This is a great game. I dont feel that the major sites have done it justice with their reviews, especially the IGN review. The person writing that review was expecting an action game, not a turn based tactics game.
So, who is Front Mission 4 going to appeal to? Well, if you like PC games with turn based combat, then this is your game. It will also appeal to console SRPG fans. Although unlike a lot of them there arent any random maps/encounters and, thank god, the main characters dont look 12.
Story/Plot
The game switches back and forth between two story arcs, each featuring a main character and a supporting cast. The game does a good job with both plotlines and I did not favor one over the other. The overall story is good with some basic political undertones and more than just a typical 'stop the evil madman' plot. One of the groups you control are deserters, which is a refreshing departure from the 'golden boy' you inevitably play in most of these games. Early on your teams are 2-3 members each, but certain plot points add characters to each team eventually getting them to 6 members each.
They did a good job translating from the original material, and there is a handful of humorous bits, both intentional and unintentional.
Interface
The combat interface works very well. The TV and console interface is less than ideal for the dialogue sequences. You have to press X way too many times to keep advancing the dialogue.
Gameplay
The meat of the game is turn based armored combat between Wanzers, which are armored mechs. Its fun, and there is usually more than one 'right' way to beat the missions and so it avoids the puzzle like nature that some of these games feature, which I dont like. The animations in combat can be ploddingly slow, but there is an option to speed them up all the time, and pressing the X button speeds them up or slows them down depending on your default setting. When units attack, the game zooms in and shows more detailed combat animations which can be skipped at a button press should you get tired of them.
A big part of the combat involves setting up 'links' (think group combo attacks or counterattacks) between your units, which has the linked support units executing a default action based on whether the unit is attacking or being attacked. These linked attacks have the potential to be more powerful than a single attack and are a big part of playing to win.
Outside of combat there is a TON of customization to do on your characters and their wanzers, which can be likened to equipment in a more traditional RPG. You can literally spend hours tweaking your Wanzers if that is your thing (and it is mine), or you can go with default setups and be done with it in a matter of minutes. Setting up your wanzers involves striking a balance between weight, power (which lets you field more weight) and functionality. So, if you want a lot of firepower for a mech, its going to come at the cost of something else like hitpoints or mobility. You can spend a lot of time trying to squeeze out enough power, or reduce weight, to get the weapon setup you want.
You earn experience (EP) in combat based on doing damage, getting the killing blow and being on the winning side. This EP is then spend unlocking abilities and then purchasing them for use. Further, the game has funds which are awarded based on winning the missions which can be used to buy all new Wanzers, gear for them and computer upgrades which serve to give your characters access to skills that they would not otherwise have access to. These computer upgrades are 'unlocked' with cash, but to use them you spend EP on them just like the class abilities. So while each character is a certain 'class', and gains abilities based on that class, you can eventually purchase any skill for any pilot allowing you to eventually field whatever kind of team you want.
Graphics
The graphics are not so hot. The CG cutscene that opens the game is awesome, feature-film quality work, but nothing else in the game looks nearly as good. The cutscenes using the engine are not bad, but the look on the tactical map where you do most of your fighting is not very detailed. They could have done a much better job.
Sound
Sound effects are generally pretty good, with the weapons making a very satisfying sound when they strike enemies. The music sucks its very bland and gets old fast, and unfortunately the game doesnt have separate volume controls and you cant turn it off. A lot of the plot missions have voice acting in their lead in and follow up sections, and its well done.
FWIW, I didnt play the demo or any of the previous FM games so I cant compare it to them. Nevertheless, if you dig TB combat and customizing characters, go buy this game! Or borrow it. Just play it.
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