Front Mission Series: Gun Hazard

The year is 2064, when the great solar energy satellite ATLAS is overshadowed by the invention of fusion energy. The government alliance that supported the construction of ATLAS now faces an economic crisis as the balance of power shifts. In this world of conflict and change, the "walking tank" or "Wanzer" (a type of mecha) becomes the standard armored unit for wars and smaller battles around the world. In the small nation of Bergen, a coup d'état is underway, orchestrated by Colonel Ark. In order to gain complete control of the government and the NORAD units stationed there, the first thing Ark wants to do is capture President Orwen. When Orwen learns of the rebellion, he attempts to flee Bergen and searches for a safe way out of Port Ertothal. The young Wanzer pilot Albert Grabner is assigned to escort the president by loyal parts 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. The gameplay is more than a little 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. At any time during a section, Albert can get out of his heavily armed Wanzer and go exploring. Although vulnerable in the open, Albert can reach areas that the Wanzer cannot. Besides, he is a smaller target and can use an unlimited jetpack. Money and experience are obtained by completing mission objectives and killing enemy wanzers. Also, Albert can recruit other characters throughout the story, some of which can have a support role. These support characters can provide Albert with a variety of different cover fire abilities during his missions. 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 quick left-right movements of the Wanzer.