The Zone of the Enders games were Hideo Kojima’s interregnum titles, both of which came out in the periods between Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3. Both games center around the Orbital Frame Jehuty, a powerful flying mecha that lies at the centre of a growing conflict between the various factions of the Solar System in the future. The titular ‘zone’ of the Enders is the orbits of Mars, Jupiter, and the asteroid belt that separates them. Jupiter is the farthest extreme of human colonization as of the late 2100’s, and people who live and work that far out (such as our two protagonists, Leo Stenbuck and Dingo Egret) are referred to as ‘Enders,’ no doubt an allusion to the sci-fi novel Ender’s Game by notable crazy person Orson Scott Card. Both Zone of the Enders and its sequel, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner largely flew under the radar back in the heyday of the PlayStation 2. It’s a franchise that many people know about, but relatively few have actually played, so I’m glad to see both games getting a second lease on life, even if it’s only to hock Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and drum up interest for the nebulous Zone of the Enders 3.
Hideo Kojima is widely known as a video games auteur, but what are his best games outside the Metal Gear franchise?
More than a decade since release, Zone of the Enders: HD Collection remains your best opportunity to enjoy the games on modern consoles.
I loved 2nd Runner back in the day on the PS2.I tiried playing it again years later on the PS4 and I just couldn't get into it. I don't know what happened. The game just felt janky to me.
I have the ps4 edition of 2nd runner(Mars) and it runs great. But i guess if you want to play the original you need the collection.
The war and taking down the fleet sections are highlights that i still remember to this day. Maybe Armoured Core VI will have some dope sections like that.
Runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck. Doesn't feel too old or constricted on the small screen.
Absolutely loved these games. Bought the first ZoE because of the MGS2 demo, and ended up loving the game that came with the demo! Haha but ZoE 2 has a special place in my heart. The mix of 3D and anime style cell shading at the time on Ps2 was NEXT LEVEL. I beat it in one sitting on a Sunday afternoon and will always remember that game. Hard as sh** but improved on the first in every way and had some very cool easter eggs.
The September Games with Gold lineup is here! On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, battle the Chaos Gods and their horde of bestiaries in Warhammer: Chaosbane, and embark on an epic quest in Mulaka.
Mulaka looks interesting. Never played a ZoE game and SS2 is prob my favorite of the SS games.
Chaosbane is a great get, IMHO. Definitely one of those "not a must-buy but definitely want to try" games. It's got the usual Warhammer game baseline of rerunning missions and whatnot, but a different style of diablo-esque than normal that was enjoyable.
I have owned Zone of the Enders collection. I encourage you to try it. It’s corny in a good way and not very long games.
I own ZOE physical nice to have the digital to downloaded to launch when I want to play it. The same with Samurai Showdown.
Looking forward to trying out ChaosBane
Good month for GWG
Never played the games the first time around but I'm hearing good things about the collection so maybe I'll pick this up sometime.
I missed these games before looking forward to this collection
Second game is supposed to be great. Might be worth a look for that alone.