Info about FRONT MISSION 1st: Remake:

Official game description:
FRONT MISSION 1st: Remake is an immersive, tactical turn-based RPG, placing you in command of the awe-inspiring Wanzers – powerful military machines.
Assume the role of valiant pilots navigating treacherous battlefields, where the true realities of war come alive with every strategic maneuver. With a meticulously crafted narrative that surprises at every turn, the game showcases an extensive combat and battle system. Enjoy all these features through refreshed graphics and a reorchestrated soundtrack, elevating the gaming experience of the classic Front Mission series.
In the year 2090, the world's conflicts are fought using giant war machines called Wanzers. Huffman Island, the only place where the Oceania Cooperative Union (O.C.U.) and the Unified Continental States (U.C.S.) share a land border is a hotbed of conflict.
An O.C.U. reconnaissance platoon led by Captain Royd Clive is assigned to investigate a U.C.S. munitions plant. They are ambushed by U.C.S. Wanzers, triggering a series of events that plunges the whole island into war. Royd's fiancée, Lieutenant Karen Meure, goes missing in action.
Discharged from the military, Royd sets out to investigate what happened to Karen. His quest leads him closer and closer to the conspiracy behind the incident and the powers that orchestrated it.
With dozens of characters to meet, its mature story, and non-Manichean protagonists, Front Mission is the classic of a tactical Japanese RPG genre, finally available worldwide.
・Two campaigns: O.C.U. and U.C.S.
・Multiple difficulty levels
・Modern and Classic gameplay modes
・Free camera and new tactical map
・Choose between fully reorchestrated or original soundtrack
・Wanzers and Pilots customization
Savegame from the demo version carries over to the full game after purchase.
Mercenaries Update introduces new content, expanding the gameplay with additional features:
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*   New Singleplayer Scenarios
An exciting array of six new singleplayer scenarios is coming with the update. Each scenario is carefully crafted to offer a diverse range of challenges and engaging narratives. These new missions provide a captivating solo gaming experience while also expanding gameplay with new types of terrain tiles.
*   Local Multiplayer Mode
Jump into action with the local multiplayer mode using two controllers or the hot-seat functionality! Challenge your friends to a skirmish and prove your tactical superiority on brand-new maps.
*   Six New Maps
Buried Factory, Leaves of the Fallen, Porunta’s Hideaway, and three more maps to be unlocked as you progress, will serve as arenas for single-player scenarios and multiplayer skirmishes.
*   New Mercenaries and a Commander Character
Meet 15 new playable characters and the commander, who introduce you to the new update and assemble the best possible team.
And more!

Release date: Jun 30, 2023

Categories: Turn-based Strategy, Tactical RPG, Mech Combat, Grid-based Combat, Character Progression, Modular Customization, Dual-campaign Storytelling, Team Management

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: External Data Dependency (Instructional); summary: The user feedback highlights three primary pain points: (1) A heavy reliance on external guides to understand game mechanics, quest conditions, and achievements, indicating poor in-game documentation and tutorial design; (2) Frustration with unclear or misleading in-game explanations, particularly for core systems like repair mechanics; and (3) Severe technical issues, such as input-related soft-locks, that disrupt navigation and gameplay. The most critical issue is the game's dependency on external data for instructional purposes, which significantly impacts the user experience.
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Partially Broken (Stability Issues); summary: The Steam Deck experience for this game is mixed. While some users report a seamless, high-performance experience with native controls, others encounter critical stability issues, including frequent freezes, crashes during loading, and localization bugs (e.g., Chinese input crashes). The stability problems are the most severe, requiring workarounds like switching to PC, which significantly disrupts the user experience. Localization bugs and minor performance quirks are also noted but are less impactful.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Faithful and polished remake (weight 0.96): The remake retains the essence of the original SNES/DS versions while improving visuals, controls, and quality-of-life features. It is widely regarded as a respectful and well-executed revival of a classic tactical RPG.
- Visual and audio upgrades (weight 0.9): The remake features improved 3D models, detailed mech designs, revamped soundtracks, and immersive sound effects. The art style and music are frequently highlighted as standout elements.
- Dual-campaign storytelling (weight 0.75): The game features two distinct campaigns (OCU and UCS) with opposing perspectives that intersect, adding narrative depth and replayability. The politically grounded story is praised for its mature tone and engaging twists.
- High replayability and content (weight 0.75): With 60+ missions, New Game+ modes, hidden secrets, and extensive customization, the game offers significant replay value. Players report 30+ hours of gameplay per campaign and high engagement due to varied builds and strategies.
- Engaging story and lore (weight 0.72): The narrative is described as dark, politically intricate, and well-written, with rich character development and Front Mission universe lore. The dual-campaign structure enhances immersion and replayability.
- Technical performance and accessibility (weight 0.7): The game runs smoothly on low-end hardware, supports ultrawide monitors, and offers customizable controls. It is praised for its stability, 120 FPS support, and compatibility with Steam Deck.
- Value for money (weight 0.65): The game is considered a great value due to its length, content, and quality, even at full price. Sales make it an exceptional deal for fans of tactical RPGs or mecha games.
- Nostalgic appeal (weight 0.37): The remake successfully evokes nostalgia for fans of the original while introducing the series to new players. Its classic gameplay systems and faithful recreation are widely appreciated.
- Modern quality-of-life improvements (weight 0.14): The remake includes features like save slots during battles, animation toggles, difficulty settings, and dual soundtrack options. These updates modernize the experience without compromising the classic feel.
- Active post-launch support (weight 0.07): Developers have added free content, including new missions, PvP multiplayer, and language options. This ongoing support extends the game's lifespan and value.

Common complaints:
- Poor 3D modernization (weight 0.71): The 3D graphics are criticized as simplistic, outdated, or mismatched with the original's aesthetic. Animations and models feel stiff, unrefined, or even comical (e.g., toy-like mechs).
- Outdated and monotonous gameplay (weight 0.69): The game lacks modern tactical depth (e.g., no overwatch, flanking, or terrain effects) and relies on repetitive mechanics. Combat pacing is slow, and strategies become predictable.
- Clunky UI and menus (weight 0.65): Menus are cumbersome, lack critical information (e.g., weapon visibility, part stats), and require excessive grinding or clicking. Customization feels repetitive and uncreative.
- Poor localization and language support (weight 0.63): Translations are riddled with errors, missing text, or nonsensical phrases (e.g., 'msg_1013_txt'). Key languages (e.g., Korean, Russian) are unsupported, and machine translations are criticized.
- Unbalanced weapon and mech systems (weight 0.54): Certain weapons (e.g., dual automatics, rockets) dominate gameplay, while others (e.g., melee, snipers) are underpowered or illogical (e.g., firearms working at melee range). Customization leads to identical builds.
- Unfair and frustrating combat RNG (weight 0.54): Players report excessive randomness in hit/miss mechanics, with shots failing even at 95-99% accuracy. This forces reliance on save-scumming and creates an unbalanced, luck-dependent experience.
- Frequent crashes and freezes (weight 0.28): Game-breaking bugs cause crashes during combat, cutscenes, and loading screens, often leading to lost progress. Freezes are especially common with AMD GPUs or when using items like Flash G.
- Repetitive progression and grinding (weight 0.15): Progression relies on tedious arena farming, repetitive side missions, and excessive grinding for XP/money. The game becomes overly easy late-game due to power creep.
- Misleading remake branding (weight 0.14): The game is perceived as a low-effort remaster rather than a true remake, with minimal improvements over the original. Players feel the price is unjustified for the quality delivered.

Gameplay feedback:
- Turn-based tactical mech combat (weight 0.82): The game features grid-based, turn-based combat with mechs (Wanzers) that have modular parts, limb destruction mechanics, and tactical positioning. Players alternate turns with enemies, emphasizing strategic planning and loadout optimization.
- Deep Wanzer customization system (weight 0.79): Players can customize mechs with interchangeable parts (arms, legs, torso, weapons, processors) to specialize in melee, short-range, or long-range combat. This system is highly praised for its flexibility and depth.
- Pilot skill progression system (weight 0.65): Pilots gain experience and specialize in melee, short-range, long-range, or evasion skills. Their abilities directly impact combat effectiveness, such as hit rates and counterattacks.
- Terrain and positioning mechanics (weight 0.61): Terrain features (e.g., high ground, cover) affect movement, accuracy, and damage. Mech types (tracks, legs, wheels) interact differently with terrain, adding tactical depth.
- Difficulty settings and balance issues (weight 0.59): The game offers multiple difficulty settings (e.g., Easy, Normal), but some modes are criticized for being unbalanced. The difficulty curve is punishing but rewarding.
- Arena grinding for XP and money (weight 0.1): An arena system allows players to grind for experience and currency, which is essential for progression. This is a core mechanic for leveling up pilots and funding customization.
- New Game+ with retained progress (weight 0.05): A New Game+ mode allows players to retain equipment, skills, and pilots for subsequent playthroughs, extending replayability and enabling more complex strategies.
- Mercenaries mode with local multiplayer (weight 0.05): A separate mercenaries mode offers local co-op/VS gameplay and survival mechanics, though it is criticized as inferior to the main campaigns.
- Dual camera modes (classic/modern) (weight 0.04): Players can switch between a classic isometric view and a modern free-camera mode with a minimap, improving accessibility and tactical awareness.
- Repair and resupply mechanics (weight 0.04): Players must manage repairs and resupplies via mobile bases or convoys, adding logistical challenges. However, convoys do not automatically repair nearby mechs.
- Side missions and exploration (weight 0.04): Open-world hubs between missions offer hidden side quests and branching paths, though exploration is limited compared to modern RPGs.
- Limited save slots and frequent saving (weight 0.02): The game restricts players to four save slots and encourages frequent saving due to its punishing difficulty and lack of autosave features.

Performance notes:
- Hardware-related performance problems (weight 0.1): Players on mid-to-high-end PCs report overheating, high fan load, and performance drops during combat or extended play. Some issues are tied to specific hardware configurations (e.g., AMD GPUs).
- Hardware compatibility and settings (weight 0.08): The game runs well on low-end hardware and supports features like ultra-wide monitors and customizable controls, but some players need third-party tools (e.g., ReShade) for optimal visuals.
- Performance and stability issues on Steam Deck (weight 0.07): While some players report smooth performance, others experience frequent freezes and loading issues (e.g., stuck at 100% load bar) on the Steam Deck, impacting portability and accessibility.
- Save system and autosave flaws (weight 0.07): The autosave feature is underdeveloped, and the save system is ineffective, leading to lost progress or manual save dependencies, which exacerbates crash-related frustrations.
- Localization and text display bugs (weight 0.07): Poor German translations, missing text in endings, and inconsistent text display (e.g., cursor loss, input behavior) detract from immersion and usability, particularly for non-English players.
- Sound and optimization issues (weight 0.05): Critical sound bugs (e.g., sudden loss of audio) and minor optimization problems (e.g., mouse controls, Vsync) create frustrating or inconsistent experiences for players.
- Combat and animation glitches (weight 0.03): Melee combat and animations occasionally freeze or get stuck, disrupting gameplay flow. Graphical glitches during combat further degrade the experience.
- AI and progression-breaking bugs (weight 0.03): Enemy AI dying unexpectedly forces mission resets, and game-breaking progression bugs (e.g., soft-locks, arena freezes) prevent players from advancing, requiring workarounds or replays.
- Reinstallation fails to resolve issues (weight 0.01): Some players report that reinstalling the game does not fix persistent bugs, indicating deeper systemic problems that require developer intervention.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for niche audiences (weight 0.36): The game is highly recommended for fans of robot combat, mech strategies, turn-based RPGs, and nostalgia seekers. However, it is often advised to wait for a discount or only purchase if deeply interested in the genre.
- Wait for a sale or discount (weight 0.35): Many reviewers suggest purchasing the game only during a sale, with specific mentions of good value at $11 or 30-50% off. Full price is rarely justified for non-fans.
- Skip or avoid for non-fans (weight 0.33): The game is frequently described as only worth playing for fans of the original, mech games, or tactical RPGs. Non-fans or those unfamiliar with the series may find it unengaging or outdated.
- Value for content and passion (weight 0.33): The game is praised for its content volume, respectful adaptation, and the developers' passion. It is seen as a preservation effort and a good foundation for future remakes.
- Accessible for newcomers (weight 0.32): The remake is praised for being a faithful yet accessible introduction to the series, making it suitable for players new to the franchise or genre, provided they approach it with an open mind.
- Bugs and platform preferences (weight 0.31): Some reviewers recommend avoiding the PC port due to bugs, suggesting console versions instead. Others condition their recommendation on future bug fixes.
- Prefer later entries or originals (weight 0.29): Some reviewers suggest playing later entries in the series (e.g., *Front Mission 2* or *3*) or the original SNES/DS versions instead, citing deeper mechanics or more engaging experiences.
- Anticipation for future remakes (weight 0.07): Players express excitement for remakes of later entries in the series (e.g., *Front Mission 2* and *3*), viewing this game as a bridge to modern titles and a sign of more content to come.
- Technical and gameplay advice (weight 0.03): Reviewers provide practical tips, such as saving often, using terrain effectively, and disabling frame generation for AMD GPU users. Suggestions for auto-save improvements are also noted.

Other player notes:
- Multi-platform accessibility (weight 0.08): The game is accessible across various platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and even in regions like Russia without restrictions. This broad availability contributes to its reach and player base.
- Nostalgic personal history (weight 0.06): Many players share personal experiences with the game across multiple platforms, including the original SNES release, emulators, and remakes. This highlights the game's long-standing appeal and emotional connection for fans.
- Poor Korean localization (weight 0.05): Players report using auto-translation as a workaround for the lack of proper Korean language support, and the localized translation is widely criticized for its quality. This affects accessibility for Korean-speaking players.
- Historical series significance (weight 0.03): The game is part of a historically significant series, with players recalling their experiences with the original title, such as completing it without guides. This underscores its cultural impact in gaming history.
- Developer criticism (weight 0.01): Players express dissatisfaction with Forever Entertainment, the developer behind the remake. This suggests concerns about the quality or direction of the remastered version.
- Exploration-based secrets (weight 0.01): The game features secrets that require thorough exploration during missions or city segments. This design choice is noted by players, indicating a focus on rewarding curiosity and discovery.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.26): Players experience frustration primarily due to technical issues like frequent freezes, crashes, and save/load problems, which disrupt gameplay and sometimes cause progress loss. Additionally, poorly balanced difficulty, unpredictable combat mechanics (e.g., RNG-dependent outcomes, inconsistent enemy damage), and outdated design elements (e.g., clunky menus, cumbersome UI) exacerbate the negative experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.19): Disappointment stems from the remake failing to meet expectations, particularly in modernization efforts, such as outdated graphics, repetitive gameplay, and lack of strategic depth compared to modern tactics games. Many players also cite unresolved bugs, poor localization (e.g., translation errors), and a lack of polish, which detract from the overall experience and make the game feel like a missed opportunity for the franchise.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.13): Players express satisfaction with the game's deep tactical gameplay, customization options (e.g., Wanzer builds), and engaging story, which retain the charm of the original while adding quality-of-life improvements. The remake's faithfulness to the source material, coupled with modernized visuals and new features (e.g., ultra-wide monitor support), also contributes to a rewarding experience for both new and returning players.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.11): Nostalgia is driven by the remake's ability to evoke childhood memories of the original *Front Mission*, with players appreciating the return of classic mechanics, storylines, and aesthetics. The game serves as a love letter to long-time fans, offering a modernized yet familiar experience that bridges the gap between past and present.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement arises from the remake's modernized combat animations, sound design, and the revival of a beloved turn-based mech game on PC after years of absence. Players also anticipate the potential for future remakes in the series, as well as the accessibility of deep customization and strategic gameplay for a broader audience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the remake's respectful treatment of the original game's design, including its faithful mechanics, engaging story, and modernized presentation. The depth of mech customization and the addition of new content (e.g., game modes) are also highlighted as standout features that honor the franchise's legacy.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Enjoyment is derived from the game's classic turn-based SRPG gameplay, strategic depth, and extensive customization options, which provide a satisfying challenge. The U.C.S. campaign and Wanzer combat are frequently cited as engaging elements that enhance replayability and immersion.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement comes from the game's unintentional humor, such as awkward dialogue, spelling mistakes, and absurd gameplay moments (e.g., enemies with destroyed limbs wandering helplessly). Players also find entertainment in unexpected bugs, like enemy friendly fire, which add a layer of unpredictability.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is fueled by excitement for future installments in the series, particularly the second and third parts, and the potential for their release on PC. Players also look forward to replaying the game with improved mechanics or additional content in the future.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is tied to its nostalgic value and the emotional connection players feel toward the franchise, especially those who grew up with the original. Despite its flaws, the remake's ability to deliver a deep, engaging experience fosters long-term appreciation.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy stems from the remake's ability to surprise players with its addictive gameplay, modernized visuals, and the sheer delight of revisiting a classic. The Steam release, in particular, is celebrated as a long-awaited opportunity to experience the game in a new light.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom arises from the game's repetitive and slow-paced mechanics, which fail to engage players over time. The lack of variety in gameplay and uninspired design choices contribute to a monotonous experience that struggles to hold attention.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise is elicited by the game's mature storytelling, which exceeds expectations for a SNES-era title, and by unexpected moments like enemies engaging in combat with each other. Players are also pleasantly surprised by the remake's overall quality compared to their initial skepticism.
- Gratitude (weight 0.01): Gratitude is expressed toward the developers for bringing the game to Steam, modernizing a classic, and putting effort into the remake. Players appreciate the opportunity to revisit the franchise and the improvements made to enhance accessibility and enjoyment.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance is caused by technical issues like game crashes and repetitive content, as well as inconsistent UI design and the lack of quality-of-life features. These problems create minor but persistent frustrations that detract from the overall experience.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is triggered by severe technical issues, such as game freezes during critical missions, which result in lost progress. The poor quality of the remake, including unaddressed bugs and lack of polish, also fuels frustration and disappointment.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Approval is given for the game's depth, engaging gameplay, and customization options, which allow for long, immersive sessions. Players acknowledge the effort to retain the original's charm while adding modern refinements that enhance the experience.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by the game's dark, compelling story and addictive gameplay mechanics, which draw players into long sessions. The strategic depth and customization options also contribute to a highly immersive experience.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is felt by players who encounter no bugs after purchasing the game or who benefit from features like autosave, which prevent progress loss. These elements reduce anxiety and allow for a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm is generated by the game's engaging mechanics, content updates, and the overall enjoyment of its strategic gameplay. Players recommend the game to fans of mech games and express excitement for its potential to attract new audiences.}