Which Version of Front Mission 1 Should You Play? - All Ports Reviewed & Compared

[@Pliskkenn]

I miss the 90s computer aesthetic. It was that weird robot future from 80s/90s anime that made me love FM.

[@TheDutchGhost]

What has changes since then regarding Aesthetics and design art of mechs in Anime since then? I rather prefer the more 'industrial' like robot designs compared to the gladiator type designs that are used in Anime like Gundam.

[@dibdap2373]

@@TheDutchGhost I think he was talking about the computer graphics not mech design.

[@TheDutchGhost]

@@dibdap2373 Ah, my mistake. I thought he talked about the designs that are used these days in anime and Japanese games. I am not really a big fan of some of these designs today. Their designers more trying to make them look 'cool' than practical as far as practical is possible with huge mechs. Computer game graphics are nicer now but I feel it is more difficult for a sci-fi game to jump out among the dozens of released by just looking unique.

[@KryselITG]

PC-98 had some gorgeous pixel mech stuff as well, surprisingly. The 80s and 90s were definitely a time where artists and developers pushed the resources they had available to the max.

[@Tiger74147]

Agreed!

[@kenshokram]

You destroy so much of my annoying obsessively check for differences and best versions of videogames that I had to do for so many years in succinct, interesting, enjoyable and well researched videos... Thank you!!!!

[@ValkyrieTiara]

Best gaming channel on youtube

[@CamuiKushi]

Straight facts. It's basically a service which is why I'm more than happy to support on Patreon. A lot of other port comparisons on KZbin are either incomplete or gloss over important details. Austin covers everything I care about sussinctly.

[@kenshokram]

@@CamuiKushi and also they're nice about all ports and always specify that there is no wrong way to play a game, if there's only one way you can play it

[@guitaraobscura8802]

Honestly really wish there was a database or website that just laid it all out or at least the pros and cons of each. Its annoying because half the time the newest version isn't the best (Valkyrie Profile and Grandia)

[@cosmosofinfinity]

Same, no one seems to do it as comprehensively and nitty gritty as this guy

[@CommissarBearThe]

The Front Mission 2 remake is being developed by Storm Trident and the 3 remake is being done by MegaPixel Studios, different dev teams but both subsidiaries of Forever Entertainment.

[@obeliskblaze]

I LOVE YOUR SRW VIDEOS

[@MinisterZdrowia]

Correct.

[@changolion31]

Front Mission 3 it's my favorite game of the saga ♥️

[@Sneakyboson]

@@changolion31 I used to play FM3 via emulator all the time, might pick up the remaster if it's any good!

[@rickyandino1339]

Any word on a Gun hazard remake?

[@thanksbetotap]

Man is a machine getting these out.

[@AustinSV]

ADDENDUM: 1.0.3 patch notes were put out. I'll put some highlights in this comment, but here's the link to patch notes twitter.com/FrontMissionRM/status/1604792265733558272 Some updates added to the game not mentioned in the video: - Statistics comparison before combat. - Alternate route seeking by the AI when the target cell is occupied by an ally (only in Modern Mode) - DPAD navigation in scenario map tile by tile. - Direct attack on enemies by selecting the red square on the scenario map. - Save panel after the campaign is completed (autosave is no longer deleted). - Death animation on the arena when BODY is destroyed. - A "thank you" sound after a purchase in a shop. [this was in the PS1 and DS versions] - Minigun animation when firing. Overall, this is essentially what I meant by they were collecting feedback and going from there

[@devildevil6811]

Is UCS or USN scenario are present in this remake?

[@justinl8791]

@@devildevil6811 Yep. It's based on the DS version, very obvious with a cameo by Glen during the tutorial mission.

[@devildevil6811]

Justin@I see UCS gameplays video few days ago.Before i think maybe second scenario i DLC:D

[@shhhvcnear]

I just want to say your channel might just be the straight up most useful one on youtube for me. Compiling a list of differences is so helpful when deciding which to play and I really want to thank you for them.

[@shhhvcnear]

I'm still on the fence, but I'm leaning towards the DS version. I like the 2d graphics and it seems like the only advantage of the switch port is the tactical overhead map.

[@Fleshlight_Reviewer]

Same. The 3d doesn't look that good tbh

[@caesarjulius6058]

@@Fleshlight_Reviewer I'm totally OK with 3D graphics in a remake but not THESE 3D graphics. Look like a cheap mobile game. Especially the water

[@RJ-jo5vo]

Playing unofficial translations is so natural to me now that when it got to the part about the DS localization not asking if you previously played, my first reaction was “why would they go through the trouble of changing that”

[@peger]

TBH i totaly forget it was fantranslation

[@thewalkindudenv]

You are on FIRE lately. Hitting all the good games I genuinely think about playing.

[@iamlegend1482]

Front mission 3 was my first and last. I still love this game.

[@nocreditclear]

You are doing sacred and important work my friend. These port comparison videos are so, so good.

[@TheLegendofLeo]

Great video! It sounds like the DS version is the way to go for me when considering convenience. You actually made me more interested in trying the series thanks to the clarification that you provided.

[@SimpleSlave]

The remake certainly looks...With the retro look being so prevalent nowadays this should not be looking like an Asset Flip. Maybe it would've been cool if they have tried to make it look closer to Front Mission 3 for the PS1 but with all the special effects of an Octopath Traveler. Maybe for the next Remake in 28 years? ...mayhaps...

[@RicochetForce]

Thank you for the comparison, Austin. It looks like the Switch remake looks like a good point to jump into this series.

[@armorvil]

If I understood his "final thoughts" correctly, he says the DS version is the one you should play, though... 🙄Gotta love these "what version should you play" videos that don't give you a clear-cut/to-the-point answer at the end. Like you, I still feel the improved visuals on the switch would make me like this version more (I like both the 3D visuals and that you can rotate the camera) but thanks to this video I'm not sure which version I should play now 🤣

[@RicochetForce]

@@armorvil A big part of gaming for me is accessibility and QoL. I'm not going to go dig up my ancient DS version, or fuck with roms just to become Perfect Purist Gamer. I will play what's most accessible from contemporary options, which in this case would be the Switch.

[@jenzo42]

@@RicochetForce Sounds like you didn't even need the video if that is your approach.

[@RicochetForce]

@@jenzo42 Austin's exhaustive approach confirmed what other Front Missions veterans have been echoing in other parts of the internet. I just check out multiple sources to determine if the praise something is getting is baseless or not.

[@JC-dz5ur]

@@armorvil so true. I am not a purist. WTF he rambles on and on and don't give us a direct answer. I am just going to skip all version and buy the Switch

[@xheralt]

I still occasionally replay FM3 & 4 on my ancient PS2, interested in seeing the original games as well.

[@Unquestionable]

Finished up the Switch version the other day and really enjoyed it, going to need to try the alternative campaign eventually. Funny as I played the SNES and DS versions but never managed to get overly far despite liking them. Cool to see the comparisons.

[@monkeymanbob]

I was hugely addicted to FM3. Hope that the remake is on the PC

[@chazmaru9583]

Awesome, thanks for releasing this comp so quickly!

[@pppppffffffmmmmmmmnn]

Man, the original sprite style looks so much better than the Switch versions

[@raedien]

I really wish "classic" mode let me just play with the original pixel art. It looks so sick.

[@Kierdziol]

Front Mission is regarded as one of the best looking SNES games. This remake, however - while having quality of live improvements, the visuals doesn't do the justice for the game (especially during battles). Remaking it in high definition pixel art would took much much longer and Square wouldn't want to wait this long. I wonder which style would work better in this case - Octopath Traveller or Final Fantasy pixel remasters?

[@AceStrife]

Old consoles: 60 FPS. New consoles: 30 FPS. Sigh.

[@gabe8763]

Nice to see some comparisons between fm1 versions, I emulated the famicom version while my buddy played the DS one, it was weird not knowing he had done the opposing campaign

[@TIDbitRETRO]

That Switch version isn’t bad visually, but definitely looks “cheap” and is nowhere near as nice as the original sprite graphics. I wish the remake had an option to use the original’s visuals.

[@bloodykenshiro8218]

Honestly, I wish someone made a patch for the DS version that made battle transitions faster. I prefer the pixel look even though the remake looks great.

[@goaway0001]

I’ve always wanted to get into FM because I’m a sucker for strategy rpgs. Very good work 👍

[@Grnvolpe]

If you have a DS definitely get the Front Mission game. I almost never replay games but that game is always fun to go back to

[@afterburner94]

Absolute madman, another great review and comparison video :) I assume then that Forever Entertainement is only acting as Publisher for Front Mission 2 remake, with Storm Trident developping?

[@squid11160]

For me, the UI is the most important aesthetic part of the FM games and I wish they haven't modernized it

[@orlof507]

looks like DS version is the way to go

[@denmark1226]

God, those Famicom sound effects are nostalgic as fuck since I grew up with the fan translation

[@themrnails]

Awesome review. I enjoy the OG OST over the remastered. Thank you.

[@Erosgates]

I emulated this back in the day on SNES9x and it was in English & had excellent translation. Nothing beats that jazzy, low-key music during the interludes & shop portions.

[@cybertruckeralpha]

The fan translation got a pretty big update from mteam after this video dropped. I'm gonna be playing through it to see how comprehensive it is, but they seem confident in how complete the fixes are.

[@MartiniBlankontherest]

The sheer work ethic required to do this research is award-worthy! Bravo!

[@dragonhold4]

(10:35) The updated environments here makes it seem like playing with mech toys. Any sense of scale is lost.

[@cosmosofinfinity]

The old versions still look so good, I wouldn't them just being blown up to HD, but the new 3D version covers the major bases surprisingly faithfully. What about the dialogue translation though? Would love for this game to have more breathing room on non-Switch platforms

[@peger]

Well, 2D graphics usually hold up very well, and don't age like 3D

[@Inkubaszi]

I’m playing FM1 Remake on PC, and I’m so sad, that you can’t do “cool” wanzers. I remember on SNES I was able to do one looks like tank, or car transporter like from alien [by legs/ body and weapon hands combo], now all non bipedal legs anyway make mechs to “stand” all weapon hands are always so far from body… Nothing big, but I was soooo excited to do those again as I did when I was kid, and nope :/

[@wudly9195]

The game looks so lifeless and generic with its 3D design. The spite work is 1000X more pleasing to the eye.

[@gundamguy22]

I just wish these would release on PC.

[@rudidellama3718]

Forever Entertainment usually port their games to pc later, that happen to Panzer Dragoon and House of the Dead, so I doubt that Front Mission will be any different

[@Larsgman]

Kids nowadays should count their blessings for being given the opportunity to play this gem (even though the majority won’t or will probably never hear about it). I still remember trying to play this back in the emulator days in 2000 and it was all in japanese. I could only do so much before i got frustrated not knowing wth was going on. Didn’t want to play a tactical rpg where the dialogue was completely lost. Now there are english patches. Re-releases and all that stuff.

[@TalkernateHistory]

I think the DS version looks the best, but I may be biased because it was the first one I played

[@cathode6252]

I honestly would have bought it if the art design was like Octopath Traveler. But the new 3D graphics look so generic. Like a mobile game or bargain bin game. Hopefully, 2 or 3 have more stylized graphics.

[@Tiger74147]

As usual, excellently presented, concise, and detailed. Amazing job!

[@septarap3901]

Eagerly waiting for the Crisis Core video!!

[@FarmerSlideJoeBob]

Man you did a pretty well job with these videos😃

[@TheCldmstrsn]

The Switch version to me is the best of them all. Difficulty options and it looks and sounds great. After all these years I was finally able to beat both campaigns and experience the story!

[@liquidpaper128]

DS version for me all the way

[@Left4JokerRPG]

What we need is a translation of this PS1 version. The USN campaign looks sick!

[@spyhardman]

I’m very impressed by the Wonderswan version. I recently got a WS Crystal, so I’m tempted to track it down.

[@Bangcat]

That Switch 'remake' felt more like face lift. That price tag is a bit high for what it is. What would be sweet is a action game using the old stories. FOr me Front Mission Evolved and Front Mission Gun Hazard are the more desired game plays and proof the series not once, but twice, is not always turn based. For turn based. Front Mission 3 is still king and i may just go back and play the one I got.

[@giantnerd14]

This is a fantastic rundown on the versions!

[@kevinvasconcellos8599]

6:55 Glen Duval!?? The same of FM 5 ? Man, how I wanted a video that explained and connected the history of the games in the franchise ..

[@Lucian028]

I knida liked DS-version the most

[@SpartasEdge]

12:49 It's funny; I'm the exact opposite. I'm not a fan of the mechs sliding aroundcas if their ice skating, and i prefer the more relatable (to me) stomping/walking animation, even if it is slower in the modern mode, or have it as an option in the modern mode.

[@karc21]

Very thorough video about the difference! Feels like the new remake lacks the charm of the pixel art. The models and combat look so lifeless in comparison. Also not looking the trend of remastered music being ... "softer" to the original soundtrack. At least the FM2 combat looks more dynamic.

[@GatsuRage]

something I've been always curious about this franchise is the story continuity... does it ends with cliff hangers or every installment is a different brand new story?

[@GatsuRage]

@Imp Lord and assuming different characters? Thanks for answering.

[@jonathankozenko]

I just wish they'd release these updated versions to something like the PS4 or PC, as I'd absolutely love to play 1 & 2 but don't have a DS or a Switch. I absolutely loved 3 & 4 so I'd get a PS4/PC version pretty much Day 1

[@segasdreamer]

I forgot this was coming out. Thankfully, the people around me are mech game nuts and so my recommended feed was filled with mech vids and this was one of them. Thanks for reminding me to pick this one up

[@nobodytonobodysbusiness]

This is excellent content. Thank you for the in depth comparison.

[@JohnyTheWizKid]

Comparing all versions, that includes dialogue change, I feel much satisfied with the Super Nintendo one. I don't like that they watered down the dialogue on the DS version and I just don't like the modern look of the Switch version. Most of all, despite loving the remix of the music tracks, I can't hear a damn noise of gun fire from the Playstation one. What the hell? All in all, the Super Nintendo one is superior. I love this game and its music.

[@R3dMatador]

Excellent comparison, I hadn’t make my mind wether to emulate or get the remake.

[@bloodykenshiro8218]

And now, one year later after my comment, unbelievably, someone made a patch to speed up the battle transitions on DS! it's perfect now, honestly.

[@JanssenDG]

ive been a fan of all front mission franchise, from snes to switch, it is still a great game

[@Lock2002ful]

Soo important channel, thank you! For me, the DS version is the best version of all. The Remake looks and feels like a botched job. Don’t understand why SQE seems to hate FM and it’s fanbase. I still have nightmares about Left Alive.. Hoping that FM2&3 Remake will be better..

[@lloyd011721]

wow theyre really doing a full modern revival arent they... i hope they also do fm 4 and 5 too then

[@ironbru1986]

I know this is an old post to reply to but I couldn't agree more! I really want to play Front Mission 5 with an official english translation without having to resort to a soft modded PS2 or emulation. Not having to rely on my imported PS2 to play Front Mission 4 would be nice too since that was never released in my country (I'm from the UK) or Europe in general. We only got Front Mission 3 on the PS1, Front Mission Evolved on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC and Left Alive on the PS4. From everything I've heard (I haven't played Front Mission 2 or 5 yet) 3 is tied with 5 as the best in the series.

[@lloyd011721]

@@ironbru1986 i enjoyed 4 alot. tbh in terms of gameplay i thought it was better than 5, but it was also the first in the series that i played. 5 does have part upgrading though and maby better story.

[@mjf8897]

I would have been all over Front Mission if it came west in the late 90s.

[@kirkcavenaugh758]

Japan in the 90s must've been heaven.

[@mjf8897]

@@kirkcavenaugh758 I was digging for new weird ps1 games all the time.

[@kirkcavenaugh758]

@@mjf8897 it was a good era

[@martinantelo7086]

The remake seems decent enough. I'll probably get it once it comes out on PC. I wonder who's doing 2 and 3 though?

[@hellfire92837]

Thank you for the comparison videos, I played the DS version on the original hardware and had a blast, but now I know it was toned down. I will check the psx version out!

[@marinellovragovic1207]

If you have watched the video, Austin says that it was not toned down.

[@Ryan3d]

Imo the best experience for Western players would be : SFC translated > DS > Remake The SFC version feels as how the FM1 should be and intended.... Superb well designed presentation that fits the setting, grittier, punchier, with the correct sounds/visual theme, very ambitious both for the time and system and with unforgetable story elements with the right dialogue that makes the delivery very strong. Easily of the best experiences i've ever had in my gaming life. DS i would say it's the most accesible way to play the game and a decent way to play it, sadly the sounds effects are very weaker compared to the stronger fx on the SFC version (Eggret or better missile sound effects are just cheff kiss of powerful in the SFC version) and the OST is slighty compromised but not so bad. However the softier dialogue on key scenes of the DS really lessen the impact of the plot reveals A LOT, at times it feels more closer to a Saturday morning cartoon dub rather than the Adult themed tone that the original game was aiming for. Remake would have been amazing.... if they had sticked to the original art direction, both in visuals, perspective and animation, there are way too many things that makes the Remake presentation way too bland and generic something that FM1 excelled. But i have to be fair that i really admired that they kept the game mechanics, balance and Characters portraits as faithful as possible, that was a really good move for the Remake. Thanks for the video! i enjoyed a lot !

[@Tank16365]

Jeez I almost feel like I prefer the DS versions 16 bit graphics

[@betacrest10]

Played lots of hours on the SFC fan translation and on NDS lite. Hoping for a physical Switch copy and will get started right away once i get one.

[@Yang_Mulia]

finally some love from SE for this hidden gem

[@AntonioLucas91]

holy cow, you're on fire my friend! great video as always

[@bloodybladenum1920]

I like the ds version the switch feels kinda slow if you're using the old ui

[@Hato1992]

As someone who played only FM3 and was wondering to go back, I think remakei s pretty damn good looking. It shows that was made with people who know what they doing, compared to some other "remakes" of west big titles lately...

[@lukespooky]

The 3D is so soulless

[@goranisacson2502]

Think I'll cop this version- I've played the SNES with the fantranslation, so I feel like I oughta pay them for that pleasure now that the opportunity's here. I guess I could go for the DS if I can find it on auctions, but it was only ever released in the US and I'm in EU, and even if I am a 90's kid with massive nostalgia boomer for the pixel aesthetic that this game didn't maintain, I feel like the content here beibg functionally identical only with some more QoL features mean my eyes can swallow some disappointment. Still, I'm looking forward to 2 and 3, haven't played or own those at all!

[@TheMetacritic]

I like the pixel graphics more than the modern Switch graphics, it has more charm. I may be biased because it was one of the games I put countless hours into when it was released on the PS1.

[@Metoollhead]

This was useful. Great job!

[@wishingW3L]

Is it just me or the "remastered" soundtrack sounds horrible?

[@SpanishArmadaProd]

You're just mad and jealous

[@trifurobert1349]

​@@SpanishArmadaProdthe remake is inferior in every way even in graphics

[@folfiri6204]

I agree. They complately butchered the Blackhounds theme in the remaster.

[@YuriusFarrence]

They need to bring this to Steam/PC. I played the original SNES version and didn't get to play the one from ps1/ds. Great potential on this franchise and I hope it gets a lot of sales to warrant better sequels.

[@Kierdziol]

It's playable with Ryujinx. I tried to give it a chance but after an hour of looking at those poor 3D I decided that emulating DS is better way (although I wish I had an widescreen so setting both screens left and right would look even better).

[@WWE2KUNIVERSEELITE]

I still love FM 3 because that game made the philippines a superpower lmao. but got a switch currently playing FM 1 waiting for FM 2

[@skellurip]

nintendo ds might be the version for me

[@frozenwrath1352]

They are all so perfectly close to the original that you don't miss on anything, but i share your sentiment, ds version would be the best one if you don't care for graphics or don't have a switch, in that case switch version is just as good. Mad respect to the fan translation for the SNES though, i can't even count on how many franchises i would've missed if people weren't willing on translating unreleased games.

[@Sheikplays]

@@frozenwrath1352 I find this Switch Remake kinda ugly. And I don't like the UI. The HD portraits are fire, tho

[@Sheikplays]

@Joyinyoursuffering modern graphics can look dope These look cheap, tho

[@Elcnar]

Remake looks like any other cheep mobile bullshit, none fucks was given into design.

[@LC-ny5nx]

Awesome job on this

[@rudidellama3718]

You said that Forever Entertainment is not making the Front Mission 2 and 3 remakes, but seems like Forever is the publisher to all 3 games and MegaPixel Studio and Storm Trident are the Devs, so i'm kinda confused

[@trowa_z1989]

I hope they release this for PC too😃

[@Kierdziol]

So it could be modded and maybe it would look better.

[@johnrambeau6272]

clssic mode ps1 on romstation classic on ds and today modern mode on switch. love this game♥

[@SolitudeDante]

a video about front mission? thanks youtubes algorithms, here is my like and subscribe ♠

[@jazy921]

There's also a PC port of the latest/Switch version. Also, i believe i've read somewhere online that there's a version where Lloyd/Royd is just one of the characters in the game and not THE main protagonist of the game, and therefore he's not an essential unit you need to put in the battlefield in every single mission unlike the other versions. Although, i somehow can't find where i've read it nor have i found which version that comment/post was talking about.

[@chrlpolk]

Despite all naysayers to the contrary, I did play Front Mission USN campaign in English patch on a PlayStation emulator. I can’t find a trace of it now and people now say it never existed.

[@cgcode]

Personally, I prefer the NDS version. The 3D version takes away all the charm.

[@Ultrox007]

Maybe I'm old but after watching this I decided not to buy the remake and instead grab the DS version.

[@yuanchoy2]

very loved your video for this front mission

[@chichiboypumpi]

Front Mission 3, and the Armored Core Project Phantasma.

[@JohnDL212]

I see it's now available on Steam for PC. Might pick it up.

[@SpikedaStampede]

A frequent bug I encounter is freezing and crashing during missions. I've not yet noticed any save corruption or loss of data, so it's just a mild annoyance, as long as I keep a save file up to date.

[@hemangchauhan2864]

Brilliant comparison. I think the parts being "toned down" in DS version come late in the game? I swear I've read lot of people mentioning there was some subplot removed.

[@thalos730]

i'll go with the ds version, thanks for the video! and for the other front mission games?

[@jaertosilva7382]

I love the first game .

[@CamuiKushi]

This looks like the best remake/remaster Square has put out in recent memory, at least IMO. It's got a modernised graphics refresh without looking cheap or half assed AND they're listening to feedback right off the bat.

[@nikoladedic6623]

And it wasn't made by Square themselves.

[@goranisacson2502]

Development being handled by a western dev where the actual devs probably understand English better than a Japanese dev probably helps with the "taking feedback" part. Though these same devs drew a bunch of heat with their Panzer Dragoon 1 remake, so it may be that they learned how to navigate fandemand after that game since they also made a bunch of patches for it as well.