The Armored Core series by FromSoftware has been a cornerstone in the mech third-person shooter genre. This guide ranks the top ten entries in this illustrious series, considering their impact, gameplay, and innovation.
Top 10 Best Armored Core Games, ranked
From the pioneering original to the latest release, each game in the Armored Core series has contributed to its legacy. Here's a rundown of the top ten Armored Core games leading up to the best in the series.
10 - Armored Core: Last Raven (2006)
Armored Core: Last Raven offers tight core gameplay mechanics and some of the best mecha designs in the series. Its level design, however, leaves something to be desired. The game is noteworthy for its focus on storytelling, featuring multiple endings that add replay value.
9 - Armored Core: Silent Line (2003)
As an expansion of Armored Core 3, Silent Line played it safe, making minimal changes to the engine but adding new parts and Arena opponents. It's a favorite among fans, including myself, for its adherence to the series' core mechanics.
8 - Armored Core (1997)
The original Armored Core brought freshness to the mech shooter genre. Its focus on customization and varied missions made it revolutionary, setting a high standard for future mech games.
7 - Armored Core: Nexus (2004)
The Nexus introduced more complex mechanical systems like energy and heat management. Despite its steep learning curve, it offered a highly varied experience with plenty of content.
6 - Armored Core 4 (2007)
Armored Core 4, released on PS3 and Xbox 360, marked a graphical leap for the series. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, it polished the rough edges of previous games, offering faster and more intuitive controls and a grounded story despite some performance issues.
5 - Armored Core: For Answer (2008)
The sequel to Armored Core 4, Armored Core: For Answer improved on its predecessor’s shortcomings. It featured polished gameplay, better graphics, and more expansive levels, appealing to fans of open-world exploration.
4 - Armored Core 2: Another Age (2001)
An expansion that improved upon Armored Core 2, Another Age featured an intriguing story, refined mech controls, enhanced customization, and a balanced difficulty level.
3 - Armored Core 3 (2002)
Often cited as one of the best in the series, Armored Core 3 excelled in graphics, intuitive controls, and mission creativity. Its challenge and expansive part selection made it a standout entry.
2 - Armored Core 2 (2000)
Armored Core 2 holds a special place for its improvements over the first game. It offered incredible customization and challenging gameplay, with multiple endings to unlock.
1 - Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon (2023)
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon represents a pinnacle in the series. It combines FromSoftware's accumulated experience to deliver a game with stunning graphics, tight controls, extensive customization options, and a variety of challenging bosses. It stands out as the best entry in the series, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience.
The Armored Core series has a rich history, with each game building upon the last. From the foundational first game to the latest release, each title has contributed to defining what a mech game can be. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon takes the crown, in my opinion, combining all the best elements of its predecessors into one definitive package.
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