Armored Core : Nine Breaker

Reviewed by Norman Canseco
September 15, 2005

Developer: FROM Software Publisher: Agetec Consoles Available: PS2 Number of Players: 1-2 (network up to 4) ESRB Rating: T for Teen Website: Click Here Review Rating: 7 (out of 10)

All Ravens to your AC units, an invitation for arena combat has been put out by the Ravens' Ark. Once again Armored Core fans will be coming out of the woodwork for the latest installment to the popular mech combat series dating back to the PSX. The Ninth game to the Armored Core Series, conveniently title Nine Breaker, brings more mech combat and in-depth customization to the PS2. Unfortunately, fans looking forward to involving story-driven missions will find this title to be a disappointment. For those that are new to this series, here's a brief overview.

Armored Core is an action series based on giant robots known as ‘Cores'. Basic construction consists of a variety of Heads, Arms, Torsos, Generators, Radiators, and Legs. After the base parts are chosen, the mechs are customizable with over 400 different other parts. Core Customization is one of the main elements of this game. However players have to learn how to balance their Core development with its power and weight limits. Poor construction will result in poor performance and overheating on the battlefield. The gameplay in the Armored Core series is very involved and has a pretty steep learning curve. Most of the player's attention will be on the analog sticks for movement and targeting and all four shoulder buttons for weapons and boosting. Players should take time to practice before getting right into the game.

The graphics in AC: NB are a little gritty. Though you can make out everything on the battlefield, there isn't much in the background besides blue sky or ugly plate walls. When you look closely you realize there isn't much of a background at all. Clearly all the graphic attention has been focused on the Cores. In addition, the music in AC: NB becomes very repetitive very fast, there is not much of a variety in sound effects, and a lot of them are recycled.

ACNB definitely has a low evolution factor. Some call this series the “Gran Turismo” of mech combat, but there seems to be a lot missing from this title. For those of you looking forward to a sequel, you will have to wait for the next game. Sure there are numerous training missions and arena battles, but someone who has been playing through the series would think this to be a prologue disc to a two-disc game. Being the ninth game in the series, the graphics still haven't advanced as far as fans had hoped. If you want to give Armored Core a chance, try the two games before this one; i.e. Silent Line and Nexus. AC: Nine Breaker is more intended for mech vs. mech play to satisfy veterans.

More Screenshots: