What are some games like ZoE2 in your opinion?

[RAWRmonger]

Ever since 2003 ZoE2 remained my favorite game, but by then I already started disliking consoles for their longevity, favoring PC gaming instead. I always wanted ZoE2 on PC, but since it wasn't available and playing on PS2 was a bit cumbersome, I tried to feel that void with other games:

MM Zero series (GBA)
This subseries are the only games I like in MegaMan series.
They peak at 3 and 4.
Zero can dash, wall jump and slash enemies. The graphics are 2D and the sprites have a static split sprite sheet, but it's still pretty awesome. This game, when you learn to play it, it's some of the most frantic slashing action you'll see in 2D. There's a collection for DS, but I warn you it uses the shoulder buttons a lot, and those tend to break frequently as I heard it.

Ace Combat series (PS1, PS2) MGS2
In aesthetics, I like the aircraft from AceCom which holds fictional planes. F-22 Raptor (real) is already a beautiful machine and its cockpit isn't that different from an OF. The setting, common to both series is also something that satisfied that futuristic setting itch.

Strike Suit
For some reason people compared this to ZoE2 (and also AceCom), my guess is it had to do with the homing attack. In the end, it filled more the arcade space combat itch than the fast paced slashing action itch. Actually, the game doesn't have any melee. The real comparison should be to what Homeworld's combat would be in action. I haven't played it in years and it probably has been outdone by now.

DMC3
I would say the slashing and moves make this the closest game to ZoE2, it's a shame the original PC release was a bad port all around, I have yet to check out the recent re-release.

MGR
Best slashing mechanics I ever saw. More satisfying than even ZoE2's, but the movement and camera isn't exactly the same, and those play an important role. The artstyle is meh and I don't think Yoji Shinkawa did anything here. Still, can't recommend this enough. The gameplay will never get old.

Vanquish
MGR is to slashing as Vanquish is to shooting. This game features a nice dashing mechanic, and slow-mo moves. It's brilliant. Most of what I said about MGR applies to Vanquish.

I'm tempted to include Dustforce. I have seen comparisons online to ZoE2, but I would compare this to MMZ series. Nonetheless, a good recommendation.

[Colgatts]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/283680/

I would describe this one as a 2d ZOE