Armored Core (1997)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Armored Core (1997)

Armored Core is a mecha action game developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. It was released in Japan on December 4, 1997, and in North America and Europe in 1998. Armored Core is the first game in the Armored Core series, and it established many of the core gameplay elements that would be carried over into subsequent installments.

The player takes control of a mecha, or Armored Core, and must complete a series of missions, which typically involve destroying enemy mechs or capturing strategic locations. The game features a variety of different mechs to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players can also customize their mechs with a variety of weapons and equipment.

Armored Core was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish FromSoftware as a major developer of mecha games. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its impressive graphics.

Gameplay

Armored Core is a third-person shooter game in which the player controls a mecha. The game features a variety of different mechs to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players can also customize their mechs with a variety of weapons and equipment.

The game’s missions are typically objective-based, and they can range from destroying enemy mechs to capturing strategic locations. The player must use their mech’s weapons and abilities to complete the missions.

Armored Core is known for its challenging difficulty. The game’s enemies are often tough, and the player must use their skills and strategy to defeat them. The game also features a variety of environmental hazards, such as lava and acid, which can damage the player’s mech.

Mechs

There are a variety of different mechs to choose from in Armored Core. Each mech has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players must choose the mech that best suits their playstyle.

Some of the mechs in Armored Core are:

  • Blade: A lightweight and agile mech that is well-suited for close-quarters combat.
  • Viper: A medium-weight mech that is well-balanced and versatile.
  • Raven: A heavyweight mech that is powerful but slow.

Players can also customize their mechs with a variety of weapons and equipment. This allows players to tailor their mechs to their own playstyle.

Weapons and Equipment

There are a variety of different weapons and equipment that players can use to customize their mechs. These include:

  • Guns: Guns are the most common type of weapon in Armored Core. They come in a variety of different types, including machine guns, shotguns, and sniper rifles.
  • Missiles: Missiles are powerful weapons that can be used to attack enemies from a distance.
  • Blades: Blades are melee weapons that can be used to attack enemies in close-quarters combat.
  • Shields: Shields can be used to block enemy attacks.
  • Boosters: Boosters can be used to increase the mech’s speed and maneuverability.

Players can mix and match different weapons and equipment to create a mech that is tailored to their own playstyle.

Graphics

Armored Core features impressive graphics for its time. The game’s mechs are detailed and well-animated, and the environments are varied and immersive. The game also features a variety of special effects, such as explosions and smoke, which add to the game’s atmosphere.

Legacy

Armored Core was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish FromSoftware as a major developer of mecha games. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its impressive graphics.

Armored Core has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, and it remains a popular franchise today. The series has been praised for its deep and rewarding gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its impressive visuals.

Conclusion

Armored Core is a classic mecha action game that set the stage for a beloved series. Its innovative gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics still impress today. If you are a fan of mecha games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Armored Core.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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