DESCRIPTION

Zone of the Enders: 2nd Runner resumes two years after the events of the first title, with the discovery of the abandoned frame, Jehuty, on the Jovian moon of Callisto. Dingo Egret, a hardened pilot-cum-ice harvester, stumbles upon the craft during an invasion by the Bahram, and uses it to stave off the attack. Thereafter he becomes embroiled in a large-scale conflict that will see the return of enemies and faces from his past. High-speed combat remains an integral part of the title, and oftentimes players will find themselves outnumbered by scores of enemy Orbital Frames. Far from helpless, Jehuty is capable of executing an assortment of both melee and long-range attacks. Customizable multi-hit combos are augmented by grapple and throw maneuvers as well as the ability to utilize environmental objects as makeshift weapons. Incidental damage can be caused to the environment through various means (hurling an enemy frame into a building for example, will see it topple).

Governed by an energy gauge (which diminishes with use) instead of the constant need for ammunition as in the first, sub-weapons — of which there are 14 in all — such as Geyser, Decoy, Gauntlet, Halbred, Phalanx, and Comet can be employed in battle to considerable effect. Aided by the Artificial Intelligence system ADA, players will be presented with a host of assignments that run the gamut of rescue, defense, and offensive engagements. A plethora of unlockable extras provide the necessary stimulus to replay the title repeatedly, and include different Jehuty frames, hidden endings, and Extra Missions. Particular Orbital Frames from the single-player campaign can also be unearthed for use in the one-on-one fighting mode that pits two players against one another. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide