Front Mission 2 is a tactical role-playing game (TRPG) developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released in Japan for the PlayStation on December 18, 1997. It is the direct sequel to Front Mission and the second main installment in the Front Mission series, which is known for its deep tactical combat, customizable mechs called "wanzers," and mature, politically charged storylines. For many years, the game remained exclusive to Japan and did not receive an official English localization until the release of Front Mission 2: Remake in 2023.
Gameplay
Front Mission 2 retains the core turn-based tactical gameplay of its predecessor while introducing several new mechanics and refinements. Players control a squad of pilots operating customizable wanzers on a grid-based battlefield.
- Turn Structure: The game uses a "Phased Turn System" where players alternate turns with the AI, moving and attacking with their units.
- Wanzer Customization: A hallmark of the series, wanzers can be extensively customized. Players can swap out individual parts (body, arms, legs), weapons (melee, machine guns, shotguns, rifles, missiles), and equip various components like backpacks and computers. Each part has its own HP, and losing a part can disable specific actions (e.g., losing an arm disables the weapon equipped on that arm).
- AP System: Actions in combat consume Action Points (AP). Each unit has a maximum AP capacity, and certain actions cost more than others. Careful management of AP is crucial for effective strategy.
- Skills: Pilots gain experience and learn new skills, which can trigger automatically in combat (e.g., increased accuracy, counterattacks, evasion). These skills add a layer of unpredictability and strategic depth.
- Link System: A new feature that allows multiple units to execute a single attack if they are in close proximity and have enough AP. This encourages strategic positioning of units.
- Battle Environment: Terrain and elevation play a role in combat, affecting movement and attack ranges.
Plot
Set in the year 2102, 12 years after the events of Front Mission, the story unfolds in the fictional People's Republic of Alordesh (formerly Bangladesh), a poverty-stricken nation located on the Indian subcontinent that gained independence from the Oceania Cooperative Union (OCU).
The plot follows three distinct protagonists whose paths intertwine amidst a backdrop of political unrest and civil war:
- Ash Faruk: An OCU soldier stationed in Alordesh. His story begins during a celebration of Alordesh's independence when a massive rebellion erupts, led by the nationalist "Real Number" organization. Ash and his unit are caught in the ensuing chaos and must fight to survive and uncover the truth behind the uprising.
- Lisa Stanley: An OCU intelligence officer dispatched to investigate the rebellion. She uncovers layers of conspiracy involving both the OCU and the mysterious forces behind Real Number.
- Thomas Norland: An OCU special forces operative involved in covert operations. His mission delves into the darker side of OCU activities in Alordesh and the machinations of powerful figures.
The narrative explores themes of colonialism, poverty, political corruption, the costs of war, and the blurred lines between justice and revenge. It presents a grim, realistic portrayal of military conflict and its impact on soldiers and civilians alike.
Development and Release
Front Mission 2 built upon the success of its predecessor, pushing the PlayStation hardware with enhanced 3D graphics for battle sequences, more detailed wanzer models, and a darker, more mature tone. The game was well-received in Japan for its complex story and refined gameplay.
Despite its critical acclaim and the growing international fanbase for tactical RPGs, Front Mission 2 was never officially released outside of Japan. This was a common fate for many Japanese RPGs of the era, often due to translation costs, perceived niche appeal, or resource allocation by publishers. This lack of localization led to the game becoming a cult classic among Western fans who often resorted to fan translations to experience its story.
Front Mission 2: Remake
In 2022, a remake titled Front Mission 2: Remake was announced by Forever Entertainment and developed by Storm Trident. This version features modernized graphics, re-recorded music, improved loading times, and most significantly, an official English localization. The remake was released for Nintendo Switch on October 5, 2023, and subsequently for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.
Legacy
Front Mission 2 is often regarded by fans as one of the standout titles in the Front Mission series due to its compelling narrative, mature themes, and sophisticated tactical gameplay. While overshadowed by its initial inaccessibility for non-Japanese speakers, its eventual remake has allowed a wider audience to experience its unique blend of mech combat and political intrigue, solidifying its place as a significant entry in the tactical RPG genre.