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{{about|the video game series|the first game in the series|Front Mission (video game)}}
{{short description|Video game series}}
{{Infobox VG series
|title          = Front Mission
|state          =
|image          = Front Mission Series Logo.png|alt=The text "Front Mission"
|caption        = Series logo
|developer      = G-Craft, [[Square (video game company)|Square]], [[Square Enix]], Omiya Soft, Winds, h.a.n.d., Double Helix Games, Ilinx, Forever Entertainment
|publisher      = Square, Square Enix, Forever Entertainment
|creator        = [[Toshiro Tsuchida]]
|platforms      = [[Super Famicom]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[WonderSwan|WonderSwan Color]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Personal computer|PC]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]
|genre          = [[Tactical role-playing game]], [[Third-person shooter]], [[Scrolling shooters|Side-scrolling shooter]], [[Real-time strategy]], [[Massively multiplayer online game]]
|released       = 1995
|spinoffs       =
| first release version  = ''[[Front Mission (video game)|Front Mission]]''
| first release date     = February 24, 1995
| latest release version = ''Front Mission 2: Remake''
| latest release date    = October 5, 2023
}}

{{nihongo|'''''Front Mission'''''|フロントミッション|Furonto Misshon}} is a collection of video games and related media produced by [[Square (video game company)|Square]], now [[Square Enix]].<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web|url=http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/frontmission/frontmission.htm|title=Hardcore Gaming 101: Front Mission|last1=Pineda|first1=Angelo|last2=Thompson|first2=Kyle|last3=Tam|first3=Wilson|publisher=Gamespy|access-date=2010-12-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412071829/http://hg101.classicgaming.gamespy.com/frontmission/frontmission.htm|archive-date=2009-04-12}}</ref> The series was created by [[Toshiro Tsuchida]] and developed by [[G-Craft]], a studio that was later absorbed by Square and existed within Square Enix as Product Development Division-6. Since the release of the original ''[[Front Mission (video game)|Front Mission]]'' in 1995, the series has gone on to encompass several media, including film, [[manga]], novels, [[radio dramas]], [[Mobile game|mobile phone applications]], and toys. While the series is primarily rooted in the [[tactical role-playing game|turn-based tactical role-playing]] genre, it has also ventured into other genres such as [[side-scrolling shooter]], [[real-time strategy|real-time strategy (RTS)]], [[massively multiplayer online game|massive multiplayer online]] (MMO), and [[third-person shooter]] through its spin-offs. The ''Front Mission'' video games achieved moderate success, selling over 3 million units worldwide up until January 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1022.html|title=Front Mission Series Reaches 3 Million Plateau|last=Winkler|first=Chris|publisher=RPGFan|date=2006-01-12|access-date=2010-12-08|archive-date=2015-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923085503/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1022.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The main selling point of ''Front Mission'' is its storytelling approach. Taking place during the 21st and 22nd centuries, the series revolves around military conflicts and political tension between powerful [[supranational union]]s and their member states.<ref name="worldhistorica">{{cite book|title=Front Mission World Historica – Report of Conflicts 1970–2121|editor=Dengeki PlayStation Editorial, LogicGate|publisher=MediaWorks|date=March 2007|isbn=978-4-8402-3663-8|language=ja}}</ref> Although the ''Front Mission'' video games use self-contained, standalone stories, these tie into a greater overarching storyline that encompasses the entire series. In combination with the stories from its other media, the series possesses a level of storytelling depth and continuity comparable to a [[serial drama]].<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Dengeki GAMES |issue=February 2004 Special Edition |title=100 Year History of Front Mission |editor=Dengeki|publisher=MediaWorks|date=February 2004|language=ja}}</ref> Another major draw of ''Front Mission'' is its use of giant [[mecha]] called "wanzers" (from the fictional German word ''Wanderpanzer'', or walking [[tank]]s) in battle.

==Development==
Development of the first ''Front Mission'' started with discussions between software developers Square and G-Craft.<ref name=mup>{{cite web|url= http://shmuplations.com/frontmission/#footnote-1|access-date=May 30, 2020|date=January 1, 1995|title= Front Mission – 1995 Developer Interviews|publisher=Front Mission Official Guidebook}}</ref> Square had never had another developer make a game for them and planning proceeded slowly, but an agreement between the two was finished in the Fall of 1993.<ref name=mup/> Game producer and writer [[Toshiro Tsuchida]] presented a proposal for a game called “100 Mission” to Square through his own development company, Solid, on G-Crafts behalf.<ref name=mup/> When Square producer Shinji Hashimoto first saw the first version of the game proposal, he thought it was “too radical” and usually such proposals would not be approved.<ref name=mup/> Square was not enthusiastic, repeatedly telling Tsuchida “no robots”, and being told by Square that game development couldn't just be driven by a creators passion anymore.<ref name=mup/> Tsuchida also had difficulty explaining how much of a role robots would have in the proposed game, and so he obtained some development hardware to create a prototype of the title.<ref name=mup/> Square was the only publisher at the time willing to consider Tsuchidas’ proposal.<ref name=mup/> They finally agreed to make the game because they thought working in a new genre would be stimulating and it was a title they probably could not do themselves as to that point Square had mostly made fantasy games.<ref name=mup/>

There are two types of ''Front Mission'' installments: the numbered entries and the non-numbered entries. The numbered ''Front Mission'' titles are all structured as [[tactical role-playing game]]s. All other ''Front Mission'' titles that do not have a number assigned to it are genre spin-offs.<ref name="worldhistorica"/> Each of the five spin-off entries are classified under different genres. ''Front Mission: Gun Hazard'' is a [[side-scrolling shooter]] video game. ''Front Mission Alternative'' is a [[real-time strategy]] video game. ''Front Mission: Online'' is a [[massively multiplayer online game|massively multiplayer online]] [[third-person shooter]] video game. ''Front Mission Evolved'' is a [[third-person shooter]] video game with [[rail shooter]] segments. In an RPGamer interview with Front Mission developer Koichi Sakamoto in 2007, he suggested that the development team is interested in combining real-time and turn-based aspects for future installments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2007/071207a.html|title=E3 – Front Mission Interview|last=Boulette|first=Bryan|date=2007-07-12|publisher=RPGamer|access-date=2009-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525095157/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2007/071207a.html|archive-date=2011-05-25|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Games==
{{Further|List of Front Mission media}}
{{VG timeline
| last = 2023
| summary = The first main entry, ''Front Mission'', was introduced in 1995. The first spin-off entry, ''Front Mission: Gun Hazard'', came out a year later in 1996. The second main and spin-off entries, ''Front Mission 2'' and ''Front Mission Alternative'', were both released in 1997. ''Front Mission 3'' saw a release in 1999. The first [[Video game remake|remake]], compilation, and fourth main entry, ''Front Mission First'', ''Front Mission History'', and ''Front Mission 4'' respectively, came out four years later in 2003. 2005 marked the releases of ''Front Mission 2089'', ''Front Mission: Online'', and ''Front Mission 5: Scars of the War'' - the fifth main entry, the third spin-off, and the sixth main entry respectively. These releases were followed up by ''Front Mission 2089-II'' in 2006. The second remake, ''Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness'', came out two years later in 2008. The most recent entry and the fourth spin-off, ''Front Mission Evolved'', was released in 2010.
| range1 = 1995 – TBA
| range1_color = Gold Goldenrod
| compressempty = yes
| 1995 = '''''[[Front Mission (video game)|Front Mission]]'''''
| 1996 = ''[[Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard|Front Mission Series]]''
| 1997a = '''''[[Front Mission 2]]'''''
| 1997b = ''[[Front Mission Alternative]]''
| 1999 = '''''[[Front Mission 3]]'''''
| 2003a = ''[[Front Mission (video game)|Front Mission First]]''
| 2003b = ''Front Mission History''
| 2003c = '''''[[Front Mission 4]]'''''
| 2005a = ''[[Front Mission 2089]]''
| 2005b = ''[[Front Mission: Online]]''
| 2005c = '''''[[Front Mission 5]]'''''
| 2006 = ''[[Front Mission 2089-II]]''
| 2008 = ''[[Front Mission 2089|2089: Border of Madness]]''
| 2010 = ''[[Front Mission Evolved]]''
| 2019 = ''[[Left Alive]]''
| 2022 = ''Front Mission 1st: Remake''
| 2023 = ''Front Mission 2: Remake''
| TBA = ''Front Mission 3: Remake''
}}

Since 1995, the ''Front Mission'' series has released 15 video games, seven of which are main (numbered) entries and the other five are spin-off entries.<ref name="worldhistorica"/> Additionally, the series has spawned a number of video game ports, remakes, and compilations over its 15-year history. On July 12, 2002, a direct port of ''[[Front Mission (video game)|Front Mission]]'' was released for the Bandai [[WonderSwan Color]]. A year later, the video game entry received a Sony [[PlayStation]] remake under the title ''Front Mission First'' on October 23, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/strategy/frontmission1st/preview_6076099.html|title=New Front Mission 1st, Front Mission History, and Front Mission 4 information|last=Niizumi|first=Hirohiko|website=GameSpot|access-date=2010-12-08}}</ref> Shortly after its release, a compilation titled ''Front Mission History'' was released in Japan on December 11, 2003. The compilation contained the ''Front Mission First'' remake, a modified ''[[Front Mission 2]]'', and ''[[Front Mission 3]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://squarehaven.com/games/PlayStation-2/Front-Mission-History/|title=Front Mission History|publisher=Square Haven|access-date=2010-12-08}}</ref> ''Front Mission First'' also spawned an enhanced port of the game on March 22, 2007 for the [[Nintendo DS]].<ref name="Square Enix">{{cite book|title=Front Mission The First Official Complete Guide|publisher=Square Enix|date=March 2007|isbn=978-4-7575-1981-7|language=ja}}</ref> A second remake for ''[[Front Mission 2089]]'' was developed and titled as ''[[Front Mission 2089|Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness Official Complete Guide|publisher=Square Enix|date=June 2008|isbn=978-4-7575-2321-0|language=ja}}</ref> This remake was released for the ''Nintendo DS'' in Japan on May 29, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/03/03/more-mecha-battles-in-may-front-mission-2089-border-of-madness-dated/|title=More mecha battles in May, Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness dated|date=3 March 2008 |publisher=Siliconera|access-date=2010-12-07}}</ref> A third remake for Front Mission is planned to be released in 2022 for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. 

While all ''Front Mission'' video games have seen releases in Japan, only a few been localized overseas. ''[[Front Mission 3]]'' was the first entry to receive both a North American and European localization on March 22, 2000 and August 11, 2000 respectively.<ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission 3 Official Strategy Guide|last=Cassidy|first=David|publisher=BradyGames|date=March 2000|isbn=978-1-56686-978-2}}</ref> ''[[Front Mission 4]]'' became the second entry to undergo an English localization and was released in North America on June 15, 2004.<ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission 4 Official Strategy Guide|last=Barba|first=Rick|publisher=BradyGames|date=June 2004|isbn=978-0-7440-0389-5}}</ref> A three-year gap followed before the localization of the Nintendo DS port of ''Front Mission First'', which saw a release in North America on October 23, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/829/829426p1.html|title=Front Mission Wanders onto DS|last=Hatfield|first=Daemon|website=IGN|date=23 October 2007 |access-date=2010-12-08}}</ref> This marked the third time that a ''Front Mission'' title was localized for the North American region. ''[[Front Mission Evolved]]'' became the first spin-off entry to be localized in North America and Europe, making it the fourth and second titles respectively to reach those regions. It was released in Japan on September 16, 2010, in North America on September 28, 2010, and in Europe on October 8, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/front-mission-evolved-dated-for-september-in-japan-174525.phtml|title=Front Mission Evolved Dated for September in Japan|website=Destructoid|date=25 May 2010|access-date=2010-12-07|archive-date=2011-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709042146/http://www.destructoid.com/front-mission-evolved-dated-for-september-in-japan-174525.phtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://release.square-enix.com/na/2010/07/23_03.html|title=Front Mission Evolved Launch Date Updated to September 28, 2010|last=North|first=Dale|publisher=Square Enix|access-date=2010-12-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-18-front-mission-evolved-nudged-to-october|title=Front Mission Evolved nudged to October|last=Purchese|first=Robert|newspaper=Eurogamer.net|date=18 August 2010 |access-date=2010-12-07}}</ref>

To date, only seven ''Front Mission'' entries have ever been officially localized and released outside Japan.

==Common elements==

===Gameplay===
Although ''Front Mission'' video games venture into multiple genres, each of them contain core elements that are universal to the entire series. In the ''Front Mission'' series, players use playable units called wanzers, a term for mecha derived from the German word "''Wanderpanzer''", or "walking tank". Wanzers differ from the typical combat unit in that it has four [[modular design|modular]] parts: body, left arm, right arm, and legs. Each part has a specific function and its own [[health (gaming)|health]] bar.<ref name="gamespy"/> The legs parts enable movement and evasion, the arm parts are necessary to use hand and shoulder weapons, and the body part maintains the wanzer's operability. In the event the body is destroyed, the wanzer is removed from play completely. Destruction of arm and leg parts does not remove the wanzer from play, but it severely cripples its performance.<ref name="gamespy"/> While the player fights mostly wanzers, vehicles, aircraft, and mobile weapons platforms are also featured. These enemy units generally have only one part, the body, and are much stronger than wanzers themselves.

Wanzers can be customized with a variety of parts, computers, auxiliary backpacks, and weapons.<ref name="worldhistorica"/> The player has full control over customizing their wanzers and can do so as long as its total weight value does not exceed its given power output. To field a wanzer in battle, it must have a complete frame of parts: body, left arm, right arm, and legs. Parts with built-in weapons in the body or arm sections can also be equipped on a wanzer. In most ''Front Mission'' titles, computers must also be installed; these improve the accuracy of the weapons equipped on the wanzer. Auxiliary backpacks and weapons are not mandatory equipment to use wanzers, but are crucial in order to progress through the games. Auxiliary backpacks serve to give a wanzer special features during combat. For example, storage backpacks allow the player to carry extra ammunition or armor repair items.

In terms of weapons, there are four classes of weapons: melee weapons, short-range weapons, long-range weapons, and support fire weapons.<ref name="worldhistorica"/> Melee weapons are hand-to-hand weapons with a tendency to strike the body part of its target. Knuckles, pile bunkers, and rods are examples of melee weapons. Short-range weapons, such as machine guns, shotguns, and flamethrowers are used at close range and deal damage to all parts of a target. Long-range weapons have a long reach and are ideal for avoiding counterattacks. Sniper rifles, bazookas, and Gatling guns are examples of long-range weapons. Support-fire weapons, such as missiles, grenades, and rockets are indirect fire weapons; they can never be counterattacked and almost always hit their target, but have limited ammunition supply. Lastly, shields can be equipped on wanzers to absorb some of the damage taken from incoming attacks.

These are other gameplay features that are commonly seen in multiple ''Front Mission'' titles.

* Arena, introduced in ''Front Mission'', allows the player to participate in special fights to earn monetary rewards or new parts. These fights take place in either individual matches, or team battles. This feature is also present in ''Front Mission 2'', ''[[Front Mission 5: Scars of the War]]'', ''Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness'', and ''Front Mission: Online''.
* Action Points (AP), introduced in ''Front Mission 2'', determines the number of actions that can be taken during a Player and Enemy Phase.<ref name="gamespy"/> Every action, such as movement or counterattacks, has a certain AP cost.<ref name="gamespy"/> After one full turn (which is made up of one Player Phase and Enemy Phase) has passed, a set amount of AP is recharged. This feature is also present in ''Front Mission 3'', ''Front Mission 4'', and ''Front Mission 5: Scars of the War''.
* Links, introduced in ''Front Mission 2'', allows multiple units to assist each other in battles. A linked unit can provide support to other units offensively and defensively. This feature is also present in ''Front Mission 4'', ''Front Mission 5: Scars of the War'', and ''Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness''.
* Network, introduced in ''Front Mission 2'', is a pseudo-Internet that allows players to gain a better understanding of the ''Front Mission'' world, its characters, and the storyline through a series of websites. The player can also access online shopping (to purchase new equipment), battle simulations, and check e-mail messages through the Network. This feature is also present in ''Front Mission 3''.
* Battle Simulator, introduced in ''Front Mission 3'', allows the player to participate in [[Virtual reality|VR]] training exercises. These training exercises can be used to increase the fighting proficiencies of the player's pilots and can be taken as many times as needed. This feature is also present in ''Front Mission 4'', and ''Front Mission 5: Scars of the War''.
* Survival Simulator, introduced in ''Front Mission 5: Scars of the War'', is a survival simulation in which the player goes through a set number of floors with one pilot. Along the way, parts and weapons can be collected and brought back for usage in the main game upon the completion of a simulation. This feature is also present in ''Front Mission 2089-II''.

===Setting===
These are the fictional nations that play a major role in the ''Front Mission'' series.

'''Oceania Cooperative Union'''

The Oceania Cooperative Union (OCU) is a supranational union of countries in Southeast Asia, [[Oceania]], and Australia. The OCU capital, where the OCU Central Parliament located, is [[Canberra]], Australia.<ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission 2 Guidebook – Wanzers of the Elite|editor=Famitsu Books Editorial|publisher=ASCII|date=January 1998|isbn=978-4-89366-883-7|language=ja}}</ref> The union's roots date back to 2006, when the [[ASEAN|Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] reorganized itself into the Bangkok Economic Alliance. The alliance is later renamed into the Oceania Cooperative Union in 2019 after Australia and Oceania decided to join the bloc. It is finally consolidated as a political union in 2026.

In the localized version of ''[[Front Mission 3]]'', the OCU's full name is presented as "Oceana Community Union". The localized versions of subsequent games use the current naming convention instead.

'''United States of the New Continent'''

The United States of the New Continent (USN) is a supranational union of the [[North America|North]] and [[South American]] countries. The USN capital, where the USN Central Government operates, is [[Washington, D.C.|Washington DC]]. The union's roots date back to 2011, when its relations with Australia began to sour following a diplomatic incident over the detention of an Australian ship named ''The Trinidad''.<ref name="Square Enix"/> The United States and Canada begin negotiations on merging with South American countries after the Republic of Zaftra is formed in 2015. These talks culminate in the creation of the USN five years later.

In the localized versions of ''[[Front Mission (video game)|Front Mission First]]'', ''[[Front Mission 4]]'', and ''[[Front Mission Evolved]]'', the USN is presented as the Unified Continental States (UCS). The localized version of ''Front Mission 3'' retains the original naming convention.

'''European Community'''

The European Community (EC) is a supranational union of the nations in Europe. The capital, where the EC Central Assembly operates, is [[Paris]], France. The union's roots date back to the [[European Union]]'s (EU) genesis in 1993. In the late 1990s, the EU's founding member-states began to convince other European countries to join their banner. The EU is renamed as the European Community in 2005 as the last of the non-EU countries agree to join the bloc.<!-- which was the last country to join? --><ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission – Front Line Report|last1=Iino|first1=Fumihiko|last2=Iwasaki|first2=Hideo|publisher=LOGOUT Paperback Adventures, Aspect Novels|date=July 1995|isbn=978-4-89366-375-7|language=ja}}</ref>

'''Organization of African Consolidation'''

The Organization of African Consolidation (OAC) is an alliance of African countries. The union's roots date back to 2026, when the EC and the OCU assisted the African nations to merge as a super-state. Unlike the other unions, the OAC is divided into five semi-autonomous regional blocs: the South African United States (SAUS), Union of North African States (UNAS), West African States Community Union (WA), the Community of Central African States (CA), and the East African Community (EA).<ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission Alternative Official Guidebook|editor=Famitsu Books Editorial|publisher=ASCII|date=December 1997|isbn=978-4-89366-960-5|language=ja}}</ref>

'''Republic of Zaftra'''

The Republic of Zaftra is a supranational union consisting of [[Russia]] and the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]]. The Zaftran capital, where the Zaftra Central Administration operates, is [[Moscow]], Russia. The union's roots date back to the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in 1991. The former Soviet republics struggled to survive on their own after it collapsed, facing economic hardships and civil conflicts.<ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission 4 Official Perfect Guide|editor=Famitsu Books Editorial|publisher=Enterbrain|date=February 2004|isbn=978-4-7577-1782-4|language=ja}}</ref> In an attempt to remedy their issues and make capitalism work, the post-Soviet nations reformed as the Republic of Zaftra in 2015.

'''Republic of Ravnui'''

The Republic of Ravnui is [[Belarus]] renamed after it seceded from the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] rather than join the Republic of Zaftra in 2015.<ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission 3 Perfect Works|publisher=DigiCube|date=November 1999|isbn=978-4-925075-66-4|language=ja}}</ref> The nation's capital is [[Minsk]].

'''People's Republic of Da Han Zhong'''

The People's Republic of Da Han Zhong (DHZ) is formed from the presumably peaceful [[Chinese unification|reunification]] of China and [[Taiwan]]. The nation's capital is [[Beijing]].

==Music==
{{main|Music of the Front Mission series}}
The music of the series includes the soundtracks to the main series, composed of ''Front Mission'' through F''ront Mission 5: Scars of the War'', as well as the spin-off games, which include ''Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard'', ''Front Mission Alternative'', ''Front Mission: Online'', ''Front Mission 2089'' and its remake ''Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness'', ''Front Mission 2089-II'', and ''Front Mission Evolved''. The soundtracks of the series' installments have been released in album form in Japan, with the exceptions of ''2089'', ''2089-II'', ''Border of Madness'' (which reuse music from the other installments) and ''Evolved'', which was published in 2010. The soundtrack to ''Front Mission'' was released in 1995 by NTT Publishing, which also published the soundtrack to ''Front Mission: Gun Hazard'' in 1996. DigiCube published soundtrack albums for ''Front Mission 2'' and ''Alternative'' in 1997 and ''3'' in 1999. Square Enix published the albums for ''Front Mission 4'' in 2004, and ''5'' and ''Online'' in 2006.

The soundtracks of the series have been warmly reviewed by critics, especially those of the main series and ''Gun Hazard''. The music of ''Alternative'' and ''Online'' was less well-received. The music of the series typically includes a fusion of electronic and orchestral music, though each game and composer in the series has taken the music in different directions. The composers for the series have included [[Yoko Shimomura]], [[Noriko Matsueda]], Koji Hayama, [[Hayato Matsuo]], [[Hidenori Iwasaki]], and [[Garry Schyman]]. A box set of music from across the series is currently planned, but has not yet been formally announced or given a release date.

==Reception==
{{VG series reviews
| game1 = [[Front Mission (video game)]]
| mc1 = DS: 72/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/front-mission/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Front Mission for DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025230233/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/front-mission |archive-date=2018-10-25 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game2 = [[Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard]]
| mc2 = N/A
| game3 = [[Front Mission 2]]
| mc3 = N/A
| game4 = [[Front Mission Alternative]]
| mc4 = N/A
| game5 = [[Front Mission 3]]
| mc5 = N/A
| game6 = [[Front Mission 4]]
| mc6 = 75/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/front-mission-4/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Front Mission 4 for PlayStation 2 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref>
| game7 = [[Front Mission 2089]]
| mc7 = N/A
| game8 = [[Front Mission: Online]]
| mc8 = N/A
| game9 = [[Front Mission 5: Scars of the War]]
| mc9 = N/A
| game10 = [[Front Mission 2089-II]]
| mc10 = N/A
| game11 = [[Front Mission Evolved]]
| mc11 = PC: 63/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/front-mission-evolved/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Front Mission Evolved for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref><br />PS3: 58/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/front-mission-evolved/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Front Mission Evolved for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2017-06-20}}</ref><br />X360: 58/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/front-mission-evolved/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Front Mission Evolved for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref>
| game12 = [[Left Alive]]
| mc12 = PC: 40/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/left-alive/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Left Alive for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2019-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331052058/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/left-alive |archive-date=2019-03-31 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />PS4: 37/100<ref name="MCPS4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/left-alive/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Left Alive for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2019-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412165714/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/left-alive |archive-date=2019-04-12 |url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
In April 1995, Front Mission's original release on the [[Super Famicom]] was well received. ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine gave the Super Famicom version of the game first a 9 out of 10<ref>読者 クロスレビュー: フロントミッション. Weekly Famicom Tsūshin. No.330. Pg.31. 14 April 1995.</ref> and later an 8 out of 10 in their Reader Cross Review.<ref>読者 クロスレビュー: フロントミッション. Weekly Famicom Tsūshin. No.332. Pg.32. 28 April 1995.</ref> ''Mega Fun'' gave the game a Gold for an import game.<ref name=":2">{{Cite magazine|last=Hellert|first=Stefan|date=June 1995|title=Front Mission|magazine=Mega Fun|language=DE|location=Germany|page=65}}</ref> ''[[Front Mission: Gun Hazard]]'' was rated  by ''Fun Generation'' a 7 out of 10, while ''Super GamePower'' gave it a 4.2 out of 5.<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine|date=May 1996|title=Super NES: Front Mission Gun Hazard|magazine=Fun Generation|language=DE|location=Germany|page=41}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|last=Kamikaze|first=Marcelo|date=July 1996|title=SNES: Front Mission Gun Hazard|magazine=Super GamePower|language=PT|location=Brazil|publisher=Nova Cultural|issue=28|page=40}}</ref> ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine awarded ''[[Front Mission 2]]'' the game 32 out of 40 upon its release.<ref name="famitsu">{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=4151|title=フロントミッション2 [PS] / ファミ通.com|website=www.famitsu.com|access-date=2018-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102162959/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=4151|archive-date=2015-11-02|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Chinn, Marty | date=June 23, 2000 | title=Famitsu Top 120 PlayStation games | url=http://gaming-age.com/news/2000/6/23-151 | work=Gaming-Age.com | access-date=2008-12-15 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605221312/http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2000/6/23-151 | archive-date=June 5, 2011 }}</ref> The magazine chose the game as the number 63rd best game on the original PlayStation.<ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=November 20, 2000 | title=Famitsu Weekly PlayStation Top 100 | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/088/088060p1.html | work=IGN.com | access-date=2008-12-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805230154/http://psx.ign.com/articles/088/088060p1.html | archive-date=August 5, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Greg Kasavin]] of ''[[GameSpot]]'' praised the graphics of ''[[Front Mission Alternative]]'' and audio experience, but criticized the game for being too short and rewarding players with more elaborate story sections if they failed to achieve game missions, indirectly rewarding failure.<ref name=spotreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/front-mission-alternative-import-review/1900-2547635/|title=Front Mission Alternative Review|last=Kasavin|first=Greg|website=GameSpot|access-date=2010-12-08}}</ref> He also called the soundtrack "a bunch of dizzying techno that doesn't suit the onscreen grandeur".<ref name="spotreview"/> ''Hardcore Gaming 101'' noted it was not a very deep real time strategy game, but praised its branching stories and variety of endings.<ref name =core>{{cite web|url= http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/front-mission-alternative/|access-date=May 3, 2020|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|title=Front Mission Alternative|author=Pineda, Angelo D. |author2=Thompson, Kyle A. |author3=Tam, Wilson K.|date=March 26, 2011}}</ref> ''GameSpot'' noted that ''[[Front Mission 3]]'' may be a title worth introducing the franchise to American audiences, but criticized its graphics for being a notch lower than ''Front Mission 2''.<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/front-mission-3/reviews/front-mission-3-review-2547645/|title=Front Mission 3 Review|website=[[GameSpot]]|author=Ike Sato|date=December 15, 1999|access-date=June 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710035539/http://www.gamespot.com/front-mission-3/reviews/front-mission-3-review-2547645/|archive-date=July 10, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' lauded the game's battle mechanics as rare in other Square installments since ''Final Fantasy Tactics'', but cited the graphics transitions between overhead play and individual battles as spotty.<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web|url=http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/162/162913p1.html|title=Front Mission 3 – PlayStation Review|website=[[IGN]]|author=Sam Bishop|date=March 21, 2000|access-date=June 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809235716/http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/162/162913p1.html|archive-date=August 9, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Front Mission 4'' holds a 75% on both [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]].<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/918883-front-mission-4/index.html |title=Front Mission 4 for PlayStation 2 |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2018-09-20}}</ref><ref name="MC" /> North American reaction to the game was consistent across the board, receiving mixed to generally good reviews. It was praised for its deep gameplay, customizable wanzers, and high production values. On the disapproving side many felt the plot advanced at a sluggish pace, the AI was subpar, and the menu system was cumbersome at times. ''GameSpot'' gave generally positive feedback for ''[[Front Mission Online]]'', describing how the game was successfully transforming the strategy game series into an action and combat based experience.<ref name="transform">{{cite web|first=Hirohiko  |last=Niizumi|title=Front Misson Online Hands-On: Square Enix Party 2005|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/front-misson-online-hands-on-square-enix-party-2005/1100-6130111/ |publisher=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=2014-04-26 |date=2005-07-31}}</ref> In RPG Fan's Games of 2006 feature, they enumerated the reasons that ''[[Front Mission 5: Scars of the War]]'' was the ''Import RPG of the Year'' make note of the game's improvements and excellent execution in design and functionality. The game was also voted the runner-up ''Strategy RPG of the Year'' by RPG Fan in their "Games of 2006" awards.<ref name="RPGFan awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/go2006/|title=RPGFan Feature - Games of 2006|publisher=RPG Fan|access-date=2010-12-08|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130203055/http://rpgfan.com/features/go2006/|archive-date=2010-11-30}}</ref> While the developers acknowledge the good reception of the cinematic focus of the game, they noted that later entries in the series would not necessarily follow the same direction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/squareenix2007/frontmission.html|title=E3 2007: Square Enix Impressions and Interviews - Front Mission Interview|last=McCarroll|first=John|publisher=RPGFan|access-date=2010-12-08|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524031635/http://www.rpgfan.com/features/squareenix2007/frontmission.html|archive-date=2011-05-24}}</ref>

Greg Miller of ''[[IGN]]'' scored ''[[Front Mission Evolved]]'' a 6.0/10, calling it "uninspired" and that it would only appeal to "hardcore mech-heads". He commented that the missions were mainly "frustrating filler", and while the customization of the wanzer was enjoyable, it was often negated by missions "shoehorning you into annoying loadouts". Calling its story "less than stellar", he stated that "it doesn't feel like a full fledged game".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/01/front-mission-evolved-review|title=Front Mission Evolved Review|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=2010-10-01|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2017-06-20}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' called ''[[Left Alive]]'' a “failure on every level”, with poor controls and game balances issues cited along with technical glitches.<ref name=failure>{{cite web |last=Schmeyer |first=Dm |date=13 March 2019 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/13/left-alive-review |title=Left Alive Review |publisher=[[IGN]] |access-date=13 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412201400/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/13/left-alive-review |archive-date=12 April 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''Destructoid'' praises the game's soundtrack and art direction, but highlighted the low resolution graphical textures that gave the game a “drab” look.<ref name=toid/> They also noted “laughable” enemy physics, where killed enemies bodies would jump in the air however they died.<ref name=toid>{{cite web |last=Roemer |first=Dan |date=24 March 2019 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-left-alive-547288.phtml |title=Review: Left Alive |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |access-date=24 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412205324/https://www.destructoid.com/review-left-alive-547288.phtml |archive-date=12 April 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> They further describes voice acting as “varied”, from decent, to sounding like the actors “gave up” after one take.<ref name=toid/> ''Kotaku'' loved the idea of [[urban warfare]], including searching for improvised weapons to take on war mechs, but the game's “stiff” and “sluggish” controls made the game impossibly hard to play.<ref name=kotakus>{{cite web|url= https://kotaku.com/left-alive-is-a-fascinating-concept-but-a-crappy-game-1833108592|access-date=May 11, 2020|title=Left Alive Is A Fascinating Concept, But A Crappy Game|author=Alexandra, Heather|date=March 6, 2019|publisher=Kotaku}}</ref>

===Legacy===
{{Further|List of Front Mission media}}
Since 1994,  the ''Front Mission'' series has spawned numerous products in various media outside of video games.<ref>{{cite book|title=FamiComics Special Edition, Summer 1994|editor=Famitsu|publisher=ASCII|date=1994-07-09|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Front Mission Goes Live! |magazine=Super Play |issue=31 |last=Nicholson |first=Zy |publisher=Future Publishing |date=May 1995 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.show-tv.co.jp/1994/index.html |title=クロノトリガー・フロントミッションVP |publisher=Show-tv |access-date=2010-03-21 |language=ja |archive-date=2017-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118120234/http://www.show-tv.co.jp/1994/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The series has a long-running line of [[manga]] and novels that are expanded universe supplements to the stories of the ''Front Mission'' video games. Likewise, the series has produced two live-action films directed by Yoshihiko Dai and a ten-episode [[radio drama]] directed by Hiroshi Yamaguchi, both of which further expand the ''Front Mission'' universe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_p.php?num_p=805253#1|title=Dai Yoshihiko|publisher=allcinema Movie & DVD Database|language=ja|access-date=2010-12-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard Official Fanbook|editor=Famitsu Books Editorial|publisher=ASCII|date=1996-04-08|language=ja}}</ref> Some of the actors and actresses that have been involved in these productions include [[Banjō Ginga]], [[Hiromi Tsuru]], [[Dax Griffin]], Danielle Keaton, and Tina Coté.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0182805/|title=Tina Cote|website=The Internet Movie Database|access-date=2010-12-07}}</ref> Apart from these media, there have been numerous books, toys, and [[soundtrack]]s that have been published under the ''Front Mission'' brand name.

==See also==
* [[List of Japanese role-playing game franchises]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em|refs=
}}

==See also==
* [[List of Square Enix video game franchises]]

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090517070502/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fm/ ''Front Mission'' official website] at Square-Enix.com {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.tenmou.net/ Ten-Mou / Worldwide Network System] {{in lang|ja}}
*{{moby game|id=-group/front-mission-series|name=The ''Front Mission'' series}}

{{Front Mission series}}
{{Square Enix franchises}}

[[Category:Front Mission| ]]
[[Category:Square Enix franchises]]
[[Category:Video games with isometric graphics]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1995]]
[[category:Tactical role-playing video games by series]]