Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner takes the mech combat of its predecessor and turns it into a straight-up action game. Konami Computer Entertainment Japan built the sequel around the Orbital Frame Jehuty, giving the player more weapons and fewer duties to civilians caught in the crossfire. The result is a tighter, faster game that trades some depth for pure spectacle.
The Story Behind The 2nd Runner
The plot picks up two years after the events of Zone of the Enders. Dingo Egret, a former member of Mars’ military organization BAHRAM, is approached by Ridley “Nohman” Hardiman, the group’s leader. Nohman wants Dingo back. Dingo refuses, remembering comrades sacrificed by Nohman years ago. Nohman shoots him and leaves him to die.
Agent Ken Marinaris, a UNSF spy working undercover, saves Dingo by connecting his body to Jehuty. This forces Dingo to work in order to defeat BAHRAM. The setup is simple and effective, and it gives the game a clear through-line.
The game has a new director, Shuyo Murata, appointed by producer Hideo Kojima. The team aimed to answer the criticism the original game received. That meant adding more action elements and cutting the “world map” structure in favor of consecutive stages.
Fighting With Jehuty
The player controls Jehuty from a third-person view that locks onto enemies. Jehuty can attack multiple foes at once and grab objects from the environment to use as weapons. The combat is fast and fluid, and the game rewards players who learn the timing on attacks.
The stages are linear, with the player moving from one wave of robotic enemies to the next, then facing off against other Orbital Frames and combat vehicles. Between stages, the player can fully repair Jehuty by collecting Metatron and save progress. Destroying enemies grants experience points, and defeating bosses unlocks sub-weapons.
Performance is tracked after each mission with a letter rating. The entire game earns a final score. Extra Missions can be unlocked, and players can replay the game with any version of Jehuty they have upgraded.
What Works And What Doesn’t
The game’s strengths are its graphics and its action. The visuals hold up well, and the mech combat feels responsive. Players who enjoyed the original’s pacing may find the shorter length disappointing, but the focus on combat makes the game easier to sit through.
The presentation is where the game falls short. Some reviewers noted that the game felt unfinished, with a short campaign that left certain threads unresolved. The lack of a world map means there is less room for exploration, which some players may miss.
| Element | Zone of the Enders | Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Protecting civilians | Straight mech combat |
| Structure | World map | Linear stages |
| Director | Original team | Shuyo Murata, appointed by Kojima |
| Critical reception | Mixed | Generally favorable |
The game’s critical response was generally favorable, though not without reservations. Critics praised the graphics and gameplay but noted the short length and presentation issues. Sales were modest.
Comparing The Two Games
The two games share the same world and the same hero, but the design split is clear. Zone of the Enders asked players to protect people while fighting. The 2nd Runner asks players only to fight.
The change suits the sequel well. The combat is tighter, and the absence of civilian protection removes a layer of complication. But the loss of the world map means the game feels more contained, which some players may regret.
The game’s unlockable content, including the 3D remake of Gradius called Zoradius, adds replay value for completionists. Flying the Vic Viper through a tunnel of enemies, gathering powerups and fighting through Moai heads is a small but welcome addition.
Our Verdict On Zone Of The Enders: The 2nd Runner
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is a solid, if flawed, sequel. The mech combat is the best part, and the game delivers it with polish. The presentation issues keep it from greatness.
The game is worth playing for fans of the genre, especially those who want a focused action experience. For newcomers, the short length may be a barrier. But the core loop is strong enough to justify the time.
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