Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner

"The best high-speed robot action game ever created."

INTRO:
High-speed robot action definitely clarifies this awesome game to the fullest. Hideo Kojima has really outdone himself again with this game and it really shows. This game is a major improvement over its predecessor and this is truly how a sequel is supposed to be done. The first game was so repetitive because there were only three types of enemies, the combat was pretty dull, and the protagonist was whiny all the time, which really made me want to tackle him. Fortunately in this game, everything is three times as better than the first one: more enemies, better combat, and a better protagonist who does not mind blowing stuff up. Unlike the first game, you actually have to think what to do next instead of the old button-mashing method, which I’m sure a whole bunch of people did while playing the first one. This isn’t what the creators wanted you to do. They actually want you to think, and I know that’s hard to swallow, but this is what makes the game so great. Strategy people, c’mon say it with me.

GRAPHICS: 9
As usual, Mr. Kojima brings it in terms of graphics. My mom mistook this game for an actual movie. When I told her that this was a game that I just bought, she was speechless, and that actually says a mouthful in its own terms. I mean, really, it does look like a movie during the cut-scenes. The anime cut-scenes looks very nice too, just like a regular anime cartoon show. During the action, that’s when it all comes alive. The explosions after you destroy an enemy are very well detailed to the point that it looks almost real. Almost everything in this game has a little cel-shading, which makes it even more awe-inspiring. Although this game has great graphics, if there is a lot of action, explosions, and enemies on the screen at the same time, that’s where the slow-down comes in. It’s been an age-old problem in past games and I know it’s hard on the creators to fix this problem, but really, it won’t hinder your ability to play this game at all. It might even help you out a little bit. Think of it as Bullet-Time if you will. The graphics, even though with the occasional slow-downs, are superb. I’ll give it a 9.

SOUND: 8
The SFX and the music in this game are very well done. I’m a band nerd, by the way, and I know what I’m talking about. The music in this game goes well with the many battles you will face. Its up-beat techno feel during battles will get your adrenaline pumping to its maximum. The main theme of this game,” Beyond the Bounds,” fits well with the way ZOE 2 is played out. If you’ve never heard of this song before, you should download it. The song is fast-paced and “in your face“, but at the same time, slow and beautiful, which fits this game perfectly. The mech you control is fast and beautiful at the same time if you know what I mean which I hope you do. The SFX are the way it’s supposed to be. The clashing of swords, explosions, gunshots, and all the others effects sound very real. The voice acting is your basic anime cartoon show. It’s good, but not great. It may get a little cheesy at times, so don’t say I didn’t warn you. Overall with the sound, it’s great. I give it an 8.

STORY: 7
I have to give this a lower score mainly because it didn’t move me, but I’m not saying it was bad. The protagonist, Dingo Egret, is an ice miner on the satellite of Calisto. He finds a strong reading of Metatron and checks it out. BAHRAM, a military unit whose main purpose is to destroy everything in its path, is trying to find an Orbital Frame named Jehuty to use for its diabolical plans for complete domination. Dingo Egret finds this Frame and goes against BAHRAM in a vengeful manner. I won’t say why because it’ll spoil too much of the storyline for you. In short, you may love the story, or hate it. Me? I liked it, but didn’t love it, so I’ll give it a seven.

GAMEPLAY: 10
The gameplay is a huge step forward from the first Zone of the Enders because of its faster, harder, and cooler ways of defeating hundreds of enemies. You can now lock onto and destroy almost up to a hundred enemies at once, which is truly astonishing to see. You can also now grab your enemies and use them as a weapon. You use them as a baseball bat, use them as a shield, or spin them really fast and then throw them at a different enemy. Since the game is so fast-paced, you will really need to pay attention to your surroundings and use strategy to take out your enemies. You can’t button mash like what most people did in the first one, so that’s not going to cut it, my friend. If you do, you’ll most likely get pummeled to death and shot at. Besides, it doesn’t look cool if you button-mash like a maniac. There are more cooler and challenging boss battles for you to enjoy for all of the people who thought the bosses from the last game were dull and so few. All I have to say, you’ll be overwhelmed, but at the same time, you’ll be overjoyed with excitement. I’ll give this section a top score.

BUY OR RENT?
BUY!! BUY!! BUY!! You won’t regret it. I promise. Although, if you’re the type who can’t stand too much action or can’t keep up with the pace, rent it just to be on the safe side. Trust me, anyone who rents this awesome game will definitely go out and buy this. Believe me.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/20/03, Updated 03/20/03