Armored Core V

Did You Know?

• FromSoftware released a companion app for iOS and Android devices providing a database of in-game parts and weapons to aid mech customization.
• The game was released in North America on March 20, 2012, in Australia on March 22, and in Europe on March 23, 2012.

Gameplay

Armored Core V emphasizes tactical gameplay over the quick-reflex combat of previous entries, requiring players to use level geography to their advantage. Two new features are introduced: OVERED Weapons (called Ultimate Weapons in the overseas release) are back-mounted parts that deal enormous damage but require the AC to store all currently equipped arm and shoulder weapons, with some needing an entire arm purged to use; they can be used only once per mission or match and are activated via a timer that temporarily removes all restraints on the generator, enabling unlimited use of Core and Booster functions. The other feature is the ability to switch between Scanning Mode, which collects information on surroundings and enemy units while conserving energy, and Combat Mode, which allows engagement with weapons but prevents energy regeneration. Online play features five-on-five team battles with specific objectives, where one team member acts as Operator to oversee the battle and issue orders. The online servers were shut down on March 20, 2014.

Plot

In a far future, Earth is a polluted, sparsely-inhabited wasteland. The last major bastion of human civilization is The City, a coastal city-state in North America south of a toxic region called the Contaminated Zone. The City is ruled by the tyrannical Father, who gained power using advanced weapons technology he found in the Contaminated Zone. To relieve overcrowding, Father institutes a harsh apartheid policy, condemning many to underground slums. His lieutenant Jack Batty organizes the Resistance, but the First Rebellion is crushed by a PMC called The Corporation, and Jack Batty is killed by the Corporation pilot known as Chief. The player is The Mercenary, a former City Police officer who helped quell the First Rebellion. One year later, The Mercenary joins the Resistance for the Second Rebellion. Resistance fighters capture Father, but The Corporation airstrikes the building, killing everyone inside. The Mercenary fights through a Corporation strike force and seemingly defeats Chief.

Reception

Armored Core V received mixed or average reviews on both platforms according to Metacritic. In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 34 out of 40. The Daily Telegraph gave the Xbox 360 version four stars out of five, calling it a brilliant but difficult game to recommend to everyone, rewarding patience with a deep, idiosyncratic experience. The Digital Fix gave the PlayStation 3 version seven out of ten, describing it as a sterile and cold experience without its multiplayer. Metro also gave seven out of ten, noting innovative ideas in combat and online play but stating it would not make giant robot sims mainstream. The Observer gave a mixed review, praising its looks and entertainment value while criticizing its impenetrability for all but the faithful.