For years, From Software was renowned mainly for their thrilling mech-based action games, with Armored Core being the star of the show. First launched on the original PlayStation, this series quickly won a devoted following, one that has remained loyal even two decades later.
Exciting news for Armored Core enthusiasts: the original game from 1997, along with its sequels, Armored Core: Project Phantasma and Armored Core: Master of Arena, are set to join the PlayStation Plus Classics line-up. There’s no better time to delve into the rich history and evolution of this beloved series.
In its first iteration on PlayStation in 1997, Armored Core was born from a unique collaboration between From Software and Shoji Kawamori, a revered mechanical designer in the world of anime. The idea of customizable mechs, known as Armored Cores, emerged early in the PlayStation era. Players could attach modular parts to a core unit against a backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Earth, dominated by giant corporations. The narrative intertwines with the Ravens, mercenary pilots who are driven solely by money. The game was released in Japan and North America in 1997, followed by Europe in 1998, and quickly distinguished itself with its deep customization, resource management, and mission-led progression. The storylines varied based on player choices, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
Now, Armored Core will be available to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers starting March 18.
Jumping to 1998, Armored Core: Project Phantasma acted on player feedback by offering more of what they loved—story-driven gameplay and innovation. This prequel introduced an exciting new Arena mode, where players could face off against other mechs for impressive rewards. This title is also making its way to PlayStation Plus Premium on March 18.
Continuing with the series’ momentum, Armored Core: Master of Arena, released in 1999, took Arena mode to the forefront. As a direct sequel to Project Phantasma, it allowed players to transfer their saved data from previous games, keeping earned weapons and customizations. These early entries on the original PlayStation were pivotal, introducing key features still celebrated today.
Master of Arena will also be part of the PlayStation Plus Premium package, launching March 18.
The transition to the PlayStation 2 brought Armored Core 2, arriving in 2000 alongside the console’s North American launch. This sequel shifted the action to a newly terraformed Mars, embroiled in a civil war some decades after the original events. Notable new features included Overboost, enabling rapid movement at the cost of energy, and enhanced customization options with new parts. Its follow-up, Armored Core 2: Another Age, boasted an impressive array of over 100 missions and was one of the first PS2 games to support online play in Japan.
In 2002, Armored Core 3 launched, introducing a fresh storyline while retaining the series’ dystopian Earth setting. New gameplay mechanics, such as the inclusion of allied Consorts and the ability to remove weapons mid-mission for enhanced performance, added depth. The fan-favorite Arena mode made a welcome comeback. The AC3 story arc continued with Silent Line, Nexus, Nine Breaker, and Last Raven, expanding the narrative and gameplay mechanics. Some of these titles even found their way to the PSP.
Fast forward to the era of the PlayStation 3, Armored Core 4 graced screens in 2006, uplifted by HD graphics. The narrative was rebooted, and players faced a world under corporate tyranny. Innovative NEXTs, advanced Primal Armor, and the Allegorical Manipulation System brought fresh strategic layers to the game. Its sequel, Armored Core for Answer, continued the narrative, exploring themes of rebellion and corporate oppression.
Launching in 2012, Armored Core V marked a shift towards more tactical gameplay on the PS3, hearkening back to the series’ roots. The story placed players amidst the Resistance against a despotic ruler. Smaller mechs took advantage of their environments strategically, and new features like Overed Weapons and the Scan mode framed the gameplay experience. Armored Core: Verdict Day continued this engaging saga a year later, introducing customizable AI-controlled UNACs.
Finally, in 2023, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon was released, to the delight of fans who had awaited a new chapter for a decade. It successfully reignited interest in the series, connecting with both longtime followers and newcomers eager to experience mech-based combat. As Armored Core moves forward, all eyes are on From Software to see what thrilling direction the series will embark upon next.
