Zone of the enders is a very known classic for the PlayStation community. The series was first launched for the PlayStation 2 and later on, it was remastered for the PlayStation 3. Unfortunately, even though the game was pretty popular on the PlayStation 2, it seemed like the PlayStation 3 gamers were moving on, searching for something new. With the new specs of PlayStation 4 and the ability to use the VR as an extra feature, it was time to retry regaining the popularity it once had….
Zone of the Enders for the PS4 is pretty similar to the original but it does have some new features. For example, the game will be playable in 4K which is a great way to experience high-quality character models and the environment. Better lighting effects and high textures will be a great addition to this fast-paced action game. They’ve also kept the geometry of the characters/environments in the game but they’ve just sharpened them. The game will also have a VR mode where you can play the whole single player campaign in VR. Since the game can be quite hectic, the game offers a “very easy” mode that will help new players experience the VR version in a better way. The single player game is about 6-8 hours long because no new “story content” has been developed.
Zone of the Enders does add a couple of new things: like a new hangar mode, cinematic view, and model view. The game allows you to view your battle armor “Jehuty” in VR within the hangar mode. The cinematic view is a mode you’ll unlock after you’ve finished the game. This lets you experience the different cutscenes of the story in VR. Then there’s the “model view” that allows the player to look at the redefined 3D models of the game’s characters. The developers also talked about an optional “Pro Mode” setup for your controller that allows the player to select his/her weaponry faster during this quick-paced combat.
Zone of the Enders: The Second Runner remastered will be released on the 6th of September for the PC and PlayStation 4. If you’re not convinced on what it offers, there is a demo for the PC ( steam) and PlayStation 4 ( PS Store).
My take on Zone of the Enders – The Second Runner
I played the game at Gamescom 2018 and it was running smoothly at a native 4K resolution. The character models and the environment were keen on the eyes as they got a bit of a graphical boost that’ll fit 4K perfectly. Due to the colors and the lighting on a 4K display, the combat effects look great. Since there wasn’t anything fairly new to the “original” aspect of the game, the developers also let me play the VR version.
The VR version has been done incredibly. You really feel like you’re the pilot in the battle armor because of the fact that you can see a HUB interface and of course a glimpse of your surroundings. The developers also created surround audio for this remaster to increase the immersion. They’ve also implemented an “easy mode” for the VR to make the battles a bit more accessible. The only thing I can mention is the fact that some players will have a bit of “motion sickness” if they’re not careful enough. It just takes a while to get used to all of the impulses you’re getting when you’re in the battle armor. There were no hiccups and the VR mode has different “features” that’ll help you orientate during your game session. I think VR might be the feature that’ll convince players to pick up the game and boost its popularity.
