Armored Core

This article is about the video game series. For the game of the same name, see Armored Core (video game).

Armored Core is a mecha-based video game series developed by From Software for the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Mobile Phone platforms. Armored Core games are Mecha Simulation/third-person shooters, in which the player pilots a large mecha called an Armored Core, or AC for short. Armored Core V is the fourteenth and latest title in the series; it was released in Japan on January 26, 2012.

Common elements

Story elements vary widely throughout the series but gameplay is generally focused on the player character, acting as a mercenary, completing missions assigned by various in-game corporations and individuals. The player character uses their mecha to perform duties such as destroying enemy units/facilities or protecting a designated element from attack by opposing forces.

The game places a heavy emphasis on customization; the structure of the mecha the player uses in combat is standardized and modular, consisting of a number of interchangeable parts. The player composes their mecha from parts they obtain by finding them in missions, fulfilling certain requirements, or by buying them from an in-game shop. Money is earned by finishing missions; typically each mission has a set reward for its completion from which deductions are made based on damage taken, amount of ammunition used, and completion time. Certain missions also offer bonuses for completing optional objectives.

Certain games in the series offer additional part categories but the following are shared among all games:

• Head (different heads feature different cameras that work in conjunction with the FCS)
• Arms (used to hold various weapons, though full weapon-types exist as well)
• Legs (four types exist: Quad legs, reverse-joint bipedal legs, tank types, and standard bipedal types)
• Core (the mecha's 'torso' where the cockpit is situated)
• Generator (the unit's power supply)
• Boosters (increases mecha speed and enables flight when engaged)
• FCS (Fire Control System; controls weapon targeting)
• Arm and back weapons/units
• Arm shields/swords

Armored Core games

Between 1997 and 2012 PlayStation games enjoyed a year to year release schedule. Fourteen games have been released so far.

Overview over titles in the series

Title	Release Year	PSX	PS2	PS3	360	PSP	Mobile	Comments
Armored Core	1997	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Armored Core: Project Phantasma	1997	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Armored Core: Master of Arena	1999	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Armored Core 2	2000	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
Armored Core 2: Another Age	2001	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
Armored Core 3	2002	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	the PSP version is titled Armored Core 3 Portable and was released in 2009
Silent Line: Armored Core	2003	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	the PSP version is titled Armored Core: Silent Line Portable and was released in 2009
Armored Core: Nexus	2004	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
Armored Core: Formula Front	2004	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	titled Armored Core: Formula Front Extreme Battle (USA) and re-released as Armored Core: Formula Front International (Japan)
Armored Core: Nine Breaker	2004	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
Armored Core: Last Raven	2005	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	the PSP version is titled Armored Core: Last Raven Portable and was released in 2010
Armored Core 4	2006	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Armored Core: For Answer	2008	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Armored Core V	2012	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Armored Core: Mobile Mission	2006	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Never released outside of Japan
Armored Core: Mobile 2	2006	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Never released outside of Japan
Armored Core: Mobile Online	20??	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Never released outside of Japan
Armored Core: Mobile 3	2007	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Never released outside of Japan
Armored Core: Mobile 4	2008	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Never released outside of Japan

Anime

• Armored Core: Fort Tower Song was reported to have been released in 2007. However, no material, aside from the teaser trailer, could be found. From Software announced in 2011 that the project had been canceled due to View Works shutting down.

Manga

• Armored Core: Tower City Blade is a manga by Fujimi Shobo based on the game. It was serialized in Dragon Age Pure between March 14 and April 14, 2007.^{[citation needed]}

Book

• Armored Core: Fort Tower Song was in development alongside the anime of the same name. This project was released in 2007.

External links

• (Japanese) FROM SOFTWARE's Official Armored Core Website