For a good while, From Software was synonymous with mech-based action games, a reputation built on the back of their flagship series, Armored Core. Since its debut on the original PlayStation, Armored Core has captivated fans, maintaining a dedicated following that stretches over two decades.
The recent announcement of Armored Core (1997), Armored Core: Project Phantasma, and Armored Core: Master of Arena arriving on PlayStation Plus Classics offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into the rich history of this distinctive series.
### Armored Core | PlayStation | 1997
Armored Core was born from a partnership between From Software and Shoji Kawamori, a renowned mechanical designer in anime circles. Early in the PlayStation era, they conceptualized a game focused on player-customizable mechs, which eventually evolved into a gameplay experience featuring modular parts known as Armored Cores. Set in a dystopian future ravaged by the Great Destruction and dominated by corporations, players controlled a mercenary, part of the Ravens, who have no loyalty except to money.
Released in Japan and North America in 1997 (and in Europe in 1998), Armored Core stood out for its detailed customization, strategic resource management, and mission-based progression. The game featured a complex yet rewarding control scheme, designed to immerse players into the mech pilot experience. It told a branching narrative, rewarding players who took the time for multiple playthroughs. Fans can experience Armored Core with PlayStation Plus Premium starting March 18.
### Armored Core: Project Phantasma | PlayStation | 1998
Following enthusiastic player feedback, Armored Core quickly received two expansions. Project Phantasma, a prequel to the first game, enhanced the storytelling and introduced the much-loved Arena mode, where players competed against other mechs for rewards.
Armored Core: Project Phantasma will also be available on PlayStation Plus Premium from March 18.
### Armored Core: Master of Arena | PlayStation | 1999
As the title suggests, Master of Arena built upon the Arena concept, becoming the main focus. A direct continuation of Project Phantasma, it allowed for save data imports from earlier games, retaining the player’s hard-earned equipment and customizations. These early Armored Core games laid the groundwork for later iterations, with Kawamori’s continued involvement ensuring the mechs’ unique aesthetic. Fans can access Armored Core: Master of Arena via PlayStation Plus Premium starting March 18.
### Armored Core 2 | PlayStation 2 | 2000
Among its first titles for PlayStation 2, From Software launched Armored Core 2, which was part of the console’s launch in North America in 2000. The narrative advanced by several decades, moving the action to a terraformed Mars embroiled in civil war. With graphical enhancements, the game introduced the Overboost mechanic for rapid movement, albeit at the cost of energy, along with new customization options.
Armored Core 2: Another Age soon followed, returning to Earth’s political chaos and pumping in over 100 new missions. Notably, its Japanese release in 2001 became one of the first PS2 games to support online play with the PS2’s Network Adaptor.
### Armored Core 3 | PlayStation 2 | 2002
In 2002, Armored Core 3 carried on the legacy on PS2, presenting a new storyline set in a familiar post-apocalyptic Earth where humans reside underground. New gameplay features included the addition of Consorts — ally units aiding in missions — and the ability to discard weapons mid-mission for better performance. The popular Arena mode made a comeback, missed in Armored Core 2: Another Age.
AC3 was followed by Silent Line, Nexus, Nine Breaker, and Last Raven, which continued to explore new threats and gameplay mechanics.
### Armored Core 4 | PlayStation 3 | 2006
Bringing mech combat into HD, Armored Core 4 launched on PlayStation 3, rebooting the familiar lore of corporate dominance and introducing NEXTs, a new generation of customizable Armored Cores. Revamped controls and the elimination of heat management catered to both newcomers and veterans, while the enhanced graphics showcased destructible environments. The direct follow-up, Armored Core for Answer, continued the story by pitting humanity against corporate tyranny.
### Armored Core V | PlayStation 3 | 2012
In 2012, Armored Core V shifted the gameplay dynamics with smaller mechs and a strategic approach reminiscent of the original games. Players became mercenaries fighting against a tyrant in Earth’s sole habitable city. The game introduced squad-based missions and features like Overed Weapons and Scan mode for strategic depths.
In 2013, Armored Core: Verdict Day expanded on this with AI-controlled UNACs, centering the conflict around prized Tower technologies.
### Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon | PlayStation 5 | 2023
Finally, we arrive at Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. After ten long years since Verdict Day, this was the comeback fans eagerly awaited. It not only reenergized longstanding fans but also attracted newcomers intrigued by its rich mech combat legacy. As Armored Core returns with gusto, we’ll see how From Software evolves this beloved series in the years to come.
