Front Mission 4

"Giant robots, equally giant guns...it's mostly good"

Front Mission 4 is the latest game in the Front Mission series, which America has seen only a few titles from. FM4 continues the series' dedication to strategic combat with deep customization options. The game models turn-based, strategic battles between giant robots, called Wanzers…all in full 3D.

Graphics 6/10

Traditionally, graphics aren't the most important part of a strategic combat game. FM4 is no different.

The color palette consists almost entirely of drab and dreary grays. Custom paint jobs are available for friendly units, but the colors still look dull and washed out. Occasionally, enemy and friendly units are difficult to tell apart during the 3D combat sequences. This isn't such a big deal, since there's no interaction during those scenes, but it does get a little disconcerting to see bullets flying around and not knowing immediately who they're aimed at.

Having made that complaint, the Wanzer models are fantastic. Even with the ability to fully customize the parts of your mechs, the individual pieces look great and fit together nicely. The weapons and mechs truly look intimidating.

The backgrounds on which you will fight have the potential to look amazing but have the same failings as the Wanzers' color palette. Fighting in the snow and through various urban landscapes could've been a real treat, but the environments end up being as monotonous as your mechs.

Explosions, muzzle flashes, and lighting effects are weak, leaving the battles feeling somewhat sterile.

Gameplay 8/10

Gameplay is where FM4 really shines, although I have a few minor complaints.

FM4 is turned based. First, your units move, then the enemy. The turn system seems a little too formulaic and contrived. The battles would've been more hectic and intense had units moved based on their relative speed stats, much like Shining Force or Ring of Red.

Units move from an overhead map from an isometric viewpoint. The camera is easy to rotate with the right analog stick but zoom options and the ability to change angles are lacking. It really doesn't effect the gameplay, but it wouldn't been neat to view the battle map from a lower angle.

When units are engaged in combat, the camera zooms to encompass the immediate surrounding area. Fire is exchanged, damage dealt, and the camera returns to it's original position. The scenes look nice but there isn't any interaction.

The AI is a bit weak. Enemy Wanzers tend to concentrate all of their fire on a single friendly unit. Enemies aren't very aggressive and can be easily picked apart in small groups.

Battles can take a while, up to a few hours. Thankfully, it is possible to save mid-mission.

Wanzers can be customized and upgraded from a nearly mind-boggling list of parts and weapons. Much like Naval Ops: Warship Gunner, customizing your units can be as much fun as actually playing the game. The interface is a little hokey, presenting too many layered menus, but it's perfectly functional and easy to learn.

Pilots can also be customized, but to a much lesser degree than their Wanzers. During combat, pilots gain points that can be put toward the purchase of special abilities and stat upgrades similar to what you find in a role-playing game. While the skill lists for each pilot is gigantic, there are few options to truly customize the characters. For example, Elsa starts out skilled in using SMG-type weapons. The only available upgrades for her are for SMG-type weapons. You can give her Wanzer a rifle but she'll be a klutz when using, and will be forever.

Finally, I was truly amazed by the complete lack of load times between screens. Flowing between the map and combat is seamless, navigating between menus is quick and effortless (even if there is too many of them).

Controls 10/10

The controls are quick and responsive. No complaints.

Audio 5/10

Admittedly, this is not the most important aspect for a game of this type, but poor audio really hurts FM4.

Music is well done but utterly forgettable and uninspired. Sound effects are generally weak. Giant robots walking around with thirty-foot long rifles should make a lot of noise. While your mechs look intimidating, they or their weapons certainly don't sound it. Those massive shotguns they're carrying sound more like BB guns.

Voice acting is generally well done but hardly remarkable.

Story 8/10

FM4's story reads much like a Tom Clancy novel; political intrigue, conspiracies, betrayals, and corrupt politicians abound. It's not terribly original but it's still solid and well executed.

Challenge and Replayability 7/10

The game is fairly challenging but I really can't see myself replaying it. The battles are simply too long and can get a bit tedious.

Overall

Fans of the previous Front Mission games will probably find a lot to like here, as the formula hasn't changed all that much. Anyone interesting by turn-based strategy games will find just as much to love. Others may want to rent first.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/21/04, Updated 06/24/04