Armored Core: Difference between revisions

* [[Agetec]] <small>(2000-20062000–2006)</small>

* [[Metro3D]] <small>(2002-20032002–2003)</small>

* [[505 Games]] <small>(2006-20072006–2007)</small>

* [[Bandai Namco Entertainment]] <small>(2012-20232012–2023)</small>

[[ImageFile:Armored Core PS1 capture.png|thumb|left|''Armored Core''{{'}}s missions can involve multiple objectives and pit the player against computer controlled opponents.]]

The original trilogy of ''Armored Core'' games were developed for the original [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] by [[FromSoftware]] and established many of the core themes and mechanics that would be found in the rest of the series. The debut title, ''[[Armored Core (video game)|Armored Core]]'', was released on July 10, 1997, in [[Japan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/ww/detail.html?csm=004|title=Armored Core {{!}} FromSoftware|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-02}}</ref> Story elements like corporate-funded conflicts, post-apocalyptic settings, and silent protagonists were introduced in the first game. The game's mechanics revolve around taking on missions from various clients for pay, using earned money to customize the player's Armored Core unit.<ref name="AllGame">{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2019&tab=review|title=Armored Core - Review|last=Sackenheim|first=Shawn|website=[[AllGame]]|publisher=[[All Media Network]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114210110/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2019&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014|access-date=December 14, 2018}}</ref>

A second stand-alone expansion, ''[[Armored Core: Master of Arena]]'', was released on February 4, 1999, and was the final game released for the original [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/ww/detail.html?csm=008|title=Armored Core: Master of Arena {{!}} FromSoftware|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-04}}</ref> It concluded the core arc of the original ''Armored Core'' and greatly expanded on the Arena mechanic introduced in ''Project Phantasma''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/35796-armored-core-master-of-arena-review|title=Armored Core: Master of Arena Review|last=Sanders|first=Shawn|date=April 16, 2000|website=[[Game Revolution]]|publisher=[[CraveOnline]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012023212/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/armored-core-master-of-arena|archive-date=October 12, 2015|access-date=December 15, 2018}}</ref> Like its predecessor, ''Master of Arena'' allowed players to import save files from both the original ''Armored Core'' and ''Project Phantasma'' to continue their progress.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/28/armored-core-master-of-arena|title=Armored Core: Master of Arena|last=Conrad|first=Jeremy|date=March 27, 2000|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=December 15, 2018}}</ref>

''[[Armored Core 2: Another Age]]'' was released on April 12, 2001, as a stand-alone expansion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=017|title=Armored Core 2: Another Age {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref> It allowed players to import their save files from ''Armored Core 2'' and continue with their existing Armored Core units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/armored-core-2-another-age/1900-2810552/|title=Armored Core 2: Another Age Review|last=Villoria|first=Gerald|date=May 17, 2006|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref> The game introduced movement controls using the DualShock analog sticks and cooperative mission mode.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/16226.shtml|title=Armored Core 2: Another Age Review for PS2 on GamePro.com|author=Star Dingo|date=August 20, 2001|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212141326/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/16226.shtml|archive-date=February 12, 2005|access-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref> The Japanese version of ''Armored Core 2'' was the first title to include online broadband play, allowing players to fight each other over the internet.<ref name=":5">{{cite magazine|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|date=October 2001|title=Armored Core 2 [Another Age]|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200110/R03.0805.1238.31974.htm|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop|FuncoLand]]|issue=102|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306051323/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200110/R03.0805.1238.31974.htm|archive-date=March 6, 2008|access-date=December 16, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''[[Armored Core 3]]'' was released on April 4, 2002, and served as a reboot for the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=020|title=Armored Core 3 {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref> The story returned to a post-apocalyptic setting and retained the core concept of corporate warfare and mercenary mission structure. Very little gameplay was changed from the earlier PlayStation 2 titles, instead focusing on incremental improvements and minor features like USB mice, computer-controlled allies, and surround sound.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/armored-core-3-review/1900-2880000/|title=Armored Core 3 Review|last=Kasavin|first=Greg|date=September 11, 2002|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/09/armored-core-3|title=Armored Core 3|last=Smith|first=David|date=September 9, 2002|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/26142.shtml|title=Armored Core 3 Review for PS2 on GamePro.com|author=Star Dingo|date=September 9, 2002|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212135016/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/26142.shtml|archive-date=February 12, 2005|access-date=December 17, 2018}}</ref> Due to its nature as a reboot, players could not import save data from ''Armored Core 2'' or ''Another Age''.

A stand-alone expansion, ''[[Silent Line: Armored Core]]'', was released on January 23, 2003, and was a direct sequel to ''Armored Core 3''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=024|title=Silent Line: Armored Core {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref> Like other expansions in the franchise, players could import their progress from ''Armored Core 3'' into ''Silent Line'', retaining their parts and credits from the earlier game.<ref name=":32">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/silent-line-armored-core-review/1900-6071819/|title=Silent Line: Armored Core Review|author=Giancarlo Varanini|date=August 18, 2003|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=December 17, 2018}}</ref> ''Silent Line'' introduced new gameplay mechanics, including computer-controlled companions and a first person mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/silent-line-armored-core/6101p1.html|title=Silent Line: Armored Core|author=Barnholt|first=Ray|date=August 19, 2003|website=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=IGN Entertainment|access-date=December 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|date=August 2003|title=Review: Silent Line: Armored Core|magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|page=27}}</ref>

''[[Armored Core: Nexus]]'' was released on March 18, 2004, as a direct sequel to ''Silent Line''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=031|title=Armored Core: Nexus {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-11}}</ref> Unlike its predecessor, ''Nexus'' was treated as a core entry rather than an expansion and did not allow for save data import.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/4EA19324-FEC0-4639-9C59-BDD6960157BE.htm|title=Game Informer|last=Miller|first=Matt|date=2008-09-21|magazine=Game Informer|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921135118/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/4EA19324-FEC0-4639-9C59-BDD6960157BE.htm|archive-date=September 21, 2008|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref> While carrying over parts from 3 and Silent Line, mechanics changed significantly compared to past expansions. The heat mechanic introduced in Armored Core 2 was made much more influential, especially with the introduction of booster heat. All part stats were also totally redistributed. The game was the first in the franchise to include support for dual analog sticks. It also introduced a new LAN multiplayer mode that allowed up to 4 players to participate in matches against each other.<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/38411.shtml|title=Armored Core: Nexus Review for PS2|last=Burner|first=Rice|date=2005-02-04|magazine=GamePro|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204171034/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/38411.shtml|archive-date=February 4, 2005|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

''[[Armored Core: Last Raven]]'' was released on August 4, 2005, and served as the conclusion to ''Armored Core 3's'' story arc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/ww/detail.html?csm=081|title=Armored Core: Last Raven Portable {{!}} FromSoftware|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref> The game is structured around a 24-hour clock that moves forward as missions progress. At the end of the 24-hour period, choices made by the player can alter the outcome of the plot.<ref name="1up">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/armored-core-raven|title=Armored Core: Last Raven|author=Patrick Joynt|date=June 15, 2006|website=[[1UP.com]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022181830/http://www.1up.com/reviews/armored-core-raven|archive-date=October 22, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref> The game introduced a component damage system, allowing for individual parts to be broken in combat.<ref name="gz">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/armored_core_last_raven_ps2_review/|title=Armored Core: Last Raven - PS2 - Review|author=Louis Bedigian|date=June 14, 2006|website=GameZone|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004030159/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r28419.htm|archive-date=October 4, 2008|access-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref>

''[[Armored Core 4]]'' was released on December 21, 2006, for the [[PlayStation 3]], serving as another reboot for the franchise. An [[Xbox 360]] version, the first instance of a main title in the franchise being released outside of the PlayStation ecosystem, was released on March 22, 2007.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=054|title=Armored Core 4 {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-03-17}}</ref> Gameplay in ''Armored Core 4'' has been sped up and streamlined from its predecessors in an attempt to make the game more accessible to new players.<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine|last=Vore|first=Bryan|date=April 2007|title=Armored Core 4|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/8648C16C-2894-4376-B12E-61F5734DF043.htm|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|issue=168|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125123651/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/8648C16C-2894-4376-B12E-61F5734DF043.htm|archive-date=January 25, 2008|access-date=December 22, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The game marks the first instance of online multiplayer outside of the Japanese release of ''Armored Core 2: Another Age''.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/21/armored-core-4-review|title=Armored Core 4 Review|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=March 20, 2007|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222221615/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/21/armored-core-4-review|archive-date=December 22, 2018|access-date=December 22, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

''[[Armored Core: For Answer]]'' was released on March 19, 2008, as a standalone expansion to ''Armored Core 4''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=064|title=Armored Core: For Answer {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> It incorporates an online co-operative mode and a branching storyline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/armored-core-answer|title=Armored Core: For Answer Review for PS3, 360|last=Quintero|first=Cesar|date=June 15, 2016|website=1Up|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615030017/http://www.1up.com/reviews/armored-core-answer|archive-date=June 15, 2016|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> The game was noted for its technical problems on the PlayStation 3 version.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/23/armored-core-for-answer-review|title=Armored Core for Answer Review|last=Clements|first=Ryan|date=September 22, 2008|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> Like Nexus, this game did not simply add content to its predecessor and changed gameplay by greatly increasing booster speeds and increasing generator performance.

''[[Armored Core V]]'' was released on January 26, 2012, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and acts as indirect sequel to ''Armored Core 4'' and ''Armored Core: For Answer''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=087|title=Armored Core V {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> The game focuses on the online multiplayer component and includes far fewer offline story missions than its predecessors.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-22-armored-core-5-review|title=Armored Core 5 Review|last=Edwards|first=Matt|date=March 22, 2012|website=Eurogamer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223121047/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-22-armored-core-5-review|archive-date=December 23, 2018|access-date=April 15, 2020}}</ref> In the game's online mode, players battle for territory in teams of up to 20 players. A co-operative mode is included for players to fight NPCs alongside other players for various rewards.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/armored_core_v/b/ps3/archive/2012/03/20/armored-core-v-review-complexity-and-repetition-collide.aspx|title=Armored Core V Review: Complexity And Repetition Collide|last=Marchiafava|first=Jeff|date=March 20, 2012|magazine=Game Informer|language=en|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref>

''[[Armored Core: Verdict Day]]'' was released on September 24, 2013, as a standalone expansion to ''Armored Core V''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=091|title=Armored Core: Verdict Day {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> The game retains its predecessor's multiplayer focus, though it allows players to create teams of AI companions instead of requiring teams composed entirely of players.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/armored-core-verdict-day-preview-time-to-build-a-better-bot/|title='Armored Core: Verdict Day' preview: Building a better bot with a little help from your imaginary friends|last=Agnello|first=Anthony John|date=April 12, 2013|website=DigitalTrends|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> A full-length story mode returns alongside a newly implemented "hardcore mode", and players can import their saved games from ''Armored Core V'' to retain their personalized mechs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-24-armored-core-verdict-day-review|title=Armored Core: Verdict Day review|last=Edwards|first=Matt|date=2013-09-24|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref>

In 2004, FromSoftware released two spin-offs from the main ''Armored Core'' series. The first, ''[[Armored Core: Nine Breaker]]'' was released on October 28, 2004, for the PlayStation 2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=035|title=Armored Core: Nine Breaker {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-11}}</ref> Removing the focus from story-based missions, the game is instead built around an Arena mode where the player must compete with computer-controlled opponents to increase their rank.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_acninebreaker_ps2|title=Armored Core: Nine Breaker|last=Whitehead|first=Dan|date=May 7, 2006|website=Eurogamer|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref> Minigames designed as training exercises were included to allow players to practice specific skills.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/armored-core-nine-breaker-review/1900-6133549/|title=Armored Core: Nine Breaker Review|last=Colayco|first=Bob|date=June 22, 2006|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

''[[Armored Core: Formula Front]]'' was released on December 12, 2004, for the [[PlayStation Portable]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=036|title=Armored Core Formula Front {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref> Like ''Nine Breaker'', its focus was on Arena-style gameplay, though a new mechanic put a focus on building an artificial intelligence strategy for the Armored Core units to execute.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3146731&did=1|title=Armored Core Formula Front Review|date=January 5, 2006|website=1UP|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105222508/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3146731&did=1|archive-date=January 5, 2010|access-date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> ''Formula Front'' was later released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=040|title=Armored Core Formula Front (PS2) {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>

== Other media ==

== Legacy ==

== Footnotes ==

=== Notes ===

=== References ===

== External links ==