It was directed and written by Matsuzo Machida, had character designs by Miyako Kato, and music by Yoshitaka Hirota.

is a tactical role-playing game where players take on the role of Shotaro Kurosawa, member of the titular mercenary group, across thirteen story chapters.

[3][4] Combat is performed using the TS (Toy Soldier) mechs, which can be switched out for new models, upgraded and outfitted with different abilities, weapons and supplies between missions.

Commands range from basic movement and attacks to later unlocking more advanced abilities such as examining enemy unit statistics.

The older son, Aerbel, established himself as dictator of Istar with the backing of the Syrian military, while the younger, Kein, formed the rebel faction.

Shotaro Kurosawa works for the 13th Independent Armoured Division, also called Faselei, a mercenary group in the employ of the rebels.

Aerbel is eventually deposed and killed, but Zemecks retreats to a base in Syrian territory, planning to unleash a nuclear weapon and trigger another war.

was developed by Sacnoth, a company founded by former Square composer Hiroki Kikuta with funding from SNK, creators of the Neo Geo Pocket Color (NGPC) handheld console.

[8] The sudden closure of SNK's American branch and the short notice of the game's regional cancellation meant that preview builds and advertisements had already been sent out to the press.

were originally shipped back to Japan for recycling, then were sold to liquidators when SNK was wound up and ended up in circulation through the internet and as part of a later reissue of the console in North America.

[8][19] Multiple staff members, including Machida, Kato, Hirota and Ohsawa would go on to hold central roles on Sacnoth's Shadow Hearts series.

[27] Electronic Gaming Monthly noted some cliched dialogue and its interface as negatives, but otherwise praised its narrative and gameplay.

"[5] Nick Thorpe, writing for the Retro Gamer website, called it "one of the most essential games for the [NGPC]", citing its storyline and gameplay compared to other titles on the console.

as one of the ten best games for the system, highlighting it as "an incredibly absorbing strategy title" and mentioning its then-high resale value.