There have been disappointments along the way including the first PS2 release (Armored Core 2), which in retrospect was rushed to the market and added nothing new to the series. Combined with consistently poor localisations outside of Japan and in reality only a few entries in the series have been worthwhile. So it is with a sense of trepidation that Gamestyle approaches the latest mech saga and first Core release on the PlayStation 3.
Unlike Wartech Senko No Ronde that Gamestyle has been playing of late, Armored Core does provide a narrative, which does not require mind-altering substances to follow, although boredom may set in for some. The world as we know it originally split in two during the Nation Dismantlement War, where haves and have nots battled it out for basic commodities such as food. In the end a new order was established, as governments across the globe were removed in favour of the all-powerful corporations.
These six companies created their own society, where basic needs (such as food, again) could only be granted through hard labour. So the citizens had effectively come full circle, substituting their freedom for the safety of the corporate umbrella. Working in almost slave conditions it was only a matter of time before rebellion occurred and break away groups stood up to the corporate machine. And this is where your unique skills come into play.
The narrative is perhaps the most detailed aspect of this edition of Armored Core. Previous editions have struggled to maintain the tightrope of challenging game play, mech depth and attracting new fans to the series. While the garage and customisation options are fantastic, allowing players to express themselves and create a mech to suit their own playing style, such dedicated focus is lacking when reviewing the missions. Gamestyle is no mecha expert, but the first few chapters were easily dispatched, with some missions being completed in less than two minutes.
FromSoftware has no doubt watered down the difficulty, which to devotees seems a little insulting. The resolution to such a problem would have been to rework the mission structure, providing rewards and extra goals as you grew in confidence and stature. Rather than have the one level of difficulty for all players, many missions therefore are worthless once cleared, encouraging little replay value. In spite of this Armored Core veterans and new comers will appreciate the reworked control method, which ideally suits the Sixaxis controller. The shoulder button configuration works especially well, facilitating weapon selection and boost control. Yet while the in-game method has been revitalised, it only highlights the tiresome menus you must trawl in search of your ideal mech configuration.Historically, Armored Core releases take several instalments to really harness the capabilities of a new machine.
Visually we know that the PlayStation 3 is capable of so much more than is on display here. Industrial environments are extremely bland, with disappointing textures and little detail. Some arguably could have been put together in only a few minutes and the majority are set across a restricted space. Part of the problem is the combat area, which you are not advised to leave for any length of time, as the mission will automatically fail. The illusion of size can be easily shattered when your colleague warns you that you are on the fringes of the zone, which works horizontally as well as vertically. Even though you can see beyond the confines of your virtual prison, more areas exist to explore but are out of bounds.
However there are those moments when encounters are fluid and combat comes naturally, but not enough to overcome the sense of disappointment. Other graphical issues include a variable frame rate, bland lighting and some worrying pop up, even in the middle of a nicely realised sandstorm. The environments are also devoid of life, lacking any visible sign of activity apart from opponents and their fixed positions. In retrospect this is a surprise given what FromSoftware has shown us in the past with releases such as Enchanted Arms and Otogi. They do have the technical know how to put together visually appealing titles, but Armored Core never seems to receive the same attention.
Perhaps the focus is on the wonderful mecha designs and ability to customise your own creations, and getting the next instalment out on time?Europeans have been calling out for an online mode, ok, perhaps a handful of dedicated fans who really appreciate Armored Core. Now such an option exists although it is extremely limited, focusing on death match variations, it does extend the life of the title for those truly into their mecha. The online levels are poor but the combat remains fast and furious. Overall Armored Core 4 is heading in the right direction, but there are many issues that need to be addressed. Once that happens, then youll certainly have something that will stand out as the best in the series.
