Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
Developer(s)Konami Computer Entertainment Japan[a]
Publisher(s)Konami
Director(s)Shuyo Murata
Producer(s)Hideo Kojima
Artist(s)Yoji Shinkawa
Nobuyoshi Nishimura
Writer(s)Shuyo Murata
Ryosaku Ueno
Kensuke Yoshitomi
Composer(s)Maki Kirioka
Akihiro Honda
Toshiyuki Kakuta
Norihiko Hibino
SeriesZone of the Enders
Platform(s)PlayStation 2
PlayStation 3 (HD)
Xbox 360 (HD)
Microsoft Windows
PlayStation 4
Release
February 13, 2003
  • PlayStation 2
    Initial release
    • JP: February 13, 2003
    • NA: March 11, 2003[1]
    Special Edition
    • EU: September 26, 2003
    • JP: January 15, 2004
    HD Collection
    PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
    • JP: October 25, 2012[2]
    • NA: October 30, 2012
    • EU: November 30, 2012[3]
    • AU: December 6, 2012
    Remaster
    Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4
    • NA: September 4, 2018[4]
    • WW: September 6, 2018[4]
Genre(s)Third-person shooter, hack and slash
Mode(s)Single-player, Multiplayer

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, known in Japan as Anubis: Zone of the Enders[b], is a third-person shooter hack and slash video game that was 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 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 resulted in The 2nd Runner having more action elements.

The game received generally favorable critical response due to the improvements it has in comparison 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 Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4. It features enhanced graphics with 4K resolution and VR headset support, as well as an updated sound design supporting surround sound.

  1. ^ "Konami Ships Zone of The Enders: The 2nd Runner for Playstation 2". GameZone. 2012-05-04. Archived from the original on 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2023-03-04.
  2. ^ Vaugh.H (May 25, 2012). "Zone of the Enders HD Dated". TheGamersHub.net. Archived from the original on June 5, 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  3. ^ "News "Zone of the Enders HD Collection gets UK release date!" - Konami". uk.games.konami-europe.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  4. ^ a b McWhertor, Mike (May 15, 2018). "Zone of the Enders 2 remaster coming in September (update)". Polygon. Archived from the original on May 16, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2018.


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