Following the TGS teaser trailer for Front Mission Evolved that Dale recently posted, a full trailer (via Siliconera) with actual slices of gameplay footage has made it onto the web.
The game, which drops the series' tradition of turn-based RPG play for something a bit more Armored Core-esque, has been given a "spring 2010" release date.
Although I was never invested in the Front Mission series, it seems a good number of you guys aren't too happy about the major shift in gameplay style for Evolved. Personally, I'm more worried about the game's developer, Double Helix. G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra and Silent Hill: Homecoming were not terrific, folks.
For the time being, I suppose we'll have to remain skeptical until our worries are proven to be unfounded.
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I get it..., go full control to appeal to a wider audience. But what happens to the fans that loved the original play style?. If father Christmas is Real and Wombles do exist then at least give us a Turnbased unlockable for finishing the game!.....at least!....please?
I welcome this change in style/gameplay - particularly the foot soldier attacks on the mechs - but I hope they have the sense to not impose boundaries on the environments in the way that the Armored Core series has.
Orbital elevators, space colonies and mecha are staple stuff in japanese anime games etc, thanks to Gundam. Good concepts to use anyway.
While the change in genre might upset some, Front Mission is more suited to an action game. Square know its not their best genre, so an outsource is sensible for this one. If anything, this is a chance for Double Helix to flex their muscles, and I pray they do a good job on it. I like the look of it so far.
Action games are easier to produce and Square Enix need that money, whereas jrpgs take very long to make translate and sell. With this and Nier and FFXIII, they should be making a nice bit of money next year.
But is it in the same game universe, or a entirely new reboot universe, the only link being Wanzers? I wants me some political intrigue in my Front Missions.
Square Enix needs to learn to put some gameplay in their trailers. Or not announce their titles 5 years before they release. I understand they're going for the hype machine thing, but showing off FMVs just ISN'T impressive anymore.
@Electrium There's not much gameplay per say, there is some in game engine usage. Mostly when the characters are present, some when you see the mechs. Definitely obvious gameplay toward the end. So you might not be watching the same thing as the rest of us cause some of it is painfully obvious to even the blind.
So I completely expect absolute mediocrity from the story. It looks like someone is trying to mimic Hollywood, which is never a good thing, because Hollywood is fucking shit.
I... have reservations about gameplay. I clearly see the potential within, but I do have hope.
I believe this project is going to be make or break for Double Helix. As pointed out, they've made some terrible games. However, for a developer, the publisher is always right. So if Square Enix is overseeing this and is a part of the process, actually digging in and playing the game and making sure the gameplay is fun and lives up to the expected standards for the Front Mission franchise... we could get a good game.
If Square Enix isn't managing the project like that and is just doing a milestone checklist with minimal involvement, then yeah, there is a high possibility this could be shit.
Make or break time, I think. Taking a reputation hit for fucking up a beloved franchise with a passionate audience is never a good thing.
A world without war? A world with no borders? Is it just me, or did that bit seem reminiscent of Ace Combat Zero and the whole "blow up the place and remake it" thing?
The change of genre looks interesting, but personally I would've preferred Front Mission 5 leaving Japan and heading elsewhere than a potentially-crappy 3rd person Mech shooter. Front Mission 4 was not enough.
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Contest:
3:20 PM on 09.29.2009
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Im glad it's coming to PC.
Also, 2 words Double Helix, that should scare off any prayer of this game being good.
Also GIANT ROBOTS.
So while your opinion may vary, Dtoid's "official" stance was different. So don't take this chance to belittle that very awesome game.
I'm sure GI Joe sucked though.
While the change in genre might upset some, Front Mission is more suited to an action game. Square know its not their best genre, so an outsource is sensible for this one. If anything, this is a chance for Double Helix to flex their muscles, and I pray they do a good job on it. I like the look of it so far.
Action games are easier to produce and Square Enix need that money, whereas jrpgs take very long to make translate and sell. With this and Nier and FFXIII, they should be making a nice bit of money next year.
But, what of PE3, I wonder?
I... have reservations about gameplay. I clearly see the potential within, but I do have hope.
I believe this project is going to be make or break for Double Helix. As pointed out, they've made some terrible games. However, for a developer, the publisher is always right. So if Square Enix is overseeing this and is a part of the process, actually digging in and playing the game and making sure the gameplay is fun and lives up to the expected standards for the Front Mission franchise... we could get a good game.
If Square Enix isn't managing the project like that and is just doing a milestone checklist with minimal involvement, then yeah, there is a high possibility this could be shit.
Make or break time, I think. Taking a reputation hit for fucking up a beloved franchise with a passionate audience is never a good thing.
The change of genre looks interesting, but personally I would've preferred Front Mission 5 leaving Japan and heading elsewhere than a potentially-crappy 3rd person Mech shooter. Front Mission 4 was not enough.
-- Griffinhart