Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS

 PlayStation 4
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Sep 4, 2018
  • Also On: PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 45
  3. Negative: 8 out of 45
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  1. CraigEchols
    Sep 10, 2018
    8
    As a person who played and beat the PS2 original, I was elated when I heard a VR version of this game would be coming. When the demo arrived, I was ecstatic and after playing it, knew I would be happy with this version.

    Aside from Eve:Valkyrie, the VR has really lacked versatile cockpit fighting games. Granted ZOE is a linear game, but the immersion of the VR and versatility of Jehuty    As a person who played and beat the PS2 original, I was elated when I heard a VR version of this game would be coming. When the demo arrived, I was ecstatic and after playing it, knew I would be happy with this version.

    Aside from Eve:Valkyrie, the VR has really lacked versatile cockpit fighting games. Granted ZOE is a linear game, but the immersion of the VR and versatility of Jehuty (not to mention the myriad of various enemies) makes the combat anything but linear. Its fast-paced, action filled, and more captivating since you have to be more careful of your surroundings than playing it in the 3rd person view like many other game.

    I've heard a bit of the complaints with controls, but again, as a veteran of the game it wasn't that hard of a transition. Also, hard controls are what makes the game more immersive since, as mentioned above, you are more immersed in the cockpit than simple hack and slash.

    The only knocks on the game are length and not adding anything particularly new for the game (as well as the graphics could have been a bit better even in the VR mode after 15 years since the original. However, if you are looking for finally having a gundam/armored core like experience from the cockpit in VR, this should do nothing less than tickle your fancy.    … Expand
  2. Althair
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    GIANT GUNDAMS + SUPER FAST COMBAT! Nough' said.

    More seriously, it's too bad there is no japanese audio still in this version - but then, this is basically your original game really neatly brushed up in 4K and VR - definitely not a remake. As a fan of the game, works for me, but not for everybody!
  3. J227BR
    Sep 5, 2018
    9
    From my expernce with playing this new version of Z.O.E 2 I think that Cygames has done a good job of bringing it to ps4, when I jumped into the cockpit of Jehuty in VR i felt immersed by the VR I like how the design of the Jehuty's cockpit graphics, the VR is enjoyable as it feels comftable and pleasent experience to use VR as ive hardly felt like i was motion sick and the graphics alwaysFrom my expernce with playing this new version of Z.O.E 2 I think that Cygames has done a good job of bringing it to ps4, when I jumped into the cockpit of Jehuty in VR i felt immersed by the VR I like how the design of the Jehuty's cockpit graphics, the VR is enjoyable as it feels comftable and pleasent experience to use VR as ive hardly felt like i was motion sick and the graphics always looks smooth in VR too. I have also cehcked out 2D mode. Even though I dont have a 4K tv or ps4 pro for that matter, the game in 2D through 1080p looks superb and can still tell all the work that Cygames has put in to make it look the best it can for this generation. I also have a 5.1. home theatre system and again z.o.e 2 has never sound this better before, It has great sound direction for various sound effects, the sounds great. So I think they have done a bang up job on the sound department. The extra new modes like 3D model viewer and hangar viewer are great to view in VR. the new pro control schemes are great as well as being given the option to use the original controls as well. I'd say the only drawback to this version is and it's a small gripe is that when I playes the game in VR its off putting that there's a small portion at the start that is in first person not VR until jumping in Jehuty then its truly becomes immersive VR, and the cutscens during the campaign is not VR even though that the CGI cutscens are 3D through the VR headset, I wish this could have been VR. Over all this new version of Zone of the enders the 2nd runner is a really great additon and if youre a fan of Z.O.E or have VR its a worth getting.… Expand
  4. Nazeem
    Sep 6, 2018
    10
    The mech are soooooo smooth! I can't believe slashing giant robots feels this good are so many years, the remastered look really is looking sharp. Wish it was longer - but if you're into fast battle and japanese game, treat yourself!
  5. DManCry
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    15 years later and slaying in VR - the style and flow of the game is incredible! Can't wait to see ZOE3
  6. arostislavna
    Dec 3, 2021
    8
    Fast-paced hack and slash+shooting mech game, also pretty fun. "YOU RIKE IT?"
  7. dyinginbeauty
    Mar 8, 2020
    9
    Very smooth and addictive mech game... play this if you loved the original on PS2.
    Misses out on 10 due to some lazy voice acting and poor camera angles.
  8. archaim
    Jul 6, 2020
    9
    Попытка в очередной раз продать ту же самую игру. А мы и не против. Игра великолепна, сюжет отличный, что ещё надо?
    Если когда-нибудь хотели поиграть в этот малоизвестный шедевр Кодзимы, то это лучшая версия.
  9. highgear
    Nov 17, 2019
    8
    Good story line, nice graphics and 3d models and fun combat overall. A few problems such as a part where Ken guides you on a mining field. She keeps yelling "stop" and making you walk in circles. Besides that great game overall.
  10. Onlyclassicvg1
    Jun 24, 2021
    7
    EHUTY vive. Y allí, ANUBIS prospera. Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner regresa con soporte 4K y VR en Steam. Revive la experiencia Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS como una remasterización completa del clásico juego de acción de robots en 3D de ritmo rápido, recreado en realidad virtual, 4K nativo y en su totalida

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Mar 11, 2019
    60
    Fast and exciting gameplay that just isn’t enough to carry the game on its own. Uninspired and convoluted story that ends to fast for its own good , leaves a bland taste in ones mouth.
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  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 27, 2018
    70
    It’s fun and twitchy, and it really shouldn’t be as good as it is in VR. The game runs at a chaotic pace (this remaster in traditional mode is 60fps in 4K) as you zip around the screen and zoom up close for melee strikes. But it does work, as it’s effectively teleporting you from enemy to enemy if using melee, and playing out like a classic arcade shooter if using homing lasers. If you’ve never played the series, it’s time to start; if you have, then there’s no better reason to own PS VR. [Issue#155, p.90]
  3. Worth Playing
    Oct 9, 2018
    80
    All in all, Zone of the Enders 2: MARS is a noteworthy port of an excellent game. It has flaws, but almost all of them are also part of the original game. There is more they could have done (including a retranslation and redub), but the visual updates and silky-smooth frame rate alone make it a far better port than the lamentable PS3 Zone of the Enders Collection. Fans of giant robots or fast-paced action should consider Zone of the Enders 2: MARS as a must-buy, and those who loved the original can consider this to be the definitive version.
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