In the 1990s, when ”Front Mission” debuted with its heavy war drama and intricate tactics, it was more than just a game; it was a narrative experience. Now, returning as ”The First,” an HD full remake for Nintendo Switch, this title brings deep emotion not only to players who were obsessed with it back then but also to those experiencing it for the first time. It is not a mere remaster; by offering a choice between ”Classic Mode,” which preserves the original feel, and ”Modern Mode,” which pursues convenience, it provides an accessible yet stimulating experience for both generations.

The story is set during the Second Huffman Conflict. In this war, where the intentions of nations intersect and human dramas spark, players can participate from two different factions. The stories told from each perspective cannot be described in simple terms of good and evil; rather, they carefully depict the sorrow and conflict inherent in war. The characters stand on the battlefield with their own beliefs and backgrounds, without being bound by superficial justice or villainy, ensuring that players will naturally empathize with them. While themed around war, the depictions never forget ”humanity,” giving depth to the entire work.

In addition to the Classic Mode faithful to the original, the ”Modern Mode” introduced in this remake makes the play experience significantly more comfortable. The free camera allows you to look around the map at will, making it much easier to grasp the battle situation and making the fun of devising strategies feel more real. Additionally, the tempo has been improved with features like battle animation skips and the addition of an overview map, a design that caters to the busy modern player. Furthermore, the beauty of the arranged BGM enhancing the game's immersion is a point that cannot be missed.

What can be called the greatest thrill of this game is the Wanzer customization. Weapons, shields, bodies, legs, and coloring—the process of freely combining parts to finish your very own machine feels exactly like ”raising a combat robot.” Tactics change completely depending on which parts are equipped; whether you push through from the front with heavy equipment or utilize mobility with a light-armored type, each player's style is naturally reflected on the battlefield. The affection for your machine growing bit by bit with every battle is one of the charms of this game.

Finally, I must mention the original manual (booklet) included in the physical edition. In an era where in-game tutorials are the norm, I cannot help but feel the developers' love for the work and respect for the players in their decision to include a paper manual. The ”excitement of unboxing” that games of the past possessed is right there, reminding us of the feeling that the story is beginning even outside the screen.