Front Mission: One Hell of a Ride - A Detailed Look at Left Alive's Action-Packed Gameplay

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If you're anything like me, there are certain video game franchises that hold a special place in your heart. For many retro gaming enthusiasts out there, the Front Mission series is undoubtedly one such franchise. First introduced to us all on the Super Nintendo back in 1995 by now-defunct Japanese developer Square (which would later become none other than the behemoth we know today as Square Enix), this beloved tactical role-playing game series has captivated audiences with its unique blend of turn-based strategy, deep character customization options and an immersive sci-fi setting that's hard to resist.

Fast forward a few decades or so, however, and it seems like those glory days are behind us now. While there may not be any new mainline Front Mission titles on the horizon just yet (more's the pity!), Square Enix has seen fit to continue milking this particular cash cow with some rather...unorthodox spin-offs over the years.

One such example is Left Alive, a third-person action shooter that promises all sorts of high-octane excitement while still maintaining plenty of ties back to its beloved tactical roots. But does it deliver on these lofty expectations? Let's find out!

Set in an alternate universe where World War III has finally come and gone (albeit with some pretty major differences from our own reality, naturally), Left Alive drops you into the shoes of a grizzled operative known only by their call sign: 'Sergeant' or simply 'Sarge' for short.

As Sarge navigates through the war-torn streets of 2127's sprawling metropolis of Novo Slavyansk (think Resident Evil meets Metal Gear Solid, but with more mechs!), you'll encounter all manner of familiar faces from previous Front Mission games - including some rather unexpected guest stars that are sure to raise a few eyebrows or two!

With an array of deadly new abilities at your disposal ranging from grappling hooks and rocket launchers to good old-fashioned close-quarters combat moves like melee strikes and takedowns, Left Alive promises plenty of intense action-packed sequences straight outta Die Hard. But how well does it actually deliver on this promise?

For the most part? Pretty bloody well, as it turns out!

While there may be some occasional camera issues that can make certain segments feel slightly more frustrating than they need to be (a common complaint in third-person shooters these days, I'll admit!), Left Alive generally manages to balance its action and stealth elements quite nicely.

You see, rather cleverly for a game of this genre, Left Stealth - as we'll call it from hereon out - actually encourages you to think carefully about your approach before diving headfirst into the thick of things. Whether that means setting up an ambush or sneaking past enemies undetected depends entirely on your own personal playstyle preferences.

Of course, when push comes to shove (literally!), Left Alive also knows exactly how to dial up the intensity factor with some truly heart-pounding boss battles against hordes upon hordes of heavily armed foes. Just be prepared for a healthy dose of profanity and gore along the way - this ain't your average family-friendly fare, folks!

In conclusion then? While it may not necessarily reinvent any wheels in terms of gameplay mechanics per se (we've seen plenty other third-person shooters like this before, after all!), Left Alive still manages to deliver on its promises with aplomb. Whether you're a die-hard Front Mission fan looking for more tactical action or simply someone who enjoys an old-fashioned good ol' fashioned shoot-em-up romp every now and then, there's definitely something here for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your trusty assault rifle (and perhaps a box of tissues - things get pretty intense in certain parts!), strap yourself into the cockpit of Sarge's sweet ride and prepare to experience Left Alive like never before!

Rating: 7/10

Platforms: PS4, PC (Steam), Xbox One

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