Gunparade March

About

Gunparade March is a tactical RPG that mixes mecha combat with high school drama. Set in a world where alien "Phantom Beasts" have conquered half the Earth, players lead a platoon of drafted high schoolers fighting in Humanoid Walking Tanks. Battles involve strategic positioning and resource management, balancing intense combat with downtime spent navigating relationships and school life. The narrative follows the 5121th Platoon as they grapple with war's toll while trying to stay teenagers. The game won the 2001 Seiun Award for its bold storytelling and intricate worldbuilding. Its blend of militaristic action and emotional character moments remains distinctive, with fans praising its unflinching look at youth in conflict. Adapted into a manga and anime, it built a cult following despite its niche mechanics. Older PlayStation players often cite its raw tone and layered characters as standout elements, though its dated presentation may deter newcomers.

Storyline

In 1945, World War II was abruptly ended when an alien race appeared on Earth and began to slaughter the human population. This alien force, known as the "Phantom Beasts", had effectively taken over more than half of the Earth. The year is 1999 – 54 years later, mankind is still fighting to survive against the alien forces. Earth forces now use advanced mecha called Humanoid Walking Tanks (HWTs) to combat the invaders, but throughout the ordeal, far too many pilots have been killed in action. To ensure the future of the human race, the Japanese government enforced a student draft which recruited high school students to become HWT pilots. Gunparade March follows the lives of the 5121th Platoon, which consists mainly of drafted high school students and their struggle to defeat the Phantom Beasts and at the same time, lead a normal social life.