Armored Core

This article is about the video game series. For the game of the same name, see Armored Core (video game).

Armored Core is a mecha-based video game series developed by From Software for the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Mobile Phone platforms. Armored Core games are Mecha Simulation/third-person shooters, in which the player pilots a large mecha called an Armored Core, or AC for short. Armored Core for Answer is the thirteenth and latest title in the series; it was released in Japan on March 19, 2008.

Common elements

Story elements vary widely throughout the series but gameplay is generally focused on the player character, acting as a mercenary, completing missions assigned by various in-game corporations and individuals. The player character uses their mecha to perform duties such as destroying enemy units/facilities or protecting a designated element from attack by opposing forces.

The game places a heavy emphasis on customization; the structure of the mecha the player uses in combat is standardized and modular, consisting of a number of interchangeable parts. The player composes their mecha from parts they obtain by finding them in missions, fulfilling certain requirements, or by buying them from an in-game shop. Money is earned by finishing missions; typically each mission has a set reward for its completion from which deductions are made based on damage taken, amount of ammunition used, and completion time. Certain missions also offer bonuses for completing optional objectives.

Certain games in the series offer additional part categories but the following are shared between all games:

• Head (different heads feature different cameras that work in conjunction with the FCS)
• Arms (used to hold various weapons, though full weapon-types exist as well)
• Legs (four types exist: Quad legs, reverse-joint bipedal legs, tank types, and standard bipedal types)
• Core (the mecha's 'torso' where the cockpit is situated)
• Generator (the unit's power supply)
• Boosters (increases mecha speed and enables flight when engaged)
• FCS (Fire Control System; controls weapon targeting)
• Arm and back weapons/units
• Arm shields/swords

Armored Core games

PlayStation

• Armored Core
• Armored Core: Project Phantasma
• Armored Core: Master of Arena

PlayStation 2

• Armored Core 2
• Armored Core 2: Another Age
• Armored Core 3
• Silent Line: Armored Core
• Armored Core: Nexus
• Armored Core: Nine Breaker
• Armored Core: Last Raven

PlayStation 3/Xbox 360

• Armored Core 4
• Armored Core: For Answer
• Armored Core V (in development)

PlayStation Portable

• Armored Core: Formula Front ^[1]
• Armored Core 3
• Silent Line: Armored Core ^[2]
• Armored Core: Last Raven

Mobile Phone

• Armored Core: Mobile Mission ^[3]
• Armored Core: Mobile 2 ^[3]
• Armored Core: Mobile Online ^[3]
• Armored Core: Mobile 3 ^[3]
• Armored Core: Mobile 4 ^[3]

Anime

• Armored Core: Fort Tower Song

Manga

Armored Core: Tower City Blade is a manga by Fujimi Shobo based on the game. It was serialized in Dragon Age Pure between March 14 and April 14, 2007.^{[citation needed]}

In production

• Armored Core V

References

1. ^ Released as Armored Core: Formula Front Extreme Battle in North America, then re-released as Armored Core Formula Front International in Japan.
2. ^ Announced, to be released November 2009
3. ^ ^{a b c d e} Never released outside of Japan

External links

• (Japanese) FROM SOFTWARE's Official Armored Core Website