Front Mission - Square's First Mecha RPG Masterpiece

[@Xygor]

Do you think Front Mission measures up to the other great strategy RPGs of its time, like Tactics Ogre, Fire Emblem, or Final Fantasy Tactics? Please consider supporting me at www.patreon.com/xygorgaming OR through KZbin membership by clicking the JOIN button above!

[@GB-sh9st]

I love it... it had the mature themes, plot and characterization that made FFT and let us cling together the best of the best. But I'm still not sure it ever reached the same heights as Yasunori Mitsuda's greatest works.

[@Xygor]

@@GB-sh9st All good points!

[@galloe8933]

I adore this game, I just wish I could be a max job level monk, and destroy the game with the power of Chi! But beyond that, I actually like this one better than Ogre Battle, and I love Ogre battle.

[@omidiartgaming4102]

I have the new game, but haven't gotten to it LOL I did play the JP version back in the SNES emulation days. I did enjoy it if I remember right, since my sav file on SFC is on my computer still lol

[@gpl992]

What about SHINING FORCE tho?!It singlehandedly got me into SRPGs and wanting more!

[@blasterofmuppets4754]

Just finished the remake. What an awesome game. The ending was also really great. I kinda would have liked tohave an option to play in the original graphics.

[@radicalantitheist]

front mission 3 was my first encounter with the series and to this day one of my favorite games, its such a unique take on the TRPG genre that fits so perfectly

[@Xygor]

I will review that one eventually. Have you played Front Mission Alternative?

[@radicalantitheist]

@@Xygor i never even heard of such a thing!?! just checked it out looks really cool,

[@Xygor]

@@radicalantitheist great, give it a shot!

[@EarthwormHam]

Very nice! I appreciated the game's gritty/mature tone at times. Felt like a large contrast to the general presentation of other SNES/Famicom RPGs

[@Xygor]

Very true, quite different from a lot of other games in that way!

[@Horzzo]

Man, that Amano artwork always impresses me. I'l have to give this one a go!

[@LEXICON-DEVIL]

Its exactly why i clicked. 🤙 FFIII SNES baby!

[@Xygor]

Isn't he a fantastic artist? Such a unique style.

[@RevanMartinez]

@@Xygor definitely

[@Xygor]

@@RevanMartinez you know it!

[@LongTran-kp3kz]

I love the lore of the Front Mission series. I, actually started with Front Mission 3 on the PS1 and, even to this day, is still one of my favorite TRPGs around.

[@jazztheartist]

The reason why the original Front Mission 1's aesthetics worked so well is because of its realistic approach despite of the SNES's limited capabilities and Amano's stylized character designs. The wanzer's battle animations had weight and substance. And the color palettes are brilliantly selected giving it its war, gritty and militaristic feel. These are all part of the original's charm. With proper remaster treatment akin to Tactics Ogre Reborn by retaining its aesthetics and improving some of it or perhaps making it HD-2D, improved UI and adding more replayability, it would still age quite good for a few console generations. The remake on the other hand failed to capture any of the things the original had going. I suppose they were trying to aim for a faithful remake and chose to do 3D but the wanzer animations are just ugly. They move flimsily wonky like those early 2010's cheap mobile game commercials. look at how the chopper falls down lmao. It looks weightless, no physics whatsoever. If they wanted to capture the original essence in 3D, they could easily emulate the wanzer movements the original had. But they didn't. If they opted for 3D, there's Front Mission 4 & 5 for reference for wanzer movements IN 3D. Front Mission Borderscape(now Mecharashi) had better animations. Even Front Mission 3 had better animations lmao. I only finished the OCU and didn't play the USN scenario because of how bad it looked it hurts. The only positive I can say about it is it is finally widely playable. Its on Switch, PS4/5 and PC. And I hope the upcoming Front Mission 3 Remake wont be as Bad.

[@KitbyAkida]

I completely agree with your sentiments. As a longtime fan of the series and of the 1st game and of the mecha genre in general, The remake was quite underwhelming especially in the art direction. I understand that they wanted to be "faithful to the original" but it didn't quite work the way that they wanted it. That's how I see it least. -The wanzers move like toys that are being played by a child. It does not move like a heavy machinery at all. Ridiculous recoil animation -destroyed parts stay the same, just blackened when HP reaches 0. -Off scale map assets. Some of the vehicles that are supposed to be human-scale are so large that a wanzer could ride in it. It's laughable. And many more I don't want to list 'em all. I can forgive the Front Mission 2 Remake though since the graphic overhaul against the original is a massive improvement since the original's animations and assets aged quite badly. I knew I had to set my expectations low when I saw the trailer of the Remake. I just hope that they'd treat FM3 better since some consider it as the pinnacle of the series. I hope they'd make the wanzer movements right.

[@Zirbip]

I've only played Front Mission 3, which I bought on a whim without knowing anything about the game or the series. I absolutely loved it!

[@Xygor]

Fantastic, I need to cover that one too!

[@damikki]

I have a complaint to make, your videos are always over far too quickly, I love the subject matter and really enjoy the content and quality. I just wish there were more of them to enjoy. Thank you for the great retro coverage. I will be waiting patiently for your next awesome video .... 🤩 Seriously though, thank you for your work, it is greatly appreciated.

[@Xygor]

Glad you like them that much, there will be more!

[@dr_ubo]

My brother in Christ, I love your content, should’ve mentioned how Square basically invented the mecha genre as we know it with Cruise Chaser Blassty. Everything mecha related that has any sort of customization owes everything to that game. They basically invented the genre.

[@RayzeCruxis]

I just started the game with FM3 being my first and even as a kid i loved the mature story the series tries to tell. It makes you understand the hell that war does to ppl.

[@InsightfulDOODE]

Great review, are you going to review the entire series?

[@Xygor]

Yep, stay tuned!

[@RPGFort]

One of my blind spots. Totally need to get on this series some time. Great video dude!

[@Xygor]

Thank you, give it a try and see if you like it!

[@EnricoPallazzoooo]

Still remember reading about this game in a Magazine when I was young and how fascinated about it I was. Might give the Remake a try

[@Xygor]

Hope it’s a good remake!

[@bortzanator3018]

I heavily suggest the DS port instead.

[@mattcormier6293]

Looking forward to checking it out

[@Xygor]

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

[@alexisguzman296]

Played this game in around 2003 and beat it... this game was lots of fun and diffcult

[@Xygor]

Right on!

[@tristanhernandez115]

Ik this was a year ago but this game WAS NOT difficult. If anything this was one of those games which looked like it had a cheese strat but it was just apart of the game: Long Range and Guide. Two of the most overpowered things in the game by far. Can literally take on full missions without losing a single unit. Game was by far underwhelming when it came to its tactics. It was well thought out, but if Guide was removed with Long Range being a counterable attack, this would be a fine game. Just finished the game and FM2 is so much better with its adjusted tactics.

[@frankfernandez8637]

it awesome. I emulated it like 10 years ago and it is one of the best Tactics ROGs I ever played. REcomended 200%

[@Xygor]

Great, glad you like it too!

[@RasenRendanX]

thank you for this. i been waiting for you to do front mission

[@Xygor]

Glad you liked it! I will eventually cover all of the Front Mission games.

[@brandonhiggs88]

It's available on the switch in physical form now

[@Xygor]

Excellent!

[@TheBeta1337]

One of my favorite all time games, thanks for talking about it!

[@Xygor]

Glad you love it so much, no problem!

[@TheCreapler]

I mainly wish a English patch for the First Front Mission on PS1 would come out.

[@Xygor]

Maybe someday!

[@Marc_Araujo]

The original MechWarrior for DOS blew my mind as a kid after getting my first PC. I still have my big-box copy. Target Earth is also an underrated game no one ever really talks about anymore.

[@Xygor]

Right on! I hope to review Target Earth soon.

[@Marc_Araujo]

@@Xygor It was so hard...but once everything clicked, it was super fun.

[@anime.character]

Great vid

[@Xygor]

Thanks, many more to come!

[@Hotsaucedeluxe]

I love this game. I had the super Famicom cart back in the day and was able to play it without any knowledge of the Japanese language.

[@Xygor]

That's dedication!

[@Hotsaucedeluxe]

@@Xygor not dedication. All the menus are in English. I only missed out on the story.

[@Xygor]

@@Hotsaucedeluxe good point!

[@ZenLee]

oh man old memories unlocked

[@Xygor]

That's what I'm here for!

[@johnlerch7699]

there is one that is very similar to this type called Ring of Red, I've played Front mission 3 and the last one on steam Front Mission: evolved. i liked both of them

[@Xygor]

Interesting, never heard of that.

[@johnlerch7699]

@@Xygor yeah Ring of Red is a difficult one to find anything about and Front Mission: Evolved was basically the first steam game i ever got and played.

[@rikib3652]

I was wondering if anyone was going to mention Ring of Red.

[@rtsgod]

can you actually target indivduel parts in the first one? It's typically random unless you have a specific ability which i am not sure was in FM1-2. Also FMRemake has a physical limited release only in Europe which has been delayed until summerish maybe

[@Xygor]

Mostly it is random, but some skills let you target specific parts if they activate.

[@rtsgod]

@@Xygor awesome, thx. They announced remakes of 2 and 3 too. Hopefully they package all 3 physically, ahh the dream. 3 is like a million hours long though!

[@Aussie_Tom]

Front Mission 3 still sits as my favourite mecha game ever, second only to Zone of the Ender 2. Fantastic and under appreciated franchise, at least up until Front Mission Evolved....

[@Xygor]

I will cover that one eventually too!

[@saliver5909]

Played FM1, 3, 4, and 5 here. Definitely one of my favoriate SRPG series. To me FM4 has the best soundtrack, FM5 has the best cutscenes, FM3 is just top tier gaming since PS1, and FM1 is pure nostalgia. I personally love FM5 the best, then followed very closely by FM3, then FM4 and 1. I even played the NDS Front Mission that introduces the USN side story of FM1. Realistic mechs and SRPG is the perfect combination for me (sorry Super Robot Wars lol). Never played FM Evolved and Left Alive. I guess I never get myself interested in the characters in the first place. Evolved gameplay looks okay so if I really have to try I will pick Evolved. But Left Alive? No absolutely not lol. I was excited to hear news about Mecharashi, a mobile game with Front Mission background, but it seems there's a fallout between SquareEnix and the Chinese developer Zilong so the Front Mission elements are taken out. Oh well so much for the hype but the mecha and fights still look cool so I may try for free (If there ever will be English subs lol.)

[@Xygor]

Thanks for leaving your thoughts on the series! I need to get into some of the later ones.

[@StrangerHappened]

Some say FM2 is better, how did you miss it?

[@saliver5909]

@@StrangerHappened It just happens and I never bother.

[@galloe8933]

Yup, this game is wonderful. Swear to god that Revolver Ocelot is the commander in this game.

[@Xygor]

Glad you like it too!

[@TIDbitRETRO]

Even though I prefer the aesthetics of the original version, does anyone know if the recent remake is any good?

[@Xygor]

I want to hear from people on this too!

[@historian252]

Yes from what I have seen and played the new version is quite good. Especially with the modern mode which allows you to see around buildings. Music is also good but some versions of different songs you knight like better than others.

[@gilium5039]

Technically Remake looks better, but there's something about the original's aesthetics that made me play that one instead of the remake

[@josearodas3124]

Another great video. The game looks pretty awesome

[@Xygor]

Thank you! I'm sure you'll like it if you like a lot of the other games I cover!

[@Mintcar923]

Imagine a Fire Emblem inspired by Chrono Trigger where when you go to the future you must fight with mechs👍 Never played FM but seems pretty engaging

[@hezekiahramirez6965]

It's very engaging. I would caution you, tho, that if you want to experience everything these games have to offer you're going to have to devote a fair amount of time so you should just be aware of that. It's not a casual series. But if you're looking for a deep game you can really spend time with it's a great option

[@Mintcar923]

@@hezekiahramirez6965 I put hundreds of hours in Fire Emblem & the Trails series so I guess I do stick it out most of the time

[@theunbearablejuan]

I just started playing the DS port. This is great.

[@Xygor]

Great to hear that, I need to try that version!

[@willis3rik]

Front misson for DS was also a good version. hard to find though. love the videos!

[@Xygor]

Thank you, I need to try that version!

[@chaospoet]

Last year I was able to get this and it's sequel Front Mission: Gun Hazard together. Both CIB. Got a really good deal on it too. Got a few others too like YS 4 and 5 and Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. Along with other Super Famicom games I've had for a while. Been playing through them (currently on Final Fantasy 5) but I'm not sure which one I want to try next this or Tactics Ogre? I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, but I've been wanting to play this one for a while now because this looks really good. Watching this just makes me look even more forward to play it.

[@Xygor]

Glad you found those two as a collector. Some of these games can run so expensive these days! I no longer collect but I feel people's pain.

[@chaospoet]

@@Xygor Yeah I hear ya. I've slowed down but I saw the two of them together for $30 and thought "Well, I guess I'm buying that." I've seen them individually for $40-$50 at times.

[@rafaelkuhn5154]

The first "Front Mission" is a great game, and I love revisiting it. But "FM2" for the PS1 is the highlight of the series in my book. It features incredibly atmospheric graphics, improves everything that made the first game great (additional customization and skills, secret weapons to be won during arena battles) and the story is even more complex and tragic. It's a true masterpiece and one of the best titles on the console period.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for this input, I will be covering that one too eventually!

[@theshatteredsaga3965]

Front mission 3 was my favorite.

[@Xygor]

@@theshatteredsaga3965 I need to cover it still!

[@nobalkain624]

Sadly this is another IP that Squenix has failed to use. My hope is that if the next Armored Core game is a hit we may see this and other Mecha Franchises come back.

[@Xygor]

That's a good point, with Armor Core's return there could be good things on the horizon.

[@TERRYSR35]

I loved Front Mission 3

[@rhysegozun]

I was able to play 3, 4 and 5 back when I was in my pre-teen years and had been in love with the series ever since my Uncle introduced these games to me. I have to say going back to the original title on the Switch Remake it's pretty bare-boned and has the basic combat from the 5 main titles. No kidding I was so surprised that all short range weapons are 1x1 in range excluding the grenade launcher and I was so baffled and the Arena was so exploitable. I was rich throughout my first playthrough. Story wise, I did not feel anything for Royd. His side of the story was so dry and I did not root for them in the end as they were lacking character development and banter amongst the Canyon Crows. This may be because of its 17 playable characters. Such a huge cast with no moments to shine and for us to get to know them better. Now for the other story. This feels more close to Front Mission 3 which I totally enjoyed! The small cast of the 7 Silver Lynxes had more personality and by the end I was pumped to see how their side of the story ends. Despite my grievances its a great game if you're going into or are well versed in the SRPG genre. Totally would recommend

[@songshungama5288]

it's one of my favourite rpg games

[@Xygor]

Great to hear! Such an underrated one.

[@songshungama5288]

@@Xygor yup

[@deadpixstudios]

Best video notification!

[@Xygor]

Glad you think so!

[@davidsabillon5182]

Great thumbnail 🔥

[@Xygor]

Thank you!

[@davidsabillon5182]

​@@Xygorcongratulations on 50k subs! 🎉👏

[@Xygor]

@@davidsabillon5182 thank you!

[@magistered]

Didn't they release an official one on the DS?

[@Xygor]

I'm not sure...

[@MerkhVision]

Yes! There definitely is a port of this first Front Mission game on the DS

[@rtsgod]

there is one for the D.S. I have it. I am not a fan of the duel screen though

[@allofthelightsbykanyewest]

you rule bro

[@ZappaSlave]

Now that you've touched Front Mission, it's time to touch Super Robot Wars. Just start from the SNES era, or at least the US GBA games. You owe it to yourself if you liked Front Mission

[@Xygor]

I will eventually!

[@corneliusagrippa4613]

Uhh, how did you miss including th fact that there's a second full campaign introduced I'm the

[@alexisguzman296]

Did you play bahamut lagoon?

[@Xygor]

Yes, I reviewed it. It's fantastic.

[@alexisguzman296]

Another great game... the storyline was dark and the end.. was just insane for its time

[@luvlybaluga]

Front Mission is like the better Fire Emblem but with Mechas =D

[@Xygor]

True!

[@gilium5039]

Thracia 776 is definitely better than FM imo, but it's very close to the quality of Genealogy that's for sure

[@carlosaugusto9821]

Front Mission is better compared to Tactics Ogre or FFT. While Fire Emblem's best comparative example is Shining Force.

[@luvlybaluga]

@@carlosaugusto9821 That's actually a much better comparison. Thanks comrade.

[@MattMundane]

☺️☺️

[@Xygor]

Are you a fan of the game?

[@icantaim4sht836]

Most of the characters are geared towards a certain weapon type by default. It's difficult/ makes no sense to make a character different when they come with specific weapon levels and skills. Don't get me wrong I like the game, but every time I replay the game I end up with the same builds. Some equipment and weapons are most expensive but blatently worse than the cheaper stuff. I still don't know what the purpose of a flame thrower is.

[@hezekiahramirez6965]

No, it doesn't measure up to those other games. It surpasses them

[@MoogleBoss]

Isn't FFVI Square's first mecha RPG masterpiece chronologically speaking?

[@Xygor]

I guess you could say that too!

[@yashe6780]

I love this game. But they could've spread out weapons and parts more evenly through the game. Because fully upgrading 11 wanzers every 2 missions is a chore

[@ddmmmm771]

i really dont like the visual style of the remake. rather them have kept it more similiar like they did with tactics ogre

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your thoughts on it!

[@NexVoidGaming]

Wanzer = Walking Panzer? Aka walking tank?

[@Xygor]

Didn't think of that, maybe that's true!

[@lloyd011721]

yes, and in front mission 4 theyre using german pronunciation with it being pronounced vanzer.

[@rayray0987]

Royd. Why would they go with the R over the L in the official translation? Get rid of the D, or make the R some Ls, come on....

[@Xygor]

It's a phonetic language, so can be translated as both.

[@HopDances]

The remake's 3d models don't have any charm compared to the original's pixel art.

[@Xygor]

Gotcha...sorry to hear that.

[@jayroi1814]

I first played Front Mission as a Snes Romhack back in 2002 when I was 12 or 13 years old. My friend showed it to me at his house and being a huge fan of Gundam Wing on YTV (Canadian here) I knew I had to get into it. Great series. Damn, that was 20 years ago

[@Xygor]

Time flies!

[@carlosaugusto9821]

Liking mechas is surely a strong factor to get into it. I'm not a big mecha lover but still am to the point of getting into FM. And that must be the reason why the first FM games didn't get translated, as it took some time for mecha anime to have a decent coverage in western countries. Japan has a very old mecha culture, so things like FM was a normal idea to come up with during that rpg golden age. But for the west, from the corporate viewpoint the appeal was uncertain in the early-mid 90s. And actually this is one of the few cases where the american companies' doubts about localizing a brand new game were reasonable. In their eyes rpgs were too much associated to western high fantasy settings (with maybe only Phantasy Star being an exception). Only in the 2000s anime fully dominated western pop culture, and then it became common to import the more "japanese" games.