Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    100
    Fun to play and offers a great story and awesome visuals. The hardest thing you may have to decide is when to hit the save button and stop playing. The game draws you in quickly and holds your attention.
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  2. GameNow
    100
    Takes what was cool about the first installment and builds a gorgeous, challenging, and satisfying game around it. [Apr 2003, p.47]
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  3. GamerWeb Sony
    99
    Using some of the finest visuals to grace a next-generation platform, and solid gameplay, the game proves that PlayStation 2 has more than a bit of fight left in it.
  5. GameZone
    95
    The game is a whole lot faster than the previous game. There is so much going on at the screen at once, it might be hard for players to keep up, but that will never be the case.
  6. Into Liquid Sky
    91
    The game is very story-heavy and linear because of the heavy focus on story. Outside of that, though, the game is a vast improvement over the previous game.
  7. GamingTrend
    91
    While short, grabs you for those few hours and won't let go. The game is such an improvement over the first installment that those who didn't like the first game will probably like this one.
  8. GameBrink
    91
    It plays mostly like the first, so if you liked it you’ll love this one.
  9. Play Magazine
    90
    When it comes to the raw energy and unadulterated action, ZOE2 has few peers. [May 2003, p.72]
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  10. GameCritics
    90
    Everything the first game was not, and far more. Not only did the developers correct, expand and improve upon every aspect, they have authored one of the most utterly perfect synergies of gameplay, direction and storytelling that I've ever witnessed.
  11. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    No other game out there offers such a chaotic yet brilliantly visceral gaming experience. [May 2003, p.96]
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  12. PSM Magazine
    90
    Murata and his team haven't just given us a great sequel, they've also created one of the PS2's best action games; one that comes within mere inches of achieving classic status. [May 2003, p.24]
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  13. Thunderbolt
    90
    It’s everything that we could come to expect from a game; it has an excellent storyline, a cast of remarkable characters, intense gameplay melded with style, and a presentation so vivid and brilliantly executed that you’ll feel right at home.
  14. netjak
    88
    Konami’s act of reconciliation for the original version. It makes up for all of the flaws of part one, and is even an improvement upon the few things that the original got right. The game is indeed difficult, but for the right reasons.
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  15. IGN
    86
    A dazzling masterpiece of high tech production... The 2nd Runner isn't so much a videogame as it is an all-encompassing experience.
  16. Game Informer
    85
    If you can accept the fact that the playtime is shorter than the running time of a Kevin Costner film, The 2nd Runner offers an explosive and highly fevered gameplay experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. [May 2003, p.85]
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  17. GameSpot
    85
    Thanks to its excellent controls and sheer depth, the combat system will ultimately be one of the reasons this game will keep drawing you back in even after you complete the single-player campaign.
  18. TotalPlayStation
    85
    It might be a little light on content for the full price, but if you’re a fan of eye candy, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better source of pupil fodder on the PS2.
  19. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    83
    Gameplay is instinctive, chaotic, and breathtaking. Unfortunately, the entire thing is still very linear, a bit too segmented, and repetitive. [May 2003, p.124]
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  20. Game Revolution
    83
    Improves upon the original through and through. We're happy they got it right.
  21. Maxim Online
    80
    The closest we’ll get to interactive anime, this game couldn’t be more Japanese if it featured a ninja penguin schoolgirl getting bukkaked.
  22. GMR Magazine
    80
    Combat is intuitive and intense, it looks absolutely gorgeous, and it never gets boring. [Apr 2003, p.55]
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  23. Eurogamer
    80
    There simply isn't enough of it. The game is packed to the gills with imagination, stunning design and addictive, hugely varied gameplay - but while it triumphs in quality, it lacks in terms of quantity.
  24. PSX Nation
    80
    Cel shading has never been as underplayed and better used in a PS2 game as in this one, and even the English dub and J-pop tunes fit like a glove with The 2nd Runner's anime-inspired universe.
  25. G4 TV
    80
    The combination of stunning graphics and frenzied gameplay make Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner a must-have for anime RPG fans or, heck, anyone with a functioning pair of eyeballs.
  26. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    80
    The strikingly impressive robo scrapper returns. Cracking stuff. [Jan 2007, p.106]
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  27. GameSpy
    77
    Most every mission is so unique that the core of the game fades into the background, instead replacing it with ever-changing objectives... Little stays constant enough to become an actual gameplay mechanic.
  28. Cinescape
    75
    An improvement in just about every way.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PS2 Game of 2003
58
#58 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
33
#33 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 101 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 101
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 101
  3. Negative: 7 out of 101
  1. Jeff
    Mar 13, 2003
    10
    a 0? a 0? this means that ZOE2 has nothing at all to make it a video game. a stick would get a 0, not a brilliantly animated, well thought a 0? a 0? this means that ZOE2 has nothing at all to make it a video game. a stick would get a 0, not a brilliantly animated, well thought out awesomely fun one such as this. You, my friend are the one who is pathetic.… Full Review »
  2. Tubie
    Oct 3, 2010
    10
    This game builds on the original but takes everything and the whole concept to the next level. Graphics, sound, gameplay are all extremelyThis game builds on the original but takes everything and the whole concept to the next level. Graphics, sound, gameplay are all extremely polished to the level that it makes it hard to believe this game is a PS2 game.… Full Review »
  3. Jouna92
    Dec 26, 2013
    9
    Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is what the original Zone of the Enders should have been. Its excellent combat system, combined withZone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is what the original Zone of the Enders should have been. Its excellent combat system, combined with blowing up everything in sight, makes for an enjoyable gameplay experience. The game also looks excellent and the soundtrack is amazing. The story is interesting and entertaining. The only downside is that this is a short game.… Full Review »
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