E3 2002Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner impressions

Konami held a private press event the day before E3 to briefly show off its upcoming lineup. One of the games on display was the sequel to last year's PlayStation 2 mech-combat action game, Zone of the Enders. Called Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner, this game is being developed by the same team that worked on the original, and is being overseen by Metal Gear designer Hideo Kojima. Likewise, all of the game's mechs (they're called "frames" in Zone of the Enders) are being designed by famed artist Yoji Shinkawa, whose previous work includes characters for Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, and the original Zone of the Enders.

The video didn't reveal too much of the game's plot, though we were able to extrapolate a few details. Apparently, Zone of the Enders 2 takes place on Mars during the year 2174. Mars resistance groups are being fiercely put down by BAHRAM, a colonization military force from Earth, and their only hope is a frame called Jehuty--the same one from the original game. Also making a return from Zone of the Enders is Viola, a villain from the original game, though her role in this sequel is unknown.

Zone of the Enders 2 has a much more noticeably cartoonlike look to it compared with the original. All the frames, for example, are subtly cel-shaded, and the characters are drawn in a classic Japanese anime style, rather than with prerendered graphics. Other changes from the original appear to be the ability for your frame to pick up and throw enemy mechs around, as well as the addition of very fast-paced hand-to-hand combat.

We'll have more on The 2nd Runner from the show floor of E3, but be sure to take a look at our new screenshots in the meantime.