Mech games
don’t seem to come around very often anymore. This simple fact was dismissive to
me, until I realized just how fun fighting as a giant landscape-destroying robot
can be.
I’ve always
considered myself a very open minded, slow-to-judge individual. But this
personality trait is not so true when it comes to breaking the seal on a brand
new video game and placing it into my Xbox 360 disc tray for the first time.
I’ve always been drawn to my favorite genres of games, and quite afraid of
branching out past my comfort levels. Unfortunately, in a world where some
genres start to blend, and others re-appear after years of hibernation, a
reviewer of games must eventually branch out into the unknown.
One style of
game that’s always possessed a special niche in the industry, but seemingly
disappeared in recent years is the mech warrior genre. While the ability to
control a megaton mechanical warrior might seem appealing to the casual gamer at
first, these games have always been notorious not only for their level of
difficulty, but also for the ability to fully customize. Because of the extreme
learning curve involved, mech games have never taken grasp on the mainstream
gamers around the world. Basically, in order to fully enjoy a mech game, you
must be a fan of the genre or series already.
With that said,
the freshly released Armored Core for Answer seems to fall whole heartedly into
the same mould as any other mech game ever created. The Armored Core series has
been around for an extremely long time, and faithful fans still sweat with
excitement when new additions are announced. The concept is fantastic, with
excessively large mech robots stomping and boosting about, raining down terror
in the form of mounds of missiles. For some reason though, the actual gameplay
of Armored Core always seems to fall slightly short of what might be expected
from such a conceptually intense idea.
The launch
video that takes place after the disc loads is worth watching at least 39 times.
It’s almost as if you are watching a high-end CG film, with a building sense of
foreboding that explodes into sheer excitement and entertainment before your
eyes. If you never decide to purchase this game or play it at a friend’s, at
least take the time to look up the starting video online. ]
After the shock
and awe from the first video dies down, players are given a number of options to
choose from at the main screen. These options are typical of most video games
today, with a campaign mode, options adjustment, and multiplayer mode. After
launching campaign, the player can choose from a number of factions to start out
with, which will also dictate what style of mech you are able to use and
customize. Another video commences with the sole purpose of establishing the
storyline, although you’ll quickly learn that the story in Armored Core games
has never been a strong suite.
The story seems
intriguing at first. Your character is essentially a mercenary doing business on
a desolate, environmentally unsafe Earth of the future. Warring factions of
people battle for supremacy, while the remaining survivors of Earth now live in
floating “cradles” that are absolutely huge in size. Throughout the game, you’ll
find yourself fighting for whoever is willing to pay more, so the initial choice
of faction really only dictates what type of mech you wind up with for the
remainder of the game. Unfortunately, besides an occasional cut scene, the story
is left fairly detached from actual gameplay perspectives. Once a level
launches, you’ll find yourself scampering along the massive areas, hunting
enemies on your radar, and destroying anything you possibly can. Any fleeting
remainder of a storyline will be disintegrated when you dive into your first
customization session.
Speaking of
customization, Armored Core for Answer is far from lacking, even when compared
to previous games in the franchise history. When I initially launched the
customization section, I was taken aback at how intricately detailed the system
is. Not only can you customize your mech’s color scheme, you can also customize
each and every single individual component of the mech itself. If you feel so
inclined, you can change the joints holding the parts together to a lovely shade
of pink. There is also an option to add pattern effects to your mech, which, if
you use enough colors, can really play with the eyes. Beyond simple colors, the
player can dig even deeper and customize a vast range of other much more
technical features that dictate your mech’s overall performance. Players can
even create personalized emblems for their mechanical warriors, or save
different color templates that they might like.
Controls can
get a bit awkward when experiencing a game with such a quick set pace. A number
of times I found myself guessing and pressing whichever button I thought might
work, only to witness my mech’s weapons change while my enemies pummeled me with
bullets. The flying mechanic fit well on the left trigger, but the quick boost
ability felt awkward when used often. Once the game is played enough, the
buttons are sure to become much less of an issue.
Graphically, I
was satisfied with the mech styles, as well as the cut scenes, but the overall
environments were marginally bland and generally boring. The multiplayer map
layouts seemed very intriguing at first, but also failed to hold my full
attention for long. One satisfying factor involved in every environment is the
ability to blow up structures that might be in your way. When battling, it was
extremely satisfying to witness pieces of a building fall away around me as my
enemies launched their full-on assault.
Besides the
campaign missions, players can also take part in certain “side missions” that
allow you to battle boss-like enemies and earn new items and features to utilize
during mech customization. During some missions, the player can even invite a
friend into the foray and play cooperatively for the good of making money. These
missions can be especially fun, because nothing can be better than flying around
large areas in giant war machines with a friend to enjoy the experience with.
The online multiplayer is standard, as expected, with all the typical modes of
most online experiences. Unfortunately, the fact that Armored Core has always
been a niche franchise will hamper the online traffic for this game.
With impressive
cut scenes, expansive environments, and an unbelievable arsenal of mechanical
warriors at your disposal, Armored Core for Answer is sure to give any player a
burst of fun and excitement. The true love for this game will come from the
faithful fans that have already boosted their way to the local game store to
pick this title up. If your open minded, love mechs, enjoy action, or crave
customization, then Armored Core for Answer is a title made for you.
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Gameplay: 7.0
Fast paced and
explosive, the action is roaring at first, but battles can become slightly
repetitive after a while. Luckily, the developers varied mission objectives
frequently enough to stun the repetition.
Graphics: 6.5
The cut scenes are
surprisingly good looking, especially the initial cut scene that occurs when the
game boots. Unfortunately, the environments are generally stale in comparison.
Sound: 7.0
AI interaction is
great during battles, and the characters speaking to you through your mech are
informative about enemies and mission objectives.
Difficulty: Hard
The learning curve
for newcomers to this franchise might be a bit steep, but once learning is
completed, the game can become very satisfying.
Concept: 7.0
Mech games never get
enough love, and Amored Core for Answer is sure to receive the same lack of
overall attention.
Multiplayer: 5.0
While battling
against friends online is sweet, sweet bliss, battling against friends online in
a massive mechanical warrior is all the more sweet. It’s too bad Armored Core’s
niche effect restricts simply because of a lack of players to compete with.
Overall: 7.0
Armored Core for
Answer will completely satisfy any fans of the series thus far, and will even do
the job for action or mech fans in general. Newcomers to the mech genre might
find themselves lost in the customization options and level of difficulty
presented.
