For years, From Software was primarily celebrated for its mech-focused action gaming, with the Armored Core series shining as one of its top accomplishments since its launch on the original PlayStation. This series has captivated fans for over two decades, and its allure persists even today.
With Armored Core (1997), Armored Core: Project Phantasma, and Armored Core: Master of Arena making their debut on PlayStation Plus Classics, now is a wonderful time to delve into the fascinating history of this franchise.
### Armored Core | PlayStation | 1997
The journey of Armored Core began with a collaborative effort between From Software and the esteemed mechanical designer, Shoji Kawamori. Early in the PlayStation’s timeline, the two entities envisioned a groundbreaking game centered around customizable mechs. This idea blossomed into a concept where modular parts could be attached to a core unit, later known as the Armored Core. Against the backdrop of a world ravaged by the Great Destruction and dominated by corporations, players step into the shoes of mercenary mech pilots called Ravens, who work solely for monetary gain.
Originally released in 1997 in Japan and North America, and followed by a European release in 1998, Armored Core stood out because of its intricate customization, resource management elements, and mission-driven progression. The game’s control system, while complex, enhanced the immersive experience of piloting a custom-engineered mech. Players were also treated to an evolving story that branched out based on the missions undertaken, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
Armored Core makes its way to PlayStation Plus Premium, becoming available on March 18.
### Armored Core: Project Phantasma | PlayStation | 1998
Due to the enthusiastic community response, the series expanded with immediate sequels. Project Phantasma, positioned as a narrative-driven prequel, introduced the widely acclaimed Arena mode where players engage in mech duels to improve ranks and unlock rewards.
This title is set to roll out on PlayStation Plus Premium from March 18.
### Armored Core: Master of Arena | PlayStation | 1999
Focusing on the Arena mode, Master of Arena took this feature to the next level. Serving as a direct sequel to Project Phantasma, it allowed players to port their progress, ensuring all their earned weapons and customizations remained intact. These original PlayStation titles laid the groundwork for future installments and remained distinguishable with Kawamori’s continued involvement, which lent the series its distinct aesthetic and mechanical diversity.
From March 18, Master of Arena will also join the PlayStation Plus Premium lineup.
### Armored Core 2 | PlayStation 2 | 2000
From Software made an early leap onto the PlayStation 2 platform, introducing Armored Core 2 as a launch title in North America in 2000. This sequel, set several decades after its predecessor, transports players to a conflict-torn, terraformed Mars. Beyond the visual upgrades, the sequel introduced new gameplay mechanics like Overboost, which allowed rapid movement at the cost of energy depletion. Enhanced customization came with the addition of new Radiator, Extension, and Inside parts.
A sequential release, Armored Core 2: Another Age, reverted the storyline to Earth, offering players more than 100 new missions and marked a milestone in enabling online play through the PS2’s Network Adaptor in Japan by 2001.
### Armored Core 3 | PlayStation 2 | 2002
Continuing its legacy on the PS2, Armored Core 3 emerged in 2002. It charted a fresh narrative direction, though maintaining a familiar setting—an Earth dominated by underground settlements called Layered and controlled by a cryptic AI, The Controller. Gameplay innovations included Consorts, or allied units, mid-mission weapon removal for optimized performance, and the comeback of the favored Arena mode.
While a different track story-wise, AC3: Silent Line extended the narrative trajectory set by its predecessor, leading up to 2004’s Armored Core: Nexus, with several gameplays shifts making player data importation obsolete. The Nexus followed with Nine Breaker and Last Raven, continuing the storyline, with many titles eventually meeting the PSP platform.
### Armored Core 4 | PlayStation 3 | 2006
Bringing mech combat into high-definition, Armored Core 4 debuted on the PlayStation 3, revitalizing the storyline under familiar corporate tyranny themes. With the introduction of advanced NEXTs—equipped with new tech like Primal Armor and the Allegorical Manipulation System—players faced a dynamic battle landscape.
The title revamped controls for novice accessibility while sustaining its appeal for series die-hards. Removing heat management and adding Quick Boost mechanics transformed gameplay fluidity, coupled with PS3’s graphical prowess enhancing interactive environments. The direct sequel, Armored Core for Answer, followed, painting the struggle between dispersed human corporations and surface-bound rebels.
### Armored Core V | PlayStation 3 | 2012
Armored Core V marked a striking shift upon its 2012 PS3 release, reverting to a strategic gameplay style akin to the series origins. The game’s narrative positioned the player against a ruling autocrat through the Resistance, situating its worldbuilding around a singular livable city.
Changes such as downsizing the mechs fostered tactical gameplay, using cover and ambushing maneuvers, with missions now team-oriented under Operator guidance. Advanced Overed Weapons packed significant punch, complemented by a restorative Scan mode enhancing strategic options. Verdict Day, the 2013 sequel, built upon this model, integrating customizable AI bots, termed UNACs, for team-based gameplay depth.
### Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon | PlayStation 5 | 2023
Long-awaited, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon arrived in 2023, breathing new life into the series a decade after Verdict Day’s launch. The release rejuvenated veteran enthusiasm and drew new audiences to mech combat, broadening the Armored Core fanbase notably. Buoyed by critical acclaim and commercial success, the series embarks on an exciting new chapter—a prelude to what adventurous terrain From Software might explore next.
