PS2

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner

ShooterHack and slash/Beat 'em up

Plays offline: Yes

Overview

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, known in Japan as Anubis: Zone of the Enders, is an action hack and slash video game developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation 2 in 2003. The sequel to Zone of the Enders is based around mecha combat with the player once again controlling the "Orbital Frame" Jehuty. Unlike its predecessor, the game is now centered on action elements with the player not needing to protect civilians in need and instead Jehuty contains more weaponry than in the previous game.

The plot is set two years after the events from Zone of the Enders and focuses on Dingo Egret, a former member from Mars' military organization BAHRAM whose leader Ridley "Nohman" Hardiman wants back with him. Nohman shoots Dingo following his rejection, but the agent Ken Marinaris saves Dingo by connecting his body to Jehuty and forces him to work in order to defeat BAHRAM. The game had a new director, Shuyo Murata, who producer Hideo Kojima appointed in order to provide a different experience. The team worked to cover the criticism the original Zone of the Enders received which resulted in The 2nd Runner having more action elements.

The game received generally favorable critical responses due to the improvements it made to the previous game. Critics praised the game's graphics and gameplay elements, but criticized its short length and presentation. Despite the positive critical reaction, the game suffered mediocre sales. The 2nd Runner was released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 as a part of the Zone of the Enders HD Collection in 2012. A remaster, The 2nd Runner M∀RS, was released in September 2018 for PlayStation 4 and Windows. It features enhanced graphics with 4K resolution and VR headset support, as well as an updated sound design supporting surround sound.