Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is a remaster of Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, done by Cygames and published by Konami. This is the definitive edition of Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner on PlayStation consoles. While this game plays the same as the previous game, this version has optional PlayStation VR Support. There is also a downloadable game update that fixes some of the game's issues.
Story
This game is set after the events of the first game. Dingo is a miner who is working on Callisto. One day, he discovered a mysterious Orbital Frame (a.k.a mecha) named Jehuty, and had to fight legions of unmanned Orbital Frames by BAHRAM. Dingo will have to fight a variety of them, as well as stopping his former superior's plans, who pilots the powerful Orbital Frame, Anubis.
Story-wise, it is decent. Not a great plot, but interesting enough for casual players. There are several likable characters, but I find that not all characters have good story exposition. The dialogue in this game is also average, poorer than the dialogues in Metal Gear Solid games. Regardless, this game has very interesting setting and lore.
Gameplay
The gameplay is a mecha hack-and-slash and shooter game. Progression is quite linear, as you need to complete Missions in each level. Each mission may have different objectives, such as defeating ab boss, destroy the barrier, and etc. There is also a progression marker while playing that shows where you need to go next, so you won't get lost while playing the game. You may also explore at certain levels for hidden collectibles.
The game doesn't have extensive leveling and upgrading aspects. Leveling up is done by defeating enemies, and Jehuty will receive additional stats after gaining a level. Jehuty also can get new forms as you progress in the game, and you may use the new forms after completing the game and starting a new playthrough. You will also gain new sub-weapons as you progress in the game, where they can be used to dispatch enemies faster.
The combat is the highlight of this game. Jehuty can use a myriad of moves, such as dashing, do a melee combo, shoot at enemies with it's cannon or homing lasers, and use barrier to guard enemy attacks. Sub-weapons also provide additional ways to defeat your enemies faster, especially the generic unmanned Orbital Frames.
The boss fights are really challenging. They can do many things that Jehuty can do and can't do, such as using barrier to guard against your attacks or use powerful weapons to defeat you. Most of the time, you will spend more time on learning to fight bosses, as they provide really good challenge to you, even in Normal Mode. Many of the bosses require specific strategies to beat them, and expect multiple Game Overs while playing this game.
The gameplay is great. Compared to the first game, this game has better designs of boss fights and more variety in combat options. More combat moves, better boss fights, good variety of sub-weapons and fast-paced action are the majour factors. There is also a decent variety of game levels with different objectives, such as one level requires you to escort an ally to safety, destroy multiple battleships, and fight against multiple of enemies while protecting your ally. My only criticisms for the gameplay are the occasional camera control issues due to the lock-on and arguably, the short story length.
Graphics
Undeniably, this game has superb graphics. This remaster version looks really impressive, courtesy of Cygames. The mecha models look really great on-screen, and the environments look good too. The anime cutscenes also look good, and this game has solid framerate performance.
Sound
This game has great soundtrack, with mix of techno, techno, and orchestral themes. Lots of memorable tracks in this game, which I greatly enjoy listening from playing the game and listening from the soundtrack CD.
The voice acting is decent, but no standout performances by the voice actors. This game however, has low audio volume, so you may need to turn up your TV's volume louder if you want to listen to the voices and music louder. The game update is said to fix that issue, although I can't verify that as I only start playing the game after installing the latest game update.
Replay Value
This game has moderate replay value. You can play the game again in harder difficulties with different Jehuty suits, complete Ex-Missions, play Versus mode, or play the game again in VR Mode.
Conclusion
Despite the mediocre dialogue, poor character expositions, and short story length, this game is legitimately very good. Intense fast-paced action, great combat system, great boss fight designs and impressive graphics made this game a very worthy purchase. Unfortunately, the first Zone of the Enders game do not receive the same remaster treatment, although it is much more inferior to this game in terms of story and gameplay. I highly recommend players to get this game if you want to play a high-speed mecha combat game, and try out the demo from the PS Store before making the final decision. Highly recommended.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Score: 8.3/10 or 33/40.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Decent and interesting story.
- Some likable characters.
- Great setting.
- Impressive fast-paced mecha combat.
- Many useful combat moves.
- Good game controls, except for the camera.
- Great boss fights.
- Decent variety of levels and missions.
- Impressive remastered graphics.
- Smooth framerate performance.
- Great soundtrack.
- Has optional PS VR support.
Cons
- Mediocre dialogue.
- Lack of interesting character expositions.
- Arguably short story length.
- Somewhat low audio volume.
**Screenshots are from official PlayStation game page.
This is a remaster of Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, done by Cygames and published by Konami. This is the definitive edition of Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner on PlayStation consoles. While this game plays the same as the previous game, this version has optional PlayStation VR Support. There is also a downloadable game update that fixes some of the game's issues.
Story
Jehuty is now piloted by a new runner.
This game is set after the events of the first game. Dingo is a miner who is working on Callisto. One day, he discovered a mysterious Orbital Frame (a.k.a mecha) named Jehuty, and had to fight legions of unmanned Orbital Frames by BAHRAM. Dingo will have to fight a variety of them, as well as stopping his former superior's plans, who pilots the powerful Orbital Frame, Anubis.
Story-wise, it is decent. Not a great plot, but interesting enough for casual players. There are several likable characters, but I find that not all characters have good story exposition. The dialogue in this game is also average, poorer than the dialogues in Metal Gear Solid games. Regardless, this game has very interesting setting and lore.
Gameplay
Experience high-speed and intense mecha combat.
The game doesn't have extensive leveling and upgrading aspects. Leveling up is done by defeating enemies, and Jehuty will receive additional stats after gaining a level. Jehuty also can get new forms as you progress in the game, and you may use the new forms after completing the game and starting a new playthrough. You will also gain new sub-weapons as you progress in the game, where they can be used to dispatch enemies faster.
Use a variety of sub-weapons and abilities to overwhelm your enemies.
The boss fights are really challenging. They can do many things that Jehuty can do and can't do, such as using barrier to guard against your attacks or use powerful weapons to defeat you. Most of the time, you will spend more time on learning to fight bosses, as they provide really good challenge to you, even in Normal Mode. Many of the bosses require specific strategies to beat them, and expect multiple Game Overs while playing this game.
The gameplay is great. Compared to the first game, this game has better designs of boss fights and more variety in combat options. More combat moves, better boss fights, good variety of sub-weapons and fast-paced action are the majour factors. There is also a decent variety of game levels with different objectives, such as one level requires you to escort an ally to safety, destroy multiple battleships, and fight against multiple of enemies while protecting your ally. My only criticisms for the gameplay are the occasional camera control issues due to the lock-on and arguably, the short story length.
Graphics
Superb graphics.
Sound
Great soundtrack and fitting voice acting. Low audio volume, however.
The voice acting is decent, but no standout performances by the voice actors. This game however, has low audio volume, so you may need to turn up your TV's volume louder if you want to listen to the voices and music louder. The game update is said to fix that issue, although I can't verify that as I only start playing the game after installing the latest game update.
Replay Value
Moderate replay value.
Conclusion
The most definitive edition of Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, as well as a great game.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Score: 8.3/10 or 33/40.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Decent and interesting story.
- Some likable characters.
- Great setting.
- Impressive fast-paced mecha combat.
- Many useful combat moves.
- Good game controls, except for the camera.
- Great boss fights.
- Decent variety of levels and missions.
- Impressive remastered graphics.
- Smooth framerate performance.
- Great soundtrack.
- Has optional PS VR support.
Cons
- Mediocre dialogue.
- Lack of interesting character expositions.
- Arguably short story length.
- Somewhat low audio volume.
**Screenshots are from official PlayStation game page.
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