Armored Core 3

"Same old same old.......WICKED!"

Once again a new Armored Core game has descended upon us, and all I can do is smile.

Although not much has been added, and missions are still the same as they always were (cliche AC missions) there are enough new features to keep you VERY interested.

Graphics

I didn't think they could do it, but they have improved upon AC2:AAs graphics, which is too say they are spectacular. Explosions still have that crappy layered look to them, but the new textures rock. SOme of the levels were really quite astounding. I know this will sound stupid, but the laserblades leave trails now. TRAILS. Misty little line where they were swung. Its such a small thing, but AC fanatics will love it.

Sound

AC has never been known for good music, but the sound effects were always solid. In AC3 its reversed. Some of the music is pretty good (though I still VASTLY prefer turning the volume off) and the sound effects are now a little cheesy in places. But sound isn't what people love AC for anyway.

Story

They're not trying. Not at all. The mail feature has been restored, but you only get mail for part aquisition, and the few bits of story are cliche and predictable. Not that it matters.

Gameplay

Here we go, baby!

This is an Armored Core game. The gameplay rocks. The length will keep you occupied quite awhile (a week for me, and I played non stop) and you'll love every second. Missions yield story and arena advancement which gives you money to get new parts to do harder missions. The arena IS back, and it rocks. There are quite a few challenging opponents, and my only gripe is that they come all at once. I win one battle by 6000AP and the next I get shredded. They could have a better job of easing in the progression curve, but this isn't really a big issue. The arena rocks, and although there are a lot of repeat missions from older AC games, there are quite a few awesome new ones.

Control

The controlls of AC have never been simple, and this trend is more apparent here than ever. OBing, using extensions and looking up and down are more important in this instalment than ever, and it DOES use every button on the Playstation 2 controller, and it IS difficult.

If you're new to the AC series, you WILL need to put in some serious time to get used to the controlls. And it gets very frustrating.

Its worth it though. When you deliver an OB slash, or blade the enmy in between grenade shots 3 times in succession, or make use of the gimmik that is part jettison, you'll feel like...I dunno, God or something. It's great. The fluidity and trance-like states you can get into are truly exquisite, but you have to start from the dirt!

The learning curve is steep, but the game gives you quite awhile to learn. The first little while is pretty easy and you'll have a chance to get used to things. So don't be TOO terrified.

Customization

This is Armored Cores other huge point. They've done an even better balancing act than ever before. Its truly spectacular. There are hundreds of parts, all of which have their uses. Thats why this game has near-infinite replay value.

The new EO cores rock. A lot of people didn't like the speed of overboosting, so now they have the option of having another weapon! It rocks. They've made some REAL innovations here, and I'm seriously impressed. There are one or two overpowered parts (there always is) but its simple enough to get around them.

I could go on for pages about all the cool parts in AC3, but I'll boil it down: You will never stop fiddeling with your ACs part layout, Emblem, and paint scheme. If you're worried about replay value, don't be.

Multiplayer

This is ANOTHER place this game shines. When you have some friends of a relativly equal skill level as you, the fun will NEVER stop. You can invent your own variations (blade match, never touch the ground, ect.)

You'll never get sick of it.

Conclusion

AC3 is an awesome game. But PLEASE RENT IT FIRST. Despite all of its amazing points, some people just don't like it. Its a love/hate game.

It has great graphics, some good sounds, amazing gameplay and customizability.

Its not very long. It has little to no story. Its complicated and the controlls take some serious getting used too.

If you feel the pros out weigh the cons, then go hop in your AC and start blasting!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/27/02, Updated 09/27/02