Front Line

Front Line

Overview & History

Developed originally by Taito as an arcade hit in 1982, Front Line made its way to the Nintendo Entertainment System (Famicom in Japan) via Taito and Romi in 1985. Unlike standard side-scrolling shooters of its era, this military combat game casts you as a nameless lone soldier infiltrating an enemy stronghold. Your ultimate objective is to navigate hostile territory, breach the heavily guarded enemy base, and destroy their super-tank using captured artillery and strategic firepower.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Front Line is renowned for its dynamic dual-phase gameplay. You begin on foot, armed with a standard rifle and grenades capable of clearing out enemy infantry and bunkers. As you press forward through canyons and fortifications, you can actively pilot two different types of vehicles: a nimble blue tank and a devastatingly powerful armored tank. While inside a vehicle, your offensive output increases drastically, though sustaining too much enemy fire forces you to eject before it explodes. The game features an adjustable vertical-scrolling perspective where precision aiming is critical. You must constantly dodge relentless enemy counter-attacks while strategically tossing grenades over barricades to eliminate entrenched snipers. Survival demands quick reflexes and efficient management of your limited grenade supply across increasingly difficult military sectors.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause