GENRE
	KCEJ
	DEVELOPER
	Konami
	PUBLISHER
	1
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	no
	CONNECTIVITY
	no
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Zone of the Enders is a strategy game loosely based on the ZOE anime series. The series doesn’t have much of a video game history, since only one other has been released so far-- on the PS2. Hopefully, others will follow.

Zone of the Enders takes place in 2173 on Earth. The story reveals that, in 2045, Earth used up most of its resources and a new age of Space Exploration started. Soon, colonies formed on Mars and Jupiter. However, Earth was bitter towards the people that lived in these colonies, calling them the derogatory name "Enders." Fed up with being degraded and having to live in harsh conditions, an anti-earth group, called BAHRAM, attacked Earth.

The Fist of Mars is about a seventeen-year-old steward named Cage Midwell who gets caught up in the battle between Earth and Mars after the ship he works on, Bonaparte III, is ruthlessly attacked. Strange circumstances arise, and he must join an anti-terrorist league, BIS, in order to save the Earth and the Enders.

visuals

This game doesn’t have very exciting graphics, but they are good enough to get the job done. The main field is just a flat map, but it’s nicely detailed-- moreso than most over-head strategy games. There are many different levels in the game, each with an original map. Each map has a theme (IE: city, desert, and base) and there are many detailed objects on the map, like buildings, orphanages, and burning buildings. Incidentally, each environment offers different battle advantages to spice things up.

Enemies are pretty basic. One of the few reasons this game doesn’t get a perfect 10 is because the enemies just look too similar. Enemy robots just look a little too generic, even though there are a lot of different kinds. In fact, most bosses look like slightly modified enemies. Even the attack cut-scenes look a little too much alike.

For the main characters, the ships are different enough to be interesting, but there are only a few types of enemy ships; bird-like, normal, big, and the rare special Mechs.

Fortunately, animé styled characters and backgrounds more than make up for anything previously noted as bland. It really doesn’t seem necessary to have the backgrounds so detailed in the game, especially since you’ll be paying too much attention to the story and completely ignore them. However, it was a very nice touch that further adds to the game's depth.

audio

First of all, the sound effects need a little work. If you were unhappy about how generic the sounds were in Advance Wars, you won’t be happy about how they are in this game. Shots, hits, explosions, and fleeing all sound the same level after level, regardless of robot type or (usually) attack.

On the other hand, the music in the game is the best on a GBA game so far. It is very diverse; different characters have their own themes so it doesn’t get boring. Cut-scenes have different music also. A lot of the music is comprised of either soft jazz, complete with piano, or hard-hitting techno. If they released a soundtrack for this game, it would be the first GBA game soundtrack I’d ever purchase. It’s just that well done.

gameplay

This game focuses on turn-based strategy... with a twist. ZOE has a lot more RPG elements in it than most strategy games. When enemies are killed, special spots found on the map, or critical attacks completed, the player gets experience points and cash. Get enough experience points and the character levels up. Once that happens, different stats are increased and new items are purchaseable for the Mech.

Just like in most strategy games, you command a few ships on a map and move them a few spaces at a time, trying to destroy all the enemies on a map. Every once in a while, there are a few special levels where different things must be done, like flee to a certain space without getting killed, or protect people.

Yet in almost every level, a new character is added to the party, which adds to the overall excitement of ZOE. Each Mech has its own weapons and stats, and some can do special things. Mechs can also be equipped with items in order for them to replenish other Mechs or perform better on the field.

When you attack or are attacked, the real fun begins. While the strategy elements are really fun, battle takes a more action-like approach that is just as good. You command a crosshair around a small scrolling screen while the other mech floats around. When attacked, you must dodge red crosshairs the enemy shoots at you; if you are hit, the battle is over and you are hurt a predetermined amount. However, if you dodge all attacks within the allotted time limit, you don’t receive any damage at all. Furthermore, if you attack, it’s basically the same thing. However, you only get one shot, and if you hit them directly in the middle (there is a little red circle on them) you strike a critical hit, further boosting your earnings and harming the enemy.

As a bonus, information about the game's characters and different terms' meanings can be found in the options menu. There is even an option to hear all of the music in the game. Every game should have these options.

multiplayer

Unfortunately, there is no multiplayer mode available in Zone of the Enders. If there were, it might have earned a perfect 10.

overall

This game is absolutely wonderful. I was completely satisfied with how it was presented. One thing that sets this strategy title apart from others is that the game doesn’t completely focus on strategy elements. Even if you absolutely hate strategy games, this game might still interest you, and it's definitely a recommended buy for GBA owners.

Action/Strategy/10