Front Mission 3

"An immersive tactical experience"

I always loved playing mecha games. I can remember staying up for hours and playing Mechwarrior 2 and Heavy Gear on my computer...customizing my mech for different terrain, planning how to destroy an enemy efficiently, or even just flying around crazily with jump jets. These games always captivated me...imagine being part of a military where you pilot huge robots into battle and can squash people under your feet!

Front Mission 3 is the pinnacle of these types of games. Even when you only play an hour into the game, you realize how much depth there is. I'm still taking it all in, even after a few hours of play.

Story (10/10): It's the future, and you're a civilian test pilot for a new set of ''Wanzers'' (Mechs). Everything goes well until you deliver the Wanzers to a military facility when a bombing takes place. From then on, you can go down one of two paths, each unique and special in it's own right. But the game is so much bigger than just the missions themselves. There is a complex and interwoven backstory, which very well might intimidate some players, but if you learn a little about it, it increases your enjoyment of the game immensely. The planning that went into the game must have been huge, because outside of the battles, there are in-game cutscenes and an internet you can access during the intermission. You can check your e-mail, visit sites, even choose different wallpaper!

Graphics (10/10): The PSX is known for blockiness, but it's not bad in FM3. In fact, for all the stuff going on in each screen, it's amazing how everything holds up. There are models for Wanzers, models for people, machines, vehicles, and more. And the compter screens have face icons and neat effects on their own, like a great loading screen for the internet. I would compare the graphics to Metal Gear Solid...lots of lighting effects, great explosions, great everything. I guess it takes an artist to appreciate the little things, and I definitely do.

Music/Sound (10/10): I didn't pay much attention to the music in the game, actually. It's not that it's bad, it's just used for effect, really. As for the sound, everything has great sound effects, from the computer chirps to the shotgun sounds.

Gameplay/Control (10/10): The battles are played out in a basic fashion, but get more complex as you get farther into the game. Luckily, it never gets too out of hand. In the beginning of the game, there are plenty of times when you can learn the basics, and you can always go back and recall things if you forget.As for control, every button is used in the game, yet the control never really feels too complex. You can rotate the view, check for counter-attack posture, and switch weapons, all with the press of one of the buttons. Everyting is smooth and responsive, and once you get a feel for what you're doing, it all becomes second nature, just like with any other game.

Challenge (10/10): I'm only a little into the game, and it's already getting a bit harder. I've heard that this game can be insanely difficult, and while I can't confirm that, it is distincly possible.

Replay Value (10/10): Like I said, there are 2 paths at the beginning of the game. Each path will probably take you at least 50 hours to complete, if you do everything. So yeah, replay is great is you win one of the scenarios.

Overall (10/10): There's really nothing bad I can say about this game. It really is like playing through some great movie, where you want to hold on for just a few more minutes to try and see what will happen next. The feel of the game is second to none...with high production values and seriously time-sucking gameplay, it's worth it to give it a play, and see what knocking heads in a mech really feels like.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/10/01, Updated 11/10/01