Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars

"Nice mix of Love Hina Advance and Advance Wars"

I got this game a few days ago, and it's one of the best GBA games I've ever played! Great story, good sound, great gameplay. The first ZoE game I am aware of was on the Ps2, and wasn't a great success, although I enjoyed it based on the little I got to play of it. This is a much different style of game, and I'm hoping that people don't miss out on it, purely because they didn't like the PS2 game.Since this is my first review ever, please let me know how I could make it better.

Gameplay
The gameplay does get a bit sameish sometimes, but this is easily fixed by having rescue missions, and missions where you are supposed to avoid the enemy. When you attack, or get attacked, a screen comes up telling you all the information you need, how much time, how large the target will be, the attack, and how much damage. When in an actual battle, you get a cockpit view, and you have to either aim for the enemy(attack), or keep your target away from the enemies(getting attacked). Well thought out, and much better than just having set damages like Advance Wars.

Story
The story scenes, while lengthy, break up the action well, and let you get a feel for characters personalities, and tell you exactly what is happening. This is where the Love Hina Advance style comes in, with anime looking characters(who have multiple pictures for different expressions) chat and find out about their missions.

Graphics
The graphics for the story and battles(fighting and attack animation) are very well done, looking very sharp and 3Dish. While in the section where you have to move and select who to attack, however, isn't as good. The graphics are slightly fuzzy, and aren't as clearly defined as Advance Wars. A minor problem for such a brilliant game though.

Sound
The music in this game is very fitting, setting the mood perfectly. The story scenes use calm music, and sound effects to further enhance what you read. The battle and strategy parts have fitting music, and sound effects that fit in well, considering the GBA's little speaker.

Controls
The controls suit this game very well. Although it took me a turn to get used to them. They are very responsive, and I find that after playing less responsive games in the past, I overshoot with my target.

Story
I haven't come anywhere near finishing the game yet, but so far, this seems to be one of the few games I have played that has kept me interested plot-wise. With a few twists, and no plot holes as of yet, a very good job by the story deparment.

Overall, this is one of the games that I have played that I actually don't want to finish too quickly, because I never want it to end. It makes good use of the GBA, without pushing it any further than it's already been. Definitely a worthy addition to any GBA owners collection. I would love to see what they could do in a sequal. Go buy this now, or steal it off a friend!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/08/02, Updated 03/08/02