Armored Core V Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3*, Xbox 360
Dev: From Software
Pub: NAMCO Bandai
Release: March 20, 2012
Players: 1-10
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Mild Language, Violence

Now, I have never seen such polar opposites present in a single game in terms of graphical quality. The Armored Cores are absolutely stunning, and the level of detail in every piece of equipment puts every other mech game thus far to shame. After spending a fortune pimping your ride, you'll want to show it off to the world, especially after personalizing it with emblems and colors. The animations are also beautiful, and I've often found myself standing still and switching my right arm's primary and secondary weapons, just because it looked so cool. But the rest of the world is downright abysmal. Now, I realize that post-apocalyptic environments are going to be heavy in the gray and brown departments, but putting color aside, the buildings and other destructible objects are hideously unrealistic. I don't know how we are to assume that before our little global struggle, no structural damage was done to nearly every skyscraper, especially considering that tankers, storage trailers, and overpass signs disintegrate at the slightest touch. Although smaller, our Armored Cores still show animations of chewing up concrete as they stomp around, and yet not a single impression is left in your wake.

Armored Core V Screenshot

The sound department is an equal disaster. Like with the graphics, I will twist my thumb upwards for beautiful weapon effects, truly defining the power unleashed by the steel beasts. However, the music is completely dull, and the voice acting is uninspired and fails to convey the dark state the world has fallen into.

Armored Core V is a great game if your cravings include spending hours putting together a truly remarkable piece of machinery and then tackling a constantly evolving multiplayer world with a solid clan at your side. Overcoming the initial intimidation of the vast arrays of stats and finding your footing in the battlefield are certainly challenges worth celebrating when victorious. However, if you're looking for an engaging campaign, measured and concise tactics, and stunning graphics beyond the mechs, From Software's latest entry will leave you severely disappointed. Keep your expectations focused and accept the world that has been created here, and you may still find a reason to log on now and again.

By
Sean Engemann
Contributing Writer

@CardCanuck
Date: March 21, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.5

Graphics
These are the best looking mechs, and the worst looking...well...everything else.

3.4

Control
The menus need a little more time in the QA department, but combat runs fairly smoothly.

2.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The mech sounds are great, but turn the rest off.

3.9

Play Value
It doesn't have any engaging single-player features, but the online multiplayer content handily makes up for it.

3.1

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Up to 10 players can play online simultaneously in 5-on-5 cell match-ups. Each team's Operator who sets strategy, conducts recon, and issues tactical commands. Capture territories to accumulate team and individual points, increasing rank. Higher rank enables greater purchasing and customization options.

Upgrade and customize from 500+ items such as Head Piece, Core, Arms, Legs, and Weapons. Collect multiple Armored Core units and store them in your personal Garage. Trade parts, booster packs, soldier models, BGM, and in-game items with other players.

Base weaponry includes Kinetic, Chemical, and Thermal. New "Over" weapons with "one-hit-kill"power can change the tides of battle. Over Weapons are broken into 3 types: Close Range, Long Range, Area.