Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard
Gun Hazard is a side-scrolling shooter with strong RPG elements and a spin-off of the Front Mission series. The gameplay is more than similar to Cybernator or Metal Warriors. The player moves between different sections on an area map. Once in a stage, the player controls Albert and his Wanzer, which moves left and right across the screen. The Wanzer can jump and attack with a primary and a special weapon. During a section, Albert can get out of his heavily armed Wanzer at any time and go on an exploration tour. Although he is vulnerable in the open, Albert can reach areas that the Wanzer cannot. He is also a smaller target and can use an unlimited jetpack. You earn money and experience by completing mission objectives and killing enemy Wanzers. Albert can also recruit other characters during the course of the story, some of whom can play a supporting role. These support characters can assist Albert during his missions with various cover fire abilities. They also gain experience and levels. Various weapons and armor can be found or purchased. Important components are the Booster ability, which allows the Wanzer to hover and increase its jumps, and the Dash ability, which allows the Wanzer to move left and right quickly.
Story
The story of Gun Hazard is set around the world in the year 2064 in an alternative Front Mission universe. At the beginning of the 21st century, nations around the world are fighting over the control of natural resources. As natural resources became increasingly scarce, the nations of the world eventually banded together to find a solution to the growing crisis. They recognized the potential of space-based energy and began developing an orbital elevator called "Atlas" in 2024. As the completion of the orbital elevator approached, a breakthrough was made in miniature fusion reactors. The countries responsible for Atlas discontinued development of the orbital elevator and pursued miniature fusion reactor technology. Atlas remained unfinished and became a symbol of failed dreams and hopes as the world fell back into a world of conflict. One of these conflicts is the Bergen coup d'état in 2064. The plot of Gun Hazard revolves around a soldier named Albert Grabner, who is stationed in Bergen, Norway (whose parents live in Eningen, Germany). In January 2064, Ark Hellbrand of the Bergen Army stages a coup d'état to overthrow the government of President Moss Orwen. As the coup plotters begin to take over the country, President Orwen radios for support from NORAD and a faction of the Bergen Army loyal to him. Albert Grabner is sent as the president's bodyguard and helps him to flee the country. But the two are eventually captured by Hellbrand. Albert escapes from prison with the help of Brenda Lockheart, a mercenary working for the Kernelight Association. After escaping Bergen and reaching New York City, they visit the headquarters of the Kernelight Association. Hoping to return to Bergen and rescue Orwen, Albert agrees to work for the Kernelight Association to find allies who can help him take down Ark. As the two work for the mercenary guild and travel to war-torn countries around the world, Albert begins to see a connection between the civil wars, the coup in Bergen, and an organization known only as "The Association."