Front Mission 3

Front Mission 3 is one of those tactical RPGs that just sticks with you. The story throws you into a near future world where giant mechs called Wanzers are the backbone of warfare, and you’re caught in the middle of a conspiracy that spirals way out of control. The coolest part? Your choices early on split the game into two completely different campaigns: Diana’s Path and Emma’s Path, each with its own twists, characters, and missions. It’s not just a gimmick; it adds serious replay value and makes the world feel way bigger than it actually is. The writing isn’t Shakespeare, but it’s solid, with enough political intrigue and personal drama to keep you invested.

Gameplay is where this thing really shines. Battles are turn-based and grid-heavy, but the depth comes from customizing your Wanzers. You’re constantly tweaking loadouts, swapping out arms for better accuracy, legs for more mobility, or packing on heavier armor at the cost of speed. There’s a real satisfaction in fine tuning your squad to fit your playstyle, whether you’re a long-range sniper type or a brute who likes punching mechs into scrap. The skill system is a bit random, you unlock abilities based on what you do in combat but it keeps things unpredictable in a fun way.  

Visually, it’s pure late ’90s. The Wanzer designs are sleek and detailed, and the battlefield animations, like watching a missile barrage tear through an enemy. The soundtrack is low-key killer, with tense battle themes and moody atmospheric tracks that fit the tone perfectly. It’s not flashy by today’s standards, but it’s got style.  

The only real downside? It crashes ocassionally in the 3DS and the pacing can drag sometimes. Some missions feel like filler, and the random encounters (yes, there are random battles) can get annoying when you’re just trying to explore. But the sheer depth of customization and the branching story make up for it.  

Front Mission 3 is a gem if you’re into tactical RPGs. It’s got brains, heart, and enough mech-on-mech action to satisfy anyone who ever wanted to pilot a walking tank. It’s not perfect, but it’s the kind of game that hooks you and doesn’t let go.

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