Oh the deliciousness of this game! FromSoftware seems to have made sure that this time, the latest installment of the Armored Core series, would be loaded with all sorts of eye candy. And for this, we thank them greatly. Of course a game is nothing without great gameplay, but if FromSoftware hasn't changed too much, it'll be true to the first three games for the Playstation.

Added to the screen are a whole new set of bars/meters for your character's weaponry, fuel level, even down to the temperature levels of several parts and items. Since there are so many of these, the player will be allowed to toggle back and forth which ones they want on screen. Who knows if things like a "Rifle Temperature Gauge" will be needed while one is in the heat of battle. New parts categories for your mech (or Core, if you will) are also present. Yet to be seen is whether or not FromSoftware has cured some of the camera problems that plagued the first three games (incase yer wondering by now why there are two sequels, and now this one is called Armored Core 2, it's cause the other two were more or less expansion packs of the first game).

FromSoftware has recently reported that the game will allow for more than two mechs in one stage at a time. Oh, think of the possibilities! Bah, split screen would be a bad baaaaaad thing. Good if yer in a bind, but hope for some sort of Link Cable support or something similar. It's just so much better that way!

On a final note, Armored Core 2 is to be released in Japan sometime during Summer of 2000. Don't expect it in the States until Late 2000 or early 2001. Though, judging from the amount of mech parts shown so far, and by the many untitled items, uncalculated weight limits, and so on, Summer of 2000 could be a stretch.

--Lorsavasus

Update 4/25/2000: Not much new news for AC2. The demo for this game has been out in Japan for some time. Reviewers have been complaining that since it plays similar to the first three, this is a bad thing. Bah to that. Sure, it implements every single button on the PS controller. That too much for some people? Heh, anyhow - Parts-wise, a new Beam Shield has been said to be a new item category. Another lil note, the Beam Sword has been externalized, and can be seen on the outside of the mech's left arm now. I really can't tell about the visuals though. The movies I've seen of it look fine, though the PS2's unanti-aliased appearance is really getting disappointing. These screen shots look great, but some of the other screens in-game aren't as thrilling. Oh well, a verdict once I play the game.

Other Images:

Gah! Go chase a lady's ass for once!

Emeraude - Leading the way in high-tech homicide.

"Hold me closer, tiny death."

"Eh...ah......nnnnn....I dunno. I'm not sure if I look good in red. Does it bring out my eyes?"

Armored Core, Armored Core 2, characters, and screenshots are copyright of FromSoftware.