Front Mission: Gun Hazard

Setting and Narrative Premise

The story is set in an alternate timeline within the *Front Mission* universe, specifically in the year 2064. The world is dealing with the aftermath of resource depletion that fueled global conflicts, leading nations to pursue space-based energy solutions like the unfinished orbital elevator known as "Atlas." The central conflict ignites with the Bergen coup d'état in Norway. You play as Albert Grabner, a soldier tasked with bodyguarding the President. After escaping capture with the help of a mercenary named Brenda Lockheart from the Kernelight Association, Albert begins working for the mercenary guild. Traveling across war-torn countries, the objective becomes finding allies to fight the forces behind the coup and uncovering the connection between these civil conflicts and a shadowy organization referred to only as "The Society."

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The primary gameplay loop involves controlling a heavily armed bipedal mech, known as a wanzer, through various side-scrolling stages. Control focuses on left-to-right movement, jumping, and utilizing both a primary weapon and a special weapon system.

Dual-Mode Combat and Progression

A defining feature is the ability to eject from the wanzer at any point during a mission. While vulnerable outside the mech, the pilot, Albert, can access areas the wanzer cannot reach and utilize a jetpack for sustained, indefinite flight. This introduces a tactical layer where players must balance the heavy firepower of the wanzer with the agility and unique access points available to the pilot on foot. Missions reward players with money and experience points based on objective completion and the number of enemy wanzers destroyed. This experience directly contributes to leveling up Albert and any support characters he recruits throughout the story.

Wanzer Customization and Abilities

Progression is tied to upgrading and equipping the wanzer. Essential components that can be acquired include:

• Booster ability: Allows the wanzer to hover and increases jump capability.
• Dash ability: Enables quick lateral movement across the screen for evasion or closing distance.

Players can find or purchase various weapons and armor to tailor their machine for different mission requirements.

Support System and Team Building

As the narrative unfolds, Albert gains the ability to recruit other characters. These individuals can be assigned to support roles during missions. When set, these support characters provide various forms of cover fire, adding another layer of tactical depth to the side-scrolling action. Like Albert, these support units also gain experience and level up, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

What makes this game unique in the action-RPG space?

The game distinguishes itself by merging the direct, moment-to-moment action of a side-scrolling shooter with the persistent growth and customization systems typical of RPGs, all while utilizing the mech aesthetic established in its parent universe. The mandatory dual-role mechanic—switching between the powerful wanzer and the agile, jetpack-equipped pilot—forces players to constantly adapt their strategy based on the immediate environment.

Additional Content

This main game release does not feature any downloadable content or expansions.