Zone of the Ender: 2nd Runner Review

Almost exactly after the release of Zone of the Enders, its sequel, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner was released for the Playstation 2. On one hand, many gamers were put off by the series since the original became so lauded by gamers with its short playing time, Z.O.E. 2 takes the formula created by Z.O.E. and refines it. The result is one of the best games for the PS2, and one of the most desired games for the system due to its limited printing. For a time, copies of the game were close to the $100 mark on ebay.

The first Z.O.E. game dealt with a kid who has to mature during wartime. For Z.O.E. 2, the story revolves around Dingo Egret, a miner on one of Jupiter's moons. Just like Leo from the first game, Dingo accidentally (or maybe by fate) comes across the Orbital Frame Jehuty, and has to pilot the frame in order to save himself. Throughout the game we learn about Dingo's past as a pilot, why he's so indifferent about what's going on, and how he has to change to be a hero. Unlike the first game, Z.O.E. 2 brings in more of the social narrative between the "enders" and Earth that the Z.O.E. series is now known for. This includes a "24" style government entities that go at lengths to destroy the enemy even if it means sacrificing their own people leading to some tense moments as the details of Dingo's past is unveiled.

Combat in Z.O.E. 2 is just like the first game, but with some much needed diversity. Jehuty's movements and basic attacks are still the same as the same including the ability to dash, grab hold of enemies, use of a sword, and a giant energy sphere. What changed are the sub-weapons that are at your disposal. After completing certain levels, a new sub-weapon will be unlocked. These new weapons come in different forms from the ability to launch enemies across the screen to various energy shots that can do minimal to major damage to enemies. This much needed variety on top of the variety of enemies included into the game gives exactly the shot in the arm needed to the combat. The variety also shows in the combat zones which are now much bigger and differ depending on where the battles takes place such as being indoor or outdoors in a desert area.

While the first Z.O.E. had some great graphics, Z.O.E. 2 improves on it. Like everything else in this sequel, it's all about refining what the first game has. The Orbital Frames and enemies have better details giving them a grander look. Where you see the biggest difference is the background. Backgrounds have been revamped to correspond to the different scenes that the combat takes place on. Z.O.E. 1 kept an almost standard looking background while Z.O.E. 2 will change each time. Another change is to the cutscenes. Gone are the 3d character interacting, and in comes the anime sequences. It's not technically superior, but damn I love a good anime cutscene.

One thing that's kept the same in both games is the audio. Dialogue is done with mediocre voice actors. Again, it's not surprising since voice acting wasn't taken so seriously until years later, but cut the gamers some slack damn it. The soundtrack keeps the same style of being futuristic but still having a majestic feel to it. I'm reminded of Ghost in the Shell when I hear the music.

Now Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner still suffers from short gameplay. At around 6-7 hours, it's still longer than the original. Thankfully, after completing the game, there are multiple modes that get unlocked that can add more hours of fun to the game. Once again, Z.O.E. 1 laid out the groundwork but 2nd Runner refined it making it into a classic game.

- O.G.