Armored Core 2

Last updated
Armored Core 2
Armored Core 2 cover art.jpg
European PlayStation 2 cover art
Developer(s) FromSoftware
Publisher(s)
Producer(s) Kenichiro Tsukuda
Artist(s) Shōji Kawamori
Composer(s)
  • Tsukasa Saitoh
  • Yuji Kanda
  • Ikuya Ichinohe
  • Keiichiro Segawa
  • Kota Hoshino
Series Armored Core
Platform(s) PlayStation 2
Release
  • JP: August 3, 2000
  • NA: October 26, 2000
  • EU: January 19, 2001
Genre(s) Third-person shooter
Mode(s) Single player, multiplayer

Armored Core 2 is a 2000 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It is the fourth entry in the Armored Core series and an indirect sequel to Armored Core: Master of Arena . In North America, Armored Core 2 was a launch title for the PlayStation 2. A direct sequel, Armored Core 2: Another Age , was released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2.

Contents

The story takes place almost 70 years after Master of Arena. Following the colonization of Mars, a powerful organization called the Frighteners overthrows the government at the behest of their leader, the enigmatic Leos Klein. The player is a mercenary who is tasked with dismantling the Frighteners and defeating Klein.

Armored Core 2's gameplay is largely similar to that of its predecessors. Players take control of powerful machines called Armored Cores and engage in dangerous missions or fight in the Arena against other pilots. Like earlier games, Armored Core 2 features a local multiplayer mode that includes a console linking feature and allows two players to fight each other with their own custom Armored Core.

Gameplay

The player fights Eight-Ball at Malea Base. Armored Core 2 PS2 capture.png
The player fights Eight-Ball at Malea Base.

Armored Core 2 is a third-person shooter in which players pilot machines called Armored Cores. These Cores can be fully customized with different parts, weapons, and paint schemes to create a unique loadout. [1] Players must balance their loadout to ensure that they aren't too heavy or are using too much power. In order to purchase more parts, players must earn credits through missions or the Arena. [2] [3]

Missions are largely unchanged from the original Armored Core. Players are given an objective to complete in open levels and can complete the objective however they choose. Enemies can consist of automated machines called MTs, mysterious unmanned weapons called Disorders, or other Armored Core pilots. Upon completion, repair and ammunition costs are deducted from the reward payout. If a player fails a mission, those costs are directly deducted from their overall balance. [4]

The Arena is a largely freeform gamemode that the player can enter at any time. At the start of the game, the player is ranked at the bottom of a 50-person ladder and must fight their way to the top. [2] [5] Some ranked pilots can be killed over the course of the story missions and removed from the ladder. As players win, they can earn credits or parts for their victories that can be used in both the Arena and story missions. [5]

In addition to missions and the Arena, a local multiplayer mode allows players to fight their friends via split screen or console linking with a Sony I-link Fire Wire cable. [1] While split screen only requires one copy of the game, console linking requires two copies, along with two separate consoles and two televisions. Console linking allows for a larger number of location options in the game mode. Players with existing saves can load their custom Armored Core into these multiplayer matches. [3]

Plot

67 years after Master of Arena , Earth's second largest corporation, Zio Matrix, acquires plans for a research project on Mars, dating back before the Great Destruction. Using these plans, Zio Matrix sends a research team to Mars to begin the Terraforming Project, which causes the Martian surface and atmosphere to approximate that of Earth. Other corporations learn of the project and quickly follow Zio Matrix, bringing with them the competitive environment that existed on Earth, and the employ of the mercenaries of Nerves Concord.

As the three companies' war comes to a close, Zio Matrix attempts a coup against the government, which has regained control through its elite mercenary team, The Frighteners, led by Leos Klein. But in the chaos that ensues, the Frighteners turn on the government, assassinate its leader, and take control of powerful technology. The player character is tasked with confronting them and saving the human populace of Mars.

Release

Armored Core 2 was initially released in Japan for the Sony PlayStation 2 on August 3, 2000. [6] FromSoftware partnered with Agetec and released a North American version on October 26 the same year as a launch title for the PlayStation 2. [7] A European version was released in partnership with Ubisoft on January 19, 2001. [8]

Reception

The game received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [9] NextGen 's Chet Barber wrote that the game was "Definitely one of the best titles currently available for PS2. Certainly worth owning, unless you're turned off by the complex mech-building system or you hate mechs entirely." [18] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 33 out of 40. [13]

Reviewers praised the graphical quality of Armored Core 2. Game Informer 's Andrew Reiner called the lighting effects and environments "absolutely incredible." [14] GamePro 's Cheat Monkey wrote that "the graphics bring the AC world to life." [3] GameRevolution 's Shawn Sanders found the "particle effects [to be] impressive". [1] AllGame 's Jon Thompson, on the other hand, didn't find the graphics to be as groundbreaking as his peers, writing that "it still looks acceptable." [2]

Gameplay had mixed responses. GameSpot 's Frank Provo called it the game's "true beauty." [5] IGN 's David Smith wrote that the "progression curve occasionally leaps in bizarre directions at times." [4] PlanetPS2 's Jessyel Gonzalez agreed with Smith's complaints, noting that the game "demand[s] every single bit of patience in your mind to master the game." [17]

Criticism was directed at the control scheme, with Smith noting that the game "has dragged its old control scheme into the new generation with it, and we gamers are much poorer for it." [4] Thompson added: "The mechs are not as responsive as they should be, the targeting is oversensitive, and on the whole, the process of combat sometimes becomes more of a hassle than a good time." [2]

Notes

  1. ↑ Two critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game each a score of 6/10, and the other gave it 5.5/10.
  2. ↑ In GameFan 's viewpoint of the game, three critics gave it each a score of 92, 89, and 68.

Related Research Articles

Armored Core is a third-person shooter mecha video game series developed by FromSoftware. The series centers on a silent protagonist who takes on work as a mercenary pilot in the far future, operating large robot combat units known as Armored Cores at the behest of corporate and private clients. As the player completes missions for these clients, they gain credits to improve their Armored Core and unlock further opportunities to make money. Some games include an "Arena" mode in which the player fights other Armored Core pilots in head-to-head battles, which can reward the player with further income or prestige.

<i>Smugglers Run</i> 2000 video game

Smuggler's Run is a video game developed by Angel Studios and published by Rockstar Games as a launch title for the PlayStation 2 on October 26, 2000. In the game, the player plays as a smuggler who has a number of different vehicles at his disposal including dune buggies, rally cars, and military vehicles. The vehicles are used to smuggle assorted cargo through three different large, open levels. The game, which was an early release for the Sony PlayStation 2, features career and 1- to 2-player arcade modes.

<i>Madden NFL 2001</i> 2000 American football video game

Madden NFL 2001 is an American football video game. It is the third in the Madden NFL series to include an NFL player, Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George, on its cover. In addition, it is the first game in the series to have a player, instead of John Madden featured prominently on the box art. Madden's picture is shown on a small logo, which would reappear for every following game until Madden NFL 06. It is also the first game in the Madden NFL series to appear on the PlayStation 2 game console. This is the first Madden game to feature NFL Europe teams.

<i>Ring of Red</i> 2000 video game

Ring of Red is an alternate history turn-based strategy video game released by Konami for the PlayStation 2 console. It was one of the first PlayStation 2 games made with CD-ROM-based technology. Ring of Red was released in 2000 for Japan followed by North America and Europe in 2001. An emulated version for the PlayStation 3 was released as a PS2 Classic on October 4, 2011 in North America.

<i>Armored Core</i> (video game) 1997 video game

Armored Core is a 1997 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. The game is the first entry in the Armored Core series. A digital port was released in 2007 in Japan and 2015 in North America on the PlayStation Network as a part of the PSone Classics line of games.

<i>Armored Core: Project Phantasma</i> 1997 video game

Armored Core: Project Phantasma is a 1997 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation. Project Phantasma is the second entry in the Armored Core series and a prequel to the original Armored Core. The game was not released in Europe.

<i>Armored Core: Master of Arena</i> 1999 video game

Armored Core: Master of Arena is a 1999 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation. Master of Arena is the third entry in the Armored Core series and a direct sequel to Armored Core: Project Phantasma. It is the final game in the original Armored Core trilogy. The game was not released in Europe. An indirect sequel, Armored Core 2, was released on August 3, 2000, for the PlayStation 2.

<i>Armored Core 2: Another Age</i> 2001 video game

Armored Core 2: Another Age is a 2001 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It is the fifth entry in the Armored Core series and a direct sequel to Armored Core 2. A reboot of the series, Armored Core 3, was released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2.

<i>Armored Core 3</i> 2002 video game

Armored Core 3 is a 2002 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It is the sixth entry in the Armored Core series. Armored Core 3 acts as a reboot for the franchise and begins a storyline that would continue through Armored Core: Last Raven. In 2009, Armored Core 3 was ported to the PlayStation Portable.

<i>Silent Line: Armored Core</i> 2003 video game

Silent Line: Armored Core, known in Japan as Armored Core 3: Silent Line, is a 2003 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It is the seventh entry in the Armored Core series and a direct sequel to 2002's Armored Core 3. In 2009, Silent Line: Armored Core was ported to the PlayStation Portable.

<i>Armored Core: Nexus</i> 2004 video game

Armored Core: Nexus is a 2004 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It is the eighth entry in the Armored Core series and a sequel to 2003's Silent Line: Armored Core. Unlike Silent Line, Nexus is not an expansion but rather a full-fledged sequel.

<i>Armored Core: Nine Breaker</i> 2004 video game

Armored Core: Nine Breaker is a 2004 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It is the ninth entry in the Armored Core series and a spin-off to Armored Core: Nexus.

<i>Armored Core: Last Raven</i> 2005 video game

Armored Core: Last Raven is a 2005 mecha-based vehicular combat game developed by FromSoftware. It is part of the Armored Core series and is a direct sequel to Armored Core: Nexus (2004). The game was originally released for the PlayStation 2 and was ported to the PlayStation Portable in 2010. Gameplay remains largely unchanged from the game's predecessors and is centered around piloting a large mech in combat missions for various clients. The game is also notable for being the debut project of future FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki.

<i>Armored Core 4</i> 2006 video game

Armored Core 4 is a 2006 mecha-based vehicular combat game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The fourth main entry of the Armored Core series, the game serves as a reboot for the franchise and is set in the future where a war has made the nations of Earth devastated and their respective governments have been replaced by corporations. Conflicts soon begin to break out between the corporations, which use massive combat robots, Armored Cores, to fight each other. The player is a Lynx, a name given to pilots of highly advanced NEXT Armored Cores.

<i>MechWarrior 4: Vengeance</i> 2000 video game

MechWarrior 4: Vengeance is a vehicle simulation game, developed by FASA Interactive and published by Microsoft. It was released on November 22, 2000. It is the fourth game in MechWarrior series. It takes place in BattleTech universe where the pinnacle of all war machines are huge, heavily armed robots called BattleMechs. The player pilots one of these "'Mechs" and uses variety of available weapons to battle enemy 'Mechs, tanks and other vehicles. An expansion pack, MechWarrior 4: Black Knight, was released in 2001, and a subsequent stand-alone expansion, MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries, was released on November 7, 2002. Two smaller expansions, Inner Sphere Mech Pak and Clan Mech Pak, were also released in 2002.

<i>MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf</i> 2004 video game

MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf is a 2004 video game developed by Day 1 Studios and FASA Studio and published by Microsoft Game Studios exclusively for the Xbox console, and set in the BattleTech universe. Development of MechAssault 2 was announced shortly following the release of MechAssault, with the developers focusing on the expansion of online and networking features to capitalise upon the success of the original game as a pilot title for the Xbox Live online service, and creating a more open-ended gameplay style in which players are able to exit their mech and occupy multiple vehicles.

<i>Mars Matrix</i> 2000 video game

Mars Matrix: Hyper Solid Shooting, or simply Mars Matrix, is a vertically scrolling shooter arcade game developed by Takumi and released in 2000. The game was published by Capcom and run on their CPS-2 arcade system board. Mars Matrix was later ported to the Dreamcast video game console in 2001. The arcade version uses a horizontally aligned monitor, despite being a vertically scrolling game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PlayStation Link Cable</span> Peripheral cable for the PlayStation console

The PlayStation Link Cable (SCPH-1040) is a peripheral cable for the first generation PlayStation console. Utilizing the serial I/O port found on the back of most PlayStation models, it allows for two consoles to be connected in order to play compatible multiplayer games on separate consoles and displays. The cable is a 8-pin inline serial cable and was a fully supported Sony accessory for the market life of the console. It is not compatible with the redesigned PS one or newer PlayStations.

<i>Armored Core: Verdict Day</i> 2013 video game

Armored Core: Verdict Day is a mech action game developed by FromSoftware and was published worldwide in September 2013 by Namco Bandai Games for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is the 15th installment in the Armored Core series and a direct sequel to Armored Core V.

<i>Iron Soldier 3</i> 2000 video game

Iron Soldier 3 is a 2000 mech simulation video game developed by Eclipse Software Design for the PlayStation and Nuon. It was published by Vatical Entertainment and VM Labs in North America, and by Telegames in Europe. It is the third and final entry in the Iron Soldier series. Set in a future where industrialization has covered much of the Earth, the player takes part in an elite defense force piloting a robot to protect the United Republic against terrorist activities by PENTA. The player is tasked with various objectives while fighting enemies in multiple missions.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Shawn Sanders (November 20, 2000). "Armored Core 2 Review". GameRevolution . CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 John Thompson. "Armored Core 2 - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Cheat Monkey (November 23, 2000). "Armored Core 2 Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro . IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 9, 2005. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 4 David Smith (October 23, 2000). "Armored Core 2". IGN . Ziff Davis . Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Frank Provo (September 11, 2000). "Armored Core 2 Review [Import][date mislabeled as "October 23, 2000"]". GameSpot . Red Ventures . Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  6. ↑ "Armored Core 2". FromSoftware . Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  7. ↑ IGN staff (October 27, 2000). "The PS2 Launch Titles". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Console Releases". Eurogamer.net. 2001-01-19. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  9. 1 2 "Armored Core 2 for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic . Red Ventures. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  10. ↑ Ricardo Torres (October 25, 2000). "Armored Core 2". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on November 9, 2000. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  11. ↑ Edge staff (November 2000). "Armored Core 2 [JP Import]" (PDF). Edge . No. 90. Future Publishing. pp. 90–91. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  12. ↑ Mark MacDonald; Jonathan Dudlak; Crispin Boyer (December 2000). "Armored Core 2" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 137. Ziff Davis. p. 230. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  13. 1 2 "プレイステーション2 - ARMORED CORE2". Famitsu (in Japanese). Vol. 915. Enterbrain. June 30, 2006. p. 57.
  14. 1 2 Erik Reppen (November 2000). "Armored Core 2". Game Informer . No. 91. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  15. ↑ Matt "Kodomo" Van Stone (November 2000). "Armored Core 2". GameFan . Vol. 8, no. 11. BPA International. pp. 34–35. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  16. ↑ Eric "ECM" Mylonas; Jason "Fury" Weitzner; George "Eggo" Ngo (November 2000). "Armored Core 2". GameFan. Vol. 8, no. 11. BPA International. p. 22. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  17. 1 2 Jessyel Gonzalez (March 9, 2001). "Armored Core 2". PlanetPS2 . IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 5, 2001. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  18. 1 2 Chet Barber (November 2000). "Armored Core 2". NextGen . No. 71. Imagine Media. p. 113. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  19. ↑ Sam Kennedy (December 2000). "Armored Core 2". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine . No. 39. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on January 27, 2001. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.