How To Survive Front Mission 4

Front Mission 4 was originally released in 2004.  It follows two separate storylines that are innerconnected in a few ways I can’t give away.  Front Mission 4 is a turn based strategy game that revolves around giant mech (called wanzers) combat.  So how do you beat the opposition?  I’m going to assume you know the basics of the game for this.

Each pilot you have under your control has strengths and weaknesses.  First, equip them with weapons and equipment they’re good with.  This will allow them to activate battle skills more often, which can often be a saving grace.  (Once you’re on a new game plus and have enough money to splurge on things in the computer shop, this doesn’t matter as much.)

The thing is, you only have so much money.  And often you’re going to need to put that into upgrading your wanzers.  So unless you want to spend hours upon hours in the simulator to earn money, you’re going to have to stick with what the pilots know best.

Each Wanzer has four parts: The body, left arm, right arm, and legs.  Taking the arms off will prevent any weapons on them from firing, destroying the legs will prevent the Wanzer from dodging as well as limiting its movement to one square.  Destroying the body will destroy the Wanzer.  Often, the best strategy is to ignore the enemy’s arms and legs as much as possible and focus on the body to destroy the Wanzer as quickly as possible.  Of course, there are exceptions, such as a certain type of enemy that has an incredible evansion rate.  Destroy the legs to avoid throwing your controller.

In battle, your formation will be different depending on whose storyline you’re controlling.  If you’re in Elsa’s then you want Zead and Beck in the back, Latona and Elsa at the front, and Hermes and Bosche in the middle.  Elsa and Latona are going to function best with lighter Wanzers that have plenty of movement and evasion capabilities.  I found that Bosche and Hermes work best with heavier bodies, but using legs that still offer plenty of movement.  Hermes absolutely must have a repair backpack or things will go badly for you.  If you can equip Zead with a bazooka in addition to missles (probably not doable until a second playthrough), then he becomes very useful in linked battles.

Unles Zead has a bazooka, you’re going to want to link Hermes, Bosche, Elsa, and Latona on the attack.  Link everyone with Beck and Latona on defense so that they can use the salvage and antilock powers.  Keep everyone as close together as you can and try to surround enemy wanzers and take them down one by one.  Aim for linked enemies first.  Sensor units and snipers come first, followed by missileers and assault troops.  Melee troops should always be your last target as they are among the weakest enemies.  As long as you keep your troops together and make sure Hermes heals everyone, you shouldn’t have too many problems.  Just make sure you always check the wanzer shop and update your gear whenever you can.

In Darril’s storyline, you’re going to want Derril and Luis in the front, Thammond and Chaffeur in the middle, and Ines and Renges in the back.  Renges, Darril, Thammond, and Luis do better with tough frames that still have plenty of ability to evade and good movement.  Ines and Chaffeur are going to need very heavy frames and movement is not as much of an issue.  You’re going to want to link Renges, Darril, Thammond, and Luis on attack.  You can link Chaffeur on defense, though this isn’t necessary.  Enemy grenadiers are the biggest threat to your forces and must be taken out quickly.  Renges is excellent on this since he can snipe the body of the enemy machine, bringing it down in about three hits.  As long as you are within grenade or rocket range, spread out your forces.  Otherwise, group Darril, Thammod and Luis up front and have their combined attacks rip through essentially everything.  Ines should support with grenade fire against clusters of enemies.  Have chaffeur keep everyone at high health.  As long as you update your equipment every chance you get, you should be fine.

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