Front Mission 2: Remake review (Switch)

Front Mission 2: Remake, which was recently released for the Switch by Forever Entertainment, brings the classic tactical RPG to modern audiences, with an updated experience that features enhanced visuals and refined gameplay mechanics. Set in the tumultuous nation of Alordesh, 12 years after the events of the first Front Mission, players are thrust into a story of political upheaval, occupation, and the struggle for survival. We played the remake of the first game on a PS5, but the sequel is a Switch exclusive for now.

One of the standout features of Front Mission 2: Remake is its mature and engaging storyline, which explores themes of revolution, loyalty, and the complexities of modern warfare. However, despite the compelling narrative, when it launched the game was let down by a subpar localization that hampered your immersion with awkward translations and typos. A lot of these issues have been fixed since the release, making the storytelling experience and character interactions all the more impactful.

In terms of gameplay, Front Mission 2: Remake offers a familiar grid-based tactical RPG experience, with some improvements over its predecessor. The addition of a new action points system adds depth and complexity to battles, requiring strategic planning and careful positioning of units. However, the game’s reliance on RNG (random number generation) for combat outcomes can still be frustrating, leading to moments of unpredictability and inconsistency in gameplay.

Customization remains a highlight of the Front Mission series, allowing players to upgrade and personalize their Wanzers with a variety of parts and paint jobs. Despite the depth of customization options, navigating the menus and interfaces to help you customize can be cumbersome, with unintuitive controls and excessive loading times detracting from the overall experience.

Visually, Front Mission 2: Remake offers a mixed bag, with improved graphics and updated character designs, but occasional performance issues on the Nintendo Switch (compared to the PS5 experience we had with the first remake). While the game’s environments are well-rendered, some areas lack detail and variety, leading to a feeling of repetition during battles.

On the audio front, Front Mission 2: Remake delivers a standout soundtrack, with composer Noriko Matsueda providing a diverse selection of tracks that enhance the game’s atmosphere and mood. From tense battle themes to lively and mellow tunes outside of combat, the music adds depth and immersion to the overall experience.

In conclusion, Front Mission 2: Remake offers an engaging storyline, deep gameplay mechanics and a memorable soundtrack, but is hampered by some frustrating controls and performance issues on the Nintendo Switch. It’s definitely a gem with rough edges, but we’re hoping for more Front Mission in the future.

Score: 7.3/10