THE GOOD:
--THE BAD:
-- SUMMARY:
Story/Plot:
A little more plot than some other Armored Core titles, but in general, story does not play a big part in this game. The game takes place in the late 21st century, on Mars where the humans have (relatively) recently inhabited. Essentially, the main character is an Armored Core pilot, and the player will never see the pilot outside his AC unit. As an Armored Core mercenary, the pilot belongs to a syndicate known as Ravens - hired Armored Core units who take missions for cash, and also compete in a place known as the Arena, which is where all the top ravens compete for fame and glory.
As a Raven, the main character (whom you name), fights through several missions to save Mars from a terrorist group who threatens society there. The main side-quest being the conquering of the Arena; however, other thrills include finding secret parts, and of course, desiging the best and most effective AC units around.
Graphics:
The visuals are very nice in this title. All the background details are extremely well-done, as well as the weapon and AC details themselves. I actually prefer the graphics in this title versus those in later Armored Core titles, as they have a more "old school" feel. In short, the cutscenes are all nice, the graphics and visuals are excellent, and the in-battle graphics are top-notch.
Sound:
Another excellent adition. Agetec synthesized all the music and battle effects perfectly, as everything sounds extremely good. The musical scores all play perfectly with the missions they work with.
Gameplay:
Obviously, this category is the main focus of the game. Players construct their ACs from the ground up, selecting generator, radiator, FCS (which is a locking-on system), arm, leg, cores, head, extension, 2 back weapon, and 2 hand weapon parts to adorn their AC with. Players must stay within the weight limit, and strive to pick the optimum setup for their AC.
There are several diffent types of ACs, all based upon the leg parts: there are quadrapeds: spider-like legs that are excellent if used properly, floaters: hover legs, which can reach extremely high speeds but have low weight capacity and are difficult to maneuver with, tank: extremely heavy legs that are slow movers but have the highest weight capacity, excellent defense, and armor points, and finally bipeds: human-like legs that are excellent in almost all regards; these legs are the easiest to grow accustomed too, and are most popular amongst Ravens. Each leg category is split into three different types: heavy, middle, and light. Heavyweights are slow, but have very high AP, defense, and weight capacity. Lights are extremely fast but have low AP, defense, and weight capacity. Mid-weights are everything in-between.
These types extend to arms, cores, and heads as well; however, the basis is all in the legs since the weight capacity statistic is only found in that specific part.
Weapons come in two basic types: shell or energy. There is no real specific type for either shell or energy weapons; both have advantages over the other. One big advantage energy weapons have over shell weapons is during missions they have no ammo cost (whatever shell ammo the player uses during missions must be payed for). In general, the type the player chooses is based on his personal preferences.
There are also left-arm shields and blades. Blades are close-range weapons that can do extremely high damage. Shields are added for defense, and can be turned on to take the brunt of the hits that your AC takes. Right arm weapons include (but are not limited to): rifles, sniper rifles, machine guns, bazookas, and handguns. Then there are some specialty weapons like the Flamethrower and the HYDRA (a spread bazooka). Back weapons go on either the right or the left and include (but are not limited to): chain guns, grenade launchers, missiles, and rockets.
Arms, heads, and cores all add defense, AP, and other unique statstics like arm rotation for arms. Extension parts are added on to the shoulders of the ACs and they can add extra ammo, missile defense, etc.
After designing their AC, players pilot the Armored Core unit themselves, using different buttons for their left-arm weapon and their right and back weapons. Only one of the right arm, right back, and left back weapons can be used at a time. Extensions can be turned on, and work independently of the player.
Players engage opponents, whether MTs (robotic units different from ACs) or ACs, destroying their opponent only when the other's AP is completely depleted.
Replay Value:
Pretty high. It's the type of game you can continue to get better and better at, which offers a lot of replay value. Also, there are a lot of missions to beat, a lot of arena opponents to face, and a lot of secret parts to find, and doing all takes a good amount of time.
Final Note:
Anyone into mech-based fighting would really enjoy this game. And fans of the series should no doubt pick this one up.
--DK |
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