Square Enix has opened the website for its next PlayOnline title, Front Mission Online for PlayStation 2 and PC. The game will allow the player to take part in the Second Halfman War, siding either with O.C.U. or U.S.N. forces. As previously announced, the newest installment in the long-running mecha series is not an MMORPG, but described by its developer as network tactical roleplaying action. However there will be MMORPG elements, such as the previously mentioned option to join with other characters or players in a platoon. Furthermore, all characters fighting for the same army will be your comrades in battle. Jobs in Front Mission Online will be more exclusive than they are in Front Mission 4, where depending on your Wanzer's setup the respective character's role may change. While generally the game is labelled as pretty action-oriented, Square Enix's sixth production team is implementing support roles which allow for a rather fixed position separated from the battlefield and other support missions, so that series' fans who are prefer less action oriented gameplay can enjoy the game as well. Your character's progression during the game will be closely linked to the status of his or her job. Depending on the composition of the battle team's jobs, the style of battles will change as the game progresses and the two rivaling armies adapt to their respective enemy's strategy. The outcome of various battle will also have a huge influence on the entire war situation. Every mission starts in the game's Lobby, where you can create your platoon's characters, communicate, or for instance let them do push-ups, and take a look at your own mecha unit.

Front Mission Online will be available in Japan sometime in 2005.

• Official Front Mission Online Website