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Front Mission ds Game Reviews
Front Mission
Critic Score
Metascore: 72 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.0 out of 10
based on 19 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 2 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

Discover the origins of the Front Mission series in this explosive handheld saga that was never before localized for North America. Reborn exclusively on the Nintendo DS. Front Mission introduces new features, such as dual screen presentation and multiplayer modes, that update the classic that gave birth to seven beloved sequels. Using Touch Screen functionality, players command a squad of customizable mechs known as wanzers and direct them through turn-based skirmishes across the battlefields of the 21st century. [Square Enix]

PUBLISHER: Square Enix
DEVELOPER: Square Enix
GENRE(S): Turn-Based Strategy, Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)
RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2007

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

88
RPG Fan
This game brings both style and content to the table. It doesn't pretend to be anything greater than it is: it's a very straightforward Strategy RPG.
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86
GameZone
While it’s certainly not for everyone, Front Mission provides awesome tactical combat and enough customization options to keep even the most hardcore gamers busy.
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85
NintendoWorldReport
For fans of the strategy genre, this is your definitive game on the DS; go and pick this game up without a second thought.
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80
GameSpy
If you're new to the franchise and don't mind spending some quality hours shopping for mech legs, shields, and shoulder-mounted missile launchers, you'll have a game that'll keep you busy for a long time.
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78
IGN
If you’re a diehard tactical gamer, however, Front Mission will offer you more options, more depth, and more overall customization than any of its competitors on DS, with a level of detail, strategy, and maturity that isn’t often found on Nintendo’s handheld.
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75
1UP
Once you get into the rhythm of it, the back-and-forth between combat and outfitting gives Front Mission an enjoyable pace. There is a caveat, though: Trying to pound through multiple missions in any one sitting puts a significant damper on your enjoyment.
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72
Cheat Code Central
Front Mission's two main campaigns are excellent, but there's not much else here in terms of extras which is slightly disappointing.
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71
Gamer 2.0
Sure, the game is long, and there's a lot to do, but that doesn't mean it's actually an experience everybody can enjoy.
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70
Gamestyle
Even after 12 years, Front Mission is a good game, and if you’re a fan of turn-based strategy games, it would be a great addition to your DS library.
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70
Gaming Nexus
Front Mission is available in stores now and carries a higher price tag than most titles, which for this series is a bitter pill to swallow since the game uses dated graphics and has not really done anything to improve upon the twelve year old experience.
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70
Pocket Gamer UK
Front Mission may not pack a full house of tactical depth, but that doesn't prevent it from dealing an easy and enjoyable introduction to the genre.
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70
EuroGamer
Essentially the same game that didn't come out over here on the SNES 12 years ago. Except better, and with more content, and with easy touchscreen navigation of menus.
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70
GameDaily
With a simple multiplayer duel mode thrown in for good measure, there is enough to keep fans of the genre happy, but a few control quirks and a lot of time in the garage could turn off the average player.
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70
Game Informer
It's entertaining enough to plow through the two campaigns, but the fact that there are fairly clear-cut optimal solutions to all three facets of gameplay makes this nothing more than a mildly enjoyable look at part of the genre's history. [Nov 2007, p.163]
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70
Games Radar
If you know you're getting into a heady, deliberate, and involved game then you'll be rewarded well by Front Mission.
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65
Nintendo Power
The game is like a stark, futuristic "Advance Wars" without the happy combatants and vehicle variety. [Dec 2007, p.82]
65
Digital Entertainment News
Front Mission makes for a somewhat mediocre SRPG when put up against other titles on the market. The battles don’t require too much thought, and as a result the game gets repetitious very quickly.
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60
Edge Magazine
Unlike PSP competitors Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea, this game lacks the colour and complication to really drag players into the depths of its strategy. [Jan 2008, p.89]
58
Game Revolution
If you loved Front Mission in the past, or are just a big fan of the tactical RPG genre, or can’t get enough of stomping badguys with your giant titanium feet, then this is the right game for you. Otherwise, you might want to give this one a pass, and leave your Wanzer alone.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 2 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Maks F. gave it a9:
I have only a few minor beefs with things that could have been done a little differently in the control scheme and interface. Interesting plot, good design, great game, reminds me of what originally got me into tactical games and the Front Mission series in general. Also, Mei's portrait is fiendishly cockeyed.

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