Zan Gear is a handheld spinoff of the Zan series, set during a war between the Tokugawa Sekigahara faction (blue) and Ishida faction (red). The player's goal is to lead the blue army to victory by recruiting soldiers, choosing battle locations, and capturing key fortifications. Neutral members of the green army can be recruited by either side, adding a layer of strategy to the game.
Gameplay involves tactical control of the blue army, requiring careful planning and execution. The player must balance recruitment, resource management, and battlefield positioning to outmaneuver the opposing forces. Battles are turn-based, with each faction having its own strengths and weaknesses. Capturing key fortifications can significantly boost the blue army's grip on the land, while failing to do so may lead to a loss.