Game: Armored Core| Release: October 31st, 1997| Genre: Vehicular Combat| Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America| Developer: From Software

Armored Core is a mecha-based action game developed by FromSoftware and released for the PlayStation in 1997. The game is set in a dystopian future where players control customizable mechs known as Armored Cores (ACs) and engage in various missions and battles.

Gameplay in Armored Core revolves around designing and customizing the player’s AC, which can be equipped with a wide range of weapons, armor, and subsystems. These can be purchased or unlocked through completing missions, allowing players to create a highly personalized mech tailored to their playstyle.

The game’s mission structure is divided into two parts: “arena” missions, which involve one-on-one battles against other ACs, and “mission” missions, which involve completing objectives such as destroying enemy bases, escorting convoys, and eliminating high-value targets.

Armored Core’s graphics and sound design were impressive for its time, with detailed 3D models and environments and a techno-inspired soundtrack that added to the game’s futuristic atmosphere.

However, the game’s controls and difficulty curve were criticized by some reviewers, with the game’s lack of a tutorial and steep learning curve making it difficult for new players to get into. The game’s reliance on trial and error and repetition to progress through missions also frustrated some players.

Despite these flaws, Armored Core remains a classic and influential game in the mecha genre, spawning a long-running series and inspiring other games such as the Gundam Vs. series. Its deep customization system and challenging gameplay have won it a dedicated fanbase that still plays and discusses the game to this day.

Armored Core Gameplay

Armored Core is a mecha-based action game released for the PlayStation in 1997. The game’s gameplay centers around players customizing and piloting their own mechs, known as Armored Cores (ACs), to complete various missions and battles in a dystopian future.

Armored Core’s gameplay is challenging and requires patience and skill to master. Players can customize their ACs with a wide range of weapons, armor, and subsystems, allowing for a high degree of personalization. This deep customization system is a highlight of the game and adds a layer of strategy to gameplay.

The game’s missions are divided into two parts: arena battles and mission missions. Arena battles involve one-on-one battles against other ACs, while mission missions involve completing objectives such as destroying enemy bases and eliminating high-value targets. The variety of mission types helps to keep gameplay fresh and engaging.

However, the game’s difficulty curve and lack of tutorial can be frustrating for new players. The game’s reliance on trial and error and repetition to progress through missions may also be off-putting for some players.

Overall, Armored Core’s gameplay is a strong aspect of the game, with deep customization options and engaging mission types. However, the game’s steep learning curve and difficulty may not appeal to everyone. As such, I would rate the gameplay of Armored Core for PS1 a 7 out of 10.

Armored Core Story

Armored Core for PS1 features a story that is relatively thin and unremarkable. The game is set in a dystopian future where players pilot customizable mechs known as Armored Cores (ACs) and engage in various missions and battles.

While the game’s world-building is interesting, with a rich history and lore, the actual story presented in the game’s missions is fairly basic and lacks depth. The game’s lack of cutscenes or character development also means that players don’t become emotionally invested in the world or its characters.

Despite this, the game’s missions do a good job of contextualizing the gameplay and adding a sense of purpose to the player’s actions. The game’s story serves as a backdrop for the game’s action rather than being a driving force in its own right.

Overall, while the story in Armored Core for PS1 is serviceable, it is not a strong aspect of the game. As such, I would rate the story of Armored Core for PS1 a 5 out of 10.

Armored Core Difficulty

Armored Core for PS1 is a challenging game that requires patience and skill to master. The game’s deep customization system and wide variety of mission types add to the game’s difficulty, with players needing to experiment and strategize to succeed.

The game’s difficulty curve is steep, with a lack of tutorial and a reliance on trial and error and repetition to progress through missions. This may be frustrating for new players, who may find themselves struggling to get a handle on the game’s mechanics.

However, for players who enjoy a challenge, Armored Core’s difficulty can be highly rewarding. The game’s high skill ceiling and deep customization options mean that players can continually improve and refine their strategies.

Overall, Armored Core’s difficulty is a defining aspect of the game, with a high level of challenge that may not be suitable for all players. As such, I would rate the difficulty of Armored Core for PS1 an 8 out of 10.

Armored Core Graphics

Armored Core, released for the PlayStation in 1997, features graphics that were impressive for their time, showcasing detailed 3D models and environments. The mechs themselves are well-designed, with a variety of customizable parts that allow players to create a unique-looking Armored Core (AC).

The game’s environments are also impressive, with detailed textures and complex architecture that give a sense of a dystopian future world. The use of color and lighting effects help to enhance the game’s atmosphere, with neon lights and explosions adding to the sense of chaos and danger.

However, while Armored Core’s graphics were impressive at the time, they do show their age when compared to modern games. The low resolution and limited texture quality make some of the environments look bland and repetitive, and the polygonal models can appear blocky and lack detail by today’s standards.

Overall, while the graphics of Armored Core were impressive for their time and still hold up reasonably well today, they do show their age when compared to modern games. As such, I would rate the graphics of Armored Core for PS1 a 7 out of 10.

Armored Core Controls

Armored Core, released for the PlayStation in 1997, features a control scheme that can be initially confusing and difficult to master. The game’s mechs, known as Armored Cores (ACs), can be highly customized with various weapons, armor, and subsystems, making it crucial for players to understand how to maneuver and fight effectively.

The game’s control scheme can be overwhelming for new players, with a steep learning curve that requires patience and practice. The game lacks a tutorial, forcing players to experiment with the controls and figure out the game’s mechanics on their own.

However, once players become accustomed to the controls, Armored Core’s gameplay can be highly satisfying. The game’s controls are responsive and allow for a high degree of customization, making it possible for players to create highly personalized mechs tailored to their playstyle.

Despite this, some players may find the controls to be overly complex or cumbersome, with the game’s reliance on trial and error and repetition to progress through missions also potentially frustrating.

Overall, while Armored Core’s controls can be initially difficult to master, they ultimately provide a satisfying level of depth and customization. As such, I would rate the controls of Armored Core for PS1 a 7 out of 10.

Armored Core Sound

Armored Core, released for the PlayStation in 1997, features a techno-inspired soundtrack that complements the game’s futuristic atmosphere. The game’s sound effects, such as the sounds of explosions and gunfire, are also well-designed and add to the game’s immersion.

The game’s soundtrack, composed by Tsukasa Saitoh, is a highlight of the game’s audio design. The soundtrack features a blend of electronic and orchestral elements, creating a unique and memorable sound that perfectly matches the game’s dystopian setting.

The sound effects in Armored Core are also well-executed, with a variety of different sounds that help to create a sense of realism and danger. The sounds of weapons firing and missiles exploding are particularly impactful, adding to the game’s intense combat sequences.

Overall, Armored Core’s sound design is a strong aspect of the game, with a memorable soundtrack and well-designed sound effects that add to the game’s atmosphere. As such, I would rate the sound of Armored Core for PS1 an 8 out of 10.

Overall, 7/10

%

Rating

Bravo Air Race for PS1: An Exciting but Flawed Aerial Racing Experience

Game: Bravo Air Race| Release: January 10th, 1997| Genre: Arcade Racing| Publisher: THQ| Developer: Metro Bravo Air Race for PS1 is a video game adaptation of the popular air racing sport, designed for the original PlayStation console. The game aims to capture the...

Barbie Takes on Platforming Challenges in Barbie Explorer for PlayStation 1: Review and Rating

Game: Barbie Explorer| Release: April 9th, 2001| Genre: Platformer| Publisher: Vivendi Universal Games| Developer: Runecraft Barbie Explorer is a video game for the PlayStation 1 console, released in 2001 by Vivendi Universal Games. The game is based on the popular...

Reviews for 102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue for PS1

Game: 102 Dalmatians: Puppies To the Rescue| Release: November 15th, 2000 | Genre: Platformer| Publisher: Eidos | Developer: Crystal Dynamics   102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue is a 3D platformer video game developed by Toys for Bob and published by Eidos...

Big Air for PS1: Carve Your Way to Victory – A Critical Look

Game: Big Air| Release: March 1st, 1999| Genre: Snowboarding| Publisher: Accolade| Developer: The Pitbull Syndicate Limited Big Air for PlayStation One (PS1) is a 2000 extreme sports video game developed by Pitbull Syndicate and published by Infogrames. The game...

Travel through time with Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters for PS1!

Game: Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters| Release: December 29th, 2000| Genre: Platformer| Publisher: Infogrames| Developer: Artificial Mind and Movement "Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters" is a 2000 action-adventure video game developed by Artificial Mind and...

Bear in the Big Blue House for PS1: An Educational Adventure for Young Children

Game: Bear in a Big Blue House| Release: December 12, 2002| Genre: Edutainment| Publisher: Ubisoft| Developer: DC Studios Bear in the Big Blue House for PS1 is a video game released in 2002, based on the popular children's television series of the same name. The game...

Courier Crisis: A Lackluster Delivery of Potential

Game: Courier Crisis| Release: November 30th, 1997| Genre: Arcade Racing | Publisher: GT Interactive | Developer: New Level Software Introduction: Courier Crisis is a video game developed by New Level Software and published by GT Interactive. Released in 1997 for the...

ATV Racers for PS1: A Mediocre Racing Game with Dated Graphics and Lackluster Audio

Game: ATV Racers| Release: June 20th, 2003| Genre: Arcade Racing| Publisher: Mud Duck Productions| Developer: Miracle Designs ATV Racers is a PlayStation 1 racing game developed by Funcom and published by Mud Duck Productions in 2000. The game features off-road ATV...

Carnage Heart – A Unique Real-Time Strategy Game for PlayStation

Game: Carnage Heart| Release: January 10th, 1997 | Genre: Turn Based Strategy | Publisher: SCEA | Developer: Artdink Carnage Heart is a real-time strategy game developed by Artdink and released for the PlayStation console in 1995. The game is unique in that it allows...

Centipede (PS1) Review – A Lackluster Adaptation of the Arcade Classic

Game: Centipede| Release: November 30th, 1999 | Genre: Shmup | Publisher: Hasbro Interactive| Developer: Real Sports Introduction: Centipede, developed by Hasbro Interactive and released for the PlayStation 1 (PS1) in 1999, aimed to bring the nostalgia of the iconic...
Share This