Armored Core 2

"Same game, new system, and a new flavor"

First let me tell you what Armored Core is all about. Armored core is a fully customizable mech game. This is an action game with lots of shooting (I mean lots) and a little adventure. You play the role of a hired mercenary, or a Raven as the game calls it, now lets break it down.

Game play: The game play says it all! You can run, slide, dash, hover, or fly! This is a third person shooter, but it's fast. The aid of a lock box makes aiming a lot easier so don't think it's to fast. This is the first actual sequel to the PS1 Armored Core series, which means no more loading up data, new parts, and hell a new planet! This game is broken up into about 50 missions, where you must protect, save, destroy, or find targets. This may not sound unique, but doing it in a fully customizable robot is certainly great. This means that it will take some trial and error since one mech will work one place, while another will fail. They also brought back the arena. Their are about 60 one on one battle, 100% fair and 100% fun. You also have a store to buy and upgrade your armored core. You lose money for getting hit (repair bills), using ammo, and doing things your not suppose to while you gain money from rewards and doing extra good (This only applies to the missions). Outstanding

Challenge: This is the part that kills me... The PS1 AC's were hard, but this new isn't that hard... My main gripe is with projectile speed. They just move to slow and are easy to dodge... The game does have a hard setting, which only does a couple things to your lock box. Average

Control: The one problem most people may have is the control. This game is easy to pick up from if your used to these type of action games, and if you started on Armored Core(1) you'll know these controls like the back of your hand and want all your first/third person shooters set up like this. It may take a while to get used to since some times it's a must to boost + move forward + turn + shoot + look up and down + putting your extensions on. Any ways, there's nothing wrong with the controls and no confusing combinations. With the new series they added two more buttons, on the analog... so it's nothing to fear. Outstanding

Story: The story is about you and your role in saving Mars, the story is not the best but it's there. The Arena also has a small story, but is not incorporated in the missions at all. OK

Graphics: This was one of the PS2's first games and it took advantage of the PS2's power. This game graphics are great. The explosions for a burning AC is great! the best in the whole series. Their is only 2 problems, their is a lot of slow down with missiles and rockets look to big... Good

Audio: This game sports great music. Most of it is Techno but it suits the game really well. But the effects got a lot worst... Rockets, Pulse cannons, and other things like machine guns sound really weird and crappy... OK

Replayability: This game will keep you occupied for a very long time. You may only go through this game once or twice, but with all the different combinations (Head, Core, Arms, Legs, Firing Control System, Generator, Boosters, Radiators, extensions, and 5 types of weapons {That range from machine guns to bazookas}). This game also has a very great two player versus. You and your friend can go head to head with your own armored cores (by a load up from a memory card) and battle in about 10 different levels. The arena will also keep you occupied for a very long time, about 60 AC's to kill is funner that you think. Outstanding

This game is a must buy if you like these type of games. But I would highly recommend playing and beating all the PS1 AC's for a better time. Rent this game only if you plan on getting the expansion to it and are low on cash as you can load up to it just like the PS1 versions.

I give this game a eight out of ten mainly because it's slower game play than before, odd weapon effects, and lack of really challenging missions.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/03, Updated 07/05/03