Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Front Mission 3 delivers a deep, turn-based tactical experience that challenges players to think strategically at every turn. Combat unfolds on fully 3D battlefields viewed from an overhead perspective, where positioning, cover, and terrain play crucial roles. Each mission tasks you with maneuvering a squad of customizable wanzers—mechanized robots with human-like articulation—against various enemy factions, making every decision feel weighty and consequential.

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The core of the gameplay revolves around action points and weapon loadouts. During your turn, you select a pilot and assign one action: move, apply an item, guard, or attack using either a shoulder weapon, handheld weapon, melee armament, or missile launcher. Damage is tracked meticulously by body part, so a well-placed shot to an enemy wanzer’s leg can drastically hamper its mobility, while a fatal hit to the core destroys it outright. This level of detail incentivizes targeted strikes and rewards careful planning.

Pilots gain proficiency with specific weapon classes—ranged, melee, shield, and missile—unlocking powerful abilities such as Double Shot when certain conditions are met. Experience points and weapon usage grant access to special skills, adding another layer of customization to your forces. You’ll often weigh the benefits of equipping heavier armor versus faster movement or powerful firepower, which keeps the wanzer customization both flexible and meaningful.

Graphics

Despite its early-2000s release on the PlayStation, Front Mission 3’s graphics still impress with their crisp 3D environments and detailed wanzer models. Each battlefield—from urban streets to forested hills—offers distinct visual themes that not only look appealing but also affect gameplay by providing cover or elevation bonuses. The 3D engine allows for dynamic camera angles, so you can appreciate the scale of your wanzers as they stride across the landscape.

The game’s CG cutscenes punctuate key story moments with cinematic flair, bringing the world of 2112 Japan to life with expressive character portraits and smooth animation. These sequences elevate the narrative by giving emotional weight to Kazuki’s journey, his relationships with allies, and the high-stakes conflicts that unfold. While not blockbuster-level by modern standards, they remain engaging and immersive.

On the user interface front, the menus are clean and straightforward, with easy access to shop screens, pilot statistics, and wanzer customization panels. Icons clearly denote weapon types, damage classifications (Impact, Flame, Piercing), and part stats like weight, armor, and accuracy. Navigating towns, the network, and strategic overlays never feels cumbersome, allowing you to focus on planning your next move or fine-tuning your equipment.

Story

Set in Yokosuka, Japan, in 2112 AD, Front Mission 3 centers on Kazuki Takemura, a young test pilot at Kirishima Industries. After testing the advanced Zeinslev prototype, Kazuki finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue when a routine delivery to the Japanese Defense Force leads to a massive explosion, a stolen wanzer, and rumors of a devastating new weapon. His sister, Alysia, becomes a pawn in a dangerous game, and Kazuki must navigate shifting allegiances among the OCU, the USN, and shadowy corporate interests.

What sets Front Mission 3 apart is its dual-storyline structure. Early in the campaign, a critical choice determines whether Kazuki aligns with one narrative path or the other, each offering unique missions, cast members, and plot twists. This branching design not only boosts replay value but also underscores the game’s themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between friend and foe in mechanized warfare.

Between battles, the “network” acts as a fictional internet hub where you can uncover backstory, forge email contacts, and even score extra funds or prototype parts. Town visits let you buy and mix-and-match wanzer frames, interact with locals in pubs, and trigger important character events. These non-combat interludes enrich the world-building, giving players a tangible sense of the political and corporate machinations driving the conflict.

Overall Experience

Front Mission 3 stands as a hallmark of strategic depth and narrative ambition in the PS1 library. The meticulous damage system, expansive customization options, and branching storylines offer dozens of hours of engaging content. Each mission feels like a puzzle to solve, with the satisfaction of a well-executed ambush or a perfectly optimized wanzer build keeping the gameplay fresh from start to finish.

While the graphics and interface reflect the hardware limitations of its era, they remain effective and stylish. The story delivers genuine emotional stakes, bolstered by solid voice acting in key scenes and memorable characters caught in the crossfire of international intrigue. Exploring both campaign paths reveals new surprises and motivations, ensuring that veterans will find plenty of reason to replay the game.

For fans of turn-based tactics, mech customization, and politically charged narratives, Front Mission 3 is a must-own classic. Its blend of strategic combat, rich lore, and dual campaigns makes it an enduring experience that still holds up decades after its release. Whether you’re a series newcomer or a seasoned veteran, the game’s immersive mechanics and compelling storyline promise a rewarding journey into the world of mechanized warfare.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10