Front Mission

 DS
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    72
    Front Mission's two main campaigns are excellent, but there's not much else here in terms of extras which is slightly disappointing.
  2. Gamer 2.0
    71
    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.
  3. Game Informer
    70
    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]
  5. GamesRadar+
    70
    If you know you're getting into a heady, deliberate, and involved game then you'll be rewarded well by Front Mission.
  6. GameDaily
    70
    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.
  7. Gamestyle
    70
    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.
  8. Gaming Nexus
    70
    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.
  9. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    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.
  10. Eurogamer
    70
    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.
  11. Nintendo Power
    65
    The game is like a stark, futuristic "Advance Wars" without the happy combatants and vehicle variety. [Dec 2007, p.82]
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  12. Digital Entertainment News
    65
    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.
  13. 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]
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  14. Game Revolution
    58
    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
#45 Best DS Game of 2007
79
#79 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
7
#7 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 4 out of 16
  1. APickle
    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. AngrySir
    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 »
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