Info about FRONT MISSION 2: Remake:

Official game description:
  
A classic tactical RPG returns! The second game in the main Front Mission storyline is finally available outside of Japan for the first time.  
FRONT MISSION 2: Remake blends intense strategy with a deep and involved storyline.  
12 years have passed since the second Huffman conflict. The impoverished People's Republic of Alordesh has been suffering a severe economic decline ever since the war ended. In June 2102, soldiers of the Alordesh Army rise up and, led by Ven Mackarge, declare independence from the O.C.U. (Oceania Cooperative Union).  
Ash, an O.C.U. soldier, manages to survive the ensuing battle, but Alordesh is completely overrun by the Revolutionary Army. Ash and his surviving teammates infiltrate Alordesh's chaotic underground in an attempt to escape the country. However, they soon discover that there is a huge conspiracy behind the coup.  
In FRONT MISSION 2: Remake, the perspective switches between three characters: Ash, Lisa, and Thomas, creating a worldview that goes beyond a simple dichotomy between good and evil.  
FRONT MISSION 2: Remake preserves the mature story, strategic turn-based combat, and Wanzer customization options of the original. Enjoy the revitalized classic with updated visuals and new features and enhancements!  
*   Improved loading speed  
*   Support for many new languages  
*   New 'free camera' option to zoom in during gameplay and check out Wanzers in detail  
*   New coloring and camouflage options  
*   Modern in-game effects  
*   Renewed soundtrack

Release date: Apr 30, 2024

Categories: Turn-based Strategy, Tactical RPG, Mech Customization, Grid-based Combat, Story-driven Gameplay, Multi-Perspective Narrative, Political Simulation, Squad Management

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 70; verdict: Tinkering Required with Critical Flaws; summary: The Steam Deck experience for this game is mixed, with notable stability issues such as frequent freezing and crashes, as well as critical flaws in cloud save synchronization that lead to data loss. While some users report a seamless out-of-the-box experience, others face significant technical barriers that disrupt gameplay. Additionally, gameplay balance issues further impact user satisfaction.

- 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:
- Improved Remake Performance (weight 0.88): The remake addresses key technical issues from the original, such as significantly reduced load times, smoother gameplay, and fewer freezes. Players highlight these improvements as critical to making the game more enjoyable and recommendable post-patch.
- Faithful Yet Modernized (weight 0.62): The remake retains the nostalgic feel of the original while modernizing graphics, UI, and mechanics (e.g., faster combat, improved visuals). Fans appreciate the balance between preserving classic gameplay and adding contemporary polish.
- Rich Political Storytelling (weight 0.54): The narrative is lauded for its ambitious, multi-perspective storytelling with geopolitical themes, complex villains, and character-driven drama. Fans appreciate the mature, self-contained plot and its relevance to modern themes like diversity and self-determination.
- Enhanced Accessibility (weight 0.42): The remake improves accessibility with features like English localization, controller/mouse support, and quality-of-life additions (e.g., cancel feature, free camera movement). These changes make the game more approachable for a global audience.
- Immersive Audio-Visual Design (weight 0.37): The remake features high-quality sound design, remastered BGM, and improved graphics (e.g., HD models, lighting). These elements enhance immersion, especially for fans of the original's aesthetic.
- Developer Passion and Updates (weight 0.15): Players commend the developer's initiative in continuing to update the game, addressing bugs, and adding new content (e.g., mechs, weapons). This effort fosters goodwill and trust in the franchise's future.

Common complaints:
- Lack of modern QoL features (weight 0.93): The game omits modern improvements like mouse support, auto-save, and 21:9 resolution. Mechanics are poorly explained, and unit selection/grouping is tedious, especially in late-game.
- Poor controls and UX (weight 0.91): Controls are outdated and unintuitive, with no mouse support for setup, unresponsive menus, and high sensitivity issues. Movement and combat are cumbersome, especially for new players.
- Poor UI and localization (weight 0.9): The game suffers from a clunky, outdated, and unintuitive user interface with excessive loading screens, poor visibility, and numerous translation errors (e.g., 'aircraft hangar' instead of 'mech hangar'). Localization is inconsistent and often feels machine-translated, disrupting immersion.
- Weak story and pacing (weight 0.85): The story starts slow, with confusing character relationships and overly free-spirited dialogue. Mid-to-late game pacing is tedious, with repetitive map designs and minimal gameplay improvements.
- Ammo system and combat regressions (weight 0.31): The introduction of ammo limits for all weapons adds unnecessary complexity, while melee weapons become mandatory due to ammo constraints. Combat feels like a regression to earlier titles, with weapons limited to one-cell range and poor balance (e.g., long-range units being ineffective).
- Unforgiving difficulty and RNG (weight 0.25): The game features steep difficulty spikes, punishing mechanics (e.g., landmine stages), and heavy reliance on RNG, which can make stages unwinnable. Boss fights and enemy firepower are often unfairly balanced.
- Cheap visuals and animations (weight 0.24): Graphics and animations feel low-budget and mobile-like, with poor 3D modeling (e.g., missing joints), static battles, and lackluster combat演出. The game lacks dynamic animations and modern improvements like zoom-out maps.
- Weapon and unit balance issues (weight 0.19): Weapon balance is poor, with long-range units (e.g., bazookas) being ineffective and melee weapons underpowered. Machine guns are overpowered, and aircraft require specific weapons, limiting build variety.
- Save and cloud issues (weight 0.14): Save data management is outdated, with risks of overwriting progress due to Steam Cloud sync issues. The 3MB cloud storage limit and lack of auto-save exacerbate frustration, especially with frequent crashes.
- Progression and grinding flaws (weight 0.09): Experience grinding is limited, leading to unwinnable situations. Ammo limits can disable units, starving pilots of XP, and skill levels stagnate if swapped frequently.

Gameplay feedback:
- Turn-based mech combat core (weight 0.9): The game centers on turn-based tactical combat with mechs (Wanzers), emphasizing strategic positioning, Action Points (AP), and alternating player/enemy turns. Players must manage movement, weapon range, and terrain to outmaneuver opponents.
- Deep Wanzer customization (weight 0.86): Players can extensively customize Wanzers with varied weapons (machine guns, cannons, melee), limbs, bodies, and legs, though some note limited selection compared to earlier games. Customization affects combat dynamics, durability, and squad tactics.
- Weapon and ammo mechanics (weight 0.83): Weapons are categorized by range (melee, short, long) with distinct ammo systems, including limited rockets and machine gun piercing damage. Balance issues arise, such as long-range units being underpowered or melee weapons dominating due to AP efficiency.
- Terrain and movement tactics (weight 0.67): Movement is grid-based with terrain costs (forests, rivers) and weight systems affecting speed. Players must strategize positioning for cover, elevation, and AP efficiency, though controls are limited to keyboard inputs (AWSD).
- AP system and adjacency mechanics (weight 0.65): The Action Point (AP) system governs movement and attacks, with dynamic bonuses/debuffs (e.g., reduced enemy AP when surrounded). Some players find the system flawed but appreciate its tactical depth.
- Story-driven multi-protagonist campaign (weight 0.65): The narrative follows dual perspectives (Ash: OCU Navy, Rosa: OCU Intelligence) in a political/military storyline set post-Second Huffman Conflict. Missions are linear but offer branching paths and side quests for replayability.
- Arena battles and animations (weight 0.64): Arena battles feature full animations (e.g., Wanzers patinating before shooting) and rewards, though a quick combat mode exists for faster progression. Animations were a signature feature retained from the original game.
- Technical limitations and localization (weight 0.62): PS1 hardware constraints lead to display bugs and dated graphics. The Russian localization is noted, though translation quality varies. Loading times and mid-battle saves are functional but basic.
- Hidden content and unlocks (weight 0.35): Hidden mechs (e.g., Raven at the Colosseum) and unlockable content (e.g., New Game+ mode) encourage exploration. Network-based unlock systems and timed passwords add complexity but lack modern accessibility.
- Shield and armor dynamics (weight 0.24): Shields mitigate damage, while armor resists specific damage types (e.g., anti-piercing). Body parts (arms, legs) have independent health bars, and part destruction can cripple Wanzers, adding tactical depth to combat.
- UI and menu navigation issues (weight 0.13): The UI is criticized as archaic, requiring excessive clicks/scrolling for unit management, shop systems, and part sorting. Mouse support is lacking, relying on menu-based inputs.

Performance notes:
- Graphical and animation glitches (weight 0.46): Visual issues include misaligned 3D models, graphical artifacts, and random scene glitches. These disrupt immersion and may affect gameplay clarity.
- Buggy battle and AI systems (weight 0.23): Combat encounters suffer from enemy AI bugs, damage calculation issues, and scene rewinding. Loading into battles is also reported as unreliable.
- Optimized for low-end hardware (weight 0.11): The game runs well on lower-spec systems, with improved performance compared to the original version. This broadens accessibility for players with older setups.
- Audio bugs and missing BGM (weight 0.05): Background music (BGM) disappears or fails to transition properly during gameplay, breaking immersion and disrupting key moments.
- Mouse sensitivity and input issues (weight 0.03): Players report problems with mouse sensitivity, which affects aiming and overall control precision during gameplay.

Recommendations:
- Best purchased on sale (weight 0.59): Multiple reviews advise waiting for a price drop or purchasing the game only during a sale, citing bugs, balance issues, or divisive gameplay changes as reasons to hesitate at full price.
- Recommended for series fans only (weight 0.56): The game is frequently recommended primarily for fans of the Front Mission series or those seeking a nostalgic experience. Many reviews suggest it may not appeal to newcomers due to its old-school feel, bugs, or niche gameplay mechanics.
- Appeals to mecha and strategy fans (weight 0.5): The game is highly recommended for players who enjoy mecha customization, tactical/strategic gameplay, and complex narratives, particularly those with RPG elements and political conflict themes.
- Save frequently due to bugs (weight 0.46): Players are advised to save often, even during combat, and to take regular backups or disable Steam Cloud to avoid losing progress due to technical issues or instability.
- Wait for updates or fixes (weight 0.45): Several reviews recommend waiting for bug fixes, updates, or a price drop before purchasing, as the current state of the game may detract from the overall experience.
- Adjust difficulty for newcomers (weight 0.36): Newcomers to the franchise are encouraged to lower the difficulty or use guides to ease into the game, as the experience can be challenging or overwhelming for first-time players.
- High replayability for dedicated fans (weight 0.36): The game is noted for its high replayability, making it worth playing repeatedly for fans of the series or those who enjoy tactical unpredictability and deep strategy.
- Demo recommended for newcomers (weight 0.35): Players unfamiliar with the series are encouraged to try the demo first to determine if the gameplay style suits their preferences before committing to a purchase.
- Use mods for improved experience (weight 0.03): A specific recommendation suggests using a mod to restore original combat animations, indicating that mods may enhance or alter the gameplay experience for some players.

Other player notes:
- Original game's legacy and success (weight 0.21): The original game is praised for its military-inspired design, critical acclaim, and commercial success in Japan. Players highlight its authenticity and cultural impact, contrasting it with the remake's reception.
- Remake feels outsourced and low-budget (weight 0.15): Players criticize the remake for lacking the depth and polish of the original, attributing this to its development by external studios like Forever Entertainment and Storm Trident S.A. The shift from the original developer (G-Craft) is noted as a key factor in its perceived downgrade.
- Localization and regional exclusivity (weight 0.13): The original game's Japan-exclusive release is mentioned, along with preferences for English terms over Japanese localization. Some players also note the network/ID system for unlocking hidden content as a unique but outdated feature.
- Comparisons to other games (weight 0.05): Players draw parallels between this game and others like *Bravely Default* or the original PS1 release, often to highlight perceived shortcomings or nostalgia for past iterations.
- Poor mechanics explanation (weight 0.03): Players report frustration with the game's unclear or insufficient explanations of core mechanics, making progression or understanding systems difficult without external guides.
- New Game+ lacks customization (weight 0.03): Feedback indicates disappointment with the New Game+ mode, specifically its limited options for selectively carrying over progress or customizing the experience, reducing replayability.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.35): Players experience frustration primarily due to pervasive bugs, technical issues, and poor UI/UX design, including game-breaking bugs, data loss, and unplayable states. The gameplay also contributes to this emotion, with complaints about unfair difficulty spikes, excessive micromanagement, ineffective long-range weapons, and balance issues like overpowered machine guns or restrictive resource systems.
- Disappointment (weight 0.22): Disappointment stems from the remake failing to address core issues from the original game, such as outdated mechanics, poor localization, and lack of modern improvements. Players also express dissatisfaction with the low-budget presentation, unmet expectations for polish, and the removal of beloved features like New Game+ or signature combat animations.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Satisfaction arises from the game delivering on tactical depth, improved performance (e.g., faster load times), and successful execution of strategic plans. Players appreciate the progression from weak to powerful mechs, unique skill builds, and the overall upgrade in gameplay quality compared to earlier installments.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.06): Nostalgia is evoked by the game’s preservation of classic 90s strategy gameplay, its faithfulness to the original PS1 version, and personal connections to the franchise’s legacy. Players enjoy revisiting the series’ mechanics and comparing the remake to their childhood experiences with mecha anime or earlier Front Mission titles.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement is driven by the game’s deep mech customization, strategic combat systems, and engaging tactical battles that lead to all-night play sessions. Players also feel anticipation for future remakes, hidden content like secret mechs, and the satisfying progression from underpowered to overpowered units.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the remake for making the game accessible to a wider audience, introducing improvements like camera control and reduced load times, and reviving a beloved franchise. Features like the Recruit difficulty mode and the availability of original BGM are also highlighted as positive additions.
- Relief (weight 0.02): Relief is felt after patches address critical issues, such as fixing game-breaking bugs, improving loading times, and resolving translation problems. Players express gratitude for the game becoming recommendable post-patch, especially after frustrating technical issues are resolved.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from unclear or broken gameplay mechanics, such as a non-functional dialogue system, missing visual effects, and complex character relationships. The slow-starting story and lack of in-game explanations for mechanics also contribute to this emotion.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Enjoyment comes from the game’s engaging story, frequent customization options, and expanded skill system, which add variety to combat. Fans of the series particularly appreciate the remake’s faithfulness to the original while introducing new elements.
- Anticipation (weight 0.02): Anticipation is centered around the future of the franchise, with players eagerly awaiting the release of the *Front Mission 3* remake and other potential ports. The excitement for deeper strategic gameplay and series continuity drives this emotion.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Gratitude is expressed toward the developers and publishers for reviving the franchise, making the game accessible outside Japan, and allowing fans to experience a beloved series without technical limitations. Players appreciate the effort despite the game’s flaws.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is directed at the developers for perceived mishandling of the release, including unaddressed bugs, poor quality assurance, and claims of credit for work they did not do. Players feel the franchise and its fans were disrespected by the subpar state of the remake.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope stems from the anticipation of future remakes, such as *Front Mission 3* and *4*, and the desire for the series to continue improving. Players look forward to potential ports and the possibility of the franchise regaining its former quality.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom is caused by the game’s tedious and repetitive gameplay, particularly in the second half of the story. Players find the lack of variety and slow pacing unengaging, leading to a decline in interest.
- Embarrassment (weight 0): Embarrassment arises from the poor state of the remake series, with players feeling ashamed of the quality of the release compared to the franchise’s legacy. The lack of polish and technical issues contribute to this sentiment.
- Surprise (weight 0): Surprise is triggered by discovering hidden or unexpected features, such as mounted weapons or pre-equipped parts, which add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the gameplay experience.
- Challenge (weight 0): Challenge is derived from the game’s high difficulty, punishing skill system, and steep learning curve. Players appreciate the strategic depth but find the experience demanding and unforgiving, especially in boss fights or resource management.
- Sadness (weight 0): Sadness is felt due to the dominance of certain weapon types (e.g., machine guns) making other options irrelevant, which limits build diversity and strategic options. Players lament the imbalance and its impact on gameplay variety.}