Armored Core 2 Another Age

Ahh, there's nothing quite like the thrill of piloting giant robots. And that about sums up Armored Core 2: Another Age, agetec and From Softwares latest installment in the series. Bearing in mind that this is really just an expansion of Armored Core 2, there is very little that is different or new compared to the other titles in the series, so if you've played one before, don't expect to be blown away. Of course, with 100 new missions, 2 player head-to-head and cooperative missions, playable both with the i-Link cable or split screen, and tons of new parts, there is still plenty to love here.

Okay, here's the story. Its been 5 years since the 30 years war (see previous games), and the Earth government is attempting to rebuild and doing its best to reconcile the underground population with the above ground population. The only problem is, the Corporations think the government is becoming too powerful, and in reaction begin to build up their military forces as well. Needless to say, armed conflict soon ensues, and you play a mercenary trying to earn a buck, pledging your services to the highest bidder at the moment. But all this is inconsequential, basically just an excuse to build an Armored Core (read: giant robot) out of the dozens of available and earned parts, and kick some major butt.

The graphics in this game are outstanding, with a higher resolution, and featuring many new and varied locales, and, of course, the wicked looking Armored Cores. Even the sound effects and various computer voices feel professionally done, the various guns all have their own sound and feel, and individual head parts have their own computer voices. In short, this is the best looking and best sounding iteration of the Armored Core line. But how does it play, you ask? Beautifully. With a half dozen or so titles under their belt, From Software have had the time to hone the controls, and with the quicker turning rates and analog stick support, this is one tight, precise game. Once you've gotten the hang of the control layout (and if you've played an Armored Core title before, you will have no problem), you will be blasting, jumping and dodging like the veteran Armored Core pilot that you are. Even the missions offer up some new challenges, and are varied enough that you find yourself always looking forward to see what the next one will be. From disabling coastal defense guns, to infiltrating a fortress security system, you will eventually find you need to keep multiple Armored Cores, for different mission types. In other words, you will rarely be bored. On the downside, many of the missions are on the short side, and a few feel cramped in terms of where you're allowed to explore. One of the bigger disappointments is the lack of an arena mode, but with everything else this game offers, the oversight is easily forgiven.

As stated before, there is plenty to love here, and very little not to like. If you are the type of person who would enjoy spending almost as much time tweaking your Armored Core configuration, the color scheme of your Armored Core, and even the logo displayed on your Armored Core as you will spend destroying the enemy, then you might want to consider checking this game out. Armored Core 2: Another Age is very well balanced, a blast to play, and hard to put down. Like a fine wine, the Armored Core series only gets better with age.  

Install: N/A

Gameplay: 8.9
This is easily the best in the series, gameplay wise. A huge variety of missions, great control and tons of parts make this game stand out in the ever growing field of PS2 games. This game does just about everything right.

Graphics: 8.6
Higher resolution, more detailed parts and wonderful weapons effects make this game a blast to watch. The only weak spot here is some of the level textures, making some of the locations a bit bland and empty. But most of the time you'll be too busy tearing it up to notice.

Sound: 8.5
For the most part, the sounds are very appropriate and really help draw you in. Its possible to tell where your foes are and what they are attacking with, just by listening to the noises they make. The only weak spots were a few weapon effects, and the lack of background sound effects in the levels.

Difficulty: 8
Easy to pick up, hard to master. That about sums it up, after the first few available missions, you'll think you're a natural Armored Core pilot. But a few more, and you will realize how devious the AI can be. Prepare to be humbled.

Concept: 9
Got to give From Software props in this category. This is giant robots done right. There are few titles available, on any system, that give the level of customization and degree of  playability available here, and less still that do it so well.

Multiplayer: 8.5
Nothing too earth shattering in this category, but the inclusion of i-Link support (finally, a reason to get an i-Link cable - now if I could only find someone with this game), and the new cooperative missions really add something to the otherwise ordinary multiplayer. The only downside is no 4 player.

Overall: 8.7
Hey, if you've seen one Armored Core title, you've seen them all. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. This is easily the best of the bunch, and if you're a fan, or you've never played Armored Core before, this is the one to get. Prepare to spend a lot of time on this one.