This game and this review can be divided into two parts: a truly awesome combat simulator and a very sub-par RPG.

First, the awesome: The turn-based combat system is fairly standard (every unit has X number of action points and ammo, and every action (moving a space, shooting a weapon, etc.) takes a predetermined amount of AP and ammo) but very well-executed. There's a variety of combat methods (melee, ranged, guided missiles and area-effect artillery) that allows for a variety of strategies and roles. An array of support backpacks for each unit allow it to do varied tasks, such as mounting heavier weapons, repairing other units, and more. Each pilot can activate skills during a round of combat, keeping things interesting. The most innovative feature is the Link System, which allows for teammates to support each other offensively and defensively. For example, if units A and B are linked and an enemy attacks A, A can counterattack (as is standard) but B will attack on A's behalf as well (pretty new and pretty cool). This can actually lead to B destroying the enemy before it even gets its attack off on A.

As awesome as the actual combat is, everything outside of it is that terrible. The game bills itself as an RPG but is woefully lacking in that department with a completely linear story where the only variations from game to game are what you buy and whether or not you unlock some secret equipment or simulator missions by talking to certain people more than once or beat certain missions in a certain way. A.k.a., unless you really really REALLY enjoy the combat the replay value of this game is nil. Also, menus that should really be combined, like current inventory and purchasing, are completely separate, turning what should be five minutes of tweaking into a 90-minute ordeal mostly waiting for one menu or another to load. And for all the technology of the PS2, the only glimpses we get of characters is sprites of their heads and text that is only occasionally accompanied by a voiceover.

For all its weaknesses, FM4 is a pretty good combat simulator. Your level of enjoyment with this game is directly related to you patience: if you don't mind a lot of setup time between battles, this is a pretty good game. If that sounds like it would irritate you, I'd look for another title.
This game and this review can be divided into two parts: a truly awesome combat simulator and a very sub-par RPG. First, the awesome: The turn-based combat system is fairly standard (every unit has X number of action points and ammo, and every action (moving a space, shooting a weapon, etc. ) takes a predetermined amount of AP and ammo) but very well-executed. There's a variety of combat methods (melee, ranged, guided missiles and area-effect artillery) that allows for a variety of strategies and roles. An array of support backpacks for each unit allow it to do varied tasks, such as mounting heavier weapons, repairing other units, and more. Each pilot can activate skills during a round of combat, keeping things interesting. The most innovative feature is the Link System, which allows for teammates to support each other offensively and defensively. For example, if units A and B are linked and an enemy attacks A, A can counterattack (as is standard) but B will attack on A's behalf as well (pretty new and pretty cool). This can actually lead to B destroying the enemy before it even gets its attack off on A. As awesome as the actual combat is, everything outside of it is that terrible. The game bills itself as an RPG but is woefully lacking in that department with a completely linear story where the only variations from game to game are what you buy and whether or not you unlock some secret equipment or simulator missions by talking to certain people more than once or beat certain missions in a certain way. A. k.a., unless you really really REALLY enjoy the combat the replay value of this game is nil. Also, menus that should really be combined, like current inventory and purchasing, are completely separate, turning what should be five minutes of tweaking into a 90-minute ordeal mostly waiting for one menu or another to load. And for all the technology of the PS2, the only glimpses we get of characters is sprites of their heads and text that is only occasionally accompanied by a voiceover. For all its weaknesses, FM4 is a pretty good combat simulator. Your level of enjoyment with this game is directly related to you patience: if you don't mind a lot of setup time between battles, this is a pretty good game. If that sounds like it would irritate you, I'd look for another title.