- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: Mar 10, 2003
- Also On: PlayStation 3
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Electronic Gaming MonthlyGameplay 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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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.
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An improvement in just about every way.
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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.
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The closest we’ll get to interactive anime, this game couldn’t be more Japanese if it featured a ninja penguin schoolgirl getting bukkaked.
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Play MagazineWhen it comes to the raw energy and unadulterated action, ZOE2 has few peers. [May 2003, p.72]
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Improves upon the original through and through. We're happy they got it right.
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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.
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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.
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Official U.S. Playstation MagazineNo other game out there offers such a chaotic yet brilliantly visceral gaming experience. [May 2003, p.96]
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GMR MagazineCombat is intuitive and intense, it looks absolutely gorgeous, and it never gets boring. [Apr 2003, p.55]
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Most of its faults are forgiveable, and the excellent controls coupled with the intense action often make for an engrossing experience.
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While visually that game is unmatched, there just isn't enough game here to warrant anything other than a rental.
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games(TM)ZOE2 really is a beautiful game. With its unique mixture of clean-cut robot models, cel-shaded smoke and manga FMV cut-scenes, the whole thing just oozes style in a way that most other games just can't approach. [Oct 2003, p.108]
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Game InformerIf 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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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.
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A dazzling masterpiece of high tech production... The 2nd Runner isn't so much a videogame as it is an all-encompassing experience.
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Cheat Code CentralFun 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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The 2nd Runner is also easy as hell, and if you're willing to skip through the cut-scenes, you'll button-mash your way through the sucker within six hours.
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netjakKonami’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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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.
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Edge MagazineIn action the game is undeniably pretty, as long as you can stomach the monstrous camera. But beyond ther anime-inspired visuals, the action turgidly limps along without ever really engaging or entertaining. [May 2003, p.94]
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It may not take long to beat, but there is a good amount of unlockable missions, time trials, and a fairly entertaining versus mode to be had once you do.
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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.
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GameNowTakes 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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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.
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PSM MagazineMurata 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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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.
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It plays mostly like the first, so if you liked it you’ll love this one.
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Official Playstation 2 Magazine UKThe strikingly impressive robo scrapper returns. Cracking stuff. [Jan 2007, p.106]
Awards & Rankings
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42
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58
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#58 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
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33
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#33 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003
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User score distribution:
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Positive: 88 out of 101
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Mixed: 6 out of 101
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Negative: 7 out of 101
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JeffMar 13, 2003
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Oct 3, 2010
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Dec 26, 2013