Video Game Review: “Armored Core for Answer”

I want to talk a little bit about the Online modes. Like in AC4, Player versus mode has returned. This is pretty self-explanatory. There is also a co-operative mode that is supposed to work both online and offline (in a local setting). Online, you can take on a mission together with another person and man, was this absolutely a blast! I had so much fun playing this way with friends and strangers alike. There is also the standard take on another player option, which is always quite fun, if you’re the one to win. Which I was, most of the time.

Unfortunately, I’ve only been able to play the online co-operative. I’m not exactly sure how/when offline (local) will be possible and Ubisoft has yet to mention whether this feature will soon become available or not. I also should mention that the power boosts I mentioned above not only include the VOB, but also Quick Boost and Over Boost options.

Each mission you take will let you delve a little bit deeper into understanding the world and the various groups in it. All of your missions come with a highly intensive briefing section, where your entire mission is outlined extensively. Your missions will depend on which side you take, who you’ve helped and what enemies you’ve made. This allows for a slightly more personalized gameplay experience.

One thing you’ll notice is how slow and leisurely you can take with customizing things, but once you get into a mission and on the battlefield, the action is truly intense and high powered. Make sure you keep your NEXT powered up and accomplish your missions and you’ll be fine. It’s really fun to race around and blow things up anyway. You should try to keep your missions under control though. Remember, your NEXT isn’t going to be as powerful in the beginning so try to take on opponents you know you can beat before taking on the big, bad ACs.

Remember I mentioned Arms Forts? You will have to destroy them and this is one of the best features of the game. You see, these are massive fortresses that are moving and they also are heavily armed. You’ll face everything from the small Arms Forts to massive ones that span extensive screenlengths, which make destroying them quite a task. While this is highly impressive, there is just one area that is disappointing.

Not enough people are playing online. Seriously, this game is awesome, so you need to get it and play it. I’ll be waiting for you to come join me!

Replayability:
Ease of Use:

Visual Quality:
This is the weakest and most disappointing part of “Armored Core for Answer”. This reminds me of early PS2 or maybe even GameCube style graphics. I know that image isn’t exactly flattering, but that’s what you’ve got to work with in “Armored Core for Answer.” The saddest part about this is the fact that XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 are capable of so much more than what is available here. These graphics are second rate and the camera work from the protagonist POV leaves a lot to be desired.

Visual:

Audio Quality:
What is lacking in visual quality is made up for in the audio. The sound effects and dialogue are easy to hear. The volume is consistent and clear. I didn’t fiddle with the volume too much when it came to balancing the sound of everything blowing up and dialogue. It’s pretty clear that a talented voice cast was hired for “Armored Core for Answer”. This makes all the difference when it comes to listening to the game.

Audio:

Replayability:
This game is incredibly customizable. There are so many different options and ways to play “Armored Core for Answer” that playing it over and over again doesn’t seem to get tiring in the least. The fact that the developers of this game added in the co-operative mode online has certainly helped to increase the replayability factor for this game. Adding in the three alternative endings and plot points is also one way that makes extended gameplay worthwhile.

If it wasn’t such a customizable game, “Armored Core for Answer” would quickly become boring, but you can easily play and replay this game with different ACs and totally different paths that your AC and gameplay can take. This is where “Armored Core for Answer” has its most power, making it one of those games that will have a long gameplay life and continued and renewed interest from fans of this series.

Replayability:

Bottom Line:
“Armored Core for Answer” was much better than I anticipated. I truly enjoyed playing this game and will continue to play it both online and off. If you’re looking for a highly customizable, war-themed game where you get to blow a bunch of cool things up, then you need to buy “Armored Core for Answer”. We need more players online anyway. Sure, there are several players online, but this title deserves more and I’d like to blow up a few more personal ACs when I take on people in the player vs. mode. “Armored Core for Answer” comes highly recommended.

Closing Comments
If you think mech customization and boost-filled battles sound like your cup of tea, Armored Core does deliver on those parts. Being a lower profile franchise, Armored Core doesn’t impress in terms of tech or revolutionary game design, but the gameplay From Software sets up is a lot of fun and will be a riot for hardcore mech fans. If you can overlook the technical problems, Answer is a solid purchase — especially if you skipped Armored Core 4 last year.

Overall Rating:

Technorati Tags: Armored Core for Answer, XBox 360, Video Game, From Software, Sequel, Playstation 3

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Written by Dominick - Visit Website
Dominick is in his late 20s. Having been born in the 80s gave him a unique advantage to experience the development of gaming into the massive industry it has become today. From the days of Atari to the purchase of his very first NES (before his 10th birthday), Dominick has been involved in gaming. Initially, a huge fan of Nintendo, he's delved more into the exciting world of Xbox 360, and everything Microsoft in recent years. His favorite games are Action/Adventure, Shooters (especially WWII or Historical based games) and racing games. Of course, some days he enjoys playing an old fashioned game featuring his original gaming heroes, Mario and Zelda. In a wheelchair since age 16, Dominick has the unique perspective of gaming with limited mobility. When not gaming, he is a human rights activist, a creative mind, and he enjoys spending time with his family.