The time is the 21st century. In the wake of natural disasters and social unrest human society has collapsed. The only amusement left for the inhabitants of this grim Earth of the future is the Battle Game. This contest of advanced arena combat pits giant armored riot suits known as Standing Tanks (ST's) against each other in a fight to the finish. The winner gains power and prestige while the loser faces humiliation dishonor and low class citizenship.