Armored Core Games

Armored Core

PS1 - 1997

The very first Armored Core game. Little did we know what would follow.

Project Phantasma

PS1 - 1997

An add on for Armored Core that brought the 'Arena' to armored core and with it a new age.

Master of Arena

PS1 - 1999

The second expansion to Armored Core, bringing more of what everyone wanted. The Arena.

Armored Core 2

PS2 - 2000

A huge upgrade to visuals and mechanics, also the first time you could not import our beloved AC's.

Armored Core 2: Another Age

PS2 - 2001

Finally DualShock sticks, causing everyone to remap their controllers to try and match the original control schemes.

Armored Core 3

PS2 - 2002

This represented a series reboot, again not able to import mechs. This reboot is widely regarded as one of the best AC games despite it's faults.

Silent Line

PS2 - 2003

An expansion to AC3 bringing allies in missions and a first person view.

Nexus

PS2 - 2004

This game brought the heat. Literally. The heat mechanic was introduced changing everything.

Nine Breaker

PS2 - 2004

A completely new take with no storyline, just training missions. The game was not well received by hardcore fans especially.

Formula Front

PSP - 2004

Another game that took a different approach. In this game you played against other AC's in a competition setting.

Last Raven

PS2 - 2005

This game closed the AC3 story and AC games in general for 4 long years.

Armored Core 4

PS3/X Box 360 - 2006

This represented another reboot and Gameplay was vastly sped up. This also introduced multi player online for the first time.

For Answer

PS3 - 2008

This continued the story of AC4 and offered an online co-op mode for the first time.

Armored Core V

PS3 - 2012

This was a sequel to AC4 and focused on the multi player aspect. This game taught us to be careful what we asked for because we just might get it.

Verdict Day

PS3 - 2014

A sequel to AC5 with a new hard mode. This would be the last AC installment for 9 long years.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

Multi Platform - 2023

Oh Baby we can't wait.

Looking Back

Armored Core (1997): In the distant future, the world is dominated by powerful corporations, and players take on the role of a mercenary pilot known as a "Raven." Ravens accept contracts from various factions, engaging in intense mech battles and uncovering a deeper conspiracy that could change the course of the world.

Armored Core: Project Phantasma (1997): As a direct sequel, Ravens stumble upon a mysterious underground city called "Phantasma" containing hidden power desired by multiple factions. Conflict ensues, and players must navigate through the intrigue to reveal the truth behind Project Phantasma.

Armored Core: Master of Arena (1999): The story continues with a new Corporation called "Chrome" attempting to unify the world under its control. Ravens compete in "The Arena," a prestigious tournament to showcase their skills, with the player's choices influencing the outcome and the fate of the world.

Armored Core 2 (2000): Armored Core 2 shifts the focus to a new era with advanced technology and a fresh storyline. Players embark on a journey through a world reshaped by conflict and political intrigue while engaging in high-stakes mech combat.

Armored Core 2: Another Age (2001): A standalone expansion to Armored Core 2, Another Age, introduces new missions and challenges. Players face AI-controlled enemies and uncover more of the game's lore while customizing their mechs.

Armored Core 3 (2002): Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Armored Core 3 follows Ravens as they explore the surface after humanity retreated underground due to environmental disaster. Players undertake missions to protect their faction and discover the secrets of the surface.

Armored Core: Silent Line (2003): Silent Line continues the story after Armored Core 3, with Ravens discovering the underground facility "Silent Line," holding powerful technology. Players face new threats and rival Ravens seeking the facility's secrets.

Armored Core: Nexus (2004): Nexus presents conflicts arising from advanced AI and corporate schemes. Players make crucial choices affecting multiple storylines while engaging in intense mech battles.

Armored Core: Nine Breaker (2004): A spin-off, Nine Breaker focuses solely on combat trials. Players hone their skills, test their mechs, and face formidable opponents in challenging battles.

Armored Core: Last Raven (2005): In the final PlayStation title, Last Raven portrays a world on the brink of collapse due to a global war. Players join a Ravens team to end the chaos, confronting rival Ravens and deciding the fate of the world.

Throughout the years, the Armored Core franchise has captivated players with its deep customization options, engaging narratives, and intense mech combat. The series' legacy continued on subsequent platforms, cementing its position as a legendary franchise in the mech gaming genre.

Armored Core 4 (2006): Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Armored Core 4 depicts a conflict between two major factions: the Rayleonard Corporation and the larger yet oppressive League of Ruling Companies. Players become a "Next," an elite pilot of advanced mechs, fighting for their chosen faction. As the world stands on the brink of collapse, Ravens must navigate through intense battles, uncovering the truth behind the war's origins and the true power of the "White Glint," a legendary mech.

Armored Core: For Answer (2008): For Answer takes place several years after the events of Armored Core 4, in a world struggling to recover from the previous war. Corporations known as "Cradles" have risen to power, clashing over control of resources and territory. Players join the "Mercenary" ranks, engaging in massive-scale battles known as "Orbital" conflicts, where Nexts and colossal Armored Cores, called "Normals," vie for dominance. As tensions escalate, a new enemy known as "White Glint" emerges, threatening to plunge the world into chaos once more. Players must unravel the mysteries surrounding this powerful foe and decide the fate of the world.

Armored Core 5 (2012): Armored Core 5 introduces a significant shift in gameplay and narrative, as it focuses on a decentralized world with cities governed by self-governing "Consorts." These Consorts vie for resources and territories, and players become part of a mercenary group known as "Recon Unit," fighting for these city-states. Cooperative play becomes an essential element, with teams of players tackling missions and competing in massive battles to influence the power balance between cities. The game delves into political intrigue and the impact of technology on society as players navigate through this new, dynamic world.

Armored Core: Verdict Day (2013): Verdict Day picks up where Armored Core 5 left off, with the world still divided by warring city-states. The emergence of the "Seed" units, a powerful faction with mysterious origins, further complicates the conflict. Players now join either "Raiders" or "UNACs" (Unmanned Armored Cores) to take part in Faction Wars and gain control of territory. With a focus on strategic warfare and competitive multiplayer, players must lead their squads to victory and shape the future of the world.

Throughout the Armored Core 4 and 5 series, players experience a dynamic world shaped by political strife, powerful factions, and advanced mech technology. The games explore the consequences of war, the influence of technology on society, and the personal struggles of mercenary pilots in a tumultuous future. The Armored Core franchise continues to be celebrated for its engaging gameplay, deep customization options, and thought-provoking narratives that have left a lasting impact on mech gaming enthusiasts.