Armored Core by From Software

Mech fans are sure to love the latest offering by From Software.  
Armored core allows you to control a highly maneuverable mech in a very 
wide variety of environments, while utilizing dozens of unique weapons.  
The closest thing to this on the PS is Mech Warrior 2, but direct 
comparisons are not really valid.  MW2 (a good game in it's own right) 
focused largely on simulation while AC is total action - and it has 
loads of it.   While I will make comparison to MW2 it will be to 
contrast the difference and not necessarily down either game.

Graphics:  9

AC does a great job in the graphics department.  The standard view is a 
3/4 view slightly above and behind your mech.  This works very well for 
most all circumstances and draws you into the action.  There is a 1st 
person mode available via a code, but it is obvious why the designers 
left it out as an option - it is fairly crude but still helpful in a 
couple of the missions.  The various weapons effects make good use of 
the PS's abilities with transparent smoke and lots of big flashes.  The 
sheer variety of possible mech combinations makes the level of detail 
that much more impressive - a lot of work went into this one.  The 
environments are very well done also.  Water effects are great as are 
the various landscapes and structures that you will find yourself in.  
You also have full control over your mech's appearance - you can select 
a pattern and the colors as well as design an emblem for your mech.  
The 2-player mode only uses 1/4 screen for your view while the other 
1/4 of your screen is your instruments.  This may seem bad but the 
arenas are set up in such a way as to make it very playable.  One 
downfall is the lack of any CG cut scenes.  The story is told via e-
mail and while this is satisfactory, the inclusion of CG would have put 
this one over the top.  Overall though the graphics certainly get the 
job done.

Sound:  9

The sounds in AC are also very well done.  The sound of your mech 
moving in the different environments is very impressive.  Tunnels sound 
hollow, metal sounds hard and water sounds... well wet.  The weapons 
also sound very good and again, the sheer variety of sounds is 
impressive.  One of the neatest features in relation to sound is the 
ambient sounds that occur such as announcements in the office 
buildings.  The music is very well suited for the game and seems to 
follow the gameplay.  

Gameplay:  9

I had a hard time rating this category, initially giving it an 8.  The 
lack of support for the large dual-analog joystick was a big 
disappointment for me, but once I got used to the controls on the 
standard pad things were great.  As stated in the intro, this game is 
MUCH faster than MW2.  Some of the smaller mech can move at incredible 
speeds - add to this the fact that the better jump jets actually allow 
for sustained flight when used correctly and you have a very compelling 
package.  The control is pinpoint accurate and very responsive.  The 
default configuration works very well with the exception of the look 
up/down keys.  This is where the big stick would have been great but in 
the end it is a small nuisance that you get used to quickly.  The 
mission objectives are varied and provide a descent challenge - while 
some missions are over quickly there are some that are huge.  The 
structure of the missions also force you to use your jump jets and 
radar which is great - I hate having capability with no purpose in a 
game.  The mission briefings are always clear as to your objective and 
obligation.  The ability  to upgrade your mech almost endlessly is what 
puts this game over the top.  There are tons of options available for 
your mech ranging from head (radar, mapping), core (optional part 
availability), arms (gun arms or standard humanoid arms), legs 
(humanoid, reverse-joint, 4-leg, tread), FCS (weapons control), arm 
weapons (guns and laser blades), back weapons (missiles, rockets, chain 
guns) and more - it is incredible!  The 2-player game is also excellent 
- allowing you to bring mechs that you have built in the single player 
mode to combat in several (6 I think) well designed arenas.  You can 
also use the stock mechs which while good, are no match for a fully-
equipped mech from the 1-player game. 

Replay Value:  9

There are over 45 missions in this game and a somewhat variable 
progression through them.  Depending on the missions you choose, you 
will see around 35 of these in a single game, then the others are 
selectable to play separately.  There are also hidden items in the 
game, some of them far superior to anything you can buy off the shelf 
to be found.  The real replay here is in the 2-player mode.  Not only 
does it make you want to play the 2-player, but since you can only 
upgrade your mech in the 1-player mode it provides lots of incentive to 
keep at it.  

Overall:  9

Armored Core is an excellent game which any fan of mech games is sure 
to love.  But even if you didn't like MW2 you owe it to yourself to 
give this one a shot.  It is a fast-paced shooter with lots of depth 
and a 2-player game that will not grow old quickly.  Hopefully there 
will be an Armored Core 2 out soon!

Pluses:

Excellent graphics
Fast gameplay
Immersive play environments
Great 2-player action


Minuses:

Weak storyline and no cutscenes
No support for the dual-analog stick (or pad)