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For a long stretch, From Software was the go-to name for mech-based action games, most notably for their standout series, Armored Core. Starting its journey back on the original PlayStation in 1997, Armored Core laid the foundation for a franchise that continues to captivate fans more than twenty years down the line.
With PlayStation Plus Classics set to reintroduce early titles such as Armored Core (1997), Armored Core: Project Phantasma, and Armored Core: Master of Arena, it’s an exciting moment to revisit this groundbreaking series and its legacy.
In 1997, Armored Core made its debut on the original PlayStation, thanks to the collaborative efforts of From Software and renowned mecha designer Shoji Kawamori. Conceived during the console’s initial days, this game introduced the inventive concept of user-assembled mechs where players could swap parts to modify a core unit known as an Armored Core. The game unfolded on a dystopian Earth ravaged by the Great Destruction and ruled by powerful corporations, where players took on mercenary missions as “Ravens,” fueled by the lure of wealth above all else.
With its launch in Japan and North America in 1997 and subsequently reaching European audiences the following year, Armored Core set itself apart through innovative gameplay. Its impressive customization system allowed players to tailor their mechs by attaching different components to suit their strategies. The game’s varied and engaging missions encouraged players to dive back in for multiple playthroughs, each potentially offering a new narrative path.
From March 18, players can enjoy the nostalgia of Armored Core on PlayStation Plus Premium. Their first follow-up to this hit, Armored Core: Project Phantasma, was released in 1998. Spurred by fans’ enthusiasm and feedback, this extension honed in more on narrative depth and introduced the beloved Arena mode, challenging players to fight their way up the ranks by taking on other mechs to win exciting rewards.
Fans can look forward to revisiting Armored Core: Project Phantasma when it becomes available on PlayStation Plus Premium on March 18.
The journey of Armored Core continued with the launch of Master of Arena in 1999, instantly focusing on the engrossing Arena mode that resonated well with players. As this sequel carried on from Project Phantasma, it allowed players to import their hard-won weapons and customizations from previous instalments. These early Armored Core games gave the series a strong foundation, helping to introduce key features still recognizable to gamers today. Throughout its development, Shoji Kawamori remained integral to the series, adding his design flair which distinguished Armored Core’s mechs from others.
Marking their commitment to new technology, From Software was quick to get on board with the PlayStation 2 when it launched in North America in 2000, releasing Armored Core 2. This sequel moved the gripping action to a transformed Martian landscape where players found themselves in the thick of a civil war, several decades after the original games. A notable leap in graphical fidelity came with this release, alongside the debut of the Overboost feature, which allowed players’ mechs to dash rapidly, albeit at the cost of increased energy consumption. Additionally, new Radiator, Extension, and Inside parts offered even more options for personalizing mechs.
Not long after, gamers were treated to Armored Core 2: Another Age, which traveled back to Earth to explore the planet’s ongoing political strife, enriching the narrative with over 100 new missions. This iteration was significant for its Japanese version’s online multiplayer feature, pioneering online play on the PS2 platform.
In the year 2002, the acclaimed series continued its journey on the PlayStation 2 with the release of Armored Core 3. Setting aside the previous stories, this game returned to a familiar dystopian Earth where humanity’s remnants huddled in underground habitats known as Layered, all under the watchful eye of a dubious AI, The Controller. New elements like Consorts, which provided backup during missions, added layers to strategy and gameplay. Introducing the ability to jettison weapons mid-mission also led to some intriguing tactical decisions. The favorite Arena mode made a comeback in AC3, after being missed in Armored Core 2: Another Age.
This narrative gained further depth with Armored Core 3: Silent Line, which dealt with the new challenges arising on Earth’s surface. The saga reached climactic points in the 2004 offering, Armored Core: Nexus, though several gameplay changes prevented players from transferring previous game data. Nexus’s story continued through Nine Breaker and Last Raven, bringing a stirring close to the AC3 era. Some of these titles eventually made their way to the PSP, keeping the spirit of mech warfare alive on portable consoles.
Fast forward to 2023, and we find ourselves at the thrilling launch of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. A decade has passed since Armored Core Verdict Day was released, and the wait has finally paid off. This long-anticipated title not only revives the classic essence of the series but also intrigues a whole new generation of players who may have never piloted a mech in combat before. It’s crystal clear that Armored Core VI’s triumphant success marks a new dawn for the series, and fans worldwide are eager to see the fresh paths From Software might chart for these iconic mechs.
