Front Mission Evolved delayed again

The evolution process is taking longer than expected for Square Enix and Double Helix. The publisher/developer duo today pushed back the release date for Front Mission Evolved. The game will now hit the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, where it will also be available in stereoscopic 3D, on September 28.

Originally penciled in for a spring 2010 release, Front Mission Evolved was delayed to September 14 in late May. The title is the first in the franchise's 15-year history that will feature a fundamental change in genre. It will swap turn-based tactical strategy for more action-oriented third-person mechanics, with Irvine, California-based developer Double Helix responsible for the conversion.

Square Enix didn't provide an explanation for the delay but did announce preorder bonuses for those who reserve the game at select national retailers. Those who put down money for the game at GameStop, Amazon, or Best Buy will receive two Front Mission wanzer tanks. The "Calm" wanzer is equipped for both melee and long-ranged combat, and the "Rexon" mech is a sniper-type warrior.

In the game, players will assume the role of engineer Dylan Ramsey and take control of two-legged wanzer tanks as they fight through the game's single-player experience. Ramsey will use the customizable war machines to thwart a terrorist threat against the government's orbital elevator. In addition to the single-player campaign, players can take the fight online and pit their customized wanzers against global opponents.

For more on the newly revamped franchise, check out GameSpot's latest Front Mission Evolved coverage.