Armored core 3 is the latest installment of the Armored Core series.  Armored Core has been the definitive mech game since the series inception and the creators at From Software and Agetec haven't missed a beat.  For those of you unfamiliar with the series Armored Core 3 takes place in a world of mega corporations and artificial intelligence that compete for control of the society called Layered.  When conflicts occur they sometimes use their own forces, but more often they hire a Raven.  The Ravens are mercenaries who are experts at piloting huge mechanized battle suits known as ACs (armored cores).  As Armored Core 3 begins you are given a mission that will determine whether or not you're tough enough to be a Raven.  It's only after you pass that the fun begins.

Armored Core 3 boasts 50 missions, arena combat, up to four player head to head competition, and an extensive collection of parts for your AC.  By completing missions or winning matches in the arena you earn credits which in turn can be used to upgrade or redesign your AC.  Play styles differ greatly depending on what sort of build you go for.  The basic controls are easily mastered but the finesse necessary to complete certain missions or arena matches comes only with practice.  While the controls seem a little clunky they are also scaled on the mobility of your AC.  Faster AC's respond more quickly than slower ones.  However the biggest gripe usually comes from the manipulation of the view which is raised and lowered using the L2 and R2 buttons.  It takes a lot of effort to become proficient in changing these camera angles while flying, firing rockets, trying to keep your opponent in sight, and avoiding laser beams.  However the higher levels of control can be bypassed unless your friends also play the game.  If you do take advantage of the 4 player battle mode, you'll love being able to dominate your friends from the air, while they run around franticly shooting each other and wondering where that last missile just came from.

Graphically the AC's look great.  Almost every customization makes a difference in the appearance of your AC.  In addition, you can give your AC a detailed paint job and even design your own emblem (or steal them from defeated opponents).  The backgrounds and non AC enemies can seem a bit drab in comparison to a blood red AC nick named the angel of death, but the general level of detail is totally sufficient.  The sound quality is pretty decent as well.  The soundtrack is largely made up of subdued techno, which would not exactly pass at the club but certainly keeps the PS2 moving.  Voiceovers, explosions, and multiple selectable voice tracks add to the quality of this title.

The concept of armored core 3 doesn't really differ from any of the other Armored Core games, but if something's not broke don't fix it right?  Unfortunately, all of the Armored Core games have suffered from the same conceptual deficiency.  The storyline is under-developed at best and totally unintelligible at worst.  The world is a shadowy place where nothing is known for certain...and unlike most games this never changes.  Armored Core 3 offers satisfaction mostly in the form of AC building and arena climbing,  rather than by offering a complex and entertaining story line.  However, as a Raven, do you really care what's going on?  As long as you get paid you're happy.  As a player the game's other features outweigh the weak story.

Armored Core 3 is a game for fans of the series or people who like to be meticulous.  If you love RPG's cause you love to tinker with your character or strategy games because of their infinite variety of units Armored Core may be up your alley.  However, if your idea of a great game involves fluffy characters who like to jump on things Armored Core may be a bit too much work for you.

Gameplay: 8.5
Controls are a little stiff and screen shifting can be extremely annoying but overall its the most detailed system out there.

Graphics: 8.5 
Not quite top of the life but damn close.  A little more work on the levels could have vaulted this game to the top of the list.

Sound: 7.5
Very good, but not exceptional

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
Customization, control, and mission difficulty makes this one of the tougher games out there.

Concept: 7 
Can't fault a company for copying its own concept but I wish they would give me a story to sink my teeth into.

Multiplayer: 8
It's only fun if you have friends as into the game as you are.

Overall: 8
A specialized game that fulfills the obsessive compulsive need for options in us all.