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{{Infobox CVG| title = Armored Core 3
{{Infobox video game
| title = Armored Core 3
|image = [[Image:Ac3_cover.jpg|Armored Core 3]]
| image = Armored Core 3.jpg
| caption = North American PlayStation 2 cover art
|developer = [[From Software]]
|publisher = [[Agetec]]
| developer = [[FromSoftware]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|FromSoftware|NA|[[Agetec]]|EU|[[Metro3D]]}}
|designer =
| producer = Kenichiro Tsukuda
|engine =
| programmer = Koji Nakanishi
|released = [[September 10]], [[2002]]
| composer = Tsukasa Saitoh
|genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[Third-person shooter]]
| artist = Takeo Kido<br/>Takahide Hamauchi
|modes = [[Single player]], [[Multiplayer]]
|ratings = [[ESRB]]: Teen (T)
| series = ''[[Armored Core]]''
| released = '''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|April 4, 2002<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-08-11 |title=FROM SOFTWARE WEB SITE |url=http://www.fromsoftware.co.jp/etop/whatsnew/ |access-date=2023-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020811040532/http://www.fromsoftware.co.jp/etop/whatsnew/ |archive-date=2002-08-11 }}</ref>|NA|September 11, 2002<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-12-04 |title=-= A G E T E C (v1.0-ALPHA) =- |url=http://www.agetec.com:80/news.asp |access-date=2023-04-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204212233/http://www.agetec.com:80/news.asp | archive-date=2002-12-04 }}</ref>|EU|May 30, 2003<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-05-30 |title=What's New? |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news300503whatsnew |access-date=2023-04-04}}</ref>}}'''PlayStation Portable'''{{vgrelease|JP|July 30, 2009<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-05-21 |title= |url=http://www.fromsoftware.jp/main/press/ac3p_release.pdf |access-date=2023-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521071308/http://www.fromsoftware.jp/main/press/ac3p_release.pdf |archive-date=2009-05-21 }}</ref>|NA|October 22, 2009<ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=2009-10-23 |title=Armored Core 3 Portable Now Available on PlayStation Network |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/23/armored-core-3-portable-now-available-on-playstation-network |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>|EU|May 19, 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Armored Core 3 Portable - PlayStation Portable - GameSpy |url=http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/armored-core-3/ |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=psp.gamespy.com}}</ref>}}
|platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]
| genre = [[Third-person shooter]]
|media =
| modes = [[Single player]], [[multiplayer]]
|requirements =
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]]<br/>[[PlayStation Portable]]
|input = [[DualShock 2]]
|picture format = [[480i]] (SDTV)
}}
}}
'''''Armored Core 3''''' is a 2002 [[third-person shooter]] [[mecha]] [[video game]] developed by [[FromSoftware]] for the [[PlayStation 2]]. It is the sixth entry in the ''[[Armored Core]]'' series. ''Armored Core 3'' acts as a reboot for the franchise and begins a storyline that would continue through ''[[Armored Core: Last Raven]]''. In 2009, ''Armored Core 3'' was ported to the [[PlayStation Portable]].
'''''Armored Core 3''''' is a [[mecha]] video game in the [[Armored Core]] series.
==Description==


As a reboot of the franchise, ''Armored Core 3'' returns the setting back to the post-apocalyptic setting of the earlier [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] trilogy. The player is a mercenary in a future where humanity has been driven underground and is ruled by a powerful [[artificial intelligence]] called The Controller. Despite The Controller's rule, corporations fight each other for dominance.
===Storyline===
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Armored Core 3 depicts a subterranean society called "Layered". Layered is ruled by an [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] simply known as "The Controller", and it dictates nearly everything that goes on in this world. The two major corporations, Mirage and Crest Industries, vie for dominance and control over Layered's land and assets. All is not right with The Controller however, and odd things are happening that might even go so far as to suggest that the logic system is failing...


''Armored Core 3'' is largely unchanged from its predecessor. Players operate mech units that they may customize with credits earned from completing missions and fighting in an arena. Customization extends to every aspect of a player's Armored Core unit, including the individual parts, weapons, paint, and emblem. Local multiplayer modes allow for up to 4 players to fight each other with their custom Armored Cores.
===Background===
*'''The Controller''' - An omnipresent artificial intelligence in charge of maintaining all aspects of mankind's underground refuge, Layered. The Controller's influence is so pervasive, so tightly interwoven into even the smallest facets of everyday life, that its existence is rarely given a second thought. The lives of all who dwell in Layered are inextricably tied to The Controller. Referred to as 'Dove' in the Japanese release.


==Gameplay==
*'''Mirage''' - Originally an industrial machine manufacturer, Mirage has matured into one of the era's leading AC development houses. The company hopes to further strengthen its position by gaining access to The Controller and administering its power to benefit Mirage's agenda. However, this plan has yet to be carried out due to fear of The Controller's reprisals should they attempt to act and fail.
''Armored Core 3'' continues the series' core mechanics. Players pilot Armored Core units, massive customizable mechs. In order to earn money to customize their Armored Core, players must complete missions for three major corporations.<ref name=gspy/> This money can then be used for weapons, items, and parts to improve their Armored Core.<ref name=gz/>


Missions, like in earlier titles, retain their focus on completing objectives and destroying enemies.<ref name=EuroG/> Mission costs like repairs and ammunition supply are automatically deducted from the reward. Voice acted briefings prior to missions provides a small amount of story regarding the mission.<ref name=GSpot/>
*'''Crest''' - Mirage's main competitor, Crest initially rose to power as a bioengineering concern before redirecting its efforts into the field of AC part development. Crest is just as eager to expand its interests as Mirage but is reluctant to achieve this end by manipulating The Controller, because in Crest's opinion, the current system is the best anyone can hope for. This difference in perception places Crest and Mirage at odds.


Returning after a removal in ''[[Armored Core 2: Another Age|Another Age]]'', the Arena is a free-form game mode that allows players to fight other pilots to rise in rank.<ref name=EuroG/> Winning Arena matches can provide players with credits and parts that can be used on their Armored Core unit.<ref name=gamerev/>
*'''Kisaragi''' - Like any corporate entity, Kisaragi strives to grow both its product line and market share, but given its size, only pushes the envelope when a clear advantage exists. Kisaragi's aspirations for power center mainly on surpassing their corporate rivals and they take a very middle-of-the-road approach with regards to The Controller. Kisaragi broke into the AC development field after a successful stint as a computer manufacturer.


Like its earlier counterparts, ''Armored Core 3'' hosts a local multiplayer mode that allows players to fight their friends via split screen or console linking with a Sony I-Link Fire Wire cable. As a new feature, the Fire Wire cable allows for up to 4 players to connect their consoles rather than the previous maximum of 2 players.<ref name=GSpot/> An offline [[Video game bot|bot]] mode for fighting computer opponents is included.<ref name=gamerev/>
*'''Union''' - An underground rebel group whose core members consist of intellectuals vehemently opposed to The Controller's uncontested rule of Layered. Because of this stance, Crest regards Union as Layered's most serious threat. Meanwhile, Union remains convinced that something is amiss in Layered and has gone so far as to claim that The Controller is malfunctioning.


As a new feature, ''Armored Core 3'' supports [[Computer mouse|USB mice]] for emblem design.<ref name=GSpot/> Additional features include computer-controlled allies that assist with missions and detachable weapons.<ref name=gamerev/><ref name=gp/> ''Armored Core 3'' also supports [[Dolby Pro Logic|Dolby Pro Logic II]] surround sound.<ref name=IGN/>
*'''Ravens''' - These are the mercenaries affiliated with the Ravens' Nest. Once one registers as a Raven with the Ravens' Nest, their private computer network is used to dispatch missions, buy or sell AC parts and the like. This affiliation to the Nest, however, places no restrictions on the Ravens.


==Plot==
*'''Global Cortex''' - A unique organization, Global Cortex is the intermediary between corporate clients and mercenaries for hire. These mercenaries, more commonly referred to as Ravens, are pilots who operate the massive mechanized units known as Armored Cores. Though Global Cortex works closely with all of Layered's corporations, it maintains a strict level of neutrality and does not side with any of them.
''Armored Core 3'' serves as a reboot for the ''Armored Core'' franchise but retains many similar elements to the original ''Armored Core''. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, ''Armored Core 3'' depicts a world where humanity has begun to live underneath the Earth's surface after a catastrophic global nuclear war broke out on the surface. The human beings who survived formed a subterranean society called "Layered". Layered is ruled by an [[artificial intelligence]] known as "The Controller", which dictates almost everything that happens in the world. The two major corporations, Mirage and Crest Industries, and a relatively more minor one, Kisaragi, all vie for dominance and control over the land and assets in Layered. At the game's outset, The Controller seems to be experiencing frequent errors, which has led to a growth of support for a rebel group, known as Union, that wishes to overthrow The Controller.


The player takes the role of a Raven, mercenaries that are registered with the neutral Global Cortex organization. Over the course of the game, the player is provided with missions for the various factions by Laine Meyers, the player's manager, and the player can choose who to support. In later missions, it is revealed that The Controller is manipulating the various factions in order to destroy infrastructure and support systems for Layered, leading to a direct confrontation with The Controller. After the player destroys it, an emergency program opens Layered's blast doors and allows for surface access for the first time in centuries.
*'''Laine Meyers''' - Global Cortex liaison manager responsible for the player’s mission assignments and communications support.


===Gameplay===
== Release ==
''Armored Core 3'' was initially released in [[Japan]] for the [[Sony]] [[PlayStation 2]] on April 4, 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=020|title=Armored Core 3 {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|last=|first=|date=|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref> [[FromSoftware]] partnered with [[Agetec]] and released a [[North America]]n version on September 5, 2002. A [[Europe]]an version was released in partnership with [[Metro3D, Inc.|Metro3D]] on May 30, 2003.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/armored-core-3/release-info|title=Armored Core 3 (2002) release dates|website=MobyGames|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref>
Like ''[[Armored Core (game)|Armored Core]]'' and ''[[Armored Core 2]]'', you are given a trial mission to see if you are talented enough to join the mercenary group dubbed Global Cortex. New features within Armored Core 3 include consorts (additional allies that can be obtained to assist you in a mission), detachable weapons (thereby lessening your total weight and increasing speed), and a new Core classification; Exceed Orbit (EO) which sacrifices the power of Overboost and allows you to deploy a built-in, autonomous weapon on your Core.


===''Armored Core 3 Portable''===
===Setting===
''Armored Core 3'' was re-released for the [[PlayStation Portable]] as '''''Armored Core 3 Portable'''''. In Japan, it was released on July 30, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=074|title=Armored Core 3 Portable {{!}} FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア|last=|first=|date=|website=www.fromsoftware.jp|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref> A North American version was released on October 21, 2009, while a European version was released on May 19, 2010.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Hinkle |first=David |date=April 15, 2009 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/04/15/famitsu-armored-core-3-coming-to-psp/ |title=Famitsu: Armored Core 3 coming to PSP |website=[[Engadget]] ([[Joystiq]]) |publisher=[[Oath Inc.]] |accessdate=December 16, 2018}}</ref> The re-release included [[widescreen]] support and an ad hoc multiplayer mode.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/2535/Armored-Core-3-Portable/|title=Armored Core 3 Portable|website=Gaming Nexus|language=en|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/armored-core-3-portable-review/|title=Armored Core 3 Portable review|last=Andrew_Fitch 2009-11-11T08:42:06. 314Z|website=gamesradar|date=11 November 2009|language=en|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref>
Many players were confused with the nature of ''Armored Core 3'''s storyline in relation to previous AC games. At the end of ''Another Age'', the AC world appeared to be getting back on its feet after the conflicts of the subterranean era (''Armored Core'', ''Project Phantasma'', ''Master of Arena'') and the Mars crisis (''Armored Core 2''). However, when ''Armored Core 3'' begins mankind is back in a subterranean city hiding from the effects of a catastrophic global nuclear war.


==Reception==
Two prominent theories have arisen to explain away this discrepancy. Either the game is set in the same world as the previous games and the world experienced a second "Great Destruction", or ''Armored Core 3'' [[Reboot (continuity)|reboot]]s the series' storyline and starts all over again from a similar starting point as the original ''Armored Core''. Another possibility is that Layered is an isolated subterranean city, where the inhabitants have not yet been made aware that the surface world is once again habitable. This would explain the significance of the ending movie, which shows the tunnels connecting to the surface opening for the first time. The only backstory given for the game states that mankind has existed under the yoke of the Controller for centuries. No other reference is made to the game's history beyond that.
{{video game reviews
| PS2 = true
| PSP = true
| na = true
| MC_PS2 = 74/100<ref name="MC_PS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/armored-core-3/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Armored Core 3 for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=April 25, 2019}}</ref>
| MC_PSP = 43/100<ref name="MC_PSP">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/armored-core-3/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=Armored Core 3 Portable for PSP Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=April 25, 2019}}</ref>
| Edge_PS2 = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Armored Core 3 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |issue=112 |date=July 2002}}</ref>
| EGM_PS2 = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |author=David H. |url=http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1487770,00.asp |title=Armored Core 3 |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=159 |date=October 2002 |page=179 |access-date=2018-12-17 |archive-date=2004-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040604075128/http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1487770,00.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| EuroG_PS2 = 6/10<ref name=EuroG>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Martin |date=June 23, 2003 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_ac3_ps2 |title=Armored Core 3 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |accessdate=December 17, 2018}}</ref>
| Fam_PS2 = 34/40<ref name=FamPS2>{{cite magazine |script-title=ja:プレイステーション2 - アーマード・コア 3 |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |volume=915 |date=June 30, 2006 |page=75}}</ref>
| GI_PS2 = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Armored Core 3 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |issue=113 |date=September 2002 |page=80}}</ref>
| GamePro_PS2 = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=gp>{{cite magazine |author=Star Dingo |date=September 9, 2002 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/26142.shtml |title=Armored Core 3 Review for PS2 on GamePro.com |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050212135016/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/26142.shtml |archivedate=February 12, 2005 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 17, 2018}}</ref>
| GameRev_PS2 = B+<ref name=gamerev>{{cite web |last=Sanders |first=Shawn |date=September 3, 2002 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33321-hard-core-review |title=Armored Core 3 Review |website=[[Game Revolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907235737/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/armored-core-3 |archivedate=September 7, 2015 |url-status=live |accessdate=December 17, 2018}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS2 = 7.5/10<ref name=GSpot>{{cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=September 11, 2002 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/armored-core-3-review/1900-2880000/ |title=Armored Core 3 Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=December 16, 2018}}</ref>
| GSpy_PS2 = 82%<ref name=gspy>{{cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Steve |date=October 9, 2002 |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/october02/armoredcore3ps2/ |title=Armored Core 3 (PS2) |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050217160713/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/october02/armoredcore3ps2/ |archivedate=February 17, 2005 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 17, 2018}}</ref>
| GameZone_PS2 = 8/10<ref name=gz>{{cite web |last=Parrotta |first=Dylan |date=September 17, 2002 |url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r19719.htm |title=Armored Core 3 Review |website=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006081028/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r19719.htm |archivedate=October 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |accessdate=December 17, 2018}}</ref>
| IGN_PS2 = 7.3/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=David |date=September 9, 2002 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/09/armored-core-3 |title=Armored Core 3 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |accessdate=December 16, 2018}}</ref>
| OPM_PS2 = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Armored Core 3 |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=October 2002 |page=142}}</ref>
| PSM_PS2 = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Review: Armored Core 3 |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |date=October 2002 |page=30}}</ref>
| PSM_PSP = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Review: Armored Core 3 Portable |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]] |publisher=Future plc |issue=28 |date=January 2010 |page=86}}</ref>
}}

The PlayStation 2 version of ''Armored Core 3'' received "mixed or average" reviews, while the PlayStation Portable version received "generally unfavorable reviews", according to the [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC_PS2" /><ref name="MC_PSP" /> In Japan, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the former console version a score of 34 out of 40.<ref name=FamPS2/>

Critics positively received the variety of mission objectives and the continued customization depth of the franchise but were unimpressed with the incremental nature of the game, barebones story, and continued control problems. ''[[Eurogamer|Eurogamer's]]'' Martin Taylor called the variety of objectives "impressive", though later added: "Sadly, the prevalence of missions that have you either bumbling around streets or in various industrial buildings starts to become tiresome and samey" due to "uninspiring locales".<ref name="EuroG" /> In regards to the game's complicated gameplay, Shawn Sanders from ''[[Game Revolution]]'' stated that "none have been able to compete with the complexity and depth that is the ''Armored Core'' series".<ref name="gamerev" />

The lack of meaningful updates to the core experience was a sore point for many reviewers. In a mixed review, David Smith from ''[[IGN]]'' wrote: "From Software could do so much more with these games, and instead it seems committed to doing the same damn thing over and over".<ref name="IGN" /> ''[[GameSpot|GameSpot's]]'' Greg Kasavin called the design "dated" and criticized its "unspectacular presentation".<ref name="GSpot" />

As in previous titles, the game's lack of depth to its story was criticized. Dylan Parrotta from ''GameZone'' called the story "under-developed at best and totally unintelligible at worst".<ref name="gz" /> Outdated and overbearing controls were especially derided by reviewers. When discussing the lack of dual analog control, ''Eurogamer's'' Martin Taylor said: "This glaring oversight in the control scheme hinders the player far more than it should, and makes targeting roof-mounted or flying enemies a task in itself".<ref name="EuroG" />

{{Clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.armoredcore.net/top/}} {{in lang|ja}}
*{{moby game|id=/armored-core-3|name=''Armored Core 3''}}
*''[https://www.fromsoftware.jp/jp/detail.html?csm=020 Armored Core 3]'' at [[FromSoftware]]
* {{moby game|id=/armored-core-3}}


{{Armored Core}}
{{FromSoftware games}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2002 video games]]
[[Category:2002 video games]]
[[Category:Armored Core Games]]
[[Category:Armored Core]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2-only games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Portable games]]
[[Category:Video games about mecha]]
[[Category:Third-person shooters]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Kota Hoshino]]
[[Category:Agetec games]]
[[Category:Metro3D games]]

Latest revision as of 16:31, 5 December 2024

Armored Core 3
North American PlayStation 2 cover art
Developer(s)FromSoftware
Publisher(s)
Producer(s)Kenichiro Tsukuda
Programmer(s)Koji Nakanishi
Artist(s)Takeo Kido
Takahide Hamauchi
Composer(s)Tsukasa Saitoh
SeriesArmored Core
Platform(s)PlayStation 2
PlayStation Portable
ReleasePlayStation 2
PlayStation Portable
Genre(s)Third-person shooter
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer

Armored Core 3 is a 2002 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. It is the sixth entry in the Armored Core series. Armored Core 3 acts as a reboot for the franchise and begins a storyline that would continue through Armored Core: Last Raven. In 2009, Armored Core 3 was ported to the PlayStation Portable.

As a reboot of the franchise, Armored Core 3 returns the setting back to the post-apocalyptic setting of the earlier PlayStation trilogy. The player is a mercenary in a future where humanity has been driven underground and is ruled by a powerful artificial intelligence called The Controller. Despite The Controller's rule, corporations fight each other for dominance.

Armored Core 3 is largely unchanged from its predecessor. Players operate mech units that they may customize with credits earned from completing missions and fighting in an arena. Customization extends to every aspect of a player's Armored Core unit, including the individual parts, weapons, paint, and emblem. Local multiplayer modes allow for up to 4 players to fight each other with their custom Armored Cores.

Gameplay

[edit]

Armored Core 3 continues the series' core mechanics. Players pilot Armored Core units, massive customizable mechs. In order to earn money to customize their Armored Core, players must complete missions for three major corporations.[7] This money can then be used for weapons, items, and parts to improve their Armored Core.[8]

Missions, like in earlier titles, retain their focus on completing objectives and destroying enemies.[9] Mission costs like repairs and ammunition supply are automatically deducted from the reward. Voice acted briefings prior to missions provides a small amount of story regarding the mission.[10]

Returning after a removal in Another Age, the Arena is a free-form game mode that allows players to fight other pilots to rise in rank.[9] Winning Arena matches can provide players with credits and parts that can be used on their Armored Core unit.[11]

Like its earlier counterparts, Armored Core 3 hosts a local multiplayer mode that allows players to fight their friends via split screen or console linking with a Sony I-Link Fire Wire cable. As a new feature, the Fire Wire cable allows for up to 4 players to connect their consoles rather than the previous maximum of 2 players.[10] An offline bot mode for fighting computer opponents is included.[11]

As a new feature, Armored Core 3 supports USB mice for emblem design.[10] Additional features include computer-controlled allies that assist with missions and detachable weapons.[11][12] Armored Core 3 also supports Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound.[13]

Plot

[edit]

Armored Core 3 serves as a reboot for the Armored Core franchise but retains many similar elements to the original Armored Core. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Armored Core 3 depicts a world where humanity has begun to live underneath the Earth's surface after a catastrophic global nuclear war broke out on the surface. The human beings who survived formed a subterranean society called "Layered". Layered is ruled by an artificial intelligence known as "The Controller", which dictates almost everything that happens in the world. The two major corporations, Mirage and Crest Industries, and a relatively more minor one, Kisaragi, all vie for dominance and control over the land and assets in Layered. At the game's outset, The Controller seems to be experiencing frequent errors, which has led to a growth of support for a rebel group, known as Union, that wishes to overthrow The Controller.

The player takes the role of a Raven, mercenaries that are registered with the neutral Global Cortex organization. Over the course of the game, the player is provided with missions for the various factions by Laine Meyers, the player's manager, and the player can choose who to support. In later missions, it is revealed that The Controller is manipulating the various factions in order to destroy infrastructure and support systems for Layered, leading to a direct confrontation with The Controller. After the player destroys it, an emergency program opens Layered's blast doors and allows for surface access for the first time in centuries.

Release

[edit]

Armored Core 3 was initially released in Japan for the Sony PlayStation 2 on April 4, 2002.[14] FromSoftware partnered with Agetec and released a North American version on September 5, 2002. A European version was released in partnership with Metro3D on May 30, 2003.[15]

Armored Core 3 Portable

[edit]

Armored Core 3 was re-released for the PlayStation Portable as Armored Core 3 Portable. In Japan, it was released on July 30, 2009.[16] A North American version was released on October 21, 2009, while a European version was released on May 19, 2010.[15][17] The re-release included widescreen support and an ad hoc multiplayer mode.[18][19]

Reception

[edit]

The PlayStation 2 version of Armored Core 3 received "mixed or average" reviews, while the PlayStation Portable version received "generally unfavorable reviews", according to the review aggregator website Metacritic.[20][21] In Japan, Famitsu gave the former console version a score of 34 out of 40.[24]

Critics positively received the variety of mission objectives and the continued customization depth of the franchise but were unimpressed with the incremental nature of the game, barebones story, and continued control problems. Eurogamer's Martin Taylor called the variety of objectives "impressive", though later added: "Sadly, the prevalence of missions that have you either bumbling around streets or in various industrial buildings starts to become tiresome and samey" due to "uninspiring locales".[9] In regards to the game's complicated gameplay, Shawn Sanders from Game Revolution stated that "none have been able to compete with the complexity and depth that is the Armored Core series".[11]

The lack of meaningful updates to the core experience was a sore point for many reviewers. In a mixed review, David Smith from IGN wrote: "From Software could do so much more with these games, and instead it seems committed to doing the same damn thing over and over".[13] GameSpot's Greg Kasavin called the design "dated" and criticized its "unspectacular presentation".[10]

As in previous titles, the game's lack of depth to its story was criticized. Dylan Parrotta from GameZone called the story "under-developed at best and totally unintelligible at worst".[8] Outdated and overbearing controls were especially derided by reviewers. When discussing the lack of dual analog control, Eurogamer's Martin Taylor said: "This glaring oversight in the control scheme hinders the player far more than it should, and makes targeting roof-mounted or flying enemies a task in itself".[9]

Notes

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References

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  1. ^ "-= A G E T E C (v1.0-ALPHA) =-". 2002-12-04. Archived from the original on 2002-12-04. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  2. ^ "FROM SOFTWARE WEB SITE". 2002-08-11. Archived from the original on 2002-08-11. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  3. ^ "What's New?". Eurogamer.net. 2003-05-30. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  4. ^ I. G. N. Staff (2009-10-23). "Armored Core 3 Portable Now Available on PlayStation Network". IGN. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  5. ^ . 2009-05-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20090521071308/http://www.fromsoftware.jp/main/press/ac3p_release.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-05-21. Retrieved 2023-04-04. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ "Armored Core 3 Portable - PlayStation Portable - GameSpy". psp.gamespy.com. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  7. ^ a b Steinberg, Steve (October 9, 2002). "Armored Core 3 (PS2)". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 17, 2005. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  8. ^ a b c Parrotta, Dylan (September 17, 2002). "Armored Core 3 Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  9. ^ a b c d e Taylor, Martin (June 23, 2003). "Armored Core 3". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  10. ^ a b c d e Kasavin, Greg (September 11, 2002). "Armored Core 3 Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  11. ^ a b c d e Sanders, Shawn (September 3, 2002). "Armored Core 3 Review". Game Revolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  12. ^ a b Star Dingo (September 9, 2002). "Armored Core 3 Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  13. ^ a b c Smith, David (September 9, 2002). "Armored Core 3". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  14. ^ "Armored Core 3 | FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア". www.fromsoftware.jp. Retrieved 2020-02-09.
  15. ^ a b "Armored Core 3 (2002) release dates". MobyGames. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
  16. ^ "Armored Core 3 Portable | FromSoftware - フロム・ソフトウェア". www.fromsoftware.jp. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
  17. ^ Hinkle, David (April 15, 2009). "Famitsu: Armored Core 3 coming to PSP". Engadget (Joystiq). Oath Inc. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  18. ^ "Armored Core 3 Portable". Gaming Nexus. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
  19. ^ Andrew_Fitch 2009-11-11T08:42:06. 314Z (11 November 2009). "Armored Core 3 Portable review". gamesradar. Retrieved 2020-02-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ a b "Armored Core 3 for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  21. ^ a b "Armored Core 3 Portable for PSP Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
  22. ^ Edge staff (July 2002). "Armored Core 3". Edge. No. 112. Future plc.
  23. ^ David H. (October 2002). "Armored Core 3". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 159. Ziff Davis. p. 179. Archived from the original on 2004-06-04. Retrieved 2018-12-17.
  24. ^ a b プレイステーション2 - アーマード・コア 3. Famitsu (in Japanese). Vol. 915. Enterbrain. June 30, 2006. p. 75.
  25. ^ "Armored Core 3". Game Informer. No. 113. GameStop. September 2002. p. 80.
  26. ^ "Armored Core 3". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine. Ziff Davis. October 2002. p. 142.
  27. ^ "Review: Armored Core 3". PSM. Future US. October 2002. p. 30.
  28. ^ "Review: Armored Core 3 Portable". PlayStation: The Official Magazine. No. 28. Future plc. January 2010. p. 86.
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