When fans hearFromSoftware, chances are they’d immediately think aboutDark Soulsin all of its merciless glory. However, gamers with a penchant for mecha won’t necessarily rememberDark SoulswithFromSoftware, as itsArmored Corefranchise is equally as immersive as the popular action role-playing title. Contrary toDark Souls,Armored Corewill have players construct and pilot their own mecha. And unlikeGundam,Armored Corereally amps up the simulation game to 100.
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At its center,Armored Coretitles might take place in different settings, but all of its games are equally known to be quite enjoyable with the level of depth they provide regarding customization and gameplay. However, just what should newcomers know about this iconic mecha franchise?
8Souls But With Mecha Isn’t A Far-Off Description
Fans of From Software today would likely remember the devs for works such asDemon’s Souls, theDark Soulsfranchise, or even the upcomingElden Ring. As such, players grabbing anyArmored Coregame for the first time would recognize several similarities to anySoulsgames given the sheer technical demand in the mecha title, and such a comparison isn’t that far-off.
However, it’s interesting to note thatArmored Corecame more than a decade beforeDemon’s Souls(2009), making the mecha series part of the framework that helped From Software create their acclaimed branding of a high skill ceiling for their games.
7Challenging For Realism’s Sake
More often than not, a newcomer toArmored Coremay be able to create a build that looksperfectly badass in the hangarbut ends up non-functioning in combat - be it because of the wrong mixture of components, overloading parts, and other internal failures. These might seem a bit too specific for a mecha game, but this is part of the appeal ofArmored Core.
It doesn’t help that controlling Armored Cores feel clunky at the onset on purpose, especially since the point of the series is to depict a somewhat realistic version of mecha fighting. Unlike theSoulsgames that rely heavily on timing to “counter” an opponent’s rhythm,Armored Corerelies a lot on players understanding how their builds work to adjust in combat against much faster, more balanced Armored Core builds.
6Mecha Customization To The Extreme
Fans who get to play their firstArmored Coregame might realize that a lot of its customization elements are similar to other mecha titles, such asGundam Breakerof theGundamfranchise. However, fans who take their first Armored Core for a test drive might realize that the minutest of their decisions regarding part choices and synergies may actually affect the way their mechas perform in battle.
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This is becauseArmored Coreemphasizesboth mecha combat and mech customization. Various parts affect various small functions of the mecha, including how fast boosts and jumps could be (and if they could jump at all), as well as how fast their parts overheat.
5Individual Builds Often Matter Per Mission
Regardless of theArmored Coregame, players almost always have to be both the pilot and the builder of their own mecha. And due to the varying nature of each mission, there’s always the possibility of players having to customize some part of their Armored Core to accommodate a mission’s needs. This puts heavy emphasis on the customization aspect of the mecha title, unlike other games where players can just maintain their “favorite look” all the time.
For fans of the mecha genre, this continuous customization mechanic givesa more personal experiencetoArmored Coremissions. Due to the open nature of levels and the straightforward objectives, Armored Cores often get adjustments depending on terrain, the kind of enemies faced, or even the speed needed to clear a level.
4Precision AI For Autonomous Combat
One feature unique to theArmored Corefranchise is its option to facilitate AI to control mecha in combat. Introduced first inSilent Line: Armored Core, this feature allowed players to assign specific commands to Armored Cores - allowing them to fight autonomously and adjust strategies based on various situations. This is similar to the Gambit System introduced inFinal Fantasy 12, only this time aroundArmored Coredabbles intosci-fi instead of fantasy.
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With this AI combat system,Armored Coreplayers can test the efficiency and potential of their builds if an AI has complete control of the Armored Core and can fully use the game’s mechanics based on the parameters of the commands. This adds another layer of technical difficulty to Armored Cores, as players need to balance not just mecha parts and systems, but also potentially the AI.
3A Choice Of Three Main Timelines
With the firstArmored Coregame released in 1997, it makes sense for the series to have a hefty timeline under its belt across 13 main titles and seven various spin-offs. However, it’s important to note that the series technically has three main timelines, eachdepicting a unique version of the post-apocalypsethat would force people to rely on Armored Cores to do their business:
2Spinoffs Add A Breather For The Post-Apocalypse
Players who feel a bit overwhelmed with the post-apocalyptic setting ofArmored Coredon’t necessarily have to get stuck with this kind of plot, either, as some of its spinoffs are also set in alternate timelines or have more “passive” settings that focus more on Armored Core action compared to the game’s overarching storyline.
One of the most recognizable spinoffs of theArmored Coreseries would probably beArmored Core: Formula Front, a game for the PlayStation Portable that would have players construct Armored Cores and have the option to program their AI in a bidto help them win competitionsagainst other Armored Core Teams. Similarly built isArmored Core: Nine Breaker, removing the emphasis on story missions and instead focusing on Armored Core fights in Arena Mode.
1Solidified From Software’s Rep In Making Mech Games
It’s actually thanks toArmored Corethat From Software began shifting its focus from standard RPG games to a full focus on creating mecha titles. AfterArmored Corein 1997, they also released the mecha titleFrame Gridefor the Sega Dreamcast, although to mixed reviews. However, the team also eventually released mecha titles for the Xbox such asMurakumo: Renegade Mech Pursuitin 2002 andMetal Wolf Chaosin 2004.
Banpresto would also enlist the help of From Software to create the cross-franchise mecha titleAnother Century’s Episode, with From Software being a standout choice precisely for their work in theArmored Corefranchise.
