While a proper new tactical Front Mission game is probably never coming, a newly announced PC and PlayStation 4 game from Square Enix is going to let players revisit that universe filled with mecha and global strife.
That game is Left Alive, a surprise announcement involving Front Mission series producer Shinji Hashimoto, Toshifumi Nabeshima (Armored Core series director) as director, and even Metal Gear Solid character designer Yoji Shinkawa on character designs (he’s also designing some Wanzers). Takayuki Yanase (Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, etc.) is working on mech designs.
Now, this week’s Famitsu (via Hachima) has revealed that the game takes place within the same universe as Front Mission.
Considering the title is a third person shooter, players will experience shooting sequences, as well as traps and things of a military-nature. The way in which you proceed is apparently up to the player, including how you survive (also a key theme).
The story takes place within the events of Front Mission 5 and Front Mission Evolved. The three protagonists (pictured above) are involved, with players starting off with the youngest, then the female protagonist, after which you can switch between the three as you choose. The game takes place within a city, where each protagonist survives via independent actions.
It all begins after the “Day One Event,” where a war breaks out within a Russian city. The protagonist(s?) will eventually become wrapped up in the conflict. As previously mentioned, Wanzers appear but mostly as enemies – however you can steal them from enemies.
Replayability is a key element, and while there’s only one core ending the actions taken by each character affect their outcome. Progression unfolds via a traditional stage-based system, and not a sandbox style progression. Unfortunately, you can’t customize the Wanzers, however you can craft things with materials and weapons.
For now the focus is on the offline, single player story – however the staff aren’t ruling out multiplayer. Other Front Mission staff are also working on the game.
Development on Left Alive is currently 50% complete, with a worldwide release set for sometime next year for PC and PlayStation 4 – worldwide.
