For years, From Software carved a niche for itself in the gaming community as the go-to creator for mech-based action games. At the heart of their offerings is the revered Armored Core series, which made its first appearance on the original PlayStation and, over two decades later, still boasts a dedicated fanbase.
With the exciting news that the classic Armored Core titles—1997’s Armored Core, Armored Core: Project Phantasma, and Armored Core: Master of Arena—are soon to join the PlayStation Plus Classics lineup, it’s an ideal moment to dive back into the rich history of this beloved series.
Armored Core, launched in 1997 for the original PlayStation, emerged from a collaboration between From Software and Shoji Kawamori, an acclaimed mechanical designer known for his work in anime. At the dawn of the PlayStation era, the idea of player-customizable mechs and the intriguing narrative of a post-apocalyptic Earth dominated by corporate power structures took shape. Players stepped into the shoes of Ravens, mercenary mech pilots bound only by cash, who navigated a world struggling in the aftermath of the Great Destruction.
When Armored Core landed in Japan and North America in ’97, followed by a European release in ’98, it quickly distinguished itself with deep levels of customization for the mechs, an intricate control layout that truly placed gamers in a virtual cockpit, and a mission-based gameplay structure that encouraged multiple replays.
Excitingly, Armored Core will be available on PlayStation Plus Premium starting March 18.
Following on from the success of Armored Core’s debut, From Software introduced two expansions in rapid succession. Arriving a year after the original, Armored Core: Project Phantasma offered a refreshing prequel that pulled players deeper into the lore with its rich narrative. It also brought forth the highly-adored Arena mode, which added a competitive layer with mech duels for rewards and prestige.
Fans of the series will be pleased to know that Armored Core: Project Phantasma also joins PlayStation Plus Premium on March 18.
With Armored Core: Master of Arena released in 1999, the focus on Arena mode took center stage, offering an expansive experience for the players looking to build on their Project Phantasma feats. Remarkably, this sequel allowed players to carry forward their hard-earned armory and customizations, tying it intimately with its predecessor. Additionally, the continual collaboration with renowned designer Shoji Kawamori ensured that Armored Core’s mechanized creations maintained their unique appeal, helping to shape the iconic elements for future iterations.
Excitement awaits as Armored Core: Master of Arena becomes available through PlayStation Plus Premium on March 18.
Fast forward to the dawn of a new millennium with Armored Core 2 as From Software took full advantage of the PlayStation 2’s untapped potential. Launching alongside the console’s release in North America in 2000, this sequel transpired decades after its predecessors, transporting fans to a dramatically altered Mars, on the brink of conflict. Aside from upgraded graphics, AC2 introduced the nifty Overboost function, which was a game-changer for mobility—though it came with the risk of swiftly draining your energy. The new game elements, like Radiator, Extension, and Inside parts, expanded the customization possibilities for players’ mechs.
Not long after, Armored Core 2: Another Age debuted, bringing the thrilling saga back to Earth. In Another Age, players could indulge in over 100 missions revolving around the planet’s political chaos. Notably, the Japanese iteration, launched in 2001, became a pioneer, being among the initial PlayStation 2 titles to support online play via the PS2’s Network Adapter.
Fast forward to 2002, and the PlayStation 2 saw Armored Core 3 enter the fray. Although it didn’t pick up the storyline from prior games, it kept the familiar post-apocalyptic Earth setting. This time, humans found sanctuary in underground zones named Layered, under the watchful eye of a mysterious AI called The Controller. New to this installment were Consorts, AI allies aiding players on missions, and the option to jettison weaponry mid-battle to increase efficiency. Fans of the Arena mode were thrilled at its return after a brief absence in Armored Core 2: Another Age.
Armored Core 3: Silent Line, utilizing the same game engine, followed, introducing a newfound menace dubbed the Silent Line. This narrative thread continued in 2004’s Armored Core: Nexus, with some key gameplay modifications. These adaptations, such as tweaks in the weapon systems, regrettably meant that you couldn’t import data from preceding AC3 titles. Nexus set the stage for two more chapters, Nine Breaker and Last Raven, wrapping up the AC3 storyline. Many titles in this sequence found new life with ports to the PSP.
Then, bringing the franchise into the high-definition arena, Armored Core 4 premiered on the PS3 in 2006. True to form, it revamped the storyline, though stuck to the tried-and-tested theme of oppressive corporations pulling society’s strings. The advanced NEXT mechs featured cutting-edge technology, including the Primal Armor and the innovative Allegorical Manipulation System, a sophisticated interface only operable by select psychics called Lynx.
AC4 took a bold step in updating the controls, striving for a user-friendly experience that catered to newcomers while keeping veteran players engaged. By dropping the heat management system and introducing the Quick Boost feature, the game significantly accelerated mech maneuverability. The visual overhaul on the PS3 was nothing short of stunning; watching your battlefield actions dynamically reshape the landscape made for an immersive experience. This high-stakes narrative took a thrilling turn with Armored Core for Answer in 2008, which delved into the conflict between corporation-dominated societies on floating cities and the rebels on Earth’s surface.
The Armored Core series, with its fascinating history and relentless innovation, has continually captivated gamers. As we stand on the threshold of the release of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, one thing is clear: From Software has successfully reignited the excitement and curiosity of its ardent fanbase while drawing in a new generation of mech enthusiasts, and we’re all geared up to see where this epic saga heads next.
