Armored Core 2

"Big Mechs = big fun"

Armored Core2 is a must have for any Mech fan. It is fun, deep, and exciting. It gives you almost total customization over all aspects of your mechs. It has plenty of missions, and to top it off...2 player battle mode

Graphics : 8/10. Armored Core2 is a perfect example of a PS2 launch game, good graphics, but still a little rough around the edges. The areas are a little on the small side, and some of the lighting affects could have used work. Also there are some slight ''jaggie'' problems. Now, it might sound like I'm trying to put down AC2's graphics, which I am not. It is a great looking game, its just not perfect. The area's look nice, the mechs are beautiful, the textures are decent. All in all it is very well presented....and like I said, a perfect example of a PS2 launch game.

Control : 7/10. I have to admit I was kind of annoyed at agetech for not using the dual analog control sticks, which was a big mistake in my opinion. But after saying that, I must say AC2 does control rather well, everything is easy, there's no having to contort your hand in crippling ways, everything is at your fingertips. Turning is an annoying issue in AC2. With 75% of the mech legs, turning is a real pain, and can cause you serious damage if your enemy is behind you. Also, the mechs overall seem a tad bit heavy and sluggish. The best feature of AC2's control (IMO) if the ability to strife while boosting......and being able to wield your sword also while boosting

Story/Depth : 9/10. The story of AC2 is pretty much you're on mars, and rivaling companies hire you to do their dirty work. It is fairly engrossing, and you get to have personal connections with the differing companies. If you do well for a certain company, they will like you more, and hire you more often. Eventually you make friends and enemies (as can be expected). The story does a beautiful job of unraveling itself for you. And as far as depth goes, its great. Arena mode itself is very deep, and fun. Add to that a plethora of missions, and hundreds of possible upgrades......and now you've got an idea of the depth to this game.

Replayablity : 7/10. This game would be fun to replay. Try to get 100% mission success, and also the 2 player battle does add a good amount of replay time. Arena is pretty much a one time through thing, becuase once you've mastered it, you've mastered it. The best part about replaying would be getting as many mech parts as possible, and building a veritable army of super-mechs......or at least i think that would be fun :P

Overall : 8/10. This is a great game, and I would recommend it to any PS2 owner. I may be a bit biased by being a fan of the series, but i still believe this is a game for anyone, if they give it a chance. It takes a little getting used to, but if you ever wanted to build your own giant robot, and put that robot against others......this is your game!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/27/01, Updated 07/27/01