Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars

"A Super Robot Wars type game in English"

This game is an action/strategy type game that is very similar to Super Robot Wars if you've ever heard of it. So... I can describe this game in 6 words. One of the best games ever! why? well then just sit back, relax, and start listening to my endless talking about how great this game is.

Story - 10
OK! Story. Very great story. I'm not going to ruin the whole thing but I'll give you a basic idea of what its about. Its about a boy named Cage that works on the Bonaparte III, a migration vessel traveling from earth to mars. when Cage comes across a strange girl named Myona inside the ship's hanger, the ship comes across a mysterious black frame. after escaping the Bonaparte III in a LEV later named Testament and after a short battle skirmish with the black frame, Cage and Myona are sent to the surface of Mars where they are charged with the destruction of the Bonaparte III. Later, running into a resistance group known as BIS, Cage decides to fight alongside them in their struggle to fight the injustice and prejudice of the Earth against the people of Mars.

Gameplay - 10
Very simple. On the battle setup screen, you and the computer opponent take turns moving units and it switches into a real-time attack/dodge mode when you, guess what? attack the enemy or are trying to dodge enemy fire. This aspect makes this game almost to easy to complete but it does a great job of making this game funner than Super Robot Wars. Some of the attacks, Orbital Frames, and terminology will be very familiar since they're also used in the PS2 Z.O.E. Oh, before I forget, this game is also a hell lot longer than the PS2 Z.O.E. ^_^

Challenge - 6
If your an expert at this game, than it won't be very challenging. Its possible to never get hit in this game since the computer A.I. is so stupid. Therefore, this game isn't very challenging. You can even run through the entire game without upgrading anything. If you want a hard game though, you can still find one in here. Turn off the IAS and i'm sure you'll find it challenging.

Graphics - 9
Extremely damn good. Great use of colors, though the interactive battle screen is a bit dull. You'd at least think they would switch that light/dark blue city background. hell, it still works for me. Unlike the Super Robot Wars games i've seen, they actually have a little cutscene that shows you/the enemy attacking which include them having their arms of legs move. hmm... damn the Durandal II looks sweet.

Sound/Music - 9
Great music! Nothing bad, nothing annoying. Different background music in different levels (goody!). I wish they would've kept playing the music when you attack/dodge but I guess the programmers thought it might distact you. Oh well. Can't have everything the way you want, huh? Anyways, for the sound, great laser, blaster, sword, and hit sound effects.

Replay Value - 5
This game isn't too strong on the replay value department but some of the missions are fun to play over again. And reading all the hilarious dialogue again is a great treat. Another thing that might add on the value of replay is if your that crazed over downloading stuff from every local server you find.

Rent or Buy - BUY!!!
this game, you can't possibly beat in the time you can rent it (unless you play this game for 10 hours each day like me ^_^). Well worth the price, this game is a must have if you got a GBA.

To sum it all up...
Great game + great story + great characters + everything else = one of the best games ever.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/26/02, Updated 04/26/02