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. RPG Fan
    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. GameZone
    86
    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. NintendoWorldReport
    85
    For fans of the strategy genre, this is your definitive game on the DS; go and pick this game up without a second thought.
  5. GameSpy
    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.
  6. IGN
    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.
  7. 1UP
    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.

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

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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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