Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Fighting, Shooter, Simulator
- Platforms: Dreamcast
- Developers: FromSoftware
- Publishers: FromSoftware
Frame Gride: From Software’s Foray into Fantasy Mecha Combat
Released in 1999, Frame Gride was From Software’s ambitious attempt to create a fantasy-themed take on their popular Armored Core series. While it shares many similarities with its mech-based cousin, Frame Gride also introduces a number of unique elements that set it apart, including a vibrant and colorful world, a focus on melee combat, and the inclusion of online multiplayer.
A Fantasy World of Steel and Sorcery
One of the most striking things about Frame Gride is its unique setting. Unlike the gritty and industrial worlds of the Armored Core games, Frame Gride takes place in a vibrant and colorful fantasy realm. The game’s world is filled with lush forests, towering mountains, and ancient ruins, all rendered in a vibrant and painterly art style.
This fantasy setting is reflected in the game’s cast of characters and enemies. Players take control of a Frame, a customizable mech suit, and battle against a variety of enemies, including orcs, goblins, and dragons. The game’s bosses are particularly memorable, each with their own unique design and abilities.
Melee Combat Takes Center Stage
Another key difference between Frame Gride and Armored Core is its focus on melee combat. While Armored Core games primarily focus on ranged combat, Frame Gride gives players a variety of melee weapons to choose from, including swords, axes, and hammers. Melee combat is fast-paced and visceral, and it requires players to carefully manage their stamina and positioning.
In addition to melee weapons, players can also equip their Frames with a variety of ranged weapons, including guns, missiles, and lasers. However, ranged weapons are generally less effective than melee weapons in close quarters, so players need to be careful not to get too far away from their opponents.
Online Multiplayer: A First for Console Mech Games
One of the most significant features of Frame Gride was its inclusion of online multiplayer. This was a major innovation at the time, as no other console mech game had yet featured online play. Frame Gride’s online multiplayer allowed players to battle against each other in a variety of modes, including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag.
The online multiplayer in Frame Gride was a huge success, and it helped to extend the game’s lifespan considerably. Even today, there is still a small but dedicated community of players who continue to enjoy Frame Gride’s online multiplayer.
A Unique and Underrated Gem
Frame Gride is a unique and underrated gem in the mech combat genre. It combines the fast-paced action of Armored Core with the fantasy setting of a traditional RPG, and it adds in a healthy dose of online multiplayer to create a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re a fan of mech games, or if you’re simply looking for a unique and challenging game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Frame Gride.
Here are some additional details about Frame Gride:
- The game was developed by From Software, the same studio that created the Armored Core series, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne.
- Frame Gride was released exclusively for the PlayStation 2.
- The game features a total of 12 different Frames, each with its own unique stats and abilities.
- Players can customize their Frames with a variety of weapons, armor, and upgrades.
- The game’s online multiplayer supports up to 8 players.
Conclusion
Frame Gride is a unique and underrated gem in the mech combat genre. It combines the fast-paced action of Armored Core with the fantasy setting of a traditional RPG, and it adds in a healthy dose of online multiplayer to create a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re a fan of mech games, or if you’re simply looking for a unique and challenging game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Frame Gride.
Review Score
7.5/10
