Armored Core 5

[BobTD]

first take a look at the gameplay:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwibKw_jcZU&feature=related

This is actually a really large step away from their very traditional formula into something I think a lot of american players would like. Its a more low tech gritty feeling to it, like a robot apocalypse. The scan mode lowers energy drain and you can launch recon probes to look for hidden enemies and ambushes are a viable option.

The game features co-op that might go up to five players (or maybe just 4), while the online play has PVP with 5 v 5, 4 one the ground and one in commander view playing a support role.

Having just got a copy today I can say ehe gameplay feels tighter and not to insanely fast like some of the recent titles. Another change to the series seems to be the air combat, you have a limit to how high you can jump, turning into a glide, but can jump repeatedly up the sides of buildings to gain ground. This seems like a great idea because gaining the high ground actually becomes a tactic for recon or when you go into the ready position with your extreme weapons.

The bigger weapons in the game look pretty amazing as well. From what I have seen of the gameplay from japan some of the weapons look pretty awesome. While I have not seen classic energy blades, every mech can ram and I have seen some physical blades that look absolutely terrifying.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=1lGAPApvXb0
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5540/bladesw.png

My brother and at leat two of his friends are getting the game as well this friday and we are planning to do a lot of group play online. This is looking to be one of the best co-op games on the Xbox.

[norid]

Yea, I was reading the review on IGN and they have not gave it a definate score because of the huge leap they took by making it 90% online oriented. They are gearing it more multiplayer which is cool. I just want to be able to play a good mech game for my console, but will probably wait to pick it up later next month or so.

[BobTD]

armored core4answer is pretty good. I dunno, I have every console release of armored core except 4 (becasue it was awful).

A lot of games are using the four player meta online, Monster hunter, Dragon nest, its always been a popular number. I like they way this is looking, much better than the last games co-op.

[norid]

Yea, I have been a fan of the series for a while when my friends owned them. I've never been able to find them near me though.

[BobTD]

I have 11 games out of the series, this one is a lot of fun co-op and for ranked play, but the territory system does not feel very well thought out. Only a defender can accept a challenge and they have almost no reason risk it. Still, the battle royal has been fun, me and some friends won a lot of games by forming temporary alliances before we killed each other.

[norid]

So would you recomend it?

[BobTD]

Well if you have at least one other person to play with its a blast! But its really not built for solo play.

I would recommend it because it is rather fun. Im just sad they did not nail the territory system. Chrome Hounds did a better job, though no one can argue that armored core has better gameplay and balance.

It also starts out kinda slow if you dont pre order it and get the first few hundred parts free, you have to do a lot of missions just to buy and test out your options. After you get setup with a few AC (mechs) you like and tackle the much harder missions you start seeing just how much fun the combat is.

I should also elaborate on missions. There are always a dozen or so missions to choose from, and one story mission. The story mission will be very difficult by yourself so you hire a mercenary in the form of other players online. Or bring a teammemeber from the guilds you can form. This allows from multiple stage missions that get pretty hard. But running out of ammo and killing a boss with just your sword makes you feel like a supreme badass.

Also its just plain sweet piloting a giant mech. And the multiple view modes add to that.

[norid]

Okay then I will rent and try it out.

[BobTD]

Anyone else try this game yet? The online play is pretty good right now. Best to play it before everyone is OP.

[TheGateKeeper]

Haven't played a game in this series in ages, but this one looks amazing. I like the huge bosses.

[Kenoi]

man. I played this game. it feels very different from the others. its like a step back. but the online play is fun, but whats annoying is
other people got better equipment than you, so I always die of course. haha