History YMMV / ZoneOfTheEnders

* FanNickname: The [[CompilationRerelease HD Collection]] has coined "UsefulNotes/HighDefinition [[HumongousMecha Robot]] {{Action|Game}}" by the Zone of the Enders: The Unofficial Site as a play on ''The 2nd Runner''[='=]s TagLine.

** In a cutscene in ''The 2nd Runner'' where Dingo meets face-to-face with Nohman since leaving BAHRAM, Nohman shoots him in the heart, lungs, and air supply tank in response to his refusal to rejoin under his command, with globs of his blood floating in the hallway in front of Ken as he's dying. While it may not be on the same level as ''Film/RoboCop1987'', it's still pretty gruesome to watch and is probably the only reason why it was rated M back then.

** In the ''M∀RS'' remaster, there's a Hanger mode among its new unlockable bonus contents where players can play as Dingo and explore around the Deimos station area from his POV. There's only one problem: [[CantLiveWithoutYou he cannot survive for very long outside of Jehuty's cockpit]] supplying energy to his artificial heart and lungs. If players do not get back inside Jehuty's cockpit, they'll first be warned by ADA that he is steadily losing oxygen and the condition of his health. This is soon followed by his heartbeats becoming increasingly audible, his vision becoming darker and limited, and Ken begging for Dingo to get back inside Jehuty's cockpit. If the player does not get back in time, [[TheNothingAfterDeath they can witness him die from oxygen deprivation]] before starting back onboard the cockpit.

* SoOkayItsAverage: The first game isn't bad by any means, but it feels more like a tech demo than a full-fledged game. It also has some pretty noticeable issues like the S.O.S missions and backtracking (which feel more like padding to disguise the very short length of the game), repetitive gameplay with poor enemy variety, as well as the poor localization and voice acting making it difficult to be invested in the story and characters, not helped by Leo being a contentious main character already.

** In a cutscene in ''The 2nd Runner'' where Dingo meets face-to-face with Nohman since leaving BAHRAM, Nohman shoots him in the heart, lungs, and air supply tank, with globs of his blood floating in the hallway in front of Ken as he's dying. While it may not be on the same level as ''Film/RoboCop1987'', it's still pretty gruesome to watch and is probably the only reason why it was rated M back then.

* PolishedPort: [=PlayStation=] 3 version of ''The 2nd Runner'' after the Hexa Drive patch. ''The 2nd Runner'' runs at the intended 1080p quality with smoother frame-rate oppose to being upscaled to 720p with frame-rate issues (see below). Xbox 360 owners were unfortunately left out of said patch. The ''M∀RS'' remaster for [=PlayStation=] 4 and PC improved the visuals even further with 4K presentation, higher resolution textures, revamped effects, and remastered surround 5.1 sound presentation, while the PC version has various graphics settings including some PC-exclusive visual effects such as optional motion blur, film grain, and screen space ambient occlusion and reflections. The ''M∀RS'' remaster also added a few other features such as revised tutorials, a new "[[EasierThanEasy Very Easy]]" mode for beginners, a togglable mini-map during gameplay, a "PRO" control scheme, and an updated ZORADIUS mini-game.

** The HD Collection suffers from technical and frame-rate issues on both the [=PlayStation=] 3 and Xbox 360, but the former's version of ''The 2nd Runner'' was hit the hardest. The [=PlayStation=] 3 version suffered from frame-rate stability issues running at most 30-40 FPS (if not less) whereas the Xbox 360 version ran at 50-55 FPS until the action really intensifies; the frame-rate on the [=PlayStation 2=] originals still runs better than both versions of the HD Collection, going against Konami's original promise of presenting the games in full HD at 60 FPS. The problems in the [=PlayStation=] 3 version of the ''The 2nd Runner'' was finally addressed in July 2013 with Hexa Drive's 2.0 patch. Unfortunately, Xbox 360 owners didn't get the patch and the first game went unaddressed.

* RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap: Leo Stenbuck had quite a hatedom in the first game due to how he is against fighting and his multiple arguments with Elena and company, not helped by his poor English VA. However, he matured in ''The 2nd Runner'' where he is not only hot-headed, but is determined to save ADA, and a skilled pilot regardless of piloting a weaker Frame, an important supporting character but also has one more passable English voice ([[SugarWiki/HeReallyCanAct Yet it's apparently the same one from the previous game]]). In Japanese, he is voiced by Creator/KenichiSuzumura.

* ThatOneLevel: Any time there are friendlies, but especially the massive battlefield clash in ''The 2nd Runner''. Not only are Jehuty's controls not made for avoiding collateral damage, and ADA isn't too picky on what she locks onto. This creates one of the few cases where things would be substantially easier if they'd just let you fight an army at once on your own. Also, to get an S rank, you must beat it ''without'' anyone dying.
** The Homing Missiles might help, but can be taxing your sub-energy... unless you're [[GodMode Naked]] [[InfinityPlusOneSword Jehuty]].

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lahoYnOGxYg&fmt=18 Beyond the Bounds]] from ''The 2nd Runner'' is an awesome opening.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_znPjprsH8 Hiai Naru Tougi]] from ''Idolo/Dolores, i'' is intense beyond all rational thought.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPE8EesftLg Kiss Me Sunlights]], the opening song from the original. Somehow manages to be chilling, somewhat haunting yet equally bombastic that encapsulates the sci-fi setting and prepares the player for the high action experience.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6fDUwOpa5M Flowing Destiny (Ending Theme 1)]] is just a beautiful song that complements the ending's simultaneous tones of sadness and hope [[spoiler: as ADA reveals her upcoming duty on Mars is a suicide mission just as ADA and Leo had begun to bond, devastating the young Runner; but Celviche (Leo's childhood friend and companion for most the game who was shot by Viola) is recovering from her injury and happily reunites with him.]]

** Nohman Ridley is the leader of the extremist Martian faction called BAHRAM. He causes countless destruction in the name of freeing Mars and has no qualm about sending his minions to death in order to achieve his goals. Then, it is later revealed that not only does Nohman not care about Mars' independence at all but also wants to wipe out the entire solar system with [[DoomsdayDevice the Aumaan]]. Even if one takes madness induced by the Metatron into account, it's clear that Ridley is a power-hungry madman who will stop at nothing to achieve his ambition, as shown when he sent Dingo and his teammates on a suicide mission just so he can eliminate competition for the leadership in BAHRAM. This particular incident happened before Anubis and Jehuty were made.

* EvenBetterSequel: ''[[ActionizedSequel The 2nd Runner]]'' is probably more well-known than the first game, given how it rectified many of the issues in the first game. Doesn't help the fact that the first game was bought mainly for the ''[[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid2SonsOfLiberty Metal Gear Solid 2]]'' demo...

** Leo from the first game was poorly received by many players because of his reluctance to kill and whiny attitude. In ''2nd Runner'' he is replaced by Dingo, who is older, more mature and a former soldier who has no qualms with fighting.

** The second game can be finished in under an hour and you get a bonus for doing so.

* NightmareFuel: In the opening of ''The 2nd Runner'', Dingo getting shot four times by Nohman. While it may not be on the same level as ''Film/RoboCop1987'', it's still pretty gruesome to watch and is probably the only reason why it was rated M back then.

* PolishedPort: [=PlayStation=] 3 version of ''The 2nd Runner'' after the Hexa Drive patch. ''The 2nd Runner'' runs at the intended 1080p quality with smoother frame-rate oppose to being up-scaled to 720p with frame-rate issues (see below). Xbox 360 owners were unfortunately left out of said patch. The ''M∀RS'' remaster for [=PlayStation=] 4 and PC improved the visuals even further with 4K presentation, higher resolution textures, revamped effects, and remastered surround 5.1 sound presentation, while the PC version has various graphics settings including some PC-exclusive features such as motion blur, film grain, and screen space ambient occlusion and reflections. The ''M∀RS'' remaster also added a few other features such as revised tutorials, a new "[[EasierThanEasy Very Easy]]" mode for beginners, a togglable mini-map during gameplay, a "PRO" control scheme, and an updated ZORADIUS mini-game.

** The HD Collection suffered from technical and frame-rate issues on both the [=PlayStation=] 3 and Xbox 360, but the former's version of ''The 2nd Runner'' was hit the hardest. The [=PlayStation=] 3 version suffered from frame-rate stability issues running at most 30-40 FPS (if not less) whereas the Xbox 360 version ran at 50-55 FPS until the action really intensifies; the frame-rate on the [=PlayStation 2=] originals still runs better than both versions of the HD Collection, going against Konami's original promise of presenting the games in full 60 FPS. The problems in the [=PlayStation=] 3 version of the ''The 2nd Runner'' was finally addressed in July 2013 with Hexa Drive's 2.0 patch. Unfortunately, Xbox 360 owners didn't get the patch.
** Downplayed on the PC version of ''M∀RS'', due to the port being designed for 5.1 surround sound rather than basic 2.0 stereo presentation like in the original, the game's audio ends up being much quieter when playing on stereo speakers unless you're playing on headphones or a 5.1 surround sound setup. The game also does not allow for keyboard rebinding, nor does it tell players anywhere what the bindings are for the game itself, and some players also encountered issues with the positive/negative response feature when using the left and right thumbstick buttons.

** [[spoiler:Anubis and Aumaan Anubis in the final areas of ''The 2nd Runner''. You only have [[FlashStep Zero Shift]] available, all other sub-weapons had been destroyed by Aumaan, including [[WaveMotionGun Vector Cannon]] which could bust through the boss' shield with ease. In the time trial mode, none of the sub-weapons work on him. Its [[ThatOneAttack zig-zagging homing lasers]] are a bitch to dodge moving around all sorts of directions and the damage is punishing if you get caught into a barrage of them. As Aumaan Anubis, its Burst Shot homing capabilities are even persistent, so simply trying to dodge isn't going to cut it unless you shoot it. Worse still is Aumaan Anubis' [[HealingFactor ability to recover energy]] while protecting itself in an impenetrable shield if you don't shoot down the Aumaan panels.]]

* ThatOneSideQuest: The S.O.S. missions of the first game. Basically you have to clear out the enemies taking over a particular area while avoiding collateral damage. Sounds easy at first until you find out that giant mechs aren't good at preventing the latter. Often you're liable for something to go wrong and you'll be penalised for it, be it one misfired attack or enemies attacking a certain section of the area that you couldn't get to in time. Skipping the missions outright doesn't help if you're trying to get the good ending as civilians and buildings will be wasted over time if left unnoticed.

** Most people also buy the HD Collection just for ''The 2nd Runner'' alone. The [=PlayStation=] Store also carries the HD Edition of each game individually, so it's no surprise which game will sell more than the other.

** Downplayed on the PC version of ''M∀RS'', due to the port being designed for 5.1 surround sound rather than basic 2.0 stereo presentation like in the original, the game's audio ends up being much quieter when playing on stereo speakers unless you're playing on headphones or a 5.1 surround sound setup.

* NightmareFuel: In the opening of ''The 2nd Runner'', Dingo getting shot four times by Nohman. While it may not be on the same level as ''Film/RoboCop1987'', it's still pretty gruesome to watch and is pretty much the only reason why it was rated M back then.

* NightmareFuel: In the opening of ''The 2nd Runner'', Dingo getting shot four times by Nohman. While it may not be on the same level as ''Film/RoboCop1987'', it's still pretty gruesome to watch and is pretty much the only reason why it was rated M back then.

** Leo constantly whining about how he won't kill anyone whilst flying around in Jehuty blowing up unmanned Orbital Frames. (On the bright side, at least it averts WhatMeasureIsAMook.)

* PolishedPort: [=PlayStation=] 3 version of ''The 2nd Runner'' after the Hexa Drive patch. ''The 2nd Runner'' now runs at the intended 1080p quality with smoother frame-rate oppose to being up-scaled at 720p with frame-rate issues (see below). Xbox 360 owners are unfortunately left out. The ''M∀RS'' remaster for [=PlayStation=] 4 and PC improved the visuals even further with 4K presentation, higher resolution textures, revamped effects, and remastered surround 5.1 sound presentation, while the PC version has various graphics settings including some PC-exclusive features such as motion blur, film grain, and screen space ambient occlusion and reflections. The ''M∀RS'' remaster also added a few other features such as revised tutorials, a new "[[EasierThanEasy Very Easy]]" mode for beginners, a togglable mini-game during gameplay, a "PRO" control scheme, and an updated ZORADIUS mini-game.

** Downplayed on the PC version, which due to the port being designed for 5.1 surround sound rather than basic 2.0 stereo presentation like in the original, the game's audio ends up being much quieter when playing on stereo speakers unless you're playing on headphones or a 5.1 surround sound setup.

** Leo constantly whining about how he won't kill anyone whilst flying around in Jehuty blowing up unmanned Orbital Frames.

* PolishedPort: [=PlayStation=] 3 version of ''The 2nd Runner'' after the Hexa Drive patch. ''The 2nd Runner'' now runs at the intended 1080p quality with smoother frame-rate oppose to being up-scaled at 720p with frame-rate issues (see below). Xbox 360 owners are unfortunately left out. The ''M∀RS'' remaster for [=PlayStation=] 4 and PC improved the visuals even further with 4K presentation, higher resolution textures, revamped effects, and remastered surround 5.1 sound presentation, while the PC version has various graphics settings including some PC-exclusive features such as motion blur, film grain, and screen space ambient occlusion and reflections. The ''M∀RS'' remaster also a few other features such as revised tutorials, a new "[[EasierThanEasy Very Easy]]" mode for beginners, a togglable mini-game during gameplay, a "PRO" control scheme, and an updated ZORADIUS mini-game.

* PolishedPort: [=PlayStation=] 3 version of ''The 2nd Runner'' after the Hexa Drive patch. ''The 2nd Runner'' now runs at the intended 1080p quality with smoother frame-rate oppose to being up-scaled at 720p with frame-rate issues (see below). Xbox 360 owners are unfortunately left out. The ''M∀RS'' remaster for [=PlayStation=] 4 and PC improved the visuals even further with 4K presentation, higher resolution textures, revamped effects, and remastered surround 5.1 sound presentation, while the PC version has various graphics settings including some options such as motion blur, film grain, and screen-space reflections that are exclusive to the PC version.

* PolishedPort: [=PlayStation=] 3 version of ''The 2nd Runner'' after the Hexa Drive patch. ''The 2nd Runner'' now runs at the intended 1080p quality with smoother frame-rate oppose to being up-scaled at 720p with frame-rate issues (see below). Xbox 360 owners are unfortunately left out.
* PortingDisaster: The HD Collection suffered from technical and frame-rate issues on both the [=PlayStation=] 3 and Xbox 360, but the former's version of ''The 2nd Runner'' was hit the hardest. The [=PlayStation=] 3 version suffered from frame-rate stability issues running at most 30-40 FPS (if not less) whereas the Xbox 360 version ran at 50-55 FPS until the action really intensifies; the frame-rate on the [=PlayStation 2=] originals still runs better than both versions of the HD Collection, going against Konami's original promise of presenting the games in full 60 FPS. The problems in the [=PlayStation=] 3 version of the ''The 2nd Runner'' was finally addressed in July 2013 with Hexa Drive's 2.0 patch. Unfortunately, Xbox 360 owners didn't get the patch.

* GameBreaker: Naked Jehuty [[NewGamePlus outside the final battle]] in ''The 2nd Runner''. It murders nearly ''everything'' in a single hit (even a helpless [[CowardlyLion Taper]] and [[FauxActionGirl K]][[ReverseMole e]][[MsFanservice n]] are fair game) and it has infinite sub-weapon energy. This means players are free to spam the [[MacrossMissileMassacre Homing Missile]] as much as they want and use [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe Mummyhead]] block normally unblockable attacks whilst [[HealingFactor regenerating HP]] no problem.

* PortingDisaster: The HD Collection suffered from technical and frame-rate issues on both the [=PlayStation=] 3 and Xbox 360, but the former's version of ''The 2nd Runner'' was hit the hardest. The [=PlayStation=] 3 version suffered from frame-rate stability issues running at most 30-40 FPS (if not less) whereas the Xbox 360 version ran at 50-55 FPS until the action really intensifies; the frame-rate on the [=PlayStation 2=] originals still runs better than both versions of the HD Collection, going against Konami's original promise of presenting the games in full 60 FPS. The problems in the [=PlayStation=] 3 version of the ''The 2nd Runner'' was finally addressed in July 2013 with Hexa Drive's 2.0 patch. Unfortunately, Xbox 360 owners won't be getting the patch.