Front Mission 3 is a turn-based strategy role-playing video game developed by G-Craft and published by Square Enix in 2000 for the PlayStation. It is the fourth main title in the Front Mission series, following Front Mission and Front Mission 2, both released for the Super Famicom. It was ported to the PlayStation Portable, with a UMD release in Japan on November 8, 2007. The game has sold over 500,000 copies in Japan, making it one of the most popular games in the series.
The game was set in 2127, during the “Second Huffman Conflict” between the Oceania Cooperative Union (OCU) and the United Countries of Japan (UCJ). Players assume the role of Shu Kazami, the protagonist, navigating their Wanzer (a mecha robot) through various missions in order to complete the story. The game is divided into three parts: Story Mode (following Shu and Echo), Scenario Mode (multiple storylines surrounding different central characters), and the Simulator Mode (unlimited battles).
Gameplay in Front Mission 3 revolves around mission objectives completed while traversing a map. As part of the misison, players control their Wanzer in turn-based tactical battles. While engaging the enemy, the player's Wanzer has two types of attacks available: projectile and melee. The game also introduces the new weapon Link System, which allows two mechs to connect and support each other. After each battle, the player's mechs experience a Skill Point (SP) growth system, enabling them to increase their stats.
In addition to these core elements, the game also has various side missions known as Special Missions, as well as shopping opportunities which allow players to purchase items, weapons, and parts to customize their mechs.
In Front Mission 3, the player has the option of repairing and modifying their Wanzers using the game’s Specifications (Spec) system. Players can customize the stats of a Wanzer by altering their parts and changing the skill points it receives upon levelling up. These mechs can also be equipped with weapons, shields, and other items. The specifications of a Wanzer are separated into four categories: arms, legs, body, and a special parts section. Players can also make use of the CPU System (C.P.U.S.) to design and store their customized mechs. The slots become available after the completion of certain missions.
Front Mission 3 has received generally favourable reviews. Fans praised the game for the amount of content, with the battle system being the highlight. Gamespot gave the game 8.9 out of 10, praising the characters, story and battle system. They criticised a few of the graphical glitches and some of the frame rate issues. IGN gave the game 8.2 out of 10, with positive remarks about the varied missions, challenging difficulty, and the improved character models.
Overall, Front Mission 3 was a commercial success. It sold over 500.000 copies in Japan, becoming one of the most popular entries in the entire series. Its success in turn spawned various other titles, with the spin-off titles Front Mission Alternative and Front Mission Online being released one and three years later respectively. The game has received numerous re-releases, with the 2007 updated version being among the most popular.
Front Mission 3 was a popular entry in the Front Mission series, with its combination of complex and deep strategy based battles combined with a captivating story. The game was praised for its amount of content, replayability, and its quality of gameplay. Its sales in Japan made it one of the most commercially successful entries in the series and has turned it into a fan favourite.
