YMMV / Front Mission Evolved

• Anti-Climax Boss: SCION. Even after going One-Winged Angel, it still manages to be less dangerous than it looks.
• Broken Base: The release of Evolved divided the fanbase into two camps. On one hand, some people claim it to be an enjoyable action title, even if it isn't on the same level as its predecessors. On the other, some call it a disgrace to the franchise and that another strategy title should have been made instead. Over in Japan, the reception is simple and universal - while fans have no problems with another genre spin-off (as they have access to Gun Hazard, Alternative, and Online unlike the rest of the world), they point out its numerous design flaws and don't see it as a successor to Gun Hazard, let alone the brilliant Online.
• Fan Nickname: The spectacular failure of Front Mission Evolved eventually led to fans calling it "Front Mission Devolved". Because it really is a far cry from what made Front Mission successful in the first place.
• It's Easy, So It Sucks!: Another complaint about Evolved is how easy it seems sometimes, with player wanzers being able to regenerate damage in any difficulty, power-ups that heal damage, replenish ammo, or restore energy respawning everywhere, and complaints of non-existent AI, except for the bosses.
• They Changed It, Now It Sucks!: Most people who dislike Evolved cite the genre shift as a reason, saying that Front Mission is supposed to be about turn-based strategy. Though this only applies to everyone outside of Japan, considering Evolved is not the first spin-off (Gun Hazard, Alternative, Online) and is definitely not the first TPS spin-off (Online). And none of the spin-offs were released overseas. For Japanese fans, it comes down to one reason - it throws out almost everything that makes Front Mission "Front Mission". Sure, the customization is there and it's fun to blow things up in a wanzer. Unfortunately, that's about it. As for why it's not like really "Front Mission"...
  • In the story campaign, there's no multiplayer co-op (Gun Hazard has 2 player co-op), there are power-ups found everywhere or dropped by enemies (Gun Hazard does this more realistically, like ammo crates in a supply depot and never dropped by enemies), ally units are invincible (in Gun Hazard their Wanzer's could be destroyed, forcing you to buy new ones for them), and there's no real depth to the combat (Gun Hazard's combat allows for a wide variety of moves and fighting styles). Online multiplayer is heavily unbalanced in many ways, like in the progression system - experienced players have access to top-tier parts that flat-out overpower gear that newbies start with. Throw in how overpowered some weapons are, like Bazookas, and Evolved is a far cry from the well-balanced Online.
• Vindicated by History: Front Mission Evolved may have been a result of poor design decisions but at least it was playable when you compare it to Left Alive.