Front Mission 1st: Remake is an updated version of thebeloved tactical RPGthat was first released in 1995 for the SNES. Much like the original, the remake sees you assuming control of piloted mechs called Wanzers and facing off against technologically-advanced enemies intense turn-based battles.
Related:Front Mission 1st: Remake - Best Weapons
Any longtime fan of the series will know just how pivotal the pilots themselves are to Front Mission’s gameplay, as each character possesses a unique set of skills and abilities that can impact the outcome of a mission. With so much at stake, it’s only right to want to bring the best pilots capable of handling any obstacle standing between you and victory.
10Royd Clive: Jack Of All Trades
In addition to being the main protagonist of Front Mission 1st: Remake, Royd Clive is one of the best pilots in the game. This is due to him being fairly well-rounded when it comes to abilities and skills, allowing him to be used in a variety of ways.
On the battlefield, Royd is a fast thinker with excellent marksmanship that lends him to both short and long-range combat. While his diverse skillset makes him an excellent asset early on in the game, his lack of specialization ultimately leads to Royd being surpassed by other pilots.
9Natalie F. Blakewood: Strong-Willed Survivor
Natalie is another one of the best Front Mission pilots that’s sure to add value to any team. Like Royd, her playstyle allows for a wide array of tactics while slightly favoring long-range early on; this is because Natalie’s short-range skills take longer to unlock despite being more powerful.
With that said, she can be counted on during tough battles where her strong-willed personality comes in handy for motivating teammates to push forward. She’s also not afraid to scold teammates for acting hot-headed or getting too careless during a fight.
8Ryuji Sakata: Short-Range Specialist
A former Lieutenant and the younger son of Sakata Reiji, Ryuji is among the top pilots in Front Mission 1st: Remake with a specialty in short-range combat. While the game can mislead you into thinking he’s a melee fighter due to him learning certain skills, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Once settled into his short-range role, Ryuji can prove to be a tremendous benefit to teams that would otherwise be vulnerable at this range. Furthermore, his ties to the Canyon Crows and fellow pilot Royd Clive lead to synergistic plays when battling alongside one another.
7J.J.: Part-Time Mercenary, Full-Time Family Man
Next up is Joynas Jeriaska, affectionately known as J.J. in Front Mission 1st. Described as a cool, calm, and collected family man with an adventurous side, J.J. is positioned as a short-range specialist and Canyon Crows member whose skills are only outmatched by those of Ryuji.
Related:Best Sad Dads In Games
Having said that, he is extremely valuable early on in the game as he becomes available during Mission 2 and sticks around until Mission 22, returning after Mission 25. Like Ryuji, J.J. can fill in any gaps in your team’s defense and quickly close any gaps between you and the enemy.
6Keith Carabell: Hot-Headed Hero
It would be a crime to bring up J.J. and not mention his best friend and Canyon Crows comrade, Keith Carabell. Like J.J., he becomes available during Mission 2 and leaves during Mission 22 before rejoining shortly thereafter to stay for good.
Although his skills make him an ideal melee pilot, there is enough diversity in Keith’s playstyle to warrant running him as either a short or long-range combatant. Personality-wise, Keith is something of a hothead with a brash attitude that can often overshadow his loyal nature.
5Yang Meihua: Brave Brawler
Born in the People’s Republic of Da Han Zhong before setting off to see the world with her brother Yeehin, Yang Meihua is another great melee pilot in Front Mission 1st. She joins the game during Mission 4 and leaves shortly during Mission 14 before returning.
Her broad range of skills also allows her to pitch in as a short-range pilot while her long-range damage is the lowest in the game. Similar to Royd, her value is somewhat diminished as the story progresses due to a lack of focus compared to other pilots.
4Frederick Lancaster: Fan Favorite
Yet another recurring character that has appeared in multiple Front Mission games, Frederick Lancaster is a fan favorite that has the unfortunate luck of gaining skills very slowly, especially when it comes to melee. This can prove frustrating as he joins during Mission 3 only to leave during Mission 20.
As a result, he can end up feeling less impactful than other melee pilots, though still somewhat viable as a long and short-range pilot, particularly in Front Mission 1st: Remake where short-range has a clear advantage over other damage types.
3Paul C. Grieber: Excellent Marksman
Regarded as the best long-range pilot in the game, Paul C. Grieber enlisted in the O.C.U. Army as a military chaplain before eventually joining up with the Canyon Crows. This occurs after Mission 5 after he’s visited by Royd at one of the city’s bars.
Related:The Best Strategy RPGs, Ranked
Aside from long-range, Paul has the potential to double as a backup short-range mercenary due to his free talent slots. However, the fact that he can’t learn First, Double, or speed means he will ultimately always be outclassed by pilots who specialize in those areas.
2Gregorio Maias: Melee Master
Without a doubt, one of the best melee pilots in Front Mission 1st: Remake, Gregorio Maias will join your squad after completing Mission 8 and winning a battle at the Colosseum. This puts him at somewhat of a disadvantage against pilots like Meihua who are available much earlier.
However, Gregorio has the upper hand when it comes to certain skills such as Stun, which becomes available after reaching only Level 2. With the right amount of investment, he can easily catch up to Meihua and carve out a role as your squad’s go-to melee damage dealer.
1Hans Goldwin: Hacker Extraordinaire
Positioned as the second-best long-range pilot in the game, right after Paul C. Grieber, Hans Goldwin was recruited by Canyon Crows for his hacking expertise and ability to pilot Wanzers. Known for his secretive nature, Hans wears a large mask designed to filter data and conceal his identity.
While Hans’ playstyle and skills naturally favor long-range, an abundance of free talent slots allows him to double as a short-range mech in a pinch. He becomes available to join your squad upon completing Mission 8 in Front Mission 1st: Remake.
