Front Mission Evolved backpedals to Sept. 14

Evolution is a time-consuming process, and Square Enix today acknowledged development of Front Mission Evolved was consuming more time than expected. The third-person shooter take on the strategy franchise has been delayed and is now pegged for a September 14 debut on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PCs, where it will also be available in stereoscopic 3D.

Originally penciled in for a spring 2010 release, Front Mission Evolved is the first title 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.

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.

The Front Mission franchise is not the only turn-based strategy series to experience a dramatic change in genre. Last month, publisher 2K revealed its plans to "reimagine" the turn-based strategy X-Com series as a first-person-shooter for the Xbox 360 and PC.

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