Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars

"The most underrated game for the GBA"

ZOE is truely an aewsome game. It is way different thatn the PS2 version, but that is not a bad thing at all.

Gameplay (9/10)
Many compare this game to another excellent GBA game ''Advance Wars''. These two games may both be under the strategy heading, but they are completley different. The battle system resembles more of the classic ''Shing Force'' games. Only instead of warriors, you have giant mechs. Your mechs gain in levels and have personalities who fly them, rather than the souless soldiers in ''Advance Wars''. Yes, ZOE has a anime style ''tally up your damage screen'' like in AW (they are still WAY different though. But one has more control over battles than in AW or even ''Shining Force''. Using targets to cause and avoid damage adds to the fun. The only problem is the missions tend to be a little too easy and the enemy mechs tend to pick on only one or two over your mechs at a time which could prove annoying.

Graphics (9/10)
The graphics are great. The battle scenes are crisp and clear and one can tell the difference between different structures on the martain landscape. I wish they would have shown actions during the story screens though.

Story (10/10)
This is the best part of this game. It is a lot like watching an anime series. Each scene presents new problems and plotpoints. I wish this was a series. I would watch it all the time. The story is well thought out and it is interesting to see how the whole thing unfolds. The characters are reaaly great too. You like the heroes but hate the villians, like it should be. I am a writer myself and I appreciate the effort put in the story.

Sound (10/10)
This games other strong point. The music is well written and the sound effects match the action. Time was obviously put into this and it shows.

Replay value (8/10)
This game has multiple endings. I can only get one though. But the ending won't make you go through the whole thing again. You will only play it again if you like the story (like any RPG).

Buy or Rent: (both)
If you can, rent it first to make sure you like it. You won't get through in one rental like some games. If you don't love it, don't buy it.

Gameplay:9
Graphics:9
Story: 10
Sound: 10
Replay:8
Tilt:10

Total Score (average):9.3

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/08/02, Updated 04/08/02