Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard
The year is 2064, when the great solar power satellite, ATLAS is overshadowed
by the invention of fusion power. The government alliance that had supported
the building of ATLAS now find themselves facing economic crisis as the
balance of power shifts. In this world of conflict and change, the Walking
Panzer, or Wanzer, (a form of mecha) becomes the standard armored unit for
wars and petty battles across the globe. For the small nation of Bergen, a
coup d’etat is underway, staged by Colonel Ark. Seeking to establish complete
control over the government and the NORAD units stationed there, Ark’s first
step involves the capture of President Orwen. Tipped off to the rebellion,
Orwen seeks to flee from Bergen, looking for safe passage out of the seaport
of Port Ertothal. A young Wanzer pilot, Albert Grabner, is assigned escort
duty to the president by loyal elements of the army stationed there…
_Gun Hazard_ is a side-scrolling shooter with strong RPG elements, and a
spin-off of the Front Mission series. Gameplay is more than a little similar
to Cybernator or Metal Warriors. The player moves between different stages on
an area map. Once inside a stage, the player controls Albert and his wanzer as
it moves left, right across the screen. The wanzer is able to jump, and attack
with a primary and a special weapon. At any time during a stage, Albert can
eject from his heavily armed wanzer to explore. Although vulnerable when
outside, Albert is able to reach areas the wanzer cannot, in addition to being
a smaller target and being able to jetpack indefinitely.
Money and experience are earned through the completion of mission objectives
as well as the kill count of enemy wanzers. Additionally, Albert can recruit
other characters through the normal course of the story, some of whom can be
designated to support roles. These support characters when set can provide a
variety of different cover fire abilities for Albert during his missions. They
too gain experience and levels. Different weapons and armor can be found or
bought. Essential components include the Booster ability which allows the
wanzer to hover and increase its jumps, as well as the Dash ability which
allows quick left-right movement by the wanzer.