FRONT MISSION 4 draws the player into a world of military strategy and political intrigue. A deep storyline unfolds as gamers command wanzer (mech unit) squads through a wide variety of action-packed missions, seeking to uncover the culprits behind a deadly attack that threatens to start a World War.

"As part of our commitment to create the best role-playing games in the industry, we are continually looking for ways to provide superior gaming experiences for gamers," said Jun Iwasaki, president and CEO, Square Enix U.S.A. "We believe that fans of the FRONT MISSION series as well as fans of the strategy game genre will be thrilled with this new title."

The classic FRONT MISSION series exemplifies the best of turn-based strategy games. FRONT MISSION 4 takes full advantage of the PS2 hardware, offering an enhanced battle system, outstanding new graphics and for the first time in the series, dramatic voiceovers. FRONT MISSION 4 maintains the exceptional strategic gameplay that has won acclaim from both gamers and press worldwide. As in previous games, players can fully customize their wanzers with a variety of powerful weaponry and accessories. In addition, new tactical features such as the "Link System" allow pilots to link up with fellow squad members for devastating maneuvers, adding a new dimension of strategy to the game.

Set in 2096, the game opens six years after the Second Huffman Conflict, the stage of the original FRONT MISSION game. As an unidentified group of wanzers assaults and destroys an E.C. German base, Elsa, a new recruit in the E.C.'s Durandal corps, is sent to Germany with her team to investigate. The story then turns to Darril, a U.C.S. Army sergeant in South America, whose company is sent to Venezuela in order to prevent secession. Though Darril's squad seems far more interested in slacking off than fighting a war, their plans for early retirement are put on hold after they witness a fateful plane crash in the jungle.

FRONT MISSION 4 will be available at North American retailers for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD). The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated FRONT MISSION 4 "T" for Teen. Additional information on FRONT MISSION 4 can be found at http://www.square-enix-usa.com/games/fm4/.

Early previews of FRONT MISSION 4 have received enthusiastic praise from the gaming press, including a nomination for Best Strategy Game of the 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), held recently in Los Angeles, CA.

Other reviews include:

• " ... series veterans are in for exactly what they'd expect from the series' PS2 debut: a significantly better-looking, superlong quality turn-based strategy ... "Official PlayStation Magazine (July 2004)
• "You just can't beat Front Mission 4's deep (and plentiful) gameplay and high production values"Electronic Gaming Monthly (July 2004)
• "The nice RPG elements and challenging battles make Front Mission 4 worth any strategy gamer's time." Game Informer (July 2004)

The FRONT MISSION 4 Official Strategy Guide is available from BradyGames. It's the essential resource for players, delivering complete coverage of every mission and simulation, combat strategies, tips for the all-new link system and detailed maps. Also included are in-depth strategies for managing pilots, from selecting a wanzer and weapons to deciding on the best pilot skill set. Extensive equipment lists reveal each manufacturer's wanzers, weapons, and accessories. With clear, detailed instructions on how to obtain each game secret and hidden simulation, players will enjoy endless gameplay options and hours of replay value. The strategy guide is available at electronics, book and software retailers for $14.99 US / $21.99 CAN.