Alright, fellow gamers, let’s talk about something awesome happening in the Steam Spring Sale 2025. With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach hyping us up after that wild 10-minute trailer last week, I’m deep in my Hideo Kojima obsession phase. And if you’re anything like me, you’re itching for some of his magic to tide you over. Good news: the Steam Spring Sale’s got a hidden gem for you—Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner Mars—for just $5.99 / £4.99 / AU$8.59. Yep, a Kojima-produced banger that doesn’t get nearly enough love.
Now, the sale’s also slashing prices on the big dogs—Metal Gear Solid: The Master Collection is 30% off, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Definitive Experience drops 40%, and Death Stranding: Director’s Cut is a sweet 50% off. Solid deals, right? But let’s be real—most of us already own those, and even discounted, they’re still hovering in double-digit territory. That’s small fry stuff. Meanwhile, Zone of the Enders 2 is sitting there at under six bucks, ready to steal the show if you give it a chance.
Back in the day, the first Zone of the Enders got a massive boost because it shipped with the Metal Gear Solid 2 demo—sneaky move, Kojima. It sold like hotcakes. The sequel, though? Didn’t hit the same sales highs, which is a damn shame because it’s leagues better. They took everything clunky from the original, tossed it out the airlock, and doubled down on fast, flashy mech combat. We’re talking high-octane action that still holds up. I remember firing it up years ago, expecting a nostalgia trip, and instead getting my ass handed to me by giant robots in the best way possible.
The Mars edition cranks it up even more. Remastered for 4K, it’s got some slick extras—‘Pro Mode’ for the masochists, ‘Very Easy Mode’ for the chill crowd, and—get this—a VR mode. Strapping into a cockpit to slug it out with mechs in virtual reality? Absolute madness. Pro tip: keep some painkillers handy because when the later levels kick into overdrive, your neck’s gonna feel it. I tried it once at a friend’s place, and let’s just say I was equal parts thrilled and begging for a break.
So, yeah, while Death Stranding 2’s got us all drooling, don’t sleep on this underrated masterpiece. For the price of a fancy coffee, you’re getting a Kojima-produced classic that’ll scratch that mech-action itch. Grab Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner Mars before the Steam Spring Sale wraps up—you won’t regret it.
