10 Essential PS1 RPGs (That Aren't Final Fantasy)

Whilst the first two Front Mission's (and two spin-offs) were released only in Japan in the mid-to-late 90's, it was the series 3rd entry on the PlayStation's worldwide release that saw the giant robot, turn-based tactical RPG really hit it's stride.

Set in the not-so-distant future of 2112, FM3 sees an unlikely hero and his friend caught up in conflict between two warring South Asian states, as is the case with most RPG's. Unlike Suikoden's tragic splitting of friendship, Kazuki and Ryogo stick together, and an early game decision allows you to follow one of two story paths. The choice you make also determines which supporting character and opposing faction you join, as you and your fellow Wanzer pilots determine the fate of the nation in question.

Whereas later entries in the series favoured a much more action-orientated style of gameplay, much like Armoured Core, FM3 took on a more strategic approach. Isometric, grid-based war zones gave way to tactical, turn-based combat, much like the more recent XCOM games.

Offering two opposing but similar-paced story options, Front Mission 3 is grand example of a thinking man's RPG...with giant robots.