Front Mission 1st: Remake review (PS5)

In the vast landscape of tactical RPGs, a few titles stand out as (niche) classics that have paved the way for the genre’s evolution. A good example is the Front Mission series, known for its strategic depth and mechanized warfare. The arrival of Front Mission 1st: Remake, a revitalized version of the 2003 original, promises to bring both nostalgia and modernization to the forefront. Published by Forever Entertainment and now available on PlayStation 5, this release follows the Nintendo Switch version from last year.

In the year 2090, a world entangled in conflict relies on colossal war machines called Wanzers to determine its fate. Huffman Island, the flashpoint where the Oceania Cooperative Union (O.C.U.) and the Unified Continental States (U.C.S.) intersect, becomes the battleground for a war of epic proportions. Players assume the role of Captain Royd Clive, who, alongside his reconnaissance platoon, embarks on an investigation that inadvertently plunges the island into war. As events unfold, the narrative becomes a web of conspiracy and power, with Royd’s quest for truth revealing much more than expected.

The game’s premise captures the essence of mechanized warfare well, creating an intriguing backdrop for players to immerse themselves in. The option to choose between two campaigns, representing both the O.C.U. and U.C.S. perspectives, adds significant replayability and depth to the storytelling as well. Front Mission’s narrative has always been a strong suit, and the remake maintains this quality, crafting a story that keeps players engaged from start to finish. The mature approach to characters and protagonists adds additional layers to the storytelling, catering to fans of the tactical Japanese RPG genre in addition to delivering a solid tactical gameplay experience. But while the narrative excels, the UI could have been more intuitive and user-friendly. In addition, we had a few crashes playing this on our PS5, so some post-launch polish might be needed anyway.

At the core of its gameplay, Front Mission 1st: Remake offers a tactical turn-based RPG experience that has certainly stood the test of time. Controlling the mechanized Wanzers on the battlefield presents a mix of old-school charm and refreshing strategic depth. The game’s distinguishing feature is the ability to target and destroy specific body parts of enemy Wanzers. This innovative mechanic adds a layer of depth to battles, requiring players to make calculated decisions about disabling specific parts to gain the upper hand.

This is where the gameplay stays true to the classic formula that fans love while introducing modern quality-of-life improvements. The ability to customize Wanzers and pilots enhances the tactical aspect, allowing for diverse strategies and playstyles, ensuring that each encounter remains engaging and rewarding, especially considering the wide array of customization options available. However, some aspects of the gameplay feel less polished. As mentioned, the UI could benefit from improvements to make navigation and management smoother. Additionally, those seeking more dynamic combat might experience the combat scenarios to feel a tad repetitive after a while, lacking some of the variety found in more recent titles in the genre.

The control scheme of Front Mission 1st: Remake adheres to the traditional isometric perspective common in tactical RPGs, and of course works well on the PS5, offering familiarity to returning players and accessibility to newcomers. Movement, actions, and combat are well-implemented, making it easy to grasp the mechanics quickly – though the game could have leaned more heavily into the new features that the DualSense controllers offer.

Front Mission 1st: Remake aims to breathe new life into its visuals and audio while maintaining the essence of the original. With the choice between classic and updated graphics, players can tailor their experience to their preferences, although we never looked back at the old style after checking out once out of curiosity. The game’s remade graphics succeed in modernizing the experience without sacrificing the core identity of the series and the attention to detail in Wanzer designs and landscapes, despite some minor hiccups, results in a visually appealing game world. The reorchestrated soundtrack also enhances the atmosphere, capturing the essence of the original’s music while providing a fresh perspective. However, cutscenes could have been of higher quality and the absence of voice acting is another missed opportunity.

All in all, Front Mission 1st: Remake successfully brings a classic tactical RPG to modern audiences, combining nostalgic elements with a few modern quality-of-life improvements. The premise and narrative continue to shine, supported by engaging gameplay mechanics that have stood the test of time. While some areas could use refinement, such as UI navigation and visual consistency, the game’s overall experience maintains its charm and strategic depth. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a newcomer to the series, this remake offers a chance to dive into a world of mechanized warfare and strategic intrigue that continues to captivate players after all these years. It certainly has us hoping for more Front Mission remakes and titles in the future.

Score: 7.4/10