Zone of the Enders: The Second Runner MARS
- September 4, 2018
- Konami Digital Entertainment
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner M∀RS is the definitive way to play the best entry in the Zone of the Enders franchise
Relive the experience Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS as a full-length remaster of the classic fast-paced 3D robot action game, recreated in VR, native 4K and in full surround sound. Enter JEHUTY's cockpit and fly through Martian skies!
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
PlayStation
Reviews
- Beautiful anime cutscenes and impressive sound design enhance the experience.
- Fast, flashy combat with fantastic mech designs and improved graphics.
- Native 4K support and VR mode provide a modern touch to a classic game.
- Clunky controls and an awful camera system make gameplay frustrating.
- Short campaign with poor writing and dialogue that feels outdated.
- VR mode can be uncomfortable and does not improve the overall experience.
- story5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The story of the game is criticized for being short, linear, and poorly executed, with dull writing, terrible dialogue, and unengaging mission design. Reviewers note that the narrative feels outdated and lacks innovation, further exacerbated by poor voice acting and an intrusive storyline. Overall, the storytelling elements detract significantly from the gaming experience.
“With its short, linear campaign, dull story, and terrible dialogue, the 2nd runner seems stuck in 2003, despite its slick graphical upgrade.”
“Poor storytelling, awful voice acting, ugly locations, game is worse in VR.”
“Intrusive and nonsensical storyline, grating voice acting.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed feedback; while some praise the slick graphical remaster and fantastic mech designs, others feel that the visuals show their age and are hindered by awkward controls. Overall, the graphics are seen as a highlight, but they are not enough to elevate the overall experience.
“Fantastic mech designs, sharp graphical remaster, fast combat with lots of fun weapons.”
“With its short, linear campaign, dull story, and terrible dialogue, the 2nd runner seems stuck in 2003, despite its slick graphical upgrade.”
“The controls now feel quite awkward, and the graphics are showing their age.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its superb soundtrack that effectively sets the mood, complemented by beautiful anime cutscenes. Reviewers also highlight the stylistically compelling themes that remain true to the original, enhancing the overall experience.
“Beautiful anime cutscenes, with a superb soundtrack that sets the mood.”
“Stylistically compelling, with interesting themes that are true to the original, complemented by nice music.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some users criticizing it for being clunky, featuring frustrating camera controls, and subpar voice acting, while others praise the updated performance that runs smoothly at 60fps and native 4K, enhancing the overall experience.
“The updated gameplay that runs at a smooth 60fps and native 4K makes it feel as though it is an imagination developed in today's time.”
“The controls are incredibly responsive, allowing for seamless navigation and interaction within the game world.”
“The variety of gameplay mechanics keeps each session fresh and engaging, ensuring that players are constantly challenged and entertained.”
“The gameplay is clunky and not fun to play.”
“The camera controls are abysmal, making targeting a frustrating chore.”
“The voice acting during gameplay sections is subpar.”
Critic Reviews
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner M∀RS Review
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner M∀RS is a faithful remaster of a game that time has not been kind to. It fails at modernizing it for 2018 standards, making it feel like a clunky mess to play. It pains me to say this because of how beloved the series is. Perhaps if this remaster sells well, we might see a third entry that will live up to today’s standards. If you feel nostalgic for the Zone of the Enders series or are desperate for a PS2 mech game, then maybe give this a try. Otherwise, steer far away from it.
50%Zone of the Enders The 2nd Runner: MARS Review
A polished, well put together remaster of a game that never really got a fair shake during its original release. If you like mecha punching each other or the idea of piloting one in VR is your thing you can do a lot worse than giving Zone of the Enders The 2nd Runner: Mars a go.
85%Get your ∀ss to M∀rs --- Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner - M∀RS review
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner --- M∀RS is one of the best looking mech games out there, despite being a remaster of a 15-year-old game. Its fast, flashy combat still looks and feels good, but is constantly undermined by an extremely unwieldy camera. With its short, linear campaign, dull story, and terrible dialogue, The 2nd Runner seems stuck in 2003, despite its slick graphical upgrade.
60%
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