Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars

 Game Boy Advance
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2002
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
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  1. Play Magazine
    100
    A more than welcome breath of fresh air on the GBA. [April 2002, p.71]
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  2. Nintendojo
    95
    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.
  3. GameSpy
    78
    A very well done strategy game that suffers from, of all things, an overload of story and linearity.
  5. TotalGames.net
    77
    Anybody into over-the-top characterisation and cheesy sweeping narrative will lap it up, as will those into their strategy games. People who find them dull, boring and tiresome should stay well clear.
  6. Nintendo Power
    76
    It's more about a quick trigger finger than mapping out a careful plan of attack. [Mar 2002, p.134]
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  7. GameSpot
    73
    While not incredibly complex, the tactical combat and unique IAS system remain compelling and fresh throughout the 20-plus hours it will take to finish the game.
  8. GamePro
    70
    Though The Fist of Mars features a solid story, the strategy elements are too wan to hold interest for too long, and the lack of a multiplayer mode kills its long-term replay value.
  9. Game Over Online
    70
    The target audience Konami will undoubtedly wow will be the 'art house', foreign film loving type who mope around at Cannes. That's the type of gamer, especially those enamored with overseas story-based RPGs, who will be able to appreciate this.
  10. Game Informer
    65
    This brings us to the juncture where Fist of Mars unfortunately falls to keep itself together: its story. [Mar 2002, p.90]
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  11. IGN
    63
    The strategy elements are plentiful, but the game's design is nowhere as deep as "Advance Wars"...and several missions can be completed simply by an all-out frontal assault.
  12. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    60
    ZOE does tend to lose momentum, though, due to repetitive visuals and a drawn-out story that gets in the way of all the action. [Apr 2002, p.146]
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  13. Pocket Games
    40
    Limited attack options and flawed strategy on the map segments leaves Z.O.E. flat on its robot butt. [Summer 2002, p.26]
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Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
30
#30 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2002
14
#14 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. kwisi91
    Apr 8, 2023
    10
    HUGE underrated game.
    It was one of the best GBA games I ever played.
    Lovely, thrilling story, and a lovely soundtrack. Everybody who has a    HUGE underrated game.
    It was one of the best GBA games I ever played.
    Lovely, thrilling story, and a lovely soundtrack.
    Everybody who has a GBA should play it.
    Also adults can play this.    … Full Review »
  2. DanW.
    Sep 23, 2006
    5
    Controls were really too convulted to allow any type of real gameplay to shine through.
  3. TanoR.
    Oct 6, 2005
    10
    This is one of the most beautiful games I have evr played.
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