Don't worry, Saint; you're correct in thinking that.
Front Mission 1, Front Mission 2 and Front Mission 3 *all* follow the familiar turn-based strategy that most of us are familiar with.
Front Mission Gun Hazard is a side-scrolling shooter.
Front Mission Alternative is a real-time strategy game.
I'm 100% sure of Gun Hazard, 1 and 3, because I've *played* them (and, in fact, was playing Gun Hazard a couple of nights ago).
I can't remember where the FM1 translation site is, but there won't be any patches up there yet; they're only going to release the finished thing. Suggest you keep up to speed by checking out Whirlpool or RPGd for news.
Oh, and finally, if you don't believe me, check out http://www.frontmission.org" TARGET=_blank>www.frontmission.org (I think I got that right). Even includes screenshots of some of the games, including artwork (Gun Hazard is filled with Amano art...)