PixlBit

The latest in the Front Mission series has stepped away from its tactics-based roots and entered the realm of third-person shooting and action-based mech combat. While the game is a spin-off, it still holds on to staples of the mainline series, specifically a story based in an apocalyptic future, and the inclusion of Wanzers (personally piloted-mechs) which players will control throughout the game. I can't tell you of the relative quality of the game in comparison to rest of the series, but this iteration is an average attempt at mech combat and third-person shooting.

Front Mission Evolved's story and events are a bit tough to follow. Players start in a tutorial level as Dylan Ramsey, who is testing out a brand new prototype Wanzer. Things quickly escalate and he is forced to enter New York City in order to save his father who is in grave danger due to an attack on the city. Dylan fails to save his father, and subsequently agrees to join the army in order to pursue those responsible for his death. None of the game's characters are particularly memorable or interesting, and players won't likely connect with the story, which is of pretty poor quality.

Thankfully, the story isn't a huge presence, and things quickly shift from mission to mission. Depending on the point in the story, players can find themselves in either their custom Wanzer or on foot taking down enemy troops. The decision to split the gameplay up in this way is really one of the biggest downfalls of the game.

On foot, Front Mission Evolved is no more than a below-average third-person shooter, by today's standard. There is no cover mechanic whatsoever, aside from the innate ability to crouch behind boxes, and there is little to no challenge presented, which makes these segments excruciatingly boring. Considering the entire story is based around piloting Wanzers, it makes even less sense. I can understand that these segments were likely included to bring some variety to the otherwise unchanging gameplay, but they tend to stick out like a sore thumb in comparison to the far more interesting Wanzer battling.

This is in large part due to the completely static enemies, who tend to find a spot to take cover behind and stay there, waiting to be shot in the head. Players will slowly progress forward as they kill more and more enemies, until they’ve killed them all. Perhaps years ago this would’ve been good enough, but when you are competing with games like Vanquish and Gears of War, there’s no sense in adding third person shooting mechanics if you aren’t going to create a solid experience.

Though Wanzer piloting and fighting is really nothing special, it's leaps and bounds better than any third-person shooting players will do on foot. What does make the Wanzer segment standout is the ability to customize the craft to your liking.

Aside from basic visual tweaks to the body, and coloration of the various parts of the machine, players can modify each actual component, which includes the arms, legs, and core, as well as the weapons mounted there upon. Each Wanzer has the ability to hold a total of four weapons two on the shoulders and two on the arms themselves. The shop offers a wide range of weapons, each of which are meant for different purposes and cater to different play styles. Players can choose to mount guns or cannons for ranged attacks, or melee weapons and shields for close-quarter combat. To start, having a mix of different weapons is prudent, but as players progress they will want to cater their choices to their play style. This deep level of customization is welcome and quite preferable, as it makes the experience far more engaging and entertaining.

Utilizing these weapons on the battlefield is a cinch, given easy access to them via the left and right shoulder buttons. Aside from the weapons, Wanzer control includes jumping, dodging, and hovering, all of which are activated with the face buttons. The hover proves to be the most vital of moves in the Wanzer’s repertoire as it allows quick navigation of the level, and makes it easier to avoid enemies when tough skirmishes appear as if they are going to result in death.

Unquestionably, Front Mission Evolved controls well, and piloting the levels is always a breeze. Getting a handle on piloting the vehicle is essential to success, and after no time at all, players will know how to stay out of the line of fire while destroying the game's various enemy Wanzers. When players do eventually take damage due to poor maneuvering, they'll notice that light damage isn’t too detrimental. If heavy damage is taken, your Wanzer will be permanently damaged (during that level), which results in slower movement, and a more imminent death. Thankfully, this damage can be repaired by eliminating enemies and collecting the resulting repair kits. They’re scattered throughout the level as well, which is nice for the times where one more battle could be fatal. Players will also pick up money in the same way, which enables them to purchase new Wanzer parts between levels.

Where Front Mission Evolved disappoints is in the complete lack of enemy variety. Most of the single player quest will have players battling the same four or five enemy Wanzer types when not in a boss fight. Because the AI and resulting damage is consistent, the challenge level drops significantly once enemy patterns are recognized.

Multiplayer is an extension of these Wanzer portions, allowing players to take on others around the world head-to-head with their custom Wanzer craft. The mode offers a very standard set of game type options, which is somewhat disappointing, but given that it offers varied enemies, players may just have a great time with the mode.

Like most modern multiplayer games, players can level up as they play, which assists you in future battles. As stated, the mode is fairly decent, but unfortunately not many are out there playing it, and those who do already seem to be experts at the game.

Poorly executed foot missions and an underwhelming single player quest make for a disappointing spin-off of the Front Mission series. Though interesting and often enjoyable to pilot a Wanzer, players will be subjected to unchanging enemies in addition to fairly standard attack patterns and AI, which really drags out the mission experience. Multiplayer is a decent distraction, but not one that warrants a purchase of the game. Those who have only a passing interest in the title should probably skip it, as it isn’t deep or interesting enough to warrant a purchase, though a rental may be in order to judge for themselves. Front Mission fans won’t likely appreciate the title much either, given that it’s such a radical departure from the standard gameplay of the series.