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What is The Fist of Mars?
The Fist of Mars is a Game Boy Advance entry in the Zone of the Enders series. A game-specific secondary reference describes it as a strategy RPG side story with a new cast and Orbital Frame designs, rather than another mainline action game. Its Japanese title is Z.O.E. 2173 Testament; Western players know it as Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Zone of the Enders HD Collection | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Zone of the Enders HD Collection (Renewed) | $24.04 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Zone of The Enders: The 2Nd Runner M∀Rs - PlayStation 4 | $41.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Zone of the Enders (Renewed) | $39.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Zone Of The Enders 2nd Runner Mars (PS4) (Renewed) | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
That distinction matters when placing it in the series: the game broadens the setting with a separate story, but the sources cited here do not establish that it is required reading for the mainline plot.
What is the story about?
A retrospective of the GBA game describes protagonist Cage Midwell as working aboard the interplanetary passenger ship Bonaparte III. Cage and his friend Ares become caught up in events surrounding an Orbital Frame called Testament. This is a spoiler-light premise from a secondary retrospective, not an official Konami synopsis.
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- The demo of "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" will be included in the game package of "Zone of the Enders HD Collection."
The same game-specific reference lists Cage Midwell, Razma Cascade Jr., Myona Alderan, and Warren Lumenlux among the characters. The available sources do not provide a definitive, spoiler-complete account of the plot or its ending.
Where does it fit in the Zone of the Enders timeline?
Konami’s official chronology and story pages place the two mainline games around the GBA side story. The sequence below combines those official dates with the secondary reference identifying The Fist of Mars as 2173 Testament.
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- The demo of "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance" will be included in the game package of "Zone of the Enders HD Collection."
| In-universe year | Event or game | How it connects |
|---|---|---|
| 2167 | The Deimos Incident | Konami’s chronology names this as a major early milestone in the Z.O.E. saga. |
| 2172 | Zone of the Enders | The first game’s story centers on Antilia, a Jovian colony at the L5 Lagrangian point associated with mining and transport. |
| 2173 | The Fist of Mars / Z.O.E. 2173 Testament | Konami’s chronology describes attacks by anti-Earth forces led by NUT and BAHRAM’s effort to unify Mars. The GBA game’s Japanese title identifies it with this year. |
| 2174 | Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner | Konami dates the game to 2174 and describes BAHRAM’s armed suppression and the conflict involving new Jehuty runner Dingo. |
For a practical in-universe play order, use Zone of the Enders, then The Fist of Mars, then The 2nd Runner. That ordering follows the stated years; it does not imply that the GBA side story is necessary to understand either mainline game.
Why is Mars and Earth politics important here?
Konami’s world overview frames the conflict as a divide between Earth and people living at the frontier of human expansion into space, where unequal treatment helped fuel resistance. It traces the beginnings of Ender resistance to Vascilia County on Mars and describes BAHRAM’s rise amid tension with Earth. That context helps explain the political landscape surrounding the 2173 setting without treating the GBA game’s specific plot as an official account of those events.
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- The 2nd runner's unique graphics Technology, zoe shader, returns updated to 4K Resolution. With remastered visual effects, this iteration comes close to remake levels of graphics quality
- The 2nd runner m∀rs features VR support. Enter jehuty's cockpit, fly through the martian skies, and enter a new dimension of mech action
- The game's audio design has been remastered to accommodate next-gen Surround sound systems. Be immersed in the world of the 2nd runner through resonant stereophonic sound
How does the GBA game differ from the mainline entries?
- Format: A game-specific secondary reference characterizes The Fist of Mars as a strategy RPG, while the mainline entries are presented as action games.
- Narrative role: It is described as a side story with new characters, not as the numbered sequel to the first game.
- Series connection: Its year, 2173, puts it between the 2172 and 2174 mainline settings; the official chronology supplies broader political context.
These distinctions describe format and placement only. The sources used here do not support comparisons of combat quality, game length, or critical reception.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When did it come out?
A game-specific secondary reference lists the regional release dates as Japan on September 27, 2001; North America on February 12, 2002; and Europe on June 7, 2002. These are reported release dates, not dates taken from a current Konami product listing.
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- Complete, includes disc, case, cover art, manuals and inserts all in very good condition
If you are looking for a copy, search for the original Game Boy Advance title under either The Fist of Mars or its Japanese title, Z.O.E. 2173 Testament. No current retailer, stock, or price is confirmed here.
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- 1-2 players
- 13 GB minimum save size
- DUALSHOCK4 Vibration Function Native 4K graphics
- PS VR Compatible - Optional
- Metallic Foil Sleeve
Sources
- Konami’s Z.O.E. Chronicles for the wider chronology and political background.
- Konami’s Zone of the Enders story page for the Antilia setting and 2172 mainline context.
- Konami’s The 2nd Runner story page for the 2174 setting and Dingo’s role.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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