Armored Core 4

Did You Know?

• Armored Core 4 was initially released in Japan for the PlayStation 3 on December 21, 2006.
• FromSoftware partnered with Sega for the North American release on March 20, 2007.
• In Europe, FromSoftware partnered with 505 Games for the June 22, 2007 release.

Gameplay

Players pilot Armored Core mechs and complete missions for credits, which fund extensive customization. An arena mode offers 1-on-1 matches against computer opponents. New games begin by selecting from several pre-built Armored Cores with varying difficulty, followed by a tutorial. Controls have been streamlined and gameplay accelerated compared to earlier entries, while customization retains depth with hundreds of parts and weapons, each with detailed stats. Many parts are unlocked in groups as the story progresses, and parts can be tuned for subtle performance adjustments. System link and split-screen multiplayer return, and online play supports up to eight players in deathmatch modes via PlayStation Network or Xbox Live. The Xbox 360 version introduced achievements to the series.

Plot

Overpopulation, resource scarcity, and civil unrest lead six major corporations to launch the National Dismantlement War, overthrowing all governments and establishing the Pax Economica. People are relocated into oppressive colonies and forced into labor. The development of Kojima technology, which uses hazardous Kojima Particles, creates a technological gap and enables the construction of NEXT mechs. Corporations begin a shadow war over this technology. Five years into the Pax Economica, the autonomous colony Anatolia faces financial crisis after the death of Professor Jarnefeldt, a leading NEXT engineer. Most of his staff defect to the corporate colony Aspina, and leadership passes to Emil Gustav. To fund Anatolia, Emil modifies a veteran pilot into a LYNX, gives him a NEXT, and sells his mercenary services. The player character, known as Anatolia's Mercenary, is guided by the professor's daughter, Fiona Jarnefeldt. The mercenary defeats rebel LYNX Amazigh, then takes on jobs for corporations, eventually assaulting a seceding GA subsidiary. This act provokes Akva Vit to declare war on GA, breaking the Pax Economica and starting the LYNX War. Akva Vit gains backing from BFF, Leonemeccanica, and Rayleonard, while GA allies with Eqbal and Rosenthal.

Reception

Armored Core 4 received mixed or average reviews on both platforms according to Metacritic. Famitsu scored the PlayStation 3 version 31 out of 40 and the Xbox 360 version 32 out of 40. Reviewers welcomed the graphical update after several titles with dated visuals, though some noted bland environments and clipping issues on hilly terrain. IGN's Greg Miller was unimpressed, stating the visuals did not work. Game Informer's Bryan Vore highlighted the multiplatform release and graphical overhaul as surprises. Changes to core systems were praised; Eurogamer's Dave McCarthy called the game more accessible than its predecessors, and GameSpot's Tom Magrino described it as a more visceral experience with streamlined boost mechanics. However, GamePro found missions repetitive and the game overly complicated. Vore felt customization remained inaccessible, questioning the need for four separate booster classes.