Is Evolved a turn-based Front Mission game?

No. The 2010 release replaces the series' turn-based tactical combat with direct, third-person control of a Wanzer: you aim, dodge and fire yourself.

What can I change on my Wanzer?

You can alter armour and weapon loadouts, including close-range equipment and shoulder-mounted missiles. The balancing constraints matter, but don't expect assembling the machine to be more absorbing than piloting it.

What does E.D.G.E. do?

E.D.G.E. is a prototype ability unlocked during the campaign that slows the action and increases combat effectiveness. Some encounters require it to deal damage, rather than leaving it as an optional advantage.

Front Mission Evolved

2010 · Double Helix Games

Has it aged?Why ↓

Front Mission Evolved is a third-person shooter set on a future Earth, with you piloting a customisable walking tank called a Wanzer. Across New York and Antarctica, you boost, shoot, launch missiles and punch other machines. Steering the robot is more exciting than the battles it has to sustain.

Experience piloting and customizing massive armored units called Wanzers while engaging in high-intensity battles driven by a compelling story. The battle begins now!

The publisher’s description, from its Steam store page.

What it looks like

the trailer, then the store's own shots

Front Mission Evolved Trailer

The verdict

Skip it unless fast, uncomplicated robot fights are enough for you. Sliding past another Wanzer while locking missiles onto it is a proper thrill, but the campaign repeatedly funnels you through weaker enemies towards a boss. Accessible controls get you straight to the enjoyable part; repetitive missions exhaust it before customisation can give you a compelling reason to continue.

Play it if

You enjoy aiming while dodging at speed, want missiles and melee attacks within easy reach, and care more about making a robot move stylishly than mastering complicated simulation controls.

Skip it if

You stop playing when successive missions repeat the same combat structure, or you refuse to leave the mech for compulsory on-foot shooting sections.

Common questions

Is Evolved a turn-based Front Mission game?: No. The 2010 release replaces the series' turn-based tactical combat with direct, third-person control of a Wanzer: you aim, dodge and fire yourself.
What can I change on my Wanzer?: You can alter armour and weapon loadouts, including close-range equipment and shoulder-mounted missiles. The balancing constraints matter, but don't expect assembling the machine to be more absorbing than piloting it.
What does E.D.G.E. do?: E.D.G.E. is a prototype ability unlocked during the campaign that slows the action and increases combat effectiveness. Some encounters require it to deal damage, rather than leaving it as an optional advantage.

What everyone else said

we link, we don't reprint

Has it aged?

How does it hold up today? Based on recent reviews, how opinions have changed since launch, player activity and updates.

1 / 5

Recent reviews

66%positive (62% all-time)

20reviews in the last 6 months

% positive each month, last 4 years.

Reviews via Steam ↗

Player activitynot scored

—

We don't have player counts for it.

Since launch

80%positive in its first year

66%positive in the last 6 months

Less liked than at launch.

Last updatednot scored

—

The developer posts no update notes on Steam, so we can't tell.

What players said

nothing yet