Armored Core 4 (PS3) Review
Posted by Andrew Mellick on 04.06.2007
The high tech action title is back, this time on the PS3. After several titles and a solid fan base, do the devepors at Sega have anything new up their sleeves? Read on to find out.
Armored Core 4
Ever since the dawn of time, man has been fascinated with robots. From the killer ones who attack old people and steal their medicine for fuel, to the happy go lucky house-bot in Rocky 4. The world has been in love with living metal. It’s well documented through the annals of history.
It is in this spirit that the Armored Core series was first born on the PSone. In the time since then, the franchise has built up a strong fan base through engaging gameplay and white-knuckle robotic action. However, in recent incarnations the series has become more difficult and overwhelming, making it near impossible for the series to draw any new fans. Well, with a new console comes new hope and Sega hopes to remedy these shortcomings in the series’ debut on the PS3. Could this be the title to forge a new path and bring in a whole new generation of robot loving nerds…er gamers? Read on to find out.
Graphics:
This game has some pretty amazing graphics…sometimes. There are a few levels that really look breathtaking. I am reminded of a level where you must take your mech and shoot down wave after wave of approaching enemies, but as you are doing this the sun is slowly setting. It contrasts beauty with stark violence magnificently.
It’s too bad that this level of inspiration didn’t keep up the whole game. After a while, the level design gets repetitive. You can only descend on the same outskirts of the same city and go over the same bridge so many times before it gets old.
With the power of the PS3 and the ability of these mechs to go anywhere, many more environmental ideas could have been explored. Why not have thick jungles with wild animals scattering as you lumber through the dense foliage? Or how about a battle to regain control of an aircraft carrier that has been overrun by terrorist mechs? The opportunities are endless but unfortunately the game only gives a glimmer of what it could have been.
Gameplay:
For those of you who have been put off in the past by the series’ notoriously difficult game play, fear no more. In fact the game may be a bit too easy, but I’m not going to fault them for trying. The developers did a great job making the game accessible for newbies.
The controls are precise and the button placement feels natural. This is very important considering that there are times in battle where you will need to cycle between many different weapons. Other than that, movements are smooth with no real jerks in motion and virtually no slow down that I saw.
Mech assembly and upgrading has been streamlined as well to further even out the learning curve. All the various settings and tweaks needed for upgrades can be performed by the player manually or set to auto.
The gameplay itself is fun but short. There are quite a few levels where after disposing of 3 or 4 enemies, the mission is complete. While this helps to pad the pocketbook quickly, it does little in the way of a satisfying accomplishment.
Sound:
Considering this game is heavily driven by gameplay, you wouldn’t expect much in the way of a soundtrack, but AC4 surprises you with a very rich and well thought out musical selection. Each piece does well to juxtapose the intensity of battle with the hi-tech fun of mech action.
The voice acting in this game is superbly executed. Each mission is highlighted by a video with a voice over giving you your mission instructions. This peril and serious tone really sets the mood for the upcoming battle.
Sound affects are loud but clear. Some guns pop while others explode. I especially like the sound of the sword. The sound of grinding metal combine with the slash of the sword makes for quite an experience.
Lasting Appeal:
There are endless possibilities in how you customize your mech. From paint jobs, to upgrades, logos, and weapons, there is enough to keep you busy for hours, and enough add-ons to buy that will keep you going to mission after mission.
Online play lacks a bit. Online play should be a mech game’s bread and butter. Think of all the different types of matches there could be, not to mention new maps, team play, rankings and so forth. Unfortunately, AC4 falls short in online department.
If you’re looking for a fun engrossing game filled with customization, and hi-tech weaponry this is the game for you. If you want to do battle against your online adversaries you probably won’t be too keen on this title. Still this title has a lot to offer to any gamer.
Fun Factor:
While a few levels stand out, overall the missions get dull and repetitive. There is so much more that could have been explored here that wasn’t. Maybe the next incarnation will push this series to its limits.
The relative ease of this game will goes far in welcoming newbies but at what price? The Armored Core series has always had a very vocal fan base. I applaud the developers for their reinvention of the title; I just wonder how long time fans of the series will react.
The amount of customizable material here is amazing. The game is a unique experience in comparison to anything else on the PS3 these days. I hate to relegate a games review to the system it appears on but right now I’d have to say that this game has far more of an impact on the PS3 as opposed to the 360. Still it is an overall fun gaming experience.
The 411:
It seems odd to recommend the fans of a series not to buy the latest incarnation of said series. So I will say use caution. Perhaps a rental is in order before you put down your hard earned money on this title. If you’re a newbie looking for a new game to fill your digital void, this game has a lot to offer.
I can’t say enough about the customization. The missions, while repetitive have their moments of glory and honestly, blowing up robots can’t get too old. The sound and story also create a rich environment for a player to waste away many hours on.
This is definitely a solid first outing on a new system. While it may not appeal to everyone, the developers definitely took some steps in the right direction here. With a unique story, brilliant sound, and mountains of customizations, Armored Core 4 offers what a lot of PS3 games do not; a fun time.
Graphics
7.0
Some bright spots but overall pretty repetitive and uninspired.
Gameplay
7.5
Tons of customizable content, however the missions get old after a while.
Sound
8.5
A brilliant soundtrack and convicting voice acting bring this game to life.
Lasting Appeal
7.0
There is plenty here in the single player mode to keep you busy but the online play leaves something to be desired.
Fun Factor
7.5
While this may not be the game of the year it is still alot of fun and looks great compared to some of the mediocre PS3 titles out there.
