(also posted this on the AC2 forum as it seemed a bit quiet in there - as it does here, to be honest! Anyway, here goes ... )

Just bought this at a budget price - it's my first experience of Armored Core and so far so good :-)

My question is - as this is my first time playing, am I best sticking with Armored Core 2 or swapping it for Armored Core 2: Another Age instead?

I understand this game takes quite a heavy investment in terms of time. Hence, I wanted to check people's opinions before I start getting into it ... don't want to waste my time on an inferior game, if you know what I mean?!

Cheers (if there's anybody there ...?)

In my own experience, both games have their merits, personally I love them both . However, trying to keep bias out of it, I'll give you a little idea about both.

AC2 was the PS2 Armored Core debut and as a result was made with wider appeal in mind. It has a good number of missions, and a pretty solid 50-strong arena, as you've no doubt seen. The levels are enjoyable and pretty cool, and some of the later missions are awesome IMHO, but at least in terms of missions it's a bit on the easy side, which I think was done to appeal to new players of the series. On the other hand the arena has some quite challenging opponents, some of the top 10 as well as a few of the bonus Ravens are pretty hardcore, and the ultimate Raven (not Ares) in this game is regarded as one of the best AI AC-piloting opponents ever in all of Armored Core. Also AC2 has a stylish and pretty well-executed story which gives it a great atmosphere.

So overall AC2 is a solid game with good if somewhat easy missions, an impressive arena and cool story.

AA on the other hand, is something of a different story. The biggest difference is that there's no arena in this game, however, there are almost three times as many missions as in AC2 in return. The game-play remains almost identical with some tiny tweaks, but the levels are generally better designed, with more detail and diversity, and also as the game goes on it's more difficult than AC2. The early missions aren't so hard, and some missions are a bit short or simple, but there's so many missions that content is far from lacking, and there's a strong collection of inventive and challenging missions on a level above what AC2 offered so the game isn't hostile, but it is challenging, and the very final mission is regarded as one of if not the hardest of any AC game ever. The story is, a somewhat disputed point, some people will tell you AA has no story. This is not exactly true, AA does have a story, but rather than being centred around one point or series of connected events, it shows you the life of a Raven, a mercenary, what it's like to move from conflict to conflict, fighting wars that are not your own and changing sides, all for the biggest reward. AA has a series of sub-plots, events that transpire and that you influence, but overall it's an experience of being a Raven rather than a traditional story. Personally I like it, in terms of game-play it's my favourite AC title that I have and I really enjoy the angle that even when the whole of humanity isn't being threatened, the life of a Raven is one fraught with excitement and danger.

So overall AA lacks the involved, stylish story of AC2, but it offers the experience of what it means to be a Raven, it lacks the arena but makes up for it with a Hell of a lot of missions, and those missions in terms of style, challenge and diversity generally surpass AC2 once you get into the game proper (although even the very first mission has a level of design and detail you don't see until about halfway through AC2 if not later).

In the end I would say there is no best, AC2 has a quality story experience and excellent arena, while AA offers a slightly refined engine and mildly expanded list of parts along with more challenging and diverse missions, and more of them too. If you can I'd try and buy both of them, but if you can't do that, then I'd make sure to completely clear AC2 before you trade it for AA, and also hang onto your save, you can convert it to AA if you don't have a stupid English version and take all your hard-earned money and advanced Cores with you .

Thanks very much for that excellent response, Fyrestorm!

You've given me a balanced view of both games - I'm now planning on playing through AC2 before moving on to AA, as you recommend.

Really enjoying this game, btw! Just goes to show that good gameplay and depth can still hold true 6 years since its release (the customisation seems to give it tons of replayability). Looking forward to what can be done on the PS3 ...

Thanks again.

I'm gonna say that I enjoy both. I don't know.

You're welcome , I keep an eye on these old forums so if you have any difficulties in either game, feel free to post asking for help and I'll do what I can , and of course, keep enjoying yourself .

My Fyrestorm sir, do you have an AC fetish?

No . They're just massive hard metal machines fighting each other for dominance in intense, furious, breath-taking combat and action with giant weapons of mass destruction...

Why would I find that a turn on ?

Who wouldn't?