Presentazione
Of all the strategic titles released in recent years, the Front Mission saga honorably ranks high on the list. Saga of crazy explosions, epic mechs and numerous heroes whose stories intertwined in the different episodes, giving life to unforgettable duels, as was the unforgettable possibility of "customization" of the mechs that matured the player's engineering skills. It should be emphasized that this remake is exported outside of Japan only for Nintendo DS systems.
Music
Little to say about the game's soundtrack, both in the intro (the classic one of the old versions) and in the remaining motifs, anyone would notice the classic Square-Enix stamp. Most of them, to my way of hearing, vaguely recall the frenetic melodies of final fantasy tactics; it has been cleverly (and boldly) mixed with a techno beat reminiscent of old war arcade games. One cannot but approve of such a refined taste in the fusion of new and old style.
History
Set at the end of the 21st century, Front Mission is divided into two complicated chronicles that see lined up members of the OCU (union of some powerful nations, including Japan and Australia) and USN (more simply a mega-nation composed of the America of the North and South). In the full swing of a war for absolute domination, called the Second Huffman Conflict, we will therefore have the opportunity to take a closer look at the views of both factions regarding the ongoing war. More specifically, from OCU Officer Royd Clive and from Kevin Greenfiel with regards to USN. In short, Royd, head of a unit of the O.CU., can be considered as the classic puppet in the hands of power. In fact, after having fought battle after battle, he will learn scary details about royalty
intentions behind the conflict; will therefore look for a way to get out of it and change the course of events and, thanks to a clearer picture provided by the narration of Kevin Greenfields and his subordinates, we will find ourselves at the center of a difficult plot to understand knowing only this single title. Many of the events would be more understandable for you only if you had played the fifth chapter of the Saga.
gameplay
Let's start by saying that Front Mission was born as a strategic game, and is based on the most classic foundations of the genre. However, juggling the various functions of the Wanzer (this is the name of the "robottoni"), allows you to pleasantly compensate for what is perhaps the only real flaw of the game. Each Wanzer is divided into 3 essential parts: The body, the core of the Wanzer, the mechanical arms - obviously used for the use of weapons - and the legs, which also guarantee movement and evasion of enemy attacks. It goes without saying that aiming at the core first is essential for victory in a fight, but there will be many cases where we will have to choose the best tactic to take down strategically stronger opponents. Even if, as mentioned, Front Mission is distant as a setting from the usual fantasy rpgs, even here we can find the regenerative items, skills that can be learned based on the experience acquired, as well as the inevitable shops, in which to buy better accessories and mechanical parts. We will also have the opportunity to enter the "Coliseum", where to face special rivals and thus earn additional coins, which will certainly make everyone happy. As for the fighting,
I would avoid delving into the subject considering that, while changing names and styles, everything remains largely the same exact same old story. There are different long and short range weapons that will advance in rank as they are used; from these it will be possible to learn further attacks, then there will be some objects, on the screen, potentially dangerous for those who come into contact with them. Last but not least, to complete the work, there is no shortage of new paraphernalia, as well as secondary characters to unlock.
Conclusion
What about a saga that, despite the years, still manages to make people talk about itself despite the continuous passages of the console? Combining RPGs and futuristic warfare is no small thing, and Front Mission is perhaps the herald of all of its fellows. Very pleasant is the sound sector, which gives the game the right tone of adrenaline in those moments when the monotony of the battle could have bothered us. If you love war games and are looking for a valid alternative to the usual "shoot - shoot / escape - escape", I highly recommend this purchase.
