Zone of Enders (1 & 2 review)

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eviltoylet

CAG Veteran
Frankly, I'm quite pleased with both games. The second one is much better than the first, but I would assume that anyone who hasn't played the first before the second would miss out on the storyline. Rather then write a full out review, I've decided to just summarize below.

Zone of Enders
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Pros:
- innovative gameplay (reminded me a bit of Virtual On)
- wicked soundtrack
- controls are easy
- cinematic storytelling
- cool bosses

Cons:
- Graphics aren't that great
- Too much backtracking and wandering
- Too little enemy variety
- Side missions feel tacked on (no effect on game)
- repetitive environments
- crappy ending

Zone of Enders 2nd Runner
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Pros:
- picks up after 1st game
- great graphics and coolness factor on weapons (vector cannon!)
- great ending
- lots of environments
- cinematic story tellings
- great boss fights, epic scenarios

Cons:
None

In short, I really loved the second game and must say that it is one of the best games on PS2 that I have played to date. I think it's a perfect length (around 8 hours) and anymore would be too repetitive.
 
You know, I really never played much of the second game... just haven't had the time and I guess I must've forgotten about it or something. I need to get on that.
 
I only played the second game in the series and enjoyed it quite a bit. There were a few cons though. Mainly the camera, and the last 2 boss fights (i.e. the final boss in 2 different scenerios) was a major letdown. Otherwise I was fairly impressed with the game and it sure looks pretty.
 
The second game really is a huge improvement, a truly great sequel.

I do think the first needs to be played though, it adds to the mood of the second.
 
[quote name='willardhaven']The second game really is a huge improvement, a truly great sequel.

I do think the first needs to be played though, it adds to the mood of the second.[/quote]
I played them in reverse order, 2nd then 1st. I'd say it's not too big a deal if you skip over 1 storywise. Besides isn't there a summary video of the plot of ZoE1 on the sequel disc? Anyone play the GBA Fist of Mars? Does it explain at all the backstory of Dingo?
 
Replay value?

My brother rented the first one when it came out, hasn't had a need to play it again ever.

He owns the 2nd one, played it, beat it, and I have not seen him ever play it again.

How would people rate the replay value? These seem like short enough games to just rent for a few bucks instead of spending big bucks to own them, at least that is the impression I have.
 
They're short games, yes, but I have no doubt that I'd definitely play ZOE and ZOE 2 again in the future and still enjoy them as much as I did the first time. They're simply very entertaining games with fantastic combat systems that I can't imagine not wanting to play again.
 
[quote name='guardian_owl'] Does it explain at all the backstory of Dingo?[/quote]

(Maybe) The Dingo ate your baby.
 
I played and beat ZOE:1, it was cool, had style and good gameplay but the story was dull, short (beat it in one sitting), and forgetable. The only reason I bought it was for the MGS2 Demo. Then ZOE: 2 came along, and holy crap it's like night and day. The gameplay was boosted up to be addictive and fun, the anime that was drawn for the game was high quality, the voice acting (although sketchy at times) was done well, and the story kept you hooked (it's kojima, duh). Well worth the investment if you haven't played it.

1 was a flop. 2 was a viagra overdose.

Well worth 20 bucks.
 
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