For years, From Software was primarily recognized as a developer of mechanical action games, with their standout series being Armored Core. First appearing on the original PlayStation back in 1997, this series has captivated a dedicated fanbase for over 20 years. Now, thanks to their upcoming inclusion in the PlayStation Plus Classics collection, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit the robust history of Armored Core with the release of its earlier titles like Armored Core (1997), Armored Core: Project Phantasma, and Armored Core: Master of Arena.
It all began in 1997 when From Software teamed up with the renowned anime mechanical designer Shoji Kawamori to create the first Armored Core game for the PlayStation. This title introduced an immersive world, shattered by a cataclysm known as the Great Destruction. Players find themselves piloting mechs, customizable battle machines called Armored Cores, in a corporate dystopia where corporations rule with an iron fist and mercenaries known as Ravens operate with loyalty only to the highest bidder. The game’s customization features, mission-based progression, and intricately designed controls made players feel like part of their own mechanized brigade. A unique aspect of the game was its branching storyline, keeping players coming back for more to explore the different paths and outcomes. Mark your calendars for March 18, when Armored Core will be included in the PlayStation Plus Premium offerings.
In 1998, building on the momentum sparked by the original game, From Software announced two subsequent expansions. One of them, Armored Core: Project Phantasma, took fans deeper into the AC universe with a storyline prequel, further enriched by the addition of the popular Arena mode. This exciting new aspect allowed players to pit their mechs against others in a race to the top, with plenty of grand rewards to claim.
The good news is, those with PlayStation Plus Premium can access Armored Core: Project Phantasma starting March 18.
Continuing the narrative, 1999 saw the release of “Master of Arena,” a title that, as the name suggests, zeroed in on Arena battles as its main attraction. Serving as a direct sequel to Project Phantasma, it offered players the chance to import progress from previous titles, holding onto those valuable weapons and customizations that were hard-earned. The early Armored Core games for the original PlayStation laid crucial groundwork for the series, setting the standard for the innovative and distinctive mechs designed by Shoji Kawamori. Armored Core: Master of Arena is set to join the PlayStation Plus Premium lineup starting March 18, allowing gamers to relive the series’ quintessential moments.
As From Software moved on to the PlayStation 2 platform, they didn’t waste any time. Armored Core 2 made its mark as one of the launch titles for the PS2 in North America in 2000. This iteration fast-forwarded a few decades and dropped players into a colonized Mars engulfed in civil war, offering not only a visually upgraded experience but also new gameplay features like the Overboost mechanic for enhanced speed, though at an energy cost, alongside new customization options for mechs. The game was soon followed by Armored Core 2: Another Age, which returned players to Earth’s political turmoils with a fresh set of over 100 missions. Notably, the Japanese version was among the first to offer online play via the PS2’s Network Adaptor.
Fast forward to 2002: Armored Core 3 landed on the PlayStation 2. While it introduced a new storyline, the setting—an underground refuge on a devastated Earth under the surveillance of a mysterious AI dubbed The Controller—felt all too familiar. This time around, the game introduced Consorts, allied units providing additional support during missions, along with the ability to jettison weapons mid-battle to reduce weight. Additionally, the fan-favorite Arena mode made its triumphant return, after being omitted from AC2AA. Armored Core 3’s engine powered its sequel, Silent Line, which expanded on the plot and introduced new challenges on Earth’s surface. This narrative continued with Armored Core: Nexus in 2004, although with significant gameplay changes that rendered data importing from previous AC3 titles impossible. Complementing Nexus, Nine Breaker and Last Raven brought the AC3 saga to a compelling close, with several titles later being adapted for the PSP.
The Armored Core legacy continued its evolution with the release of Armored Core 4 on the PlayStation 3 in 2006. This was a major leap into high-definition mech warfare for the series. Once again, From Software refreshed the storyline, but retained the distinctive theme of mega-corporations dominating society, employing mercenaries for their conflicts. The upgraded Armored Cores, labeled NEXTs, boasted advanced tech, such as Primal Armor and updated Boost options, alongside a sophisticated pilot interface called the Allegorical Manipulation System. This advanced tech could only be wielded by a select group of psychically-gifted individuals, known as Lynx.
To make the game more accessible, AC4 overhauled the traditional control scheme, aiming to welcome newcomers while satisfying long-time players. It did away with the previous heat management system and introduced a Quick Boost feature to enhance movement and agility. The lush graphics of the PS3 platform significantly enriched the visual experience, with battles taking place across intricately detailed environments. Following AC4, the series released Armored Core for Answer in 2008, a direct sequel that advanced the narrative a decade and focused on the dynamic conflict between corporations that had relocated to skyward Cradle cities and the surface-dwelling rebel group, ORCA, fighting for freedom.
Ten years after Armored Core: Verdict Day, the franchise made a much-anticipated return with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, captivating old fans and new players unfamiliar with mech titles alike. Its remarkable success heralds a promising new chapter in the series’ history, and fans are eager to see how From Software will continue to develop this iconic franchise. Mark March 18 in your calendars, as this marks the day Armored Core, Armored Core: Project Phantasma, and Armored Core: Master of Arena are set to be available on PlayStation Plus Premium, offering a nostalgic trip—or a fresh journey—for many.
