DEFINITIVE VERSION: FRONT MISSION

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Mechs are back baby! With the release of Armored Core VI, a lot of eyes are on the genre. Well, technically, Front Mission is a tactics game, but I'd say it fits well within the overall umbrella of mech combat. Unlike most mech based games where you control one mech during combat, Front Mission gives you the ability to customize and control a team of mechs. Shockingly in 2022 a remake of Front Mission 1st was release, and both Front Mission 2 and 3 are on the schedule to receive the update treatment as well. Now is the perfect time to get started with the series. And if you're reading this 25 years from now … It's still the perfect time to get into the series.

RELEASES

SUPER FAMICOM - 1995

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PROS: Classic graphics and gameplay.
CONS: Missing a lot of features found in later releases.
NOTES: There is an English patch that supposedly maintains a more accurate tone.1)

PLAYSTATION - 2003

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PROS: New USN/UCS Scenario and new characters that appear in later sequels.
CONS: Only available in Japan.

NINTENDO DS - 2007

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PROS: Additional hidden missions, and even more characters and mech parts than previous releases. Second screen is used to display additional information and battles.
CONS: Some things have been censored in the localization. [needs reference]
NOTES: Continued use of 2D sprites and even longer campaign can be a turn off for some.

MULTI - 2022

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PROS: Remastered 3D graphics. Instant movement and battle features allow you to speed up combat.
CONS: Character models could be more detailed, and the animation appears to be stiff (even for mechs).
NOTES: You can switch between classic and modern modes which simply locks the camera position like the original games.

NOTABLE DIFFERENCES

FRONT MISSION GRAPHICS COMPARISON

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Map view.

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Battle view.

DEFINITIVE VERSION

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The Definitive Version of Front Mission is the Nintendo DS release. It was the first release in the US and it offered more features, and arguably, the best version of the story. Compared to the original Super Famicom release, the Nintendo DS version had minor censoring and “toning down” of certain story elements that some players criticized, but, ultimately, it wasn’t changed to the extent that it made enough of a difference to make up for the better localization. The Super Famicom English patch is not quite as polished.

This Definitive Version included major updates, such as, an optional tutorial, New Game Plus, new dialogue, new scenes, and nine secret missions, which helped to expand the storyline. The DS release also included new characters, weapons and parts that were introduced in later Front Mission sequels.One of the main benefits that make the DS a favorite was the use of the dual screen, with which the top was used for information and the bottom was for the action. This unique feature on the DS, along with the ability to wirelessly exchange data with friends, completely changed the way players experienced the game.

SUPPLEMENTAL

VIDEOS

CODES & GUIDES

Free Front Mission 1st Remake demo available on steam


CITATIONS

1) https://www.romhacking.net/translations/362/