We've all heard the term "interactive movie" applied to games. Zone of the Enders: The Second Runner may well be the first ever "interactive anime." However, unlike most games to which the term "cinematic" is attributed, (such as The Bouncer, or even Hideo Kojima's very own Metal Gear Solid 2) ZOE 2 does a superb job of combining epic storytelling with blazing fast gameplay.
Continuing the story exactly where ZOE left off, The Second Runner sees the war for Martian independence degenerate into a mad grab for power by the leader of the rebellion, who has now been corrupted by the power of metatron – the energy source that fuels all Orbital Frames. Orbital Frames may be more familiar to many as "giant robots that blow up everything." Bucking the latest trend for Konami games, The Second Runner actually continues the storyline of the ZOE series in a coherent manner. After MGS 2 and Silent Hill 2, who would have thought?! Having said that, it is not a must to play through ZOE the first in order to understand ZOE the second, but those who have will note many small additions that help to make the game feel like the next chapter of an ongoing tale of robot mayhem.
At its core, the gameplay of The Second Runner is practically identical to that of its predecessor, but through the prudent use of gameplay variety, it seems like a whole new franchise. While the original ZOE was enjoyable, it sometimes degenerated into a tedious cycle of fetch quests and lackluster boss fights, during which you would have to die 3-4 times before knowing what to do. This is not the case with The Second Runner, which sees you taking on a new type of task every few gameplay "sequences" or so. From escorting/towing a downed frame through a collapsing lava pit, to destroying an entire warfleet of battleships on your own, there is always something new and fresh to experience. Throw in some of the most exquisite boss battles in recent history, and The Second Runner's gameplay is top notch.
ZOE 2 also features some of the best presentation and production values to be seen on the PS2. Lovingly designed character and frame designs give personality to robots, the voice acting is a clear improvement over the often-whiny characters in the first game, and both the musical score and weapon effects are breathtaking in the purest sense of the word.
The Second Runner is a clear indication of what a sequel can and should be, and is heartily recommended to any fan of the series, anime, or just action games in general.
-George
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