Towards the end of 2017 Konami announced that its remaster Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner – Mars would be released this Spring with a virtual reality (VR) component for PlayStation VR and SteamVR. Recently the developer unveiled a new trailer for the videogame comparing the original with the remaster, also noting a new launched window, September 2018.
While there’s been no clarification on why the date has been put back fans of the series will be able to clearly see the work that’s gone into improving the experience for players. Shown in the trailer are the original PlayStation 2 videogame and the 2009 Zone of the Enders HD Collection version that was released on PlayStation 3.
As you’d expect, the quality has jumped up with fine details and textures now much more apparent thanks to the improved hardware. This has been thanks to the use of optical post-effects middleware YEBIS by Silicon Studio Corporation, so that various effects such as glare, depth of field, colour correction and anti-aliasing can be added post process, including upping the resolution to 4K.
If you’ve not played the first two versions, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner – Mars is one of the classic Japanese style titles where you get to jump into a giant mech cockpit, a JEHUTY, for plenty of aerial based combat. Traditionally 3rd-person, the VR edition will include a first-person viewpoint for the first time, putting you right inside the cockpit for a whole new experience.
Konami has yet to specify an actual released date for Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner – Mars in September. As it was originally announced during last years Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2017, a date around this years event or one being revealed during it is highly likely.
Check out the video below to see Konami’s efforts. For any further updates to Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner – Mars ahead of launch, keep reading VRFocus.
via Mint VR