Reviewed by TL on 2/15/2006
Gameplay:
I think I wrote a review for Armored Core 2. Well, Armored Core 3 is about the same. Again, there are new parts, new targets, etc. The computer can still cheat hardcore if it wants to, and the ACs are still clunky (don't believe the grace of what's shown in the intros and cutscenes. Combat is still just a matter of strafing back and forth, unloading ordnance, and there haven't been any big changes. The Wingman concept is nice, but unfortunately, accompanying MCs fall short of being effective weapons (they a'splode real easy) for their cost. Maybe if the player could afford a fleet of twelve of them.
Audio:
Considering that the guns are like normal guns, only scaled up about ten to twenty times, I would expect the shots to sound that way. They have "pistols" that have a muzzle diameter of about a meter, yet it sounds like a cracker pop. The laser weapons sound like anime sounds from the 1980s. When I fire an energy weapon, I want the hairs to stand up on the back of my neck! It's never happened before, in any game, I might add, but I'm sure they could have done better than what they've got here.
Presentation:
The graphics and models, as well as the cutscenes, are top notch mecha action. Menu screens and the graphical layout in general are highly stylized and fit seamlessly into the technology saturated feel of the Armored Core universe. Part swapping is still a joy, and customizing one's mech remains a highly entertaining process. I still kind of wish the shell and performance could be separated from one another, but maybe that will come in the seventh or eighth iteration.
Replayability:
The missions are kind of lengthy, and it's not as satisfying shooting stuff as in most games. Even worse, when starting over from the beginning, the performance of the mech drops considerably. As dodging fire is highly dependant upon the ability of the machine to not stumble when shot, the satisfaction gleaned from firefights is really more a function of mech power than player skill. This is unfortunate, as skill is the only thing a player can take back to the start in a game like this. No, once finished, this is a title best traded away for funds which can be used to purchase the sequel.
Overall:
If you like mechs and like shooting things with mechs, this is a game well worth playing. Maybe not necessarily replaying, but mixing and matching to create the most powerful machine possible is great fun. But only if you enjoy mechs.
