Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars 2001

About

Based on the popular PlayStation2 title, Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars is a 2-D, turn-based strategy game in which players take control of an army of trucks, tanks, fighters, and giant anime-styled robots, called LEVs, to fight for liberation as part of the Mars underground resistance. Players must carefully select their actions, move around large battlefields, and think tactically when engaging enemy units. Battle experience will make you more powerful, and you will be able to optimize and upgrade your units.

Story

The story is set within the Zone of the Enders universe. It is 2173 and humankind, in the search for a valuable resource called Metatron, has expanded its reaches to Mars and the moons of Jupiter, and full colonies have been established. However, Earth keeps a tight rein over the colonials, known by the derogatory term "Enders", and discrimination is commonplace. Food supplies are short, movement of citizens is controlled, and many Mars inhabitants have tried to rise up against Earth, but to little avail. The game follows the story of a 17-year-old boy named Cage Midwell, a worker upon the interplanetary express ship "Bonaparte III" with his close friend (and idol) Ares Enduwa. However, on a routine journey, Cage spots a woman creeping into the cargo holds, and follows her. As he does this, the ship is attacked by a powerful black Orbital Frame. Cage and the girl, who introduces herself as Myona Alderan, climb into a mysterious LEV held within the ship and escape, eventually crash-landing on Mars. They are quickly caught and are accused of being the ones responsible for the crash. On top of this, Myona has completely lost her memory. However, shortly after their imprisonment, they are freed by an "Anti-Terrestrial League" leader called Deckson Geyse. His faction, BIS (Born In Space), quickly come and rescue them, and Cage finds himself caught up in the escalating conflict between Earth and Mars.

What is happening now

Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars is a tactical RPG developed for the Game Boy Advance, combining strategy-based combat with a narrative-driven experience. Released in 2001, it brought console-style mecha gameplay to Nintendo's handheld, distinguishing itself within the broader Zone of the Enders franchise through its turn-based tactical approach rather than real-time action. The game has recently attracted retrospective attention, with coverage examining its various regional box art presentations. While discussion remains relatively limited in current gaming discourse, the title continues to represent an interesting chapter in early 2000s portable gaming, particularly for players interested in tactical RPGs on the GBA's library.