Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS is a third-person PC mech action game built around high-speed aerial combat, lock-on targeting, and close-range sword attacks. The current Steam listing uses the regional title ZONE OF THE ENDERS THE 2nd RUNNER : M∀RS; in Japan, the same remaster is sold as ANUBIS ZONE OF THE ENDERS : M∀RS. It is a complete remaster of Konami's fast-paced Orbital Frame game, with native 4K presentation, full VR support, and revised audio.

Fast Mech Combat With A Clear Rhythm

You pilot Jehuty, an advanced Orbital Frame seized from the BAHRAM military organization. The basic loop is direct: lock onto enemies, close the distance, cut through targets with Jehuty's energy blade, then switch to ranged attacks or sub-weapons when the battlefield opens up.

Combat takes place in three-dimensional arenas and corridors rather than traditional mech-simulation environments. Jehuty can boost, dash, rise, descend, guard, grab targets, and transition quickly between melee and ranged attacks. The result is closer to a character-action game than a slow tactical robot simulator, with high-speed movement, lock-on combat, and large enemy groups defining most encounters.

Enemy variety gives the simple control structure more depth. Flying Orbital Frames, small hostile units, heavy machines, and boss encounters require different spacing and weapon choices. The most effective approach is rarely to stand still and trade damage; players must read attack patterns, maintain awareness of surrounding targets, and use Jehuty's mobility to control the fight.

Jehuty's Weapons And Combat Systems

Jehuty's main weapons cover several combat situations. The energy blade is the primary tool at close range, while the armament system supports ranged fire and a selection of sub-weapons with distinct tactical uses. Some attacks are designed for single targets, while others help manage groups or create room when enemies surround the frame.

The remaster adds the optional Pro Mode controller layout, which makes sub-weapon selection faster during rapid engagements. A Very Easy difficulty setting is also included for players who want to focus on the story or are new to the game's unusual movement system. Training modules and a mini-map provide useful support that was not part of the original presentation in the same form.

Progression is not based on loot tiers, open-world exploration, or a large equipment tree. Jehuty remains the central playable machine, and the appeal comes from learning its move set, mastering sub-weapon timing, and handling increasingly demanding battles. This makes the game a strong fit for players who prefer authored combat challenges over long-term character building.

Story Campaign And Unlockable Modes

The campaign follows Dingo Egret after he discovers Jehuty during a conflict on Mars. The plot involves BAHRAM, rival Orbital Frames, military factions, and a cast presented through anime-styled cutscenes and dialogue. The story is intentionally dramatic and pulpy, with the presentation leaning into its science-fiction anime identity rather than realistic military detail.

The main campaign is a focused single-player experience built from connected missions, arena battles, boss encounters, and story sequences. Replay value comes from higher difficulty settings, combat mastery, training content, and unlockable extras rather than a branching open-world structure.

Steam lists shared or split-screen PvP among the game's features. The versus content is separate from the main campaign and is intended for local competitive play. Players looking for online co-op or a persistent multiplayer progression system should not treat MARS as a cooperative mech game.

4K, VR, And PC Presentation

The defining PC upgrade is full VR support. In VR, the game places the player directly inside Jehuty's cockpit and presents the action from a first-person viewpoint. The standard mode remains a third-person game, so VR is an alternative way to experience the campaign rather than a requirement for normal play.

Additional VR content includes a 3D Hangar, a 3D Model Viewer, and a Cinematic Theater for revisiting story material in a virtual environment. The remaster also provides native 4K support and updated surround sound, including Dolby Atmos support on PC according to Konami's support information.

A compatible gamepad is the practical input choice, particularly for players who want precise control over boosting, elevation, camera movement, and rapid sub-weapon changes. Steam lists full controller support and identifies an XInput controller as required for the PC version. Keyboard and mouse use is not the focus of the design, so players should approach this as a controller-first action game.

Current PC Edition And Localization

The PC edition is sold as a complete premium game rather than a free-to-play product. Steam identifies KONAMI and Cygames as the developers, with KONAMI as publisher. The listing does not present a season-pass structure or a large collection of paid gameplay expansions; the remaster's additional value comes from its visual, audio, VR, training, and mode upgrades.

The current Steam release includes Denuvo Anti-tamper, requires agreement to a third-party EULA, and uses Steam for distribution and initial activation. Konami's support information states that the PC edition requires an online connection for first startup, after which it can be played without remaining connected.

Steam lists English and Japanese full audio, with interface and subtitle support covering English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Japanese on the regional product listing. Players should still check the language table attached to their local storefront account, because regional product text can differ between the Japanese and non-Japanese editions.

Who Should Play It?

MARS is a good choice for players who want anime-style mecha combat, compact mission-based structure, dramatic boss fights, and a powerful playable robot that feels agile rather than heavy. It is particularly suited to fans of older console action games who value mechanical immediacy and replaying difficult encounters to improve their execution.

It is less suitable for players expecting detailed mech construction, realistic simulation, open-ended exploration, online co-op, or a modern action RPG progression system. The campaign is tightly authored, the control scheme takes practice, and the storytelling has the heightened tone associated with science-fiction anime.

Similar Mech Action Games On PC

Players who want a broader mission framework, heavier customization, and more demanding mech encounters should compare MARS with mission-driven mech action in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Armored Core VI offers deeper loadout planning and a more substantial combat campaign, while MARS concentrates on one highly capable frame and rapid arena-to-arena momentum.

For another compact science-fiction action game built around fast three-dimensional movement and a transforming combat machine, transforming space combat in Strike Suit Zero is a useful comparison. Its mission structure and target management differ from Jehuty's sword-focused battles, but both games reward movement, prioritization, and learning when to commit to an aggressive attack.

Zone Of The Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS FAQ

What is the current PC title?

The current non-Japanese Steam title is ZONE OF THE ENDERS THE 2nd RUNNER : M∀RS. Japan uses the title ANUBIS ZONE OF THE ENDERS : M∀RS. Both refer to the same enhanced remaster of The 2nd Runner.

Is MARS a remake or a remaster?

It is a remaster of the existing The 2nd Runner experience. The PC edition adds native 4K presentation, complete VR support, updated audio, a Pro controller layout, Very Easy difficulty, training modules, a mini-map, and additional VR viewing features.

Does the PC version support VR?

Yes. The complete campaign can be played in VR, with the player placed inside Jehuty's cockpit. The PC version supports SteamVR hardware, while normal third-person play remains available without a headset.

Does it have multiplayer or co-op?

The main campaign is single-player. The Steam listing also identifies shared or split-screen PvP, referring to the separate versus content rather than online co-op or a cooperative story campaign.

What kind of game is it?

It is a third-person action game with hack-and-slash and shooter elements. Its central systems are lock-on targeting, aerial movement, melee sword combat, ranged attacks, sub-weapons, boss encounters, and escalating difficulty.

Is a controller recommended on PC?

Yes. The PC version is designed around gamepad controls, and Steam lists an XInput controller requirement. The Pro Mode layout is especially useful for switching sub-weapons during fast combat.