Even with the help of three teammates, toppling this mech is tough.Thanks to the success of their recent RPG Dark Souls, From Software has finally earned some critical respect. Rather than transform that cred into a lasting presence in the mainstream, though, they’ve gone back to their roots in a big way.
Armored Core V is every bit as lovingly impenetrable as the rest of the series, which has built a cult following since its launch 15 years ago. It almost pathologically withholds information — even stuff as simple as what new parts are available for your mech — and the menus always seem to require too many button-presses. New players will likely be confused (especially early on) as they parse through all the weapons categories, statistics, and damage types.
Obsessive customization is the name of the game.Fortunately, though, Armored Core V is a very good action game. The fun just grows exponentially as new parts become available, until you suddenly find yourself spending hours in the garage, tinkering with unit weight and weapon loadouts. And thanks to the new emphasis on climbing and hiding behind buildings and other obstacles, the levels have a sweet sense of verticality that previous entries haven’t.
The game’s bare-bones story — about a rebellion against a nebulous Big Brother figure, “Father” — is hardly worth mentioning, but the 10 campaign missions feature a nice variety of maps, with challenges such as toppling massive robots, battling other ACs, and even chasing an armored train around a city. Missions last up to an hour, and they’re often extremely tough. The whole campaign feels balanced for co-op play, so you’ll definitely want to play alongside friends or random players (whom you can even hire as mercenaries).
The versus mode is enjoyable, but it'd be nice if it were possible to die more than once in any of the three modes.Pretty much the whole game, in fact, is bound in being able to join a player-based squadron where every member can help unlock new parts by completing single- and multiplayer skirmishes. It’s a neat touch, logging in to find that your friends have been doing your work for you, but it gets even better when you assemble five players to attack and claim one of the several territories on the world map. Doubly nice is being able to easily team up with other players to battle massive A.I-controlled mechs or defeat large bases in one of the 80 or so one-off missions.
Even if you’re aggravated early on, don’t take this game at face value. From Software has developed some of this generation’s most interesting games, and obtuse or not, Armored Core V is one of them.
The sniper is just one of many roles that needs to be considered for a multiplayer team.PUBLISHER: Namco Bandai • DEVELOPER: From Software • ESRB: Teen • MULTIPLAYER: 2–5 in co-op, 2–10 in competitive (both Xbox Live–only) • ACHIEVEMENTS: Completist • COST: $60
+ Well-designed levels with plenty of tactical options, neat verticality.
+ Innovative online mode offers a huge number of cooperative and competitive options.
– Obtuse user interface and unbalanced story missions make it tough for newcomers to jump in.
? Will excellent online options help Armored Core break out of its cult-like niche?
