For many years, From Software was most commonly recognized for its mech-based action games, with Armored Core standing tall as one of the gems. First appearing on the original PlayStation, this series has attracted a dedicated following, even two decades after its initial release.
With Armored Core (1997), Armored Core: Project Phantasma, and Armored Core: Master of Arena now joining the PlayStation Plus Classics lineup, it’s an ideal moment to delve into the history of this captivating series.
Flashback to 1997, when Armored Core launched, thanks to a partnership between From Software and Shoji Kawamori, a renowned anime mechanical designer. In the early days of the original PlayStation, the team conceptualized a game centered on player-customizable mechs. This idea blossomed into a game where players could attach various parts to a core unit, or an Armored Core. Set against a backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Earth ruled by corporations, players became mercenaries known as Ravens, driven purely by monetary gain.
Armored Core made its debut in Japan and North America in 1997, followed by its European release in 1998. It caught attention with its intricate customization, resource management, and mission-centric progression, paired with a complex control system that truly put you in the pilot’s seat. The narrative evolved based on the missions you chose, encouraging multiple replays. You can dive back into this classic with PlayStation Plus Premium from March 18.
Following its success, Armored Core: Project Phantasma arrived in 1998 as a direct response to player feedback. This expansion served as a prequel with a strong narrative focus and introduced the much-loved Arena mode where players battled various mechs to climb up the ranks. PlayStation Plus Premium users can access Project Phantasma starting March 18.
Next in line came Armored Core: Master of Arena in 1999, focusing heavily on Arena mode. As a direct sequel to Project Phantasma, it allowed players to carry over saved data, retaining all earned weapons and customizations. The Armored Core legacy was firmly established by these titles, boasting distinct mechanical designs thanks to Kawamori’s continued involvement.
Jumping forward, From Software embraced the next generation with Armored Core 2, aligning with the PlayStation 2’s launch in 2000. Decades after its predecessors, the narrative took pilots to a terraformed Mars amidst civil war. Besides improved graphics, AC2 introduced the Overboost system, a new gameplay mechanic that enabled bursts of speed, but at the cost of energy consumption. A sequel, Armored Core 2: Another Age, soon expanded the universe, adding more than 100 new missions. It was notable for being among the first PS2 games to support online play in Japan.
By 2002, Armored Core 3 hit the PlayStation 2, reimagining the tale in a familiar setting and introducing players to new mechanics like Consorts and weapon shedding. The adventure continued with Silent Line and Nexus, with more intricate plot developments and gameplay enhancements, marking this cycle’s extension. Some of these journeys found new life with PSP ports.
When Armored Core 4 debuted in 2006, it brought HD mech battles to the PlayStation 3. Once more, the story got a fresh start with corporations taking center stage, but this time, the new Armored Cores, or NEXTs, were equipped with advanced tech, offering enhanced mobility and Primal Armor. AC4 revamped controls for better accessibility, making it intuitive for both newcomers and veterans. The graphics pushed realism, while environments became more interactive, directly responding to your mech’s actions. Armored Core for Answer, a sequel set a decade later, continued this narrative path, exploring the friction between humanity and corporate forces.
Then came Armored Core V in 2012, ushering in a gameplay shift back to strategic combat, reminiscent of the series’ early roots. The Earth, now a wasteland, saw players join a Resistance against a tyrannical rule, using smaller Armored Cores designed for more tactical maneuvers. Following was Armored Core: Verdict Day in 2013, which expanded the multiplayer experience by incorporating AI-controlled allies, enhancing team strategies.
Finally, in 2023, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon ignited the series yet again, ten years after Verdict Day. The much-anticipated release not only gratified longtime fans but welcomed a wave of new players, demonstrating the series’ enduring appeal and setting the stage for its future. As we look forward to what’s next from From Software, the legacy of Armored Core continues to evolve, keeping the spirit of mech combat thrilling and innovative.
