Watch the epic storyline unfold with fantastic music, beautiful visuals, and iron nerves to go along with the action !!!
Front Mission 4...ahhh...it is a truly magnificent game.
I don't know when I first got it - obviously after release and between now, heh - but it was worth ti on so many levels.
First off!
Graphics. F***in insane! Back in 2k3 or 2K4 when this came out, this was killer - and it's not ugly now, either! Everything is neat and tidy and in place, and gives you a nice visual world to immerse in. Even though it's a strategy game, which is infamous for neglecting details - this one isn't really like that! 9.3 per ten.
Sounds : Sexy! You can hear the wind blowing in the background sometimes - the weapon fire sounds are distinctive - hit and miss, you'll be able to hear it whatever you do. The spoken dialogue in the game is also above average! The voiceacting is niiiiiice.... 7.8 per ten!
Controls : ...it's a console game, hello?XD it's SUPPOSED to suck! Well okay, average 5 out of ten.
Story : Simply amazing ! I'm not one for figuring out plots prematurely - ie I'm stupid for plots - but the game has an immersive, if not slightly slow plot. At every turn, at every corner, you will be shown deeper and deeper into the conspiracy behind it all! Nine out of ten!
Music : THIS IS WHERE I HAD A JOYGASM! The music, as you begin, is slow and takes its time. But as the dice rolls and the bets rise - so does the music. From simple battle music, you are turned towards "Desperation" , "Must defend", and "Survive the siege" motif songs. The very rhythm and being of these songs are radiating in a very powerful manner, they touch the player - me atleast - in deep, deep ways. In itself, the songs are marvellous and truly worth listening to, and they are good for the battles as well! I'M listening to one right now, it's a desperation motif. (Check footnote) - TEN OUT OF TEN!
Replay Value : There isn't really much replay value in the game, but this is one of those games that once you beat, you'll come back to again, sooner or later. I can definately see myself playing it once again if and when I get a new PS 2 (Old one went RIP 2K6 April 4). Subtle charm and a fantastic appeal mix to pull you in. Five out of ten.
Bonus points : There is an insane level of strategy in the game. I'm a brutal tank type person who plows through opposition but that doesn't always work here. I hate thinking in games involving action, but it was fun to do so here - since minor adjustments really help own the opposition later. There isn't much planning involved, but when you see the tactics you thought up unfold and lay waste to your enemies, it just makes you feel SPESHUL! Ten out of ten.
Recommended for : Strategy fans, Squaresoft fans, Front Mission fans, people who like wonderful music, people who like superb plots, and finally, people who appreciate wonderful games.
My Total Playing time : 37 hours, 41 minutes, 22 seconds.
Difficulty : Begins easily, ends in REALLY hard!
Learning Curve : 30 mins .- 90 mins
Playthroughs : 4 (>.>...)
Final Grade : 94/100 !