SonicXtreme's Full Review: Armored Core 3 for PlayStation 2
AC3 is a solid, good game. However, it's lacking in some areas (mostly game play and story) that I thought they should have improved with the latest instalment of the Armored Core series. Readers of this review should realize that I have played Armored Core for PSX and AC 2. I haven't played any of the 'expansions' of the series, such as Master of the Arena or AC2: Another Age. I am mainly comparing AC3 with AC2, So, on with the review.
Graphics-
The graphics are fantastic. Clean, crisp, and nicely rendered. . AC parts and weapons are also very well designed. The outdoor stages look especially nice. I do, however, wish there are more missions that take place outdoors. The ACs are detailed, and even recoil when hit by missiles or grenades. You can even see details on the large missiles before they hit you. The opening cinematic has the best AC battles I've seen in the AC series. The biggest graphical improvement I find is that the quad-leg AC type actually crawl like they were meant to, instead of just gliding on the ground as in AC2.
Story-
The story has always been the AC series' weakest aspect, and AC3 is no exception. The story never got involved enough for me to care about what's going on. The story takes place on Earth, but I never figured out the time frame. The story just isn't interesting enough for me to want to find out. There is a bit of development throughout the game. It had the potential to get much more involved nd developed but failed to do so, unfortunately. Oh, and the ending takes the art of sucking to a new extreme. It's unfortunate that bad endings have become a trademark of this series.
Sound-
The sound FX in this game are magnificently done. The sound of metal bipeds clanking around really adds to the feel of your AC's weight. The music, however, isn't really memorable. The only music that struck me is in the final stage, which contains the ethereal vocals heard during the title screen. It really fit the mood of mystery and danger.
Gameplay-
Gameplay has remained pretty much the same. The player pilots a giant robot (aka AC) and does missions. People familiar with the button configurations from the past AC games won't have a problem. There might be a bit of a learning curve for new players, as the controls take a while to get used to. As a mercenary, the player picks a mission, completes it, get paid, and pays for ammunition and damage costs. Players who like customization and configuration will greatly enjoy buying and trading AC parts and tweak their AC for performance. New AC parts show up at the shop as the game progresses or they may be rewarded based on your performance in some missions. There are hidden AC parts to be found in some missions. However, I had a much harder time finding them than in previous AC games.
New Features-
Most fans will be pleased that the Arena and the Mail is back from their absense in AC2:AA. While there aren't as many missions as in AC2:AA, AC3 features a large arena ranking list. New players can hone their skills against 72 (!) arena opponents! you will be awarded new AC parts and bigger cash rewards as you climb up the arena ladder, as in the past games.
Fans of two-player missions may be disappointed, as it's no longer around. Instead of two-player missions, some of the missions in AC3 give you extra money to hire consorts. You either can hire one to help with the mission, or keep the money and do the mission by yourself. Also, multiplayer vs. mode now features team-battle mode as well as a battle royal of up to 4 ACs.
Another change is the Plus mode. Plus mode abilities can no longer be gained by failing missions. Instead, you will be rewarded an optional part upon completion of the game. You must then equip the part and go back and redo certain missions to gain the abilities. I think that this makes the 2 player vs. mode as you can turn off the Plus advantages by simply unequipping the optional part.
There are some cool new back weapons along with some really cool extension parts. Some cores have EO instead of Overdrive Boost. Weapon Arms now have two modes that players can switch (eg, single shot laser to spread laser). The new Exceed Orbit core part is introduced. EO are basically pods that pop out of the core and shoot lasers. However, EO type cores doesn't have anti missile. So players can choose to have more defense and mobility or to pack more punch. I think it is the most significant new aspect to the gameplay. Also, with AC3 you can have different colors for each arm on your AC.
Disappointments-
As I started the game and eagerly went into the garage to configure my AC, I was immediately disappointed that texture patterns for the AC is no longer there, which means no more camouflage patterns. I was also disappointed with the lack of cool sample emblems. Fortunately, many ranking ACs in the arena have nice emblem designs that you can steal after you defeat them. For those who own AC2 and AC2:AA, you can import saved emblems from those games.
Thinking the lack of texture patterns as just a minor set back, I eagerly began the missions. Then I faced with my biggest disappointment with the game- it really isn't that innovative at all. Many of the missions are the same as before, like 'clear out squatters','escort Y','protect X', or 'find and rescue W'. There's even one involving a big cannon (remember AC1?). And where is an AC game without some sort of bridge or highway ? Such lack of innovation makes it seem that I've bought an old game with new packaging. FromSoftware really should hire new writers and designers for the game. With the high gaming standards nowadays, sequels should offer something new, fun, innovative, and definitely should improve upon earlier series. Although AC3 does supply some new weapons and bells and whistles, it really isn't very innovative!
Many missions later in the game can be quite difficult. Often I had to radically change my AC design and still tweak it many times to get exactly the right type for the mission. If you're a masochist, you might have fun. I just wanted to throw my controller out the window. This is especially true with A-ranked arena fights. The computer AI are just plain cheap. And for all the pains and frustrations one must go through, the ending was bitterly disappointing and boring. At least give us a nice FMV!
Replay value-
After the game is beaten the Extra Arena mode appears. It sounds a lot more exciting than it really is. It's just a smaller arena where you get to do battles with a computer partner. It doesn't offer any real rewards except money. Of course, there are the hidden AC parts in selected missions to get, as well as the extra Plus abilities. The main replay value will be the VS mode with a friend, as there is nothing more satisfying than designing and kicking tail with your AC.
Rent or Buy-
I would definitely recommend renting it first. Hardcore AC fans will probably want to buy it. After all it is still a fun game despite the lack of innovative ideas.
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