Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. 88
    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.
  2. 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.
  3. For fans of the strategy genre, this is your definitive game on the DS; go and pick this game up without a second thought.
  4. 80
    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.
  5. 78
    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.
  6. 75
    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.
  7. Front Mission's two main campaigns are excellent, but there's not much else here in terms of extras which is slightly disappointing.
  8. 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.
  9. 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]
  10. If you know you're getting into a heady, deliberate, and involved game then you'll be rewarded well by Front Mission.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Nintendo Power
    65
    The game is like a stark, futuristic "Advance Wars" without the happy combatants and vehicle variety. [Dec 2007, p.82]
  17. 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.
  18. Edge Magazine
    60
    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]
  19. 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.

Awards & Rankings

45
79
#79 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
7
#7 Most Shared DS Game of 2007
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Negative: 4 out of 16
  1. Dec 12, 2022
    10
    Among the best Tactics JRPG's out there along with Fire Emblem Awakening, Shining Force 3 and Tactics Ogre Let us Cling Together.

    The story
    Among the best Tactics JRPG's out there along with Fire Emblem Awakening, Shining Force 3 and Tactics Ogre Let us Cling Together.

    The story is a bit dark compared to other games in the JRPG genre, very comparable to an actual war. Without making any spoilers past the into cutscene, the purpose of the game is to find your fiance who went missing and while looking for her you build up an army and get deeper and deeper into enemy occupied territory.

    Gameplay, there is a lot of micromanaging. This is a game for experienced tactics gamers, but not quite as hard as FE Geneology of the Holy War or Thracia 776. Expect to spend up to an hour between levels to optimize your equipment.

    The actual combat is fantastic, you really need to be careful. Push too hard and your repair bill next level will be over the top. Too conservative and you become overwhelmed and lose anyway.

    This game is also much better than the other Front Mission games. I never understood why people liked Front Mission 3 so much when you only had 4 playable characters in that game.

    If you enjoy tactics JRPG's like Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre, Final Fantasy then give this game a go. Front Mission DS is easily among the best Squaresoft games of the 90's.

    Honestly a 10/10, but for a niche genre.
    Full Review »
  2. Mar 8, 2022
    9
    great pixel art + mechs + customization + tactics = a great game for its time
  3. alex
    Jan 16, 2009
    9
    Well done Sqare. FM boast a terrific and very mature storyline. Two different chapters makes you live the same conflict from two perspective,Well done Sqare. FM boast a terrific and very mature storyline. Two different chapters makes you live the same conflict from two perspective, very nice. The characters have some personalities and make you enter deep into the game. The art style and overall design is great. The gameplay although simple can be very deep with a crazy amount of customization options. Only point to improve, a more complex battle system might been welcome in the future and better or more rich music (the loop can drove you crazy after a while). I really hope Sqare bring other version to NOA, they have made a fans out of me! Full Review »