Armored Core

Armored Core is a game that does so many things right, and considering the time period and that this was on a console, these things are all the more impressive. While there were mech games on consoles long before 1997, they were never too deep. These games were standard shooters or sidescrollers; stylish, sure, but nothing compared to the goodness seen on PC with games from the Mechwarrior franchise. Then Armored Core shows up: boom!

Why don't we start with some negatives, yeah? It's a PS1 game and it looks like it and the controls are a little clunky but are fine once you get used to them. Okay, let's move on.

Now, AC didn't do anything new for the mech-game scene, but it gets these things so right. The backdrop is, in the best and worst way, typical Japanese anime-inspired dystopian future where capitalism reigns supreme. You are a free-agent fighter accepting contracts for the two major corporations that now run the planet. Great. Basically, the game has you completing missions for cash which you then use to buy better parts for your mech and are then able to complete harder missions. The fun is in how this gets done. To start, depending on which missions you complete, branching narratives will appear. Companies will either thank or warn you regarding your actions and hints at a larger universe are revealed through these messages as well as in-mission interactions. Much as the current Souls games showcase most of the lore through environmental and implied storytelling, AC never lets you in, but shows you some glimpses.

The payment system is great too. You'll get a set offer for completing a mission, but your payment will then be deducted for any ammo you spent and repairs needed to your vehicle. If you aren't careful in a mission, you could end up losing money. This is a great way of teaching the player how you should play the game as well as having the player figure out techniques that fit their style. I'm more of a close-range bruiser, but not all missions are great for this.

Equipment and mech customization in this game is brilliant. From paint patterns to custom logos and designs and parts, you can really make the robot you want. Not only can you design it to your personality, but the mission. Some missions better suite different styles. It's actually to the game's benefit that many missions require different play styles. This forces the player to buy new equipment and try out something new.

Once again, the game is on PS1 and the controls are a little janky - no dual-stick support. The draw distances are surprisingly good and the environments are... sort of varied. All in all this is a great release as an entry into a franchise I look forward to diving into.