Line #457 VideoGame/FrontMission


1	[[quoteright:322:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/wanzer.png]]
2	[[caption-width-right:322: A marriage between [[RuleOfCool Cool]] and (relatively) [[TruthInTelevision Realistic.]] More or less the franchise in a nutshell.]]
3
4	Creator/SquareEnix's chief HumongousMecha franchise, ''Front Mission'' throws readers and players into gritty RealRobot stories, in which conglomerate nations from TwentyMinutesIntoTheFuture fight for power and political control, using armies of [[AMechByAnyOtherName Wanzers]] (short for "Wanderungpanzers" - loosely translated from German for [[WalkingTank "walking tanks"]]).
5
6	Two things set it apart from other mecha games: it is a TurnBasedStrategy (unheard of in 1995 outside of ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars''), and it applies as much realism as can be expected with giant robots. Logistics matter, the Wanzers are easily destroyed, winning battles requires teamwork, and the stories are heavily packed with {{Realpolitik}}.
7
8	With regards to the games, the series currently consists of five mainline titles and seven offshoots:
9
10	[[index]]
11	* ''VideoGame/FrontMission1'' (1995, [[Platform/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem Super Famicom]]) (2002, Platform/{{Wonderswan}}). [[/index]]
12	** Re-released as ''Front Mission: 1st'' for the Platform/{{PlayStation}} in 2003, and Platform/NintendoDS in 2007. The DS version was the only one to get a localized release, but has all the features from the PSX version.
13	** A VideoGameRemake on the Platform/NintendoSwitch released on November 30, 2022
14	* ''[[VideoGame/FrontMissionGunHazard Front Mission: Gun Hazard]]'' (1996, SFC) - A side-scrolling action spin-off, taking place in an alternative universe. [[index]]
15	* ''VideoGame/FrontMission2'' (1997, [=PS1=]) - A direct sequel to ''Front Mission''.
16	** A VideoGameRemake on the Nintendo Switch released on October 5, 2023
17	* ''Front Mission: Alternative'' (1997, [=PS1=]) - An RTS spin-off, taking place long before all other games.
18	* ''VideoGame/FrontMission3'' (1999, [=PS1=]) - Sequel to ''Front Mission 2'', but with little connections to the first two games. First in the series to get a localized release.
19	** A VideoGameRemake on the Nintendo Switch (date unconfirmed)
20	* ''Front Mission: History'' (2003, PS) - A box set which includes the first three games in the mainline series.
21	* ''VideoGame/FrontMission4'' (2003, [=PS2=]) - A side-quel that runs parallel to the events of the first game. Second in the series to get a localized release.
22	* ''Front Mission 2089'' (2005, Mobile) - A prequel to the first game.
23	** Re-released as ''Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness'' for the Nintendo DS in 2008.
24	* ''Front Mission: Online'' (2005, [=PS2=]/PC) - MMO spinoff that ran from 2005 to 2008.
25	* ''VideoGame/FrontMission5'' (2005, [=PS2=]) - An epic opera that serves to close the main story of the franchise and spans from right before the events of the first game, until long after the events of the third. Unlike ''3'' and ''4'', this was only released in Japan. A FanTranslation patch for the game exists, however.
26	* ''Front Mission 2089 II'' (2006, Mobile) - Sequel to ''Front Mission 2089'', bridging the remaining gaps to the first game.
27	** An abridged version was included in ''Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness''.
28	* ''VideoGame/FrontMissionEvolved'' (2010, [=PS3=]/Xbox 360/PC) - Third person shooter spinoff by Double Helix, taking place long after all other games.
29	* ''VideoGame/LeftAlive'' (2019, [[Platform/PlayStation4 PS4]]/PC) - Third person shooter spinoff developed in house by Square Enix. Stated to occur after the events of ''Front Mission 5''.
30	[[/index]]
31
32	The series is known for regularly venturing into other genres. ''Gun Hazard'' is [[GenreShift a side-scrolling shooter]] developed by the lead designer of ''VideoGame/AssaultSuitsValken''. ''Front Mission: Alternative'' ventures into real-time strategy (RTS). ''Front Mission: Online'' is the massively multiplayer online (MMO) game and the first third-person shooter (TPS) for the Platform/{{PS2}} and PC. ''Front Mission Evolved'', another TPS spinoff, was released on the Platform/{{PS3}}, Platform/XBox360, and PC. Lastly, ''VideoGame/LeftAlive'', also a TPS spinoff, was released in 2018 for [[Platform/PlayStation4 PS4]] and PC. [[NoExportForYou Only a handful of titles have made it outside Japan]], as the majority of the series (including two ''mainline'' entries) remain Japan-only.
33
34	Games aren't the only things ''Front Mission'' is noted for. Though virtually unknown to the Western world thanks to Square's mishandling of its overseas marketing (only some of the games were localized), the franchise has a large media presence in Japan, including mangas, novels, radio dramas, and even live-action films. In fact, these other ''Front Mission'' works are [[ContinuityNod linked to the video games so closely]] that they are necessary for completely understanding the stories. The most successful of these products are the manga and novels, which are perennial top-sellers in the mature/adult age bracket in Japan.
35
36	There is a character page desperately in need of work.
37	-----
38	!!The franchise provides examples of:
39
40	[[foldercontrol]]
41
42	[[folder:A - B]]
43	* AbsurdlyHighLevelCap:
44	** In ''2089'' and ''1st'', the maximum Job Level is 48... requiring 9,999 EXP in one of the four Job classes: Melee, Short, Long, and Dodge. Any EXP gained in these Job classes influences Pilot Level. Pilot Level maxes out at Level 50, requiring 37,500 EXP to reach.
45	** ''2'': The maximum Job Level is 30. 14,815 EXP is needed to max out either Fight, Short, or Long Job classes.
46	** ''3'': There are 25 levels for Weapon Rank, going from "A" to "A+" to "A++" and so on. Going from a Weapon Rank of "A" to "S", the highest level, requires 13,199 EXP.
47	* AcronymAndAbbreviationOverload: There's a fair bit of these, which isn't very surprising given all the nations and their military units.
48	** [=USN/UCS=] for '''U'''nited '''S'''tates of the '''N'''ew Continent / '''U'''nified '''C'''ontinental '''S'''tates, which has the [=FAI=]: '''F'''ederal '''A'''gency of '''I'''ntelligence. There's also SOCOM, for '''S'''pecial '''O'''perations '''Com'''mand, though this one is from real life.
49	** [=OCU=] for the '''O'''ceania '''C'''ooperative '''U'''nion, which has the [=CIU=] for '''C'''entral '''I'''ntelligence '''U'''nit.
50	** [=DHZ=] for the People's Republic of '''D'''a '''H'''an '''Z'''hong.
51	** [=EC=] for the '''E'''uropean '''C'''ommunity.
52	** [=OAC=] for the '''O'''rganization of '''A'''frican '''C'''onsolidation.
53	** Other sorts of acronyms show up too, namely for several technologies.
54	*** [=ATLAS=] being the [[spoiler: '''A'''stro '''T'''ribune '''L'''aser '''A'''ccumulate '''S'''ystem.]]
55	*** [[spoiler: [=SCION=]]] being the [[spoiler: '''S'''ynthetic '''C'''omputer '''I'''ntelligence '''O'''rbital '''N'''etwork.]]
56	*** [=BD=] being the '''B'''ioneural '''D'''evice.
57	*** [[WeaponOfMassDestruction [=MIDAS=]]] being one of two things: '''M'''ass '''I'''nterparticle '''D'''issociation '''A'''ntiproton '''S'''ynthesizer for the original anti-matter version, and '''M'''atter '''I'''rradiation '''D'''issociative '''A'''cceleration '''S'''ystem for the portable radiation derivative.
58	* AmazonBrigade:
59	** Three out of the four members of the [[PsychoForHire Apollo's Chariot]] from ''Evolved'' are women. It does make you wonder if Marcus uses the girls for "bedroom duty"...
60	* AnachronicOrder: you have to read every game manual (and in the cases of ''2'' and ''3'', the in-game Network too) to fully understand the history.
61	* ArmoredCoffins: [[spoiler: The [[TheDreaded Vampires]] from the ''2089'' games - a black ops branch of the [[BigBad B-Organization]] - have their wanzers set for complete destruction upon defeat, to cover any trace of their relations to their employer]].
62	* AttackDrone: The [[spoiler: "Save the Queen" laser drones used by the [[SuperSoldier Strike Eagles]]]] in ''Dog Life & Dog Style'' also count.
63	* AxCrazy: ''Evolved'' really takes the cake with this one, with four out of five main villains being more or less utterly insane: [[BigBad Cornelius Werner]] is an E.D.G.E. addict who [[WellIntentionedExtremist seeks to dissolve all borders]] and frequently torments Adela Seawell; Gloria Leguizamo [[BloodKnight lives for war]] and appears to be aroused by the thought of fighting; Pia Simpson likes to gesticulate inside her cockpit as if she's conducting a symphony while blowing stuff up a la ComicBook/VForVendetta; and Megan Chamberlain worships {{Valkyries}}. Not the most stable bunch.
64	** [[spoiler: Shin Tsuneki]] from ''Dog Life & Dog Style'' definitely is, [[spoiler: which isn't really a surprise given that he is [[BrainwashedAndCrazy an experimental subject of BD technology research]]]].
65	* BadassCrew: Every group that the main protagonists join is or ends up as this.
66	** The IMAC (''Alternative'') was apparently tough enough to be one of the world's only forces to be given [=WAW=] units, the most state-of-the-art technology of their era.
67	** ''Online'' also has Chasm Owls and Proud Eagles.
68	** The Storm Unit (''2089'') and the Chariots (''2089-II'') fight [[spoiler: the [[TheDreaded Vampires]]]]. Both groups defeat the latter regularly, though not without some rough battles.
69	** Another noteworthy example is the [[PrivateMilitaryContractors Akatsuki Unit]] from ''The Drive''. They are able to dispatch a mobile weapon and [[spoiler: rout an USN force several times their size]] through sheer teamwork, for starters. Their impact on readers is particularly strong, since the manga holds nothing back in the way of [[HotterAndSexier mature]] [[BloodierAndGorier content]].
70	* BadassNormal:
71	* BandOfBrothers: Many of the military units in the series play this, but the Durandal is in particular notable, despite technically not being military.
72	* BlackAndGrayMorality: Well... for the most part, the series's stories revolve around the struggles between HiredGuns with sociopathic tendencies, [[CorruptPolitician Corrupt Politicians]] who'd sacrifice millions of civilians for power, and WesternTerrorists who commit mass murders. You get the idea.
73	* BottomlessMagazines: Partly averted. The shoulder weapons have limited ammo, but handheld firearms such as machine guns, rifles and bazookas do not. Possibly LampshadeHanging, in that the ammo listing for these weapons is often a permanent 99/99.
74	** Fully subverted in ''2'' (and later, ''4'', ''Online'' and ''Evolved''), where all weapons but the melee ones have limited ammo. Very limited, in the case of some of the more powerful items.
75	* BoringButPractical:
76	** Shotguns are generally this, with a combination of decent damage outputs, range (though less than machine guns and rifles) and low AP cost, making them quite cost-effective, if a bit boring. That said, many late game shotguns are SimpleYetAwesome (see below).
77	*** Shields have no offensive capability (unless the pilot has the appropriate skills), limited uses before breaking, and when used, means your wanzer will be suffering damage to that arm. They certainly won't be dishing out the same amount of damage as a wanzer with double weapons. '''But''', they are also fairly light, greatly reduce damage taken, and will ensure your much more vital legs, body, and weapon arm survive longer.
78	* BrainComputerInterface: One of the recurrent themes of the franchise. [[spoiler: BD technology including S-Type, Puppet Soldier, and Doll Eye]] are all part of it.
79	** [[spoiler: The S-Type Device allows its users to control any machine as if they were controlling their own bodies. If the amount of floor wiping S-Type users have been shown to do is any indication, the device essentially turn them into SuperSoldier]].
80	*** However, [[spoiler: the device appears to [[PowerAtAPrice render its users more susceptible to EMP attacks, increase their organ sensitivities to the point that minor damage can feel fatal and can, in some cases, result in massive memory loss]]. Ask Lynn Wenright and Glen Duval about it]].
81	** [[spoiler: Puppet Soldier is similar to an S-Type device in that it gives the user more precise control (but not "human-like") over their wanzers' movements. Its main use, however, is the [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin remote control of the pilots]] who are synced up to their wanzers using it]].
82	** [[spoiler: [[ElectronicEye Doll Eye]] enables the users to have a perfect 360-degree vision of their surroundings, making them nigh impossible to ambush. It also allows remote control of nearby electronic systems; this is best demonstrated through the "Save the Queen" laser drone system]].
83	* BrokenHero: Another trope that the franchise loves. In general, this is [[LighterAndSofter only implied]] in the games, but the other media often [[DarkerAndEdgier elaborate further]]. Many of the protagonists [[ShellShockedVeteran suffer from PTSD]] and other aftermaths of the horrors they have endured. A few go beyond this.
84	* {{Bowdlerise}}: In the SNES version of ''Front Mission'', there is a wanzer model named "Fagot" (which means "a bundle of sticks"). It is renamed "Flugel" in the NDS remake.
85	[[/folder]]
86
87	[[folder:C - E]]
88
89	* CatchPhrase: There are several of them.
90	** [[spoiler: [[WellIntentionedExtremist Morgan Bernard]]'s "Globalist dogs", which he says every time he appears in the games to, you guessed it, the globalists. It includes anyone who doesn't actively support nationalism, such as Dr. Aisha Romariov (''2089''), Lisa Stanley (''2''), and Walter Feng (''5'')]].
91	* ChekhovsGunman: Oh, boy... there're so many of them it's impossible to list them all. But it sure as hell won't stop us from trying. From the games alone, we have:
92	** Lycov appears in ''2''. [[spoiler: Lisa Stanley meets Lycov during the coup a few times to set up a meeting, where she ends up receiving [[SuperPrototype the final Raven]] model]]. Lycov is formally introduced in ''2089''.
93	** Glen Duval in ''2''. [[spoiler: During the battle against the Canyon Crows, [[WesternTerrorists Royd Clive]] references Glen as a contact who can help him out against the [[TheHero Dull Stags]]]]. Glen is formally introduced in ''5'', [[spoiler: in which he's TheDragon]].
94	** From the perspective of the storyline's chronology:
95	*** Albert Masel and Serena Sana from ''2089''. Formally introduced in ''2089-II''.
96	*** Ellen Taylor and Yuji Kinoshita from ''2089''. Formally introduced in ''Online''.
97	*** Marcus Allen from ''Online''. Formally introduced in ''3''.
98	* CherryTapping: ''Gun Hazard'' and ''3'': It's completely ridiculous to see that a handgun is strong enough to damage a wanzer but what's downright absurd is being able to destroy one with just a handgun.
99	* ColdSniper: It will surprise us if this trope doesn't show up.
100	** [[AlphaBitch Leung Flybird]] and [[GreenEyedMonster Mark Green]] from ''The Drive'' come off as this, when they snipe at an enemy [[SpiderTank mobile weapon]] unit while casually talking as though the target is a mitten crab they're going to crack open and eat.
101	--> '''Leung''' (About to pull the trigger): I... gratefully... receive.
102	** [[spoiler: [[AxCrazy Shin Tsuneki]]]] from ''Dog Life & Dog Style'' also goes for a sniper rifle on several occasions, and he uses it to devastating effect whenever he does.
103	** Otherwise, this trope is mostly [[FriendlySniper inverted]]. The other sniper-type characters are generally normal [[ConsummateProfessional off the field]], or at least are [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Jerks With Hearts Of Gold]], such as Billy Renges from ''4''.
104	* CombatMedic: The '''Mechanic''' job class, first seen in the remake "''Front Mission 1st''" and officially introduced in ''4''. This type of wanzers generally boasts strong armor and high power output, the latter of which enables them to mount the Repair Backpack, a tool used to do quick repairs on ally units during battle. Such benefits come at the expense of their [[StoneWall offensive capacities]], however.
105	* CombinationAttack: Introduced in ''2'', in which a certain pilot's best skill allows them to assist other pilots in combat, so long as they're within ranges.
106	** ''4'' refines it into the Links system, turning it into [[AscendedExtra a standard feature]] in the series.
107	** ''5'' [[SerialEscalation requires you to be proficient in it if you want to survive]].
108	** The Links system is also incorporated into ''2089'', albeit in a simplified form.
109	** Individually, your pilots can have skills that allow them to use the weapons in both hands at the same time. In the older titles, they do it one after the other. Newer ones have them doing it GunsAkimbo, except for Double Assault, which has the pilot attack using [[SwordAndGun one melee and one ranged weapon one after the other]].
110	* CompetitiveBalance:
111	** The vast majority of the playable pilots are specialized in certain job classes, each of which plays some vital strategic roles in the battlefield, and has wanzer models specifically designed for it. In general, there are five job classes:
112	*** '''Striker''' (aka ''Fighter''): A job class dedicated to close-range combat, using melee weapons and often short-range firearms. Commonly equipped with knuckles, pile bunkers, and rods. These weapons tend to deal much damage but are lightweight. Hence, the usual wanzer model used by Strikers is a [[LightningBruiser fast and tough]] machine that lacks power output.
113	*** Notable characters specialized in this role include: Rocky Armitage (''2''), Kazuki Takemura (''3''), and Darril Traubel (''4'').
114	*** '''Assault''' (aka ''Attacker''): A balanced job class, suited for various tactics. Usually equipped with short- and mid- range firearms such as machine guns, shotguns, flamethrowers, and assault rifles. Wanzers piloted by Assaults tend to be JackOfAllStats with decent armor, mobility and power output. Hybrid Assaults armed with [[SwordAndGun a melee-firearm combination]] also exist.
115	*** Examples of notable characters specialized in the Assault class include: Ash Faruk (''2''), Elsa Eliane (''4''), and Walter Feng (''5'').
116	*** '''Gunner''' (aka ''Sniper''): A job class devoted to long-range combat, using heavier firearms such as sniper rifles, bazookas, and gatling guns. Despite their weaponry's having both range and damage output, wanzer models used by Gunners have to [[GlassCannon sacrifice armor]] and some mobility to possess enough power output for carrying such weapons.
117	*** Noteworthy characters known for their skills as Gunners include: Billy Renges (''4''), Glen Duval (''5''), and Leung Flybird (''The Drive'').
118	*** '''Launcher''' (aka ''Missileer''): A job class specialized in providing support fire via artilleries such as missile launchers, grenade launchers, and rocket launchers. Wanzer models designed for this role tend to have very high power output, but [[SquishyWizard weak armor and low mobility]].
119	*** Characters known to be specialized as Launcher units include: Lisa Stanley (''2''), Emir "Emma" Klamsky (''3''), and Zead Elger (''4'').
120	*** '''Commander''': [[LightningBruiser Lightning Bruisers]] who serve as the leader units of their squads. Such units are usually equipped with short- and mid- range firearms, paired with a melee weapon or artilleries for all-rounded, versatile performance in combat.
121	*** Royd Clive (''1st'') and Ernest J. Salinger (aka "Storm"; ''2089'') are both examples of pilots of the Commander class.
122	** In addition to these five job classes, four special classes exist to provide combat support using equipment outside weapons.
123	*** '''[[CombatMedic Mechanic]]''' (aka ''Engineer''): A job class devoted to the use of Repair Backpacks, with which the unit does quick repairs on ally units during battle. The combination of shield and firearm for the purpose of self-defense is typically seen on a Mechanic unit. Wanzer models used for this class tend to have [[StoneWall superior armor and power output]].
124	*** Mechanics are seen in ''2089'', ''2089-II'', ''1st'', ''Online'', ''2'', ''4'', ''5'', and ''Evolved''.
125	*** Noteworthy characters dedicated to this role include: Halle Fiennes (''1st''), Hermes Sturges (''4''), and Hector Reynolds (''5'').
126	*** '''Jammer''': A job class that excels at electronic warfare, carrying equipment like EMP Backpacks, enabling them to manipulate and disable other machines' electronics, making the latter open for attacks. Usually equipped with melee weapons or short-range firearms to provide capacity for self-defense. Wanzers used by Jammers tend to be [[FragileSpeedster fast but weak]].
127	*** Jammers show up in ''Online'', ''4'', ''5'', and ''Evolved''.
128	*** Latona Rodiona Vasilev (''4'') is noted for playing this role in her unit.
129	*** '''Recon''': A job class dedicated to the use of Sensor Backpacks, deployed to scout out and help Launchers direct missiles towards enemy targets. Mostly equipped with melee weapons and/or firearms for self-defense. Wanzer models used by Recons are usually [[FragileSpeedster very swift and agile, but have weak armor that does not last too long]].
130	*** Recons appear only in ''Online'', ''4'', and ''5''.
131	*** Dieter Borsh (''4'') is a character known for specializing in this job class.
132	*** '''Comms''': A job class noted for using Radio Backpacks that enable them to communicate with ally transports and direct air support, which ranges from carpet bombing and armor coating to calling in new wanzer units (to replace destroyed ones). Often equipped with missile launchers or other artilleries, so that the unit can also offer some offensive combat support.
133	*** Comms are available in ''Online'' and ''4'' only.
134	*** Beck Canova (''4'') belongs to this job class.
135	** Of course, employing all of these specialists effectively is TruthInTelevision: modern militaries practice the doctrine of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combined_arms combined arms]], where different units with different specialities work together to cover each others' weaknesses.
136	** {{Lampshaded}} by a person in the OCU Campaign of ''1st'': "It's easy to specialize in using one type of weapon than using all of them."
137	* ContinuityNod: Every game other than ''Gun Hazard'' has at least some of this. Even ''1st'' manages to retroactively get some through the [=PS1=] remake and DS port. In the case of ''Gun Hazard'''s lack of continuity nods, it is [[JustifiedTrope justified]] because its story takes place in an alternate universe.
138	** ''5''. EVERYWHERE IN THE FREAKING GAME. It even involves references to real world events! [[note]]As an example, prior to the oil rig recapture mission, several pilots discuss Operation Eagle Claw, and the airdrop is conducted using the same thruster frames seen in ''3''[[/note]].
139	* ContinuityReboot: The franchise has laid dormant since 2010. VideoGame/LeftAlive was meant to revive interest. But so far, critics and gamers are divided.
140	* CoolOldGuy: This is expected.
141	*** Justified, Alder and Thammond are both veterans, while Hector [[spoiler: is a [[SuperSoldier S-Type user]] himself]]..
142	* CorruptPolitician: And '''HOW'''! "Corrupt" doesn't even begin to describe it. In short, the politicians in this series's universe have been known to:
143	** [[spoiler: Try to murder various nations' representatives at the signing of a peace treaty, to prolong a war that profits them (''Alternative'')]];
144	** [[spoiler: Attempt to manipulate other nations into a potential world war, only to give one of the involved nations incentive to import their products and thus give their economy a needed boost (''4'')]].
145	* CrapsackWorld: The main series starts as one and [[FromBadToWorse only gets worse]] as time goes on.
146	* CriticalExistenceFailure: Averted. The main games all have separate [[HitPoints HP bars]] for each of the four parts of a wanzer (Body, Two Arms, and the Legs).
147	** Almost played straight in ''Gun Hazard'' (with the exception of heavily damaged wanzers [[TurnsRed flashing and/or smoking at times]]).
148	* CutscenePowerToTheMax: Happens on a regular basis.
149	** In ''Alternative'', we have [=WAW=] gliders, which, for some reasons, do not show up in-game.
150	** The cutscene after the final mission of the Huffman Island arc in ''5'', where [[spoiler: [[TheDragon Glen Duval]] crushes [[CurbStompBattle Walter Feng's platoon and their offscreen reinforcements while dancing around their barrage]]]]. Possibly [[JustifiedTrope justified]] in that he [[spoiler: is in an [[SuperPrototype experimental S-Type Zenith]]]], but in-game, nobody takes on six wanzers alone and comes out unscathed.
151	** Midway through the Strike Wyverns arc of ''5'': Walter Feng's platoon are retreating, while being pursued by two [[SpiderTank Garsade mobile weapons]]. Lynn covers their retreat from the ''Eclipse'', and [[OneHitKill one-shots]] each Garsade using a sniper rifle which is never seen in actual gameplay.
152	* {{Cyberpunk}}: Downplayed. While Front Mission doesn't have the [[NeonCity Neon Cities]] associated with the cyberpunk genre, the series has clear cyberpunk elements. Aside from the [[CrapsackWorld general grimness]] of the setting, this series has a strong focus on technology blurring the border between humans and machines - examples include [[spoiler: BD technology connecting human brains to machines]] and of course, the wanzers (vaguely human-looking war machines) themselves.
153	* DarkerAndEdgier: The franchise's manga and novels, compared to the games.
154	* DefeatMeansFriendship: Averted... except in ''1st'''s OCU campaign, where no less than six of the Canyon Crows members are recruited by having [[TheHero Royd Clive]] or another of the crows beat the stuff out of them in solo combat. Most of them are optional, however.
155	** Somewhat justified in that the crows are [[HiredGuns mercenaries]], so Royd can take whoever he likes, and to fight someone is a reasonable method to test if he's good enough for your team
156	* DefrostingIceQueen: There are several instances of this.
157	** Over the course of Emma's campaign in ''3'', the [[ConsummateProfessional cold, professional]] Emir "Emma" Klamsky slowly warms up to Kazuki Takemura. Their shared concern about [[spoiler: [[LongLostRelative her sister]] Alisa]] helps.
158	* DirtyCommunists: The Republic of Zaftra, having fallen on hard times, seems to want nothing but powers and profits at the expense of everybody else, [[spoiler: if their desperate attempt to [[BatmanGambit manipulate the EC and the USN into warring with each other]] is any indication]].
159	* DubNameChange: The English localization renames the United States of the New Continent (USN) to the Unified Continental States (UCS).
160	* EasyLogistics: Subverted and averted to various degrees in the games.
161	* ElitesAreMoreGlamorous: TruthInTelevision.
162	** The IMAC in ''Alternative''. They were one of the few armed forces in the world with access to the then cutting-edge [=WAWs=] [[spoiler: (and later on, prototype [=WAPs=])]].
163	** In ''2089'', the Storm Unit is eventually recruited by the CIU.
164	** In ''2089-II'', the Chariots end up recruited by the CIU too.
165	* EnergyWeapon: Quite a few of these show up.
166	** In ''Alternative'', there are three instances of laser beams appearing:
167	*** In Mission 24, the IMAC have to escort a trio of Yagisawa [=WAWs=], who are testing out a giant railgun. But instead of shooting a shell, it spits out a big blue laser.
168	*** Towards the finale, when the IMAC [[spoiler: infiltrates the secret underground factory run by the EC,]] they come across a shoulder laser cannon oddly nicknamed "Blassty".
169	*** In the final mission of the true ending, the IMAC [[spoiler: is given a demonstration of the [[WeaponOfMassDestruction Saryshagan Rifle]] by Gustav Zelman and the EC's remaining forces at Timgad. The Saryshagan Rifle is a laser weapon which, at its full power, can destroy small settlements with a massive beam of doom.]] In-game, [[spoiler: it's a OneHitKill weapon.]]
170	** In the USN campaign of ''1st'', laser beams appear [[spoiler: when the USN Army calls in a laser strike on the HQ of the [[WesternTerrorists Star of Freedom]].]]
171	** In ''Evolved'', the laser beams sadly are either (a) in the hands of enemy units or (b) only shows up in the [[CutScenePowerToTheMax cutscenes]].
172	** TruthInTelevision. The military use of laser ''is'' indeed being researched.
173	** There are also [[TheHero Walter Feng]] and [[TheDragon Glen Duval]] in ''5''. In childhood, they were best friends before being forcefully repatriated by both the OCU and the USN thanks to the First Huffman Conflict. They remain friends even if they won't hesitate to shoot each other's wanzers down. [[spoiler: Not even Glen killing Randy can break that bond.]]
174	*** Justified, Glen [[spoiler: is BrainwashedAndCrazy when he kills Randy.]]
175	* EnsembleCast: Most prominent in ''2'', with the focus of the story shifting back and forth between Ash Faruk, Thomas Norland and Lisa Stanley at any given time in the game.
176	* EscortMission: There's at least one of these in each game.
177	* EveryCarIsAPinto: Why do cargo trucks explode after being shot once or a few times?
178	* EvilOldFolks: Several characters give off this vibe.
179	** In ''3'', we have [[spoiler: [[MorallyAmbiguousDoctorate Bal Gorbovsky]], who heads the [[ArtificialHuman Imaginary Numbers]] Project]].
180	* {{Expy}}:
181	** Many elements of ''Evolved'' are expied from other games in the series:
182	*** Dylan Ramsey is an expy of Kazuki Takemura from ''3''. Both are HotBlooded test pilots for major Wanzer manufacturing companies who begin their journey because of a family member (Kazuki's sister and Dylan's father).
183	*** The Sword of Damocles are an expy of the Grimnir from ''5''. Both are WesternTerrorists groups led by a WellIntentionedExtremist EvilGenius in an attempt to manipulate the supernations in order to achieve their goals.
184	*** Apollos Chariot are an expy of the Crimson Blow from ''Gun Hazard''. Both are elite [[HiredGuns mercenary groups]] made up of [[PsychoForHire psychos for hire]] that serve as their respective games QuirkyMinibossSquad. Both are also employed by [[spoiler: their games WesternTerrorists [[TheSyndicate conspiracy group]] hellbent on taking down the supernations.]]
185	*** [[spoiler: Vritra]] is an expy of [[spoiler: ATLAS]] from ''Gun Hazard''. Both are [[spoiler: {{Kill Sat}}s located at the top of an [[SpaceElevator Orbital Elevator]] constructed in a joint effort by the major superpowers before being abandoned. Both also serve as the {{Very Definitely Final Dungeon}}s of their respective games.]]
186	[[/folder]]
187
188	[[folder:F - I]]
189	* FailsafeFailure:
190	** This occurs to [[spoiler: Randy O'Neill]] in ''5''. His wanzer's ejection system is jammed, [[spoiler: which leaves him helpless against Glen Duval's point blank shotgun barrage.]]
191	* ForgottenChildhoodFriend: [[spoiler: Lynn Wenright was once friends with Walter Feng, Randy O'Neill and Edward Collins as a child, although not really close to them. Walter is thrown for a loop when he learns that the cold, hardass CO of his new unit [[TakeALevelInBadass used to be]] the quiet girl who had a major crush on him.]]
192	* ForWantOfANail: Happens again in ''5'' but [[DownplayedTrope downplayed]]. Apparently, whether two unnamed soldiers get to survive or be blown into bits by a wanzer's bazooka rests on how Walter Feng and his crew enters Ya Dav.
193	* FrankenVehicle: A staple across the entire franchise is the ability to mix and match parts from various wanzers you obtain or find in shops. The torso, left arm, right arm, and legs all have individual HP values and their own stats that makes certain parts more effective for certain builds.
194	* GaidenGame: ''Gun Hazard'' and ''Evolved''. ''Gun Hazard'' takes place in an alternate universe, while ''Evolved'' is a story reboot that isn't connected to the others.
195	* GeoEffects: Or rather, terrain and elevation effects.
196	** Among wanzers, bipeds excel in tarmac and have good jumping ability (swamps and marshes bog them down); Quads are more versatile with regards to terrains, but can't really jump; And hovers ignore terrain effects altogether, but can only go shallow inclines (not steps).
197	** Also, units on higher elevations firing down have greater accuracy, while units firing up receive accuracy penalties.
198	** In ''4'', a wanzer hugging walls that blocked line of sight from Launchers is immune to missiles as the missiles would hit the walls instead of the wanzer. Either that, or the Launcher simply can't target the said units.
199	** ''5'' partly removes this. Launchers firing at targets behind obstructions can fire their missiles into the air, which would arc down and hit the targets, [[TruthInTelevision exactly how man-portable antitank missiles like the Javelin behave]]. Of course, for that to happen, you need a unit with sensor backpack to help guide the missiles.
200	** And there's another twist on GeoEffects in ''5''. Sensor backpacks are unusable in indoor maps, because the missile flight paths (as per above) would cause them to hit the ceiling, relegating Launcher units to line of sight.
201	* AGodAmI:
202	** [[spoiler: [[BigBad Lukav Minaev]]]] in ''3'' is a major case of this, on account of being a "perfect" genetically-enhanced superhuman.
203	** [[spoiler: Morgan Bernhard]] also boasts about how he's transcended human existence, [[spoiler: due to having become a networked consciousness rather than a single human being.]]
204	* {{Gonk}}: Peewie Richburg Jr.
205	* GunsAkimbo: Assault units are usually armed with two guns (2 Shotguns, 2 Machine Guns, or 1 Shotgun and 1 Machine Gun) so that they can keep fighting when one arm is destroyed. There is a battle skill that enables the pilot to fire both guns at the same time.
206	* GuestStarPartyMember: In some games, you can fight alongside friendly wanzers who will assist your unit.
207	* HardWorkHardlyWorks: Averted in ''5''. Walter Feng, [[spoiler: Darril Traubel]] and the Barghest's "normal" pilots are able to hold their own against [[spoiler: the [[SuperSoldier pilots with S-Type devices]]]] due to nothing but sheer experience and hard work.
208	** In-game, the only reward for being [[spoiler: a S-Type user]] is access to certain powerful, but expensive, skills. This is counterbalanced with their higher susceptibility to EMP.
209	* HelloInsertNameHere: In ''1st'' and ''3'', there is a default name and call sign for the main character. In the case of ''2'', every playable pilot has one.
210	* HollywoodScience: Almost always averted, but there remain two examples:
211	** The Repair Backpack enables the quick maintenance of machines in the field. The technology that allows it to work is never explained.
212	** Wanzers are equipped with a Damage Resistance System that reduces the damage received from certain types of weapons. HOW it does that is not elaborated upon in detail.
213	* ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy: The only plausible explanation for Adela Seawell inexplicably missing a stationary Marcus Seligman after the latter [[spoiler: shoots Alan Ramsey dead]] in ''Evolved''.
214	* InfinityPlusOneSword: There're a few in every game. Largely different from other endgame equipment in terms of ranges, ammo capacities, or the amount of experience doled out per shot.
215	** ''Evolved'' has an achievement named "Infinity Plus One" as well.
216	[[/folder]]
217
218	[[folder:J - R]]
219	* KickTheDog: With this series set in a CrapsackWorld, this is unsurprising.
220	** [[spoiler: Glen Duval kills a helpless Randy by repeatedly shooting his cockpit block at point blank range. This spurs Walter Feng's personal story in ''5''.]]
221	* KillSat: In ''Evolved'' we have [[spoiler: Vritra]].
222	* {{Leitmotif}}: All the freaking time.
223	** Karen Meure, Natalie F. Blakewood, Maria Paredes, and Driscoll in ''1st''.
224	** Richard Millman, Ark Hellbrand, Genoce Felder, and Royce Felder in ''Gun Hazard''.
225	** Lira Labra and Domingo Kyatt in ''2''.
226	** Lukav Minaev and [[JokeCharacter Linny Barilar]] in ''3''.
227	** Morgan Bernard in ''5''.
228	** Dylan Ramsey in ''Evolved''.
229	*** There are also more general examples, which don't necessarily involve a character, such as the Canyon Crows and Black Hounds themes in ''1st''. ''5'' also has a few, including the Scars of the War leitmotif, the Strike Wyverns', and the Barghest's.
230	* LatexSpaceSuit: For the most part, it is averted. Most pilots either wear fatigues, street clothes or flightsuits similar to those worn by helicopter crews. Exceptions are the Durandal in ''4'' and the cast of ''Evolved'', though their suits, while form-fitting, are still thickish, resembling racing coveralls.
231	* LevelGrinding: You will need to do much of this in the Arena or Battle Simulator if you are having trouble with the next mission.
232	* TheLoad: See EscortMission above. An example that truly stands out is [[TagalongKid Elmo]] in ''4'', who [[spoiler: outright charges towards enemy forces ''on his own'', [[TooDumbToLive instead of having the basic self-preservation instinct]] generally possessed by characters of this trope.]]
233	** Also: Since it is an EscortMission, you lose if he dies...[[SarcasmMode Thanks, Elmo.]]
234	** There's a rather dark example of this in ''The Drive''. After the Akatsuki Unit saves Albert Masel's ass, [[spoiler: [[AlphaBitch Leung Flybird]] thinks that Albert will become this trope to their unit... so she tries to murder him when he's sleeping. Luckily for Albert, it is interrupted by Captain Xiao.]]
235	* MacrossMissileMassacre: This can be invoked in ''5''. Load two missile launchers that fire multiple missiles, then use an S-Type pilot with the "Double Missile" skill...
236	** And in ''3'', we have the "Salvo" skill, which allows the pilot to [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill fire all the remaining rounds]] of the missile launcher on his or her wanzer.
237	* MagikarpPower: Melee builds.
238	* MajorlyAwesome: In ''5'', [[TheHero Walter Feng]] spends much of the story as a Major, [[spoiler: for over 10 years]].
239	** [[TeamMom Lynn Wenright]] (''5'') is introduced as this, [[spoiler: before her promotion]].
240	** [[PsychopathicManChild Psychopathic Womanchild]]: Anizka Ivanovna Aleksandrov refers to her SpiderTank as "toy".
241	* MasculineGirlFeminineBoy: From ''5'', Walter Feng is a quiet and reserved feminine boy to Lynn Wenright's tough and dominant masculine girl.
242	** Conversed, as in "Your ass belongs to Lynn!"
243	* AMechByAnyOtherName: As described above.
244	* ElementalRockPaperScissors: Short > Melee > Long > Short in ''1st'', at least [[GameBreaker in theory]].
245	* MemeticBadass: [[spoiler: After the African Conflict (''Alternative''), [[TheHero Earl [=McCoy=]]] spent years fighting to quell the violence across Africa.]] He eventually became this in-universe, as in [[spoiler: "THE REAL MCCOY".]]
246	* MiniMecha: Most wanzers are barely larger than [[TankGoodness MBTs]] or [[AwesomePersonnelCarrier IFVs]]. A civilian cargo truck could carry three of them easily. Their rather spacious cockpits take most of the torso section (judging from cutscenes). Also, they can easily jump onto and stand on top of buildings without damaging them, which actually provide noticable terrain effects.
247	** This doesn't stop enemies from building various {{Giant Mook}}s, ''3'' especially goes overboard with at least THREE types of {{Giant Mook}}s. Most of them have the advantage of GeoEffects being much taller, and tend to be MightyGlacier of some sort.
248	** [[SuperPrototype Prototype wanzers]] and giant mobile weapons piloted by {{Big Bad}}s tend to be [[LargeAndInCharge at least twice as large]] too.
249	* TheMole:
250	** [[spoiler: Liu Hei Fong and Miho Shinjo of Alisa's campaign]] in ''3'', but [[spoiler: Miho never truly betrays the party, and both of them genuinely join Kazuki's cause later on.]]
251	* [[MotherRussiaMakesYouStrong Mother Zaftra Makes You Strong]]: Played quite straight for [[spoiler: Mikhail Ilyich Rezanov (aka '[[DeepCoverAgent Driscoll]]'), Anizka Ivanovna Aleksandrov, and Rolf Wagner]]. They even refer to Zaftra as "Motherland".
252	* MultinationalTeam: The IMAC in ''Alternative'' is made of members from various OAC states and the OCU.
253	** Given the theme of globalization, nearly all groups are this to some degree.
254	* NewGamePlus: First seen in ''3'', in which battle skills are retained. ''4'' allows levels, cash and wanzer parts to be carried over. ''5'' has a similar mode, as well as Hard Mode, which resets the cash and levels, and significantly ramps up the difficulty in exchange for the chance to get the best wanzers in the game.
255	** Sort of downplayed in 3 though, assuming you plan to do the alternate campaign in NG+, only Kazuki and Ryogo will actually benefit since the rest of your squad is campaign based.
256	* NobleBigot: Dennis Vicarth in ''3''.
257	* NobleFugitive: Kwang Ming was the son of Ming Huang Jiu, the legitimate successor who was next in line to become the Chairman of China. When his father was secretly assassinated by Jie Bo Lao, Kwang was the sole survivor of the attempt and was forced to go into hiding as Jie's dictatorship took absolute control over the country by Nationalizing the industries and silencing anyone who stood in his way. Kwang would eventually be found and made leader of the Hua Lian Rebels.
258	* OnlyInItForTheMoney: Many characters, "good" or "bad", are no more than HiredGuns.
259	* PileBunker: Those in ''Front Mission'' look like some ''Anime/ArmoredTrooperVotoms'' versions.
260	* PossessionImpliesMastery: Starting with ''3'', you can commandeer any vacant vehicle or wanzer just fine. The only problem is that the equipped weapons might not be compatible with the pilot's specialty.
261	* PostSovietReunion: Wracked with economic hardships and internal conflicts after the dissolution of the USSR, the members of the Commonwealth of Independent States united in 2015 into the Republic of Zaftra, which went on to serve as a recurrent villainous faction that has butted heads with the setting's other [[SpaceFillingEmpire space-filling empires]]. Belarus supposedly broke away from the CIS before the creation of Zaftra (per a [[AllThereInTheManual supplemental artbook]] for ''Front Mission 3''), but this is later contradicted by ''Front Mission 4'' (which is set 16 years earlier) showing it as Zaftran territory, implying that it seceded. By the time of ''Left Alive'' (2127), Zaftra has more or less descended into civil war, although ''Front Mission Evolved'' (2171) sees it completely unmentioned, leaving its fate ambiguous.
262	* PoweredByAForsakenChild: [[spoiler: The B-Type devices are computer devices using [[BodyHorror human brains]] for computing and processing power.]]
263	* PrivateMilitaryContractors: A number of these show up throughout the series. The OCU and the USN employ [=PMCs=] before and during the Second Huffman Conflict. Among them are the Storm Unit (2089), the Chariots (2089-II) and the Canyon Crows (1st). They also appear in ''Alternative'' through Bamia and Sinsemilla, in ''2'' [[spoiler: through the Canyon Crows and the Dark Geese]], in ''3'' through Centipede aka Wulong, in ''Evolved'' through Apollo's Chariot, in ''Gun Hazard'' through Crimson Blow and the Kernelight Association, and in ''The Drive'' through the Akatsuki Unit.
264	** For a more personal example, Elsa Eliane helps Darril Traubel find work at a [=PMC=] after what happens in ''4'', [[spoiler: before Darril rejoins the Strike Wyverns in ''5''.]]
265	* PunchClockVillain: OCU and USN troops come off as this throughout ''1st'' and ''5''.
266	* PyrrhicVictory: Needless to say, this goes hand-in-hand with BittersweetEnding.
267	** In the real ending of ''Alternative'', [[spoiler: the IMAC halted the Cerberus Garde's final attempt to prolong the war by killing the OAC regional state leaders at a peace treaty signing. Also, with help from outside sources, the IMAC disclosed tons of evidence of the EC's machinations in the African Conflict to the OAC. In light of these revelations, the OAC demanded that the EC withdraw all of its influences from Africa. While it was then truly independent, the OAC's fortunes didn't get any better. References in ''5'' reveal that the OAC is still [[CrapsackWorld plagued with civil conflicts, terrorism and economic recession]] all these decades later. One soldier even muses that they were better off back when the EC was aiding them.]]
268	** At the end of ''2089-II'', [[spoiler: the CIU manages to wipe out the B-Organization and the remains of the Vampires, preventing another war from happening on Huffman Island. Unfortunately, as the B-Organization's headquarters happens to be in the Larcus District (the operation takes place at almost [[ContinuityNod the same time as Royd Clive's investigation]] in ''1st''), the gang fail to foresee what would happen next. The OCU and the USN trade verbal jabs before finally going forward with the war march, thus begins the Second Huffman Conflict. And with the Second Huffman Conflict come [[WarIsHell countless atrocities]] and [[BrainInAJar some disturbing conspiracies]]...]]
269	* RealMenWearPink: You can go through the games with your wanzers painted pink.
270	* RealRobot: Wanzers are dangerous and fragile. It is not unusual to have one destroyed by just a single lucky shot. Intensive teamwork is required for them to operate on the battlefield.
271	[[/folder]]
272
273	[[folder:S - Z]]
274	* SaveScumming: In the Arena (at least that in ''2089: Border of Madness'', ''1st'' and ''5''), your return on your bet depends on the difficulty of the fight, and hence you need lopsided (against you) fights in order to make a profit, but your whole bet amount is forfeited if you lose. For example in ''1st'', if you bet 500 Huffman dollars against an opponent with difficulty 1.50 then you ''lose'' all the 500 Huffman dollars if you lose, but you only ''gain'' 250 Huffman dollars if you win. While a single high-risk loss can wipe out a grinding streak's worth of revenue, you ''need'' this.
275	* SciFiWritersHaveNoSenseOfScale: Mostly averted. But none of the ''Gun Hazard'' developers seemed to be aware of the lack of feasibility in making an orbital elevator a couple of kilometers wide when they designed the ATLAS. [[spoiler: Then again, considering [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon its true purpose]]...]]
276	** This seems to be a recurrent issue with the series' [[GaidenGame Gaiden Games]], if ''Evolved'' is any indication. [[spoiler: Vritra is of impractical dimensions and construction for what amounts to a KillSat.]]
277	* SelfImposedChallenge: Considering you may choose what weapons you equip, which parts you use and how many units you deploy, they're just asking you to take one.
278	* SequentialBoss: [[spoiler: Sinsemilla in ''Alternative'', the Vampires in the ''2089'' games, Driscoll in ''1st'', Ven Mackarge in ''2'', Lukav Minaev in ''3'', and Rolf Wagner in ''4''. For the whole series, Morgan Bernard in the ''2089'' games, ''Online'', ''2'', and ''5''!]]
279	* ShipTease: Between Elsa and Darril in ''4''. It is hinted in ''5'' that they may have gotten together. [[spoiler: As revealed in the novels, they did.]]
280	** There's so much ShipTease between Lynn and Walter in ''5'' you can touch it. [[spoiler: Their relationship gets... upgraded right before Walter joins the Barghest. The [[DistantFinale epilogue]] shows they get married and have a daughter, who is likely conceived at the time of the said upgrade.]]
281	* ShoutOut: Wanzers, being about 5 to 6 meters tall in most cases (except for some unique units), armed with realistic weaponry based on actual technology, and having wheels built into their feet, are very similar to the realism-emphasized mecha that the anime Director Ryosuke Takahashi frequently used, such as in Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS and Anime/BlueGender.
282	** By this same shout-out it makes them similar to [[TabletopGame/HeavyGear Gears]].
283	** The Gloster Mobile Weapons look almost identical to Glaug Battlepods from ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross''. Funnily enough, later games redesign them to look more like Clan Mechs from ''TabletopGame/BattleTech''.
284	** Speaking of Mobile Weapons, they're essentially the same thing as the Mobile Armors from the original ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'', larger, more powerful but less versatile limited production, non-humanoid mechs.
285	** The Phantom series of Wanzers also harken back to ''Gundam'', resembling the MS-09 Dom, [[GiantMook being much bulkier than typical Wanzers]] [[LightningBruiser yet surprisingly fast]] [[HoverMecha due to being equipped with hover engines]]. Unsurprisingly, it is usually depicted with a black paint scheme and carrying a bazooka.
286	* SimpleYetAwesome: A few late-game shotguns in most of the entries are these, dealing decent damage at the low cost of 3 AP, but the standout examples are shotguns with the Dead Shot X skill in ''5'', where X is a guaranteed number of pellets will hit the target, no matter what evasion and accuracy modifiers are in place. [[note]]there are two kinds of shotguns which count as the best in ''5'' (and both are reasonably hard to get) - one for raw firepower with 16 pellets and Dead Shot 5, and the other for near 100% accuracy with Dead Shot 6 and 12 pellets.[[/note]]
287	* TheSmurfettePrinciple: In each of ''3'''s campaigns, the playable group consists of [[TheHero Kazuki]], [[TheLancer Ryogo]], the main heroine (i.e., Emma or Alisa) and the remaining are either 'All male, one female' or 'One male, all female'.
288	* SpaceElevator: Featured prominently in the form of ATLAS in ''Gun Hazard''. Multiple [[SpaceElevator Orbital Elevators ]] also appear in ''Evolved'', with each supernation having at least one.
289	* SpaceFillingEmpire: There are six supranational unions in ''Front Mission'' that are made from and based off of real life cross-national organizations, alliances, and/or trade organizations. Most modern day countries still exist as member states within such super-states. Several actually rebel against them.
290	** The United States of the New Continent/[[DubNameChange Unified Continental States]] (USN/UCS) is formed from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Free_Trade_Agreement North American Free Trade Agreement]] (USA, Canada, and Mexico), and later gobbles up the rest of the Central and South America. The only parts of the New Continent not under their control are some of the Caribbean Islands and probably the Falkland Islands.
291	** The Oceania Cooperative Union (OCU) is evolved from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_of_Southeast_Asian_Nations Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] (ASEAN) plus Japan, Australia, South Korea, and most of the islands of Oceania that the USN doesn't own.
292	** The European Community (EC) is just a more centralized version of the European Union but with every country in the European bloc included. When the franchise was first created, it was based on the real life European Union.
293	** The Republic of Zaftra is formed from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_States Commonwealth of Independent States]] (CIS), which consists of most of the former Soviet Union (minus Belarus, which separated and became then known as the Republic of Ravnui).
294	** The Organization of African Consolidation (OAC) is an alliance between the nations of Africa, created with the help of the EC and the OCU, but subdivided into five regional states. After the African Conflict, the OAC becomes fully independent of EC and OCU influences.
295	** The People's Republic of Da Han Zhong (DHZ) is the post-unification of China and Taiwan.
296	* SquadNickname: There's atleast one per game.
297	** ''Front Mission Alternative'' has the IMAC (Independent Mobile Assault Company), Bamia, Sinsemilla, and the Cerberus Garde
298	** ''Front Mission 2089'' and ''Front Mission 2089-II'' have the Storm Unit, the Chariots, and the Vampires
299	** ''Front Mission 1st'' has the Canyon Crows, Hell's Wall, Black Hounds, and the Silver Lynxes
300	** ''Front Mission Online'' has the Chasm Owls, Iron Hearts, and the Proud Eagles
301	** ''Front Mission 2'' has the Muddy Otters, Dull Stags, and the Dark Geese
302	** ''Front Mission 3'' has the Purple Haze and the Wulong
303	** ''Front Mission 4'' has the Durandal and the Blauer Nebel
304	** ''Front Mission 5'' has the Strike Wyverns and the Barghest
305	** ''Front Mission Evolved'' has Apollo's Chariot
306	** ''Front Mission Gun Hazard'' has the Crimson Blow.
307	** In the other media, there's the Akatsuki (The Drive), Smile Dogs (Dog Life & Dog Style), and the Strike Eagles (Dog Life & Dog Style).
308	* SubsystemDamage: The individually breakable parts of wanzers, and certain other types of war machines in the games.
309	* SuperPrototype: Considering the entire series, there are a lot of them. But it is the enemies that get all the cool toys. However, you '''do''' get to unlock some of their stuffs too, via grinding through simulators or meeting special conditions in missions.
310	** Mary-Jane Delschaft (''Alternative'') piloted the Belladonna Atropa, an experimental [=WAW=] armed with an assault rifle and capable of some ''flight'' through its verniers. Those verniers can also be used for extremely fast ground-based movement, which Mary-Jane uses with devastating effect [[spoiler: when you fight her [[FinalBattle for the last time]] in the true ending.]]
311	** The original [[TheDreaded Rav]][[OneManArmy en]] unit from ''1st'' and ''Online'' also has flight capabilities (its vernier add-ons and flying are only in ''Online''), albeit it is limited. [[spoiler: It's also the best wanzer you can get in ''2089-II'' and ''2''. In ''2089-II'', you have the original prototype model, though you have to dive into the Survival Simulator in ''2089-II'' at least ''six'' times to get the full set.]]
312	** [[spoiler: You also get to have a taste of the Alucard unit in ''2089'', when Dark Knight (Roy) is revealed to be secretly working for your side.]]
313	** [[spoiler: Style 7 in ''Dog Life & Dog Style'' pits an OCU special forces unit codenamed "Smile Dog" using prototype [[InvisibilityFlicker stealth wanzers codenamed ''Loki'']] against an USN elite special force unit called the "Strike Eagles".]]
314	*** [[spoiler: The Eagles possesses three prototype wanzers designed exclusively for BD Doll Eye. Each of them comes with a "Save the Queen" laser drone defense system. The strongest one, the aptly named "Queen of Madness", has destroyed entire OCU companies with its fuel-air rifle (makes explosions similar to a nuke's) that it's known as a feared OneManArmy.]]
315	*** It is later revealed that [[spoiler: the Strike Eagles gets a fourth prototype wanzer - a new version of Queen of Madness that uses both Doll Eye and S-Type. It also has "Save the Queen" built-in onto its armor, making it nearly impossible to hit. Then you throw in the fact that S-Type units have crazy agility to begin with...]]
316	** The Zephyr and Caballus from ''Evolved'', considering they are prototype units equipped with the E.D.G.E. system. [[spoiler: Adela Seawell's Frost is also built-in with it, but in her case, it has more to do with her wanzer being a AceCustom build.]]
317	* TheSyndicate:
318	** [[spoiler: The Grimnir led by [[WesternTerrorists Dr. Morgan Bernard]]. Essentially the whole series' antagonists, this terrorist organization has enlisted support from ''everywhere'' under the flag of nationalism. Politicians, military brass, scientists, weapons developers... you name it, they've got it! Even many "good" and "bad" guys are on their side.]] For instance:
319	*** [[spoiler: Royd Clive, Dr. Mizette Brown and Dr. Gilmore from ''1st'';]]
320	*** [[spoiler: Ash Faruk, Ven Mackarge and Domingo Kyatt in ''2'';]]
321	*** [[spoiler: The Vampires in ''2089'';]]
322	*** [[spoiler: Glen Duval in ''5''...]]
323	*** [[spoiler: They have got '''everyone'''! All the main instigators, directly or indirectly, of nearly every major conflict in the series from 2080 to 2112 are apart of the Grimnir.]]
324	* TacticalRockPaperScissors:
325	** In arena battles of the original ''Front Mission 1'', Short takes precedence over Fight, Fight takes precedence over Long, and Long takes precedence over Short. Although in the meta perspective, Fight ended up being the underperforming class.
326	** ''Front Mission 3'' and on introduced damage types, which weapons inflict and armor (settable by the player) protects from. The flow goes Piercing beats Impact, Impact beats Flame, Flame beats Piercing. There's also a fourth type used energy weapons that ignores defense modifiers.
327	* TakingTheBullet: Walter Feng does this for [[LoveInterests Lynn Wenright]] during the first Cambodia arc of ''5''. [[spoiler: Glen has disabled Lynn's wanzer with EMP and is about to fire; Walter shoves her out of the way and gets hit, and is injured badly]].
328	** Also played in ''Alternative'' [[spoiler: with Dal Furphy when he jumps in front of Liebert Dwyer's machine gun fire to shield Earl [=McCoy=];]] ''2089'' has Dragoon/Lancer [[spoiler: when he rushes right in front of Rei Amamiya to shield her from Demon's charging attack;]]
329	* TechnicolorNinja: You can paint your wanzers whatever color you want.
330	** Can be taken to some ludicrous extremes in ''Evolved'', where one may pick a pattern, a primary and secondary color, two colors of armor trim, and a decal on ''each part of your wanzer''. Given the degree of customization, this can result in RainbowPimpGear in no time flat.
331	* TimeSkip: Shows up in most of the games.
332	** In ''Alternative'', roughly four months pass whenever one of the story's chapters complete.
333	** In the remake ''Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness'', several months pass as the ''2089'' story ends and shifts into the ''2089-II'' part of the game. [[spoiler: There is also one final time skip that occurs in the epilogue, which occurs in 2093.]]
334	* TokenMinority:
335	** And Russell Hamilton in ''Evolved'' is also a token black guy. Yun Tae-Hwang is the Token Asian. Jed Gordon may count, as he's the crew's Token Australian.
336	* TropicalIslandAdventure: The first game and ''Online'' have a fictional tropical island in the Pacific, Huffman Island, as their main setting, ''3'' has a large portion of the game set in the Philippines, as well as missions in Indonesia, Singapore, Okinawa and Taiwan, and ''5'' has missions in the aforementioned Huffman Island as well as Kiribati.
337	* UrbanWarfare: Expect to fight against hostile forces in cities/towns/other urban places.
338	* VideoGameRemake: There're two of them for ''1st''. First, there's ''Front Mission 1st'' for [=PS1=], which added the NintendoHard USN campaign and unlocked a couple of initially unusable [[InfinityPlusOneSword Infinity Plus One Swords]] and marked the introduction of recurring characters Darril Traubel and Billy Renges (who would later be seen in ''4''). Then, ''Front Mission 1st DS'' (simply "''Front Mission''" for US release) is [[UpdatedRerelease an enhanced port of the remake]], featuring [[ContinuityNod even more new recurring characters from the later games]]. ''Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness'' is also a remake of the-mobile phone-only ''Front Mission 2089''. It fuses an abridged version of ''Front Mission 2089-II'' into the plot, and a bunch of added game mechanics that makes it play closer to ''4'' and ''5''.
339	* VideoGameTime: The story does not progress unless you make the decision to do so. This can become very ridiculous when you play a hundred arena and simulator battles and a second hasn't passed by without you.
340	* WarIsHell: One of the main points of the franchise.
341	** Very much so in ''Dog Life & Dog Style''. The first style, for example, involves journalist Kenichi Inuzuka completely willing to take pictures or videos in the wartorn Huffman Island, exposing a lot of dehumanising moments similar to ''{{Manga/Berserk}}''.
342	* WeaksauceWeakness: [[spoiler: The massive Mir Orlen mobile weapon in ''1st'' cannot move, and can only target units directly adjacent to it.]]
343	* WeCannotGoOnWithoutYou: Anybody can be repaired after getting shot down, except for the commander units in ''2089'', ''1st'' and ''Alternative''. i.e., Ernest J. Salinger (''2089''), Royd and Kevin (''1st''), Earl [=McCoy=] (''Alternative'').
344	* WellIntentionedExtremist: Arguably one of the key themes of the franchise.
345	** [[spoiler: [[BigBad Dr. Morgan Bernard]], who desires a return to a nationalist-minded world and seeks to destroy globalization, which he saw as the cause of many world problems. Since 2080 and for decades, he was ''very'' successful and took down the Republic of Zaftra (economically), OAC (regionally), and even the OCU is on the brink of destabilization. The USN and the EC are also targeted, but fare better due to their (mostly) functional and working governments. Morgan's death in 2112 is widely celebrated by all the world powers (although the OCU doesn't celebrate much, as it does destabilize for a few years after his death). It takes nine more years before the Grimnir are at last gone for good.]]
346	** Cornelius Werner tries to paint himself as one of these in ''Evolved'', but it is only an excuse for him to threaten to [[ApocalypseHow blow up the world]] with [[spoiler: Vritra's laser cannon.]]
347	* WeWillNotUsePhotoshopInTheFuture:
348	** Played straight in ''Evolved''.
349	* WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity: [[spoiler: All BD users that don't use B-Type devices suffer from this to some extent, though there are exceptions.]]
350	* WorldTour:
351	** In ''Alternative'', you'll travel to Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia.
352	[[/folder]]

Context VideoGame / FrontMission