After spending 40+ hours across both campaign routes in FRONT MISSION 3 Remake, I can confirm this PS1 classic holds up remarkably well in 2026. The tactical depth, branching storylines, and mech customization are still top-tier—but the remake has some quirks you’ll want to know about before diving in.

This FRONT MISSION 3 Remake beginner guide covers everything you need to dominate the battlefield: essential combat mechanics, Wanzer customization tips, the two branching story routes, and how to navigate the game’s unique Network system.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

  • Genre: Turn-based tactical RPG with mech combat
  • Playtime: 30-50 hours per route (two routes total)
  • Difficulty: Moderate—customization matters more than grinding
  • Key mechanic: Target enemy Wanzer parts strategically to disable weapons and mobility
  • Best tip: Enable Fast Movement and Fast Battle in settings to speed up gameplay

What is FRONT MISSION 3 Remake?

FRONT MISSION 3 Remake is a modernized version of Square’s 1999 tactical RPG, originally released on the PlayStation. Set in 2112, the game follows Kazuki Takemura, a Wanzer (mech) test pilot who gets caught up in a global conspiracy involving biological weapons known as MIDAS.

The game features:

  • Turn-based grid combat with Action Points
  • Deep mech customization (body, arms, legs, weapons, accessories)
  • Two completely separate storylines based on an early-game choice
  • A surprisingly detailed in-game internet system called “The Network”

The remake adds re-orchestrated music (with original OST as an option), updated 3D graphics, new quality-of-life features, and camo customization for your Wanzers.

Combat Basics: How Wanzers Work

Combat in FRONT MISSION 3 revolves around destroying enemy Wanzers while protecting your own. Every Wanzer has four targetable parts:

Body: The core. Destroy this and the Wanzer is eliminated instantly.
Left Arm: Carries the left-hand weapon. Destroying it removes that weapon.
Right Arm: Same as above for right-hand weapons.
Legs: Controls movement range. Damaged legs reduce mobility.

Action Points (AP)

Every action costs AP. Moving, attacking, and using skills all draw from your AP pool. When you run out, your turn ends. Key AP management tips:

  • Standing still before attacking costs less AP than moving first
  • Long-range attacks generally cost more AP than melee
  • Some skills can restore AP or reduce AP costs

Weapon Types

Melee weapons (rods, knuckles) deal high damage and don’t provoke counterattacks, but require adjacent positioning.

Short-range weapons (shotguns, machineguns) balance damage and range.

Long-range weapons (rifles, missiles) hit from afar but allow enemies to counterattack.

Pro tip: Use melee pilots to flank enemies and finish off damaged Wanzers without taking return fire.

Wanzer Customization Guide

Customization is where FRONT MISSION 3 really shines. You can swap out every part of your Wanzer between missions:

Parts to Prioritize

Body: Your HP pool. Higher-tier bodies mean more survivability.
Arms: Each arm has its own accuracy stat. Match high-accuracy arms with precision weapons.
Legs: Determines movement range. Bipedal legs are balanced; hover legs offer better mobility but less armor.
Backpack: Adds utility like repair kits, extra ammo, or stat boosts.

Building Effective Loadouts

Create specialized roles rather than generalists:

  • Assault: High-damage melee weapons, heavy armor, medium mobility
  • Sniper: Long-range rifles, light armor, accuracy-boosting parts
  • Support: Repair backpacks, missiles for area damage, balanced stats
  • Tank: Highest HP body, shields, short-range weapons for frontline combat

Don’t neglect your pilots’ skills either. Each pilot learns abilities through combat that can dramatically change their effectiveness. Grinding early missions to unlock skills is worth the time investment.

Emma vs Alisa: Choosing Your Route

Early in the game, your friend Ryogo asks you to accompany him on a delivery. Your response determines which of two completely different storylines you’ll experience:

Accept Ryogo’s request → Emma route (USN storyline)
You’ll follow Emma Klamsky, an operative investigating a covert weapon project. This route focuses more on international intrigue and the USN military.

Reject Ryogo’s request → Alisa route (DHZ storyline)
You’ll side with your sister Alisa and become entangled with the People’s Republic of Da Han Zhong. More personal stakes and different political dynamics.

Both routes are roughly equal in length (30-50 hours each) and offer unique missions, characters, and perspectives on the MIDAS conspiracy. For full story comprehension, play both—but don’t worry about picking “wrong.” Neither route is canon over the other.

Recommendation: Emma’s route is slightly more straightforward for first-timers. Save Alisa’s route for your second playthrough.

The Network System Explained

One of FRONT MISSION 3’s most unique features is The Network—an in-game internet that simulates websites, forums, and email circa 2112. Access it from the intermission menu between missions.

Why Use The Network?

  • World-building: News sites update with story developments and lore
  • Hidden content: Some URLs lead to secret pages with unlockable items or backstory
  • Email: Characters send you messages that deepen relationships
  • Hacking minigame: Certain missions unlock hacking tools to access restricted sites

The Network navigation is admittedly clunky by modern standards. You’ll manually type URLs or click through menus. But for lore enthusiasts, it’s a goldmine of worldbuilding that makes the setting feel lived-in.

Tip: Check the Network after every major story beat. New content unlocks regularly.

Pro Tips for New Pilots

  • Enable Fast Movement and Fast Battle immediately. The default animation speed is painfully slow. Find these in the settings menu.
  • Target legs first against mobile enemies. Crippling mobility makes them easier to surround and destroy.
  • Save frequently. The game has limited auto-save. Manual save before every mission.
  • Don’t sell old parts. Keep a backup loadout. Some missions have specific requirements.
  • Use the top-down view for enemy ranges. It’s the only way to see attack and movement ranges clearly.
  • Medals unlock skills. Focus fire to destroy parts and earn medals faster. Each pilot learns unique abilities.
  • Repair between turns. The repair backpack is essential for longer missions. Don’t leave base without one on at least one unit.

FAQ

How long is FRONT MISSION 3 Remake?

Each route takes 30-50 hours depending on your pace. Completionists aiming for both routes should expect 60-100+ hours total.

Can I switch routes mid-game?

No. The choice is made early and locks you into that storyline. Create a separate save file if you want to experience both without replaying the opening.

Is the remake better than the original?

It’s a mixed bag. The quality-of-life features (fast modes, save anywhere) are welcome, but some players prefer the original pixel art to the remake’s 3D visuals. The music toggle lets you choose between original and remastered soundtracks.

What platforms is FRONT MISSION 3 Remake on?

The remake is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).

Do I need to play FRONT MISSION 1 or 2 first?

No. FRONT MISSION 3 is a standalone story. While it shares the same universe, you won’t miss anything critical by starting here.

Summary

FRONT MISSION 3 Remake brings a genuine PS1 classic to modern platforms with welcome quality-of-life improvements. The tactical depth of Wanzer customization and the dual-route storyline offer serious replayability. Just remember to enable fast modes, target enemy parts strategically, and dive into The Network for the full experience.

Whether you’re a returning fan or experiencing this tactical gem for the first time, the battlefield awaits. Now get out there and pilot some Wanzers.