's including version 2 which looks so cool and can teleport like anubis, i think version one can 2, but anubis can teleport because of tha tail he has, if you can destroy that he cant teleport. Anubis is powerful though. 2: it has new features the grab has been upgraded, you can pick up pieces of buildings poles etc. 3: SPACE BATTLES!!! finally you get to fight in space. Also Leo Stenbuck (that evil kid who was in zoe1) makes his appearence and he has his own orbital frame (vic viper) leo is also grown a little (he looks different), Ken is new and her orbital frame (Ardjet), then there is this ugly creepy guy names lloyd and his orbital frame (Inhert). Viola A.I is also new, its based on the character viola. Viola A.I is a cyborg and her frame (Nephtis) is the same. Jehuty also has a scencing mode (the cockpit turns red) where it can scence anubis. I think they are equal matched too because they are both the same (it depends on the player). Also you can pilot an ice breaker too which is slow because it is a heavy machine, but you can make it faster by dashing etc, it can't hover like jehuty can. This game is a keeper and its worth the money, so get off your chair and stop reading my review, GET IT TODAY!!!!

Hideo Kojima's underrated masterpiece

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: August 04, 2004
Author: Amazon User

When the name Hideo Kojima comes to mind, most people think of Metal Gear or Solid Snake. Without a doubt, they are his greatest creations. But he has another that most don't know about, the series called Zone Of The Enders. The latest and greatest addition to the series is called Zone Of The Enders: The Second Runner. It's, in my opinion, one of the best games ever made. It's also not a very popular game for some reason, which is a shame.

This has got to be one of the fastest games I've ever played in my life, and one of the most fun! Mechs move like we always knew they could, fast and furiously. And the enemies vastly outnumber you. You will literally, at times, face what looks to be hundreds of enemies. But don't be afraid, your mech is much nimbler and stronger than anything the enemy throws at you. And if you're fast enough, you'll have no trouble destroying the enemy before they can even touch you. Now I'm not saying that this game is easy, because it's not. It can be very, very challenging and will always leave you wanting to come back for more. The bosses are particularly challenging. Once you think that you have a boss' pattern down, they'll throw a new, even deadlier attack at you. But I found no parts of the game to be so frustrating that I'd do something like throw my controller at the wall. The fighting can get slightly repetitive with regular enemies, but is always fun to do. The environments are destructible, and you can even pick up some of it to smash your enemies to little robot pieces with it. You can also grab your enemies and use them as a shield or throw them at others. And best of all, no bad camera angles! You control the camera with the right analog stick.

As soon as you see this game in action you'll notice the similarities graphic wise between it and MGS2. That is not a bad thing, this game is beautiful! Honestly, some of the best graphics I've ever seen on the PS2. It blends traditional graphics with cel-shaded graphics, and it works wonders on the eyes. Every explosion is a joy to behold and the mechs are just downright gorgeous with their "vein-like" look. The environments are a little bland and repetitive, but it's no big deal really. There can be a few slow downs also, but nothing to major. The anime cutscenes are well animated and are also a very nice touch to the game because it's an anime-like story. Even if you're not into that kind of thing, you'll enjoy them.

As always, Hideo's games have a wonderful soundtrack. From the techno beat theme song(which is just wow) to the slightest explosion from destroying something, you won't believe your ears. The stage music isn't all that great but the boss music is awesome. The voice acting is pretty good as well. The only problem is that because it's from Japan, the mouths don't always match up with the dialogue. But, from what I've seen, the voices seem to actually only be about half a second off. So maybe something got screwed up in recording. And in the cockpit, the mouths move very fast for some reason. Either way, it's nothing that'll bother you much.

You can probably complete the main game in about 10 hours or so. You'll probably want to play through it a few times though because it's just plain fun. Oh yea, and for the extras. And from what I've heard, there are a ton of them. However, I've only played through the main game once so I haven't unlocked much. I have however played multiplayer with a friend or two and it was pretty fun. It had us for almost a whole day, and we'll probably play it again many times to come. Most people will say differently about the multiplayer though.

If you like mechs, you will like this game. If you like fast combat, you will like this game. If you like fast mech combat, you will absolutely love this game. This game is a blast to play and the hours that you get from it may be the best video game hours of your life. I, for one, believe this is one of the most underrated games ever and not enough people have played it. Even if you aren't a Hideo Kojima fan and/or didn't like Metal Gear Solid, you may still love this game because it's not like anything else out there. The ultimate question is to either rent or buy however. All I can say is if you liked what you heard in my review, then buy it. If you didn't, I say at least give it a rent. That is, if you can even find it. This is a gaming experience that no one should miss out on.

....I love you Konami

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: July 25, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This is seriosly one of the best games I've ever played. Fast based Mech action is right. The game is so fast and the AI is so intelligent that you'll actually start to feel like Dingo, the main character. The storyline is so much better than the first game and Dingo is SOOOOOO much more mature then that whiny brat, Leo. The music is really engaging, but the game's real strength is in the gameplay. I mean, what's not to like about dashing from one opponent to the next and slashing them to explosion.

uber

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: July 06, 2004
Author: Amazon User

i love this game... even if it is easy after u beat the first... i love the graphics and the speed of the game the first was a classic this is just awesome. fun fun fun.

Fast.....it's so fast.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: March 07, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Okay so here's the getdown.
This game is much faster, more interactive, and longer than the first Zone of the Enders. The story is slightly more in-depth than the first one. It also comes fully equipped with speed that will make your head explode. This game is great because, though it is not impossible, it still provides more challenges than its predecessor and a need for more technique. Your opponents in this game are smarter and also come in greater numbers than they did in the first ZOE. The ability to massacre your opponents at such a rushing alacrity provides for a great source of brutal lickings and vicious giggles as you beat your opponents to death with inanimate objects and their teammates. (The GRAB feature is new to the series and allows you, the player, to pick up debris and grab onto an opponent. You can both throw these items and belt your opponents with them)

Now, the one thing that I absolutely need to address is the music. It is still techno-based like ZOE1's music, but this time around the music fades in so well with the gameplay that instead of actually stopping your action to listen, you'll be able to simply move your head around to the nearly hypnotic beats and deliver the most intense, high-speed thrashing the world has ever known.

Kiss-kiss to this game. The new abilities make the game much more interesting and it greatly enhances the thumpings that you can deliver.

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