Robot Jox

Fifty years after a nuclear holocaust, two blocs—the Market and the Confederation—outlaw traditional war and settle disputes with giant robot duels called jox. A ten-match contract governs territory and prestige, pitting Achilles and Alexander against each other. A spy in the Market leaks information to the Confederation, aiding Alexander's edge.

Achilles has already won nine contract fights, establishing himself as the Market champion. He prepares for the tenth and decisive match that will determine Alaska's fate. The ongoing spy influence hints at covert interference shaping the outcome.

The tenth match is set between Achilles and Alexander with Alaska on the line. Tension mounts as both pilots train for a decisive duel that could end the contract era.

In the final moments, Alexander launches a rocket fist that veers toward the crowd. Achilles intercepts the weapon, but the blast destroys his robot and costs hundreds of lives. Referees declare a draw and announce a rematch.

Shaken by the disaster, Achilles retires from competition and returns to his brother Philip's home. The Market publicly brands him a traitor and coward, complicating his personal life as well as his legacy.

A genetically engineered new jox named Athena is introduced as the first female competitor, chosen to face Alexander. Her ascent signals a seismic shift in the dueling world.

Despite retirement, Achilles returns to the Market and agrees to face Alexander again, drawn to Athena and provoked by her ambition.

Robot designer Matsumoto withholds weapon details to protect against leaks, while Tex Conway suspects he is the spy. Conway confronts Matsumoto, who accuses him and records the confrontation for the mission briefing.

Conway tells Market leadership that Matsumoto was the spy. Later, Conway shoots Matsumoto and secretly records the deed for the briefing.

On the day of the fight, Athena drugs Achilles and steals his jox suit to take command of the robot. The Market decides to back Athena as she enters the field.

While watching Matsumoto's briefing about the new weapons, footage of Conway killing Matsumoto is revealed. Conway then jumps to his death by leaping down the robot's elevator shaft.

Alexander faces Athena; she gains the early advantage, but Alexander overpowers her. Achilles arrives and takes control of the robot from Athena, and the match escalates into an aerial confrontation as their machines take to the sky.

Alexander cripples Achilles' robot, forcing a crash. Achilles hotwires the arm from Alexander's robot to launch a devastating punch, destroying Alexander's machine. The two jox then fight with poles, moving to a final, nonlethal stand-off.

In the climactic moment, the rivals decide that a match need not kill a jox. They throw down their weapons, salute with a crash and burn thumbs up, a symbol of mutual respect that resonates in later pop culture, including Kojima's Death Stranding reference.