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Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner—M∀RS is a remastered, single-player 3D robot-action game set in 2174. You do not need to finish the first Zone of the Enders to start, and you can play the campaign on a normal PS4 or PC display without a VR headset. The important decisions are which platform fits your equipment, whether you want optional VR features, and whether your PC meets the Steam listing’s requirements.
This guide explains the sequel’s story setup, combat, editions, modes, hardware, connection needs and purchase checks so you can begin with realistic expectations.
What is The 2nd Runner?
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is the 2003 PlayStation 2 sequel to Zone of the Enders. The M∀RS edition is a remaster based on the HD version. Cygames identified the original sequel as a 2003 title when announcing the newer release, while Konami described M∀RS as a version with enhanced graphics and re-engineered audio for current consoles and PCs.
The setting is the year 2174. The military organization BAHRAM uses Orbital Frame robot technology to exert control over Mars and Earth. You pilot the Orbital Frame Jehuty against that organization. That premise gives you the essential context for the action, but the available official descriptions do not establish that a newcomer must complete the first game to understand or play the sequel.
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Do you have to play the first game?
No requirement to complete the first game is documented. If you already own it and want the series in release order, playing it first is a reasonable preference. If you are mainly interested in high-speed robot combat, M∀RS is presented as a standalone sequel release and can be your entry point. Avoid expecting this guide to provide a detailed continuity recap: the official material establishes the sequel relationship and premise, not a complete account of every returning character or plot connection.
What the combat is like
Konami characterizes the game as fast-paced, high-speed 3D robot action. Jehuty fights in three-dimensional arenas rather than moving through a conventional two-dimensional action-game lane. Your toolset combines close and long-range attacks with movement and defensive options.
- Melee attacks: close combat for enemies within Jehuty’s reach.
- Ranged attacks: weapons for engaging targets at a distance.
- Sub-weapons: additional offensive tools that expand how you approach encounters.
- Mobility: rapid movement is central to positioning and evasion.
- Shielding: a defensive option for surviving incoming attacks.
- Teleportation: a movement ability that helps Jehuty reposition quickly.
The combination means the game is not simply a shooter with a robot skin. You are expected to switch between distance, melee range, movement and defense while tracking threats in three dimensions. Players looking for a slower, menu-driven role-playing game should choose with that pace in mind.
Onboarding and difficulty options
Konami’s launch material lists a Pro Mode controller setup, training modules, a mini-map and a Very Easy setting. Very Easy was presented as an option for people who want to focus on the cinematic story experience or who are new to VR. It is an accessibility and onboarding choice, not a statement that the entire game is intended only for beginners.
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The training modules and mini-map are especially useful if you are unfamiliar with three-dimensional robot combat. A sensible first session is to use training to learn movement, melee, ranged attacks, sub-weapons, shielding and teleportation before raising the difficulty.
What M∀RS adds
M∀RS is the remaster release for PlayStation 4 and PC through Steam. Konami’s description emphasizes 4K visuals and remastered or re-engineered audio. The release is therefore aimed at presenting the 2003 sequel with upgraded audiovisual output rather than replacing its core action design.
Its VR features are optional ways to experience the game and its presentation:
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- A 3D hangar for viewing Jehuty and the game’s mechanical setting.
- A 3D model viewer for examining models.
- A cinematic theater for revisiting story sequences.
These features make VR attractive if you want a more immersive presentation or a separate way to revisit scenes. They do not make a headset a prerequisite for the standard campaign on PS4 or PC.
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Documented VR hardware
Konami support documents PlayStation VR on PS4. On Steam/PC, it lists Oculus and HTC Vive support. Hardware compatibility can change with operating-system, driver and storefront updates, so check the current platform listing for your specific headset before buying.
Platforms, displays and modes
| Option | What is documented | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 standard display | PS4 edition; VR is optional | Your console, display and current regional availability |
| PS4 with PlayStation VR | PlayStation VR support is documented | Compatible PS VR hardware and current console support |
| Steam PC standard display | PC edition through Steam; XInput controller required | Windows version, GPU, RAM, controller, storage and storefront listing |
| Steam PC with VR | Oculus and HTC Vive support is listed | Headset, drivers and a GPU suitable for the listing’s VR guidance |
The game is documented as single-player, with shared/split-screen PvP listed on Steam. Cygames’ announcement clarifies that only Versus mode supports two players. The campaign is not documented as cooperative, and VR does not support two players.
Campaign versus Versus
Plan on playing the story campaign alone. If you want a second player, use the separate Versus mode where supported. Do not buy the game expecting two-player campaign progression. Likewise, entering VR does not turn the campaign into a two-player experience; the documented VR limitation excludes two-player play.
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PC requirements and connection needs
Steam’s posted requirements specify a 64-bit Windows system, at least 4 GB of RAM and a GeForce GTX 680 minimum GPU. The listing gives higher recommended specifications and notes that its recommended figures assume 1920×1080 output. It also says proper VR performance requires a GeForce GTX 1060 or higher.
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| Requirement | Steam listing detail | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows | A 32-bit installation does not meet the posted requirement; verify your current Windows support. |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM minimum | More memory may be needed for your operating system and background applications. |
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 680 minimum | Meeting minimum specifications does not guarantee ideal settings or frame rate. |
| VR graphics | GeForce GTX 1060 or higher for proper VR performance | VR has a higher graphics requirement than the basic minimum. |
| Controller | XInput controller required | Use an XInput-compatible gamepad rather than assuming every generic controller will work. |
| Recommended resolution assumption | 1920×1080 | Interpret recommended performance in the context of that resolution. |
| Storage capacity | Not stated in the supplied Steam requirement details | Check the current Steam listing before installing. |
Steam requires an internet connection for the initial startup. After that first launch, its support information says the game can be played offline. PS4 can be played without an online connection. You should still allow for platform updates, account setup and downloads when preparing a new installation.
PC setup checklist
- Confirm that Windows is 64-bit and supported by the current Steam client.
- Compare your GPU with the GTX 680 minimum; if you plan to use VR, compare it with the GTX 1060-or-higher guidance instead.
- Confirm at least 4 GB of RAM and leave additional memory available for Windows and other programs.
- Connect an XInput-compatible controller before launching.
- Check the current Steam listing for storage, updated operating-system support and any changed requirements.
- Complete the first startup while connected to the internet, then test offline play if that is important to you.
Choosing PS4 or Steam PC
Choose PS4 when
- You already own a PS4 and want the simplest fixed-hardware setup.
- You want the documented PlayStation VR option without configuring a gaming PC.
- You prefer a physical console release where a current local listing is available.
Choose Steam PC when
- Your computer meets the posted CPU, memory, graphics and Windows requirements.
- You already have an XInput controller.
- You want the flexibility of standard display or supported PC VR and accept an internet connection for first startup.
Neither choice is automatically superior. The deciding factors are your existing hardware, display or headset, controller, preferred purchase format and the current availability in your region.
Physical PS4 versus digital PC purchase
Konami documented a physical PS4 edition. Its May 15, 2018 announcement said that, for a limited time, the physical release in the Americas included a holographic cover and an embroidered triangle patch, excluding Brazil. That was launch information, not a guarantee about current new or used listings. The available material does not verify today’s inventory, prices, sellers or regional stock.
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Steam is a digital purchase through the local storefront. Steam distinguishes regional releases and lists audio and subtitle languages by region, so open your local store page before paying if language support matters. Do not assume that a language shown in another country’s listing will be included in yours.
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Launch dates and edition context
Konami’s 2018 announcements place the Americas launch on September 4, 2018 and the global launch on September 6, 2018. These dates explain when M∀RS released; they do not describe current store stock or support policy. Cygames’ 2017 announcement identified M∀RS as a remaster of the 2003 sequel and said the new version was based on the HD version.
“ZONE OF THE ENDERS: The 2nd RUNNER – M∀RS is the remaster of the original title with beautifully enhanced graphics and re-engineered audio made for next-generation consoles and PCs.”
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., May 15, 2018 release announcement
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Before you buy: a decision checklist
- Decide whether you want story action or multiplayer. The campaign is single-player; two-player support is confined to Versus mode.
- Decide whether VR is a priority. VR is optional. Select PS4 PlayStation VR or supported PC headsets only if you specifically want the documented VR presentation.
- Check your platform. Officially documented editions are PS4 and Steam PC.
- Check PC hardware. Verify 64-bit Windows, 4 GB RAM minimum, the GTX 680 minimum GPU, and GTX 1060-or-higher guidance for proper VR performance.
- Prepare the controller. Steam lists an XInput controller requirement.
- Plan the first launch. Steam needs internet for initial startup; PS4 does not require an online connection for play.
- Verify local language and stock. Regional storefronts can differ in availability, audio and subtitles. Current prices and inventory are not established by the launch announcements.
- Choose your starting difficulty. Use training modules, the mini-map and Very Easy if you want a gentler introduction or a story-focused first run.
Who should play it?
M∀RS fits players who want cinematic science-fiction presentation wrapped around rapid 3D robot battles, with melee, ranged weapons, sub-weapons and high mobility. It is also a practical entry point for someone who has not played the first game, because no completion requirement is documented and the sequel’s premise is clearly identified.
It is a less obvious fit if your main goal is cooperative story play, because the campaign is single-player, or if you expect VR to provide a two-player mode, because the documented VR setup does not support two players. Confirm your platform’s current requirements and regional listing before purchase, then begin with the training tools if three-dimensional combat is unfamiliar.
Quick Recap
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