Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner vs Hawken
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is a fast-paced science fiction action game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Japan. Players assume control of the Orbital Frame Jehuty as it battles through hordes of enemy forces in breathtaking 3D environments, blending precise shooting mechanics with intense hack and slash combat. Originally released for the PlayStation 2, the game is renowned for its sleek anime-inspired art direction, fluid movement, and epic boss encounters. Experience a gripping narrative of rebellion and survival while mastering an arsenal of advanced sub-weapons and energy blades in this critically acclaimed sci-fi classic.
Hawken drops players into intense, high‑speed battles piloting heavily armed mechs across destructible environments. The game blends classic shooter mechanics with deep customization, letting you tweak weapons, armor, and abilities for each match. Featuring both solo and team‑based modes, Hawken offers a variety of objectives from deathmatch to capture‑the‑flag, all set against a backdrop of futuristic warzones. Its free‑to‑play model provides ongoing content updates and a competitive ladder for aspiring pilots.
- Incredible, fluid high-speed mecha movement
- Striking anime-inspired visual style
- Engaging blend of shooting and melee combat
- Memorable and challenging boss fights
- High‑intensity mech combat with deep customization
- Fully destructible, dynamic environments
- Robust free‑to‑play model with regular updates
- Cross‑platform play across PS4, PC, and Xbox One
- Single player only with no multiplayer modes
- Campaign length is relatively short
- Occasional camera tracking issues in tight spaces
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Microtransaction‑driven progression can feel grindy
- Limited single‑player narrative content
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Alternatives to Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner
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Pilot the ultimate orbital frame and save a Martian colony from destruction.
Alternatives to Hawken
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Pilot the legendary Orbital Frame Jehuty in high-speed, frantic mecha combat.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataZone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is the safer default for single-player narrative and fluid action, trading off multiplayer entirely compared to Hawken. The main trade-off is choosing a polished, single-player mecha campaign versus a multiplayer-focused, cross-play arena experience.
Key differences
- •Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is single-player only, whereas Hawken features solo, multiplayer, co-operative modes, and cross-play across PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One.
- •Zone of the Enders has an MSRP of $49.99, while Hawken's pricing is unknown but uses a microtransaction-driven progression model and free-to-play elements.
- •Zone of the Enders features a critic score of 70/100 and an ESRB M age rating, compared to Hawken's lower critic score of 45/100 and PEGI 12 / ESRB T ratings.
- •Hawken offers fully destructible maps and customizable mechs with interchangeable weapons, while Zone of the Enders focuses on piloting the fixed Jehuty Orbital Frame with sub-weapons and multi-phased boss fights.
Gameplay & fun factor
Zone of the Enders features fluid high-speed mecha movement, a blend of shooting and melee, and a critic score of 70/100.
Platform availability
Hawken supports cross-play across PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One, whereas platform details for Zone of the Enders are not specified.
Price & value
Zone of the Enders has a clear one-time paid MSRP of $49.99, while Hawken's pricing is unknown and features a microtransaction-driven grind.
Multiplayer / co-op
Hawken supports single player, multiplayer, and co-operative modes with deathmatch and capture-the-flag. Zone of the Enders is single player only.
Content & replayability
Hawken offers seasonal ranked ladders, regular content updates, and customizable mechs, whereas Zone of the Enders has a relatively short campaign length.
Difficulty & accessibility
Hawken features a skill-based matchmaking system for competitive play, though it has a steep learning curve. Zone of the Enders tests reflexes against multi-phased bosses.
Graphics & performance
Zone of the Enders features a striking anime-inspired visual style and fully voiced narrative cutscenes, while Hawken features gritty, fully destructible maps.
Choose Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner if…
Solo players wanting a high-speed mecha campaign with a strong sci-fi narrative and anime-inspired visuals.
Choose Hawken if…
Multiplayer enthusiasts looking for team-based arenas, deep mech customization, and cross-platform play across PS4, PC, and Xbox One.
Common questions
Can I play with my friends online?
Hawken supports multiplayer and co-operative modes with cross-play across PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One. Zone of the Enders is single player only with no multiplayer modes.
How much do these games cost?
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is a paid, one-time purchase with an MSRP of $49.99. Hawken's pricing is unknown, though it features a microtransaction-driven progression model.
Which game has better critical reception?
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner holds a critic score of 70/100, while Hawken holds a critic score of 45/100.