Armored Core 2

"A game not to be shrugged off without first giving it a shot"

Armored core 2

Let's see where to start …

This is my first time writing a review however I have some free time and I believe I can help another person possibly pick up this great game.

Just looking at the cover is sure going to make any mech lover drool.
With all the great robot animations and shows that most of us all grew up with. ( i.e Transformers , Voltron , Gobots , heck even Power Rangers . ) I’m sure on more then one occasion while watching the shows and playing with your toys you wondered what it would be like to control one of those incredible machines for yourself.

Well here is your chance. I’m sure you’ve probably tried other types of games that were supposedly mech-sims and might have been disappointed in the past. Most of them were nothing more but pretty graphics and poor game play or handling. Sure they could’ve made it better but they didn’t. You have to remember if you don’t experience the bad how are you ever going to really appreciate it when a good game actually comes out.

Well the time is now. Or actually a few years make when the little company known as Agetec decided to release the first of a series of games that would appeal and finally satisfy the urges of gamers and fans that love to see huge mechanical behemoths take on and take down other giants and whatever else that seems to get in their way. The original Armored Core spawned two other expansion games through the years Project Phantasma and Masters of Arena. Not until the release of the Ps2 that they felt they could release a game that could take this series to the next level.

Gameplay:

Staying true to the past games to which have grown an almost cult following. You’re still able to customize your mech by purchasing different parts and weapons.
For Example:
The head, core, arms, legs, generator, radiator, targeting system, boosters, right and left shoulder and arm weapons are still customizable as they were in the original games. However now you also have the added feature of putting extension and inside parts onto your mech.
The two modes in which your basically going to be using your mech is are as followed

Missions:
As a mercenary called a Raven your basic duty is to take on assignments for money. There is a power struggle going on between the different companies and since they well take any means necessary to do so it works out perfect for you. They hire you for simple (or not so simple) tasks that they wouldn’t be able to take on themselves.

Example: Taking out bases, Recovering information, Termination of informants.

As you do this, your bank account grows as this happens you’re able to buy better weapons and parts. You learn the importance of having a lot of ammo and lil other tricks that’ll help you grow as a pilot.

Second mode of play is the Arena

Here it’ll be nothing but one on one battles against other ravens.
As you fight to become #1 you will grow to notice the importance of power and speed.
As you climb the ladder your opponents start getting more and more challenging, by the time you reach the top your skills will be pretty impressive and you’ll be able to hold your own against other human opponents.

As both of these types of play revolve around you customizing your mech you’ll start to notice how a mech that might a real monster in the arena might not carry enough ammo to hold you up while on a mission.

Replay Value:
As you perfect your piloting abilities you’ll use track of time. By the time you notice you’ll probably have been playing this game for hrs on end for a few weeks if not months. With all the parts and Weapons you have an almost endless number of different combinations that you can make and tweek to your own distinctive style of play.
Some of us might find the pure power of the grenade launcher to be for us. Others might take a liking to the quick and seemingly endless stream of fire that the machine guns provide.

Graphics:
Beautiful but with the power of the ps2 and games now a days its basically a given. This game is no slacker in this department.

Sound & Music:
The Sound effects could be always be better but I have no problem with what they used in this game. Music is techno styled but what else would you expect for this time of game. If the music is not to your liking you can always turn it down and just have the sounds effects and turn your radio or cd player on.

Controls:
Some people have bashed this game just because it doesn’t use the analog sticks on the ps2 controller. The controls stay true to the original ac games and for most people it doesn’t really provide many problems. This game requires precise aim and control and I personally don’t thing analog can really provide that. Given the controls might take a little practice to get the hang of but its nothing near impossible as other reviewers put it.
Some reviews talk about the slow turning of the mechs if your standing in one spot and trying to turn yes it does take a while, however if your in a fight are you going to stand still while turning around. Some people seem to forget that its not one or another you can run and turn and strafe and fire and fly at the same time.

Multiplayer:
After all you’re perfecting your skills and your mech for a reason right.
There are two types of Vs features here in this game.

Split-Screen and Linked play
Split-Screen is exactly how it sounds
You get the screen split down the middle one side for you, one side for your friend
You can both load up your saved mechs from you memory card and you can customize and change your mech before the match in your garage as you did when playing missions or arena. You then get to choose your time limit for your match and the setting of your battle is going to take place at. All that is needed for this type of Vs is the ps2, 2 controllers, 1 or 2 memory cards (unless you want to play with the rookie mech they start you off with on the first mission) and of course one copy of the game.

Linked play is a little different
Instead of sharing the screen with someone else and being able to see what their doing or hiding. You each have your own screen. This provides an new sense of feel for the game. No longer can you look over and see your friend sneaking up on you or hiding on some tower. You would think it is just like playing a single player arena or mission but that’s where you’re wrong. Human players unlike the computer A.i are usually unpredictable and are almost always going to do what is least expected. You also get more stages that are opened up that you can battle on. (Which if you played the original games linked did the same)

Summary:
This is a good game. Will it be for everyone no. But things rarely appeal to a 100% of gamers if they did then what would set us apart. If your looking for a good game that well give you plenty of replay this is the game for you. Learning to use the weapons and the basic skills will keep you busy for a while. In that time you’ll develop your own style of play. You’ll find out what weapons work for your style what weapons don’t, if you like heavily armed tanks or quick and agile human like mechs. If your looking for a game that you can pick up and just go at it without real commitment then I’d say virtual on is the mech game for you. If you don’t mind putting in the little extra time then this is for you.
I hope I cleared the air for at least one gamer have fun.

OverAll Rating 9/10

“ What doesn’t kill us ..Will only allow us to do it again “

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/24/01, Updated 02/24/01