Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars delivers a refined turn-based tactical experience that cleverly blends strategic positioning with real-time aiming elements. Each mission unfolds on a square-grid battlefield, where you command a squad of Adjustable L.E.V.s (Laborious Extra-Vehicular units) with distinct strengths and weaknesses. Movement, weapon range, and defense statistics demand careful planning: rapid units can scout and seize objectives, while heavily armored L.E.V.s anchor the frontline.

The standout mechanic is the I.A.S. (Interactive Action System), which injects a burst of adrenaline into every exchange. When attacking, you have a brief window to guide an on-screen crosshair over vulnerable points on enemy mechs, rewarding precision with critical strikes. Conversely, when defending, you must frantically dodge an opponent’s targeting reticle to minimize damage. This dynamic interplay keeps battles from feeling static and gives you direct control over clutch moments.

Beyond basic combat, The Fist of Mars features a robust customization suite. After each chapter, you earn upgrade points and can equip special items scavenged during missions. The “Balance” sub-screen lets you fine-tune each L.E.V.’s focus—redesignating mass to amplify firepower at the expense of speed or prioritizing evasion for fragile scouts. This layer of personalization ensures no two playthroughs feel identical, as you’ll constantly experiment with new loadouts to tackle tougher opposition.

While the overall pacing of engagements is well-balanced, some veterans may find a handful of missions leaning towards repetitive objectives such as “defend this zone” or “eliminate all hostiles.” Nevertheless, the strategic depth remains compelling, especially when facing mixed squads of missile boats, sniper L.E.V.s, and melee brawlers. The difficulty curve ramps steadily, challenging newcomers without overwhelming them, but also providing veterans a chance to master every nuance of the I.A.S. timing and grid placement.

Graphics

For a portable era title, The Fist of Mars boasts remarkably clear and colorful visuals. L.E.V. sprites are rendered with crisp outlines, and each mech design carries a distinctive silhouette—whether you’re piloting a lightweight “Sally” scout or looming inside a heavily armored “Julia” unit. Grid tiles are easy to distinguish, and terrain types such as rocky craters or ruined habitats are visually communicated without cluttering the battlefield.

Cutscene sequences are presented through anime-style panels accompanied by text dialogue. While these segments lack full animation, character portraits are expressive and accompanied by occasional voice clips, lending emotional weight to key narrative moments. Background art is detailed, evoking a desolate Martian landscape where humanity’s ambitions clash amid rust-colored dust storms.

The user interface is unobtrusive and logically organized: icons for movement range, weapon types, and action commands are intuitive, and important statistics are displayed clearly during the planning phase. Animations for laser blasts, missile salvos, and hand-to-hand strikes are fluid for the hardware’s capabilities, and camera zooms accentuate critical hits for a satisfying sense of impact.

That said, some visual effects—particularly explosion animations—can feel repetitive after extended play sessions. Additionally, loading times between missions and story panels can interrupt immersion for handheld purists. Overall, however, the graphical presentation successfully balances readability and style, delivering a mecha-infused aesthetic that holds up well even today.

Story

Set in a future where mankind is on the brink of war with its lunar, Martian, and Jovian colonies, The Fist of Mars casts you as Dingo Egret, a young pilot thrust into conflict by fate. After his L.E.V. is sabotaged during a routine escort mission, he finds himself stranded on Mars and rescued by the Anti-Terrestrial League—a rebel faction seeking independence from Earth’s increasingly oppressive rule.

The narrative unfolds through chapter-based events, alternating between tactical missions and scripted story scenes. Dialogue captures the tension between seasoned resistance fighters and uneasy colonial militias, while Dingo’s personal journey from reluctant pawn to key figure in the uprising provides an engaging emotional core. Themes of loyalty, autonomy, and the ethics of war resonate against the backdrop of humanity’s struggle to define its place among the stars.

While the storytelling is concise, it benefits from memorable supporting characters—such as the seasoned pilot Olga and the enigmatic engineer Marsa—who inject personality into each mission briefing. Plot twists, including betrayals and hidden agendas, keep the pace brisk, though those familiar with the main Zone of the Enders timeline may spot a few predictable beats. Nevertheless, the game stands on its own, offering newcomers a satisfying mecha-themed drama without prior series knowledge.

For players seeking deeper lore, hidden dialogue choices and optional mission debriefings shed light on the political landscape of the Z.O.E. universe. Though the overall storyline can feel linear at times, the combination of solid world-building and character chemistry makes each victory (and setback) feel earned.

Overall Experience

Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars strikes a fine balance between strategic depth and narrative engagement. Its blend of grid-based tactics with the Interactive Action System makes every skirmish feel unique, rewarding both careful planning and quick reflexes. The robust upgrade system and variety of L.E.V. models ensure that customization remains fresh throughout the campaign.

On the downside, occasional mission repetition and modest loading interruptions can hinder the flow for some players. The static anime panels may not appeal to those expecting fully animated cutscenes, and the story’s brevity leaves you wanting more closure by the finale. Nevertheless, the game’s strengths—distinctive mech designs, tight combat mechanics, and a compelling underdog tale—more than compensate for its minor shortcomings.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Zone of the Enders franchise or a newcomer intrigued by mecha strategy, The Fist of Mars offers a rewarding handheld adventure. Its accessible yet nuanced gameplay loop, combined with a satisfyingly immersive setting, makes it a standout tactical title that has aged gracefully.

For anyone seeking a portable mecha war experience that challenges both your tactical mind and your competitive reflexes, Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars is well worth piloting onto your handheld roster.

Retro Replay Score

7/10