the thing about armored core is that even one of the "bad" games is still leagues better then all the shovelware bs some game companies push out for a quick buck. legendary game franchise that still holds up.
I agree with a lot of this but for awnser was a great game. From the cut scenes to the missions. They made these games faster cause of rival games like ZOE. I think it was a lot more balanced then you think cause you could still tank up with duel grenade launchers and just rip people from far away or go fast and dash everywhere.
No it's not, man, stop being so delusional, the game is terribly designed and the combat is super annoying, if the combat system doesn't work in a game like this, then why even bother. I don't know about the rest of the series but if the games are all like this, then now we know why we don't get armored core games anymore
@@Redxyellow1 For Answers is the only one of the franchise I've played too, but I can tell you're just acting like a scrub. If you don't like it that's fine, but I'm confident it's a good game.
Heavy mechs in FA dominated the meta in PVP. There were almost no rankers with light Nexts. Specifically ultra heavy long range missile builds were everywhere.
kinda funny, for me I grew up with 4 and FA so theyve always been my go-tos. Im finally able to play the older games thanks to emulation, and im loving em
@@Powerhouse1 I grew up with 4 and FA, I played the very first one a *long* time ago, I tried to get into the ones on the PS2 but I couldn't get past the archaic controls, so I just ended up playing Nexus and Last Raven. For the most part I find the games fun, although 3 had a few repetitive missions it was overall enjoyable, tho not being able to turn 180 degrees without a specific extension part has been hard to get used to XD
same man. Armored core 4 was my first and I loved it and absolutely love for answer afterwards. The games looked familiar to me though but I couldn't figure out why for a while. That was because I remember seeing my Brother playing the armored core games on the ps2 when I was younger. I just got into the series really late I guess.
There arnt many video games period that go as fast as for answer not even the gundam maxiboost games. Like if i wanted to play heavy mechs i can literally just pick out any other armored core and there are quite a few of those. Im glad for the one off insanely high octane game. The very different experience for answer gives makes it incredible just for that. Especially since from soft made nothing but those slow as hell souls games for nearly 10 years straight.
Putting Verdict Day with V is a no go for me. What they did with the UNAC system and the online made a world of difference. I had an insane amount of fun watching full teams of players fall to myself and my team of AI that I made from scratch. Easily atleast in Dominant tier.
Armored Core 4 is one that I remember fondly for one reason: a specific online multiplayer match I had after clearing the main story. It was the 360 version of the game and I got paired up against the stereotypical Xbox Live 12-year-old in a match. In the 10-12 seconds it took me to select my mech for the match, this kid must have insulted me and made the typical comments about my mother that everyone is probably thinking of so many times I wondered if he was going for a world record. I picked out my reverse knee-joint missile boat mech for the fight. Mission starts, I jump up, target the little jerk, see he’s in the starter mech, and unload dozens of missiles from in the air. Less than half a minute later, he’s a smoking crater in the ground and the chat is nothing but silence. It was a good day 😊
I concur with this teerlist, wholeheartedly, having mowed lawns to earn enough money to buy the OG Armored Core back in the day, for PSX. It was amazing, and had incredible replay value, especially if one has a friend with whom to engage in some Core rivalry!
@@seb24789 oh wow. It's funny because I tried to make a heavy and that's probably what missed. They cut though my defense like a hot knife though butter. And I was a slow moving target.
@@Powerhouse1 What impressed me most about versus mode in the first three Armored Core games was the size of the maps. The arenas (maps) seemed absolutely HUGE especially when compared to those in the first-person-shooters that were available in the mid to late 90's. Only Starseige Tribes' maps came close but Tribes was really more multiplayer focused even though it also featured a PvP Deathmatch mode.
@@furballbear Yeah I do remember being in the tree level in the first game hiding out lol. My favorite of the PS1 arenas was the water one. That one was always visually impressive to me.
@@Powerhouse1 Yeah, several of the maps were visually impressive for the time. Some even got a little bigger when you linked two PlayStation consoles together.
My first game ACLR (it was the latest one at the time so I thought "why not?") and I found it really hard to go back to previous titles because I was so used to control type B lol.
I was expecting to rage but you actually made a pretty good tier list, the only thing I would change is switching AC1 and phantasma. Original ps1 trilogy had the best physics by far imo.
Tank craft are absurd in AC4 and ACFA, they just don’t like light non-specialist weaponry, which I would assume makes up a lot of the weapons in the older games? In AC4/FA if you want to beat light craft, a tank craft with a heavy engine and shittons of missiles, four gatling guns, or the fattest “grenade launchers” (bigass sniper cannons!) is the way to go. Or if you want to really cheese it, the back-mounted superheavy Kojima artillery will just oneshot lightcraft like flies...maybe even just one Kojima rifle. It sounds like you needed to explore more into AC4/FA builds and specialize them. However, it’s totally okay to enjoy a certain playstyle! :) Appreciate the vid!
I will agree though that superfast blade NEXTs are totally imbalanced in AC4 and ACFA, especially with the Overboost-Forward Boost-Blade Boost exploit.
Not sure why allot of people are forgetting about easy mode in FA, which can get you through all except one mission, and that is dual blades. That with the white glint core will clear most of the game for you.
I agree with everything but 4, seemed more of a personal preference. But I get that it's their tier list. Personally loved them, when you get "in the zone" so to speak, it feels incredible to play.
I just started venturing into Armored Core. Currently playing 1 on ePSXe Android, and man this is some advanced stuff. I respect everyone who has made the commitment to get really good. It is hard. Like, REALLY hard. Intimidating actually, with the dark maps, relentless enemies and baffling customization options. When I entered the game, I was like aight let's customize a sweet core and smash some mecha butts!! Well, I got smacked. Put in my place I guess. About 30K debt after my first 5 mission failures. Now I'm starting to actually complete some missions and (as of yet vainly) trying to make a customization plan; calculator, pen, paper on the table. It's hardcore but I like difficult stuff. It's all very complex and there is so much room for improvement. For me, Armored Core feels more like training a skill rather than leaning back playing a videogame. I feel like I'm starting to get how mech-piloting anime characters must feel xD. Anyway I'm already hyped for the other games, so thanks for this great tier list. knowing now what to expect without spoiling anything 👍
I would say at this point for you to start over only because the debt will handicap you from getting better parts going forward, but glad you have been enjoying it so far. Hope it helps prepare you for the other games in the series!
I played the launch title game for PS2 to living death. Original game too. Last Raven was really good and the difficulty was great in hard modes. I loved that you could bring your build over from the other games. You could really feel the love with the games up the last of them. If they go anywhere with the game it needs better more realistic movement. Destruction of environment and collision effects need to be an important effect. The scale of missiles and ballistics to lasers needs to be realistic, because it would really set it off. A little more realism in AC would go along way. But think about those empty casings flying from some of the weapons, it has so much potential. Cities should take the most insane collateral damage in some cases. Graphics overhaul.
Played almost all of the AC series. I dropped off after playing AC4 for the exact reason you said, too fast paced. Recently picked up verdict day and have thoroughly been enjoying it. Hopefully if they make AC6, the pace follows more close to 5 instead of 4
Regardless of the tier lists, I wish they at least Remastered or Ported the Armored Core games over onto PS4 or PS5. Something man. God damn I miss this series.
I use emulators to play them on pc and handheld android game device, that also lets you fix the controls so that you can use a ps4 controller with both sticks to look and move. Being able to use 2 sticks makes the first games even better.
It is a shame since demon souls they found lightning in a bottle and caught it 5 times after it is unlikely they look back at other series including everything pre souls
Last raven was by far my favorite of the PS2 era. I think I'm just a special case of loving brutally difficult games. That was my childhood game for many years
My first game in the series was 4 so I might be a bit biased with this but I REALLY love the movement in that game a whole lot, it's pretty much what drew me to giving the series a try after watching all those old multiplayer videos on here and I unknowingly played it as a kid too when I tried it out in game crazy (points if you remember those) which I think I liked back then too. I definitely do want to give the older games a try though since they all seem really awesome from the gameplay and missions i've seen despite the more methodical gameplay. I'm still really confused on how the customization works though, I don't know if it's explained in more depth in the earlier games and they just dropped the explanations after a while but I have a hard time choosing parts and never really know what works and what doesn't. Really wish From would stop wanking off of souls for a few minutes and give these games some love again, at the very least, a modern port or collection to bring up to new consoles so I didn't have to rely on emulators just to play most of them.
For me best AC was 4Answer hands down, it was so intense, little time to react, chaos, mayhem. It was so glorious than my friends loved to watch me play online.
I can see why you didn't like V and VD, but I gotta say those 2 are my favorites (behind AC3 of course). It sucks that VD died so quickly, at least on 360, having played since the start the number of teams noticeably dropped just 6 months after launch. However ultimately it was bad balancing decisions that killed it. The armor system they introduced added a cool game of rock paper scissors to combat, allowing well balanced builds to always have a way of piercing enemy armor no matter the target. But in a cruel twist of irony, in an attempt to buff rifles’ chip damage, they accidentally super buffed Gatling guns (which could never pierce armor but instead relied on slowly chipping away at your opponent's HP). So all the top teams just switched over to heavy biped mechs with dual gats and there was no counter. So that killed any fun that was left in the game at that point, my team left soon after. Still, that was some of the most fun I've ever had in any AC game, but without decent single player modes there is no reason to go back. So I guess that was a long winded way of saying I agree with your list.
Every one talks about ps2 being so good just cause of gta and dvd smh wich makes me said they forgot all the exclusives like Armored core series, all 4 games in onimusha series, way of the samurai series, resident evil outbreak a game that deserved as much love as halo imo one of the best most revolutionary online games left 4 dead might of not been a thing if resident evil outbreak wasn’t a thing heck incredibles and shrek 2 sold more than shadow of the colossus ps2 version 😂 hahahahaha that game shadow of the colossus should of been the main selling point for ps2 but in the same time normies runied it when the remake came shadow of the colossus I liked when it was underrated but in the same time the thought of shrek 2 and incredibles the game selling more than shadow of the colossus is just dumb plus I hate when people call ps2 a rpg system no ps2 has everything online great games, mech games, fighting games , hack and slash and beat em ups mabye ps2 is lacking in ps2 first person shooters exclusives but it has socom, ratchet and clank, wich are online too well ratchet and clank 3 and deadlocked are online and socom is all online ps2 also had monster hunter online how amazing is that I like gta but it’s kinda sad a multiplatform game was the highest selling game on ps2 and GameCube highest was super smash bro’s and Xbox was halo 2 🤦♂️ Ps2 had 453 exclusives Xbox had 95 and Gc had 80 people missed out on great ps2 exclusives and the sad part most of the PlayStation 4 owners make a big deal about exclusives and never gave a danm about ps2 exclusives they just use ps2 for gta and dvd 😂
Another age also added the heat generation when you overboost. From software probably thought that players abused the shit out of it lol. You'll also face some familiar ACs if you get far enough
So I bought a PS2 off someone on Facebook marketplace for cheap and they included like 10 games with it. Out of those games were 4 armored core games, never heard of the series. I was curious about the series and stumbled upon this tier list vid. Funny enough, all 4 of the armored core games you ranked highest are the games I have. I’m kinda excited to play them now.
you could in the newer ones, the problem is that the player base is very small and the franchise wasn't popular enough to justify a competitive setting
I played the hell out of Another Age and Last Raven. I got 3 but it was too hard for me and stressed me out. I loved what they did with Armored Core 4, since the fast movement had such a high skill ceiling it was insane. Some people online got super good with it. Like, you could “stage” your boosts such that if you spammed them recklessly, it would drain your energy really quickly and you would just putter along. However, if you timed the boost well, you could get an extremely fast and efficient boost out of it, and there were like 3 stages of boosts! The more precise you were, the better. The best pilots could hit stage 3 consistently. AC really showcases the game design philosophy of FromSoft which can even be seen with Dark Souls today (high customizability, high skill ceiling, tough). Wish I got the opportunity to for 4 Answer, but never did. Looking at the art for 4 Answer, it has one of my favorite mech designs ever (Omer Type-Lahire Stasis) which looks fucking sick. Armored Core 5 made fast mechs weaker I feel like. Worst of all it got rid of flight-you could hover, but you’d gradually descend unless you kicked off a building or cliff or something which I didn’t like at all. The flight aspect of the game are the coolest part and they really diminished it in 5. Rumor has it that FromSoft is working with the writers of the Expanse so I’m hopeful that AC 6 is on its way!
I haven't had too many issues with overheating in AC3. Most of mine came in Nexus. Having a good radiator and only over boosting when necessary should do the trick.
The only thing i would change in your list is Last Raven needs to be in top tear. I really enjoyed it, plus you could unlock Stingers parts from Project Phantasma. I thought that was awesome.
My second game was nine breaker and I really liked it but the training missions did suck. My first was AC3 and Last Raven is definitely hard, but it was a real challenge for a veteran player and very satisfying to beat. I didn't like V or Verdict Day, I don't like the changes they made to mechanics
I would love to see the original armoredcore get a next gen reboot. Keep the original game play style and theme but redesign the parts, enemies and missions. In a similar style to the nexus disk two content but keep the identity and flavor of the original game. Redesigned in a way that isn't strictly better or take away from the original but a game that someone who hasn't played since arena can pick up a controller and feel right at home.
I don't see why Armored Core would need a reboot when they easily just could make another game. It really is a series that doesn't need one unless one just really wants nostalgia trip.
Recently deep dove into this series and I'm enjoying it soo much! I had AC 2 as a kid but never finished it but now I'm working my way through it as well as AC Verdict day and AC 4 and I'm loving it, 5 is definitely the weakest but I'm still having a blast and I cannot wait until AC 6 drops
I liked ac last raven the most! That game was hard as hell but insanely rewarding when you do beat the missions and the arenas also ac for answer was great! The fast paced combat made that game so fun combined with the quick boost. But I do hear you that heavy Mechs are pretty useless overall I wish they would just do that again or re release it for the ps4
Last Raven followed Nine breaker. The weapon systems were totally downgraded and they were both harder because of that fact. In AC3 and Silent Line your machine guns didn't have clips it was constant fire, it made it easier to keep pressure onn your adverary. And they did something inexplicable to the way the games looked, the targeting systems...this is when I really lost interest completely. Then I picked up A.C.4 years later on 360. Yeah, I don't even wanna talk about that
Mostly agree but the thing I feel you didn't reach is how the progression on Formula Front was based on unlocking more capacity and options for the AI. Yes it's different but I did have a ton of enjoyment watching my AI be more and more effective as I went on.
Yeah the progression was definitely different in that way. I just found it odd that the Kurosawa is available from the start considering the rarity of that weapon previously. I believe the moonblade was always present as well.
@@Powerhouse1 Odd, different, yes, but still satisfying. I had a bunch of hours in that game and the other PSP ports because it was so much more accessible as a kid than having to compete for the TV 😂
Project Phantasm is my favorite. My major disappointment with MoA was how they made all the great arena maps from the previous game unavailable unless you were playing 2 player over the link cable. The new standard for vs matches from this point on were flat, obstacle free arenas.
My first armor car was 4 and 4 answer. Me and my friend played the hell out of it. He went heavy bombarder and I kept having to redesigned my Light mech to dodge his artillery for two shots is all it took to die. Fun times
I laughed when you mentioned Last Raven. That was my entry into the AC series of games lmao. I discovered it pretty much when everyone else was upgrading to the 360/ps3 I stuck around on Ps2 for a bit. I still remember the flamethrower that I used in that game lol. For answer was the last good one in the franchise IMO. I'll admit though they did basically discard a lot of previous mechanics. I am not sure if it's just me, but did ANYBODY overheat? I remember my build was pretty broken, not even a laser sword could beat it. Basically I went light-ish, sort of a midway between light and mid weight, and gave myself enough power stabilization to where I could basically be up in the air indefinitely. Then I had two machine guns in each hand, and a set of chain guns for my shoulder weapons. Lastly, I threw on the beast targeting system in the game. After all that I would just fly straight up in the air and start going to work. Anyone shot a missile etc my machine gun fire would usually detonate them before they could reach me, and if not quick boost out of the way. Laser sword types? They need energy to use their weapons so every time they would get close enough they'd usually drop lol. I'll admit that it was cheap, but it was still kind of fun. God I wish they would make AC 6 without the BS that came along with 5.
how can you put armored core last Raven so low, I'm not talking about the story but the gameplay is one of the most balanced armored core's is also not fair with V Fromsoftware hit the formula of history but missed the design, missions and balancing weapons with pieces
Last Raven is in the dominant tier, so I wouldn't call that low. That tier and anything above it is a recommendation from me. It was a decent end to the PS2 titles, but the difficulty is incredibly hard especially if you end up going down certain paths. It is very hard for me to recommend it to a newcomer for that reason. If you start with this one, you'll be thrown to the wolves right away and probably won't give any of the other games a shot. Great atmosphere though and multiple endings is always a plus for me. V felt like a radical departure from 4 and 4A. I was initially excited to see the direction they would take with it, but it focused way too much on the online, which requires an active community to thrive. Unfortunately, the community never got going, and the singleplayer was lackluster, especially compared to 4A which had multiple endings and a ton of missions along with arena battles.
I would recommend like making your friend get as far as possible in Ninebreaker or using it personally on both control schemes to refresh if you’ve been away from AC for years My skill jumped back fast from a good attempt to appreciate it (same did not beat but I see the value in it now)
Fucked up that LR was not my first but it’s the first I bought & beat as a kid I see what you mean now as it not being a great value but LR Funny story I started on AC 1 demo disk at my Grandmas on my uncles ps2 2003 Got into ac2/AA & years later I bought LR Did not realize they were the same games I just figured it was a Genre in my kid brain till I bought up all of em & the nostalgia hit (a 6th grader lol)
MY first AC was the silent line and I was 10 and was one of the best games I ever played. Every time I wanted know how to carry cannon weapon at humanoid type AC I after 6 year I Figure out its needed the convertion of AC3 to AC3 silentline and get the op itensify. This was soooo cool for me.
Heavy mechs werent irrelevent in 4. I for one rocked gilbert humanoid legs all the way thru normal and hard modes. I spent the points in a way that allows for infinite flight. The rest I spent on turning radius and primal armor. And helped mitigate the weaknesses of a slow AC. It also helps that my defenses were strong enough to mitigate Ballistic weapon damage. Therefore making them almost pointless without an energy weapon to deplete my primal armor.
I’ve played AC 1 & 2. And I have a 3rd one Ive never played. With 2 moves and kids, I set all these aside. But I’m get nostalgic and to play these again after reading that AC 6 may be in the works.
I beat every game on the PS1 and PS2 with the exception of Nine Breaker because I struggled with the training missions. Also, if you want to dunk on Master of Arena's boss, load up on only grenade launchers in every position (don't use the double arms use the individual hand ones, more damage). You get an ammo refill before the boss and it just melts.
I have a hard time enjoying any of them aside from 3, silent line, and nexus. Those 3 just nailed it for me and always end up making me want to play them instead. Though I do like master of the arena's arena more.
That's exactly right . AC 2 and AC 2 another age have some semblance of those great too tho. I don't wanna overlook PS1 era, but man, have you seen a PS1 game lately ? I just bought Tenchu Stealth Assassins again.....uh...man I couldn't for Alla the Money go back to that
@@monolithgeometry3221 I remember liking 3 much m ore than 2 for a pretty superficial, but important reason, which was the colour/brightness. At the time my console tv was in a fairly bright room and I d idn't have a super expensive tv with 1000 nits or whatever, and I found that many MANY of the AC2 levels looked kinda washed out and it was really hard for me to make out terrain. I suspect your issue with ps1 games is 2d and 3d or whatever. I personally, even when n64 and ps1s were new, I did NOT like the look of early 3d games, even FF7, and I loved FF. I can play a game like Xenogears again, or Legend of Mana. But someone made me play goldeneye awhile back, and while I was never a big fan of it to begin with, it was simply painful to play in modern times.
@@Ghalion666 I honestly get goose bumbs when someone brings up Silent Line . I have so much love for that game. This video I just watched and all the AC talk has made me put in Nexus disc 2 Im about to play Infiltrate Amber Base from Project Phantasma, which I've not played. I've got so many games I overlook what's right in front of me often
@@monolithgeometry3221 you still have your old games and consoles then? Nice. Same. I always get a kick out of people who complain about playstatjons not being backwards compatible, and I ask why not just keep your old one? Then they say "I dont have space man!"... Then I see them post pictures of their gaming collection and I see like 3 shelves with these anime girl statues and %&%%* taking up like 30x more space than their old consoles would have.
@@Ghalion666 Oh yeah I have them still. most. some I sold years ago. Silent Line was one of them. I still regret that cuz Armored Core prices have hit the roof........even the NEWER ones that SUCK AND ARENT AC GAMES AT ALL!? My PS2 looks better with component cables on MY tv than hd, and it displays PS1 games better than my PS3. The old logic that selling your PS2 is cool because it's "outdated" is being rethought and true gamers are paying no small fee for them again. eBay is ridiculous right now
I understand it is your tier list but i don't think i follow your reasoning for calling AC4 and after terrible. Just because you had to now think about optimizing your Core instead of child level customization doesn't make it a bad game. If you wanted to be a tank Armored Core you would be a slow target, if you wanted to be a fast nimble Armored core you would have low health. AC4 and after brought a balancing act that fit the world perfectly.
I agree with most of this list, I honestly have never tried any of the AC games on the PS1 but did try almost all of the other AC games and I totally agree with where everything is. Nexus, Ninebreaker and Last Raven definitely did NOT deserve the highest spots for me because Human + was COMPLETELY restricted from the player and that really took away a fun aspect out so the only way to get Human + was to hack the game. I also agree with ACV being at the bottom, it was more of a strategy game than it is supposed to be about action-based combat and the graphics and effects in ACV were AWFUL and junky to look at, the color scheme with all the post-apocalyptic setting (grey and brown) just completely saturated how its presented, ugly colors, very unpleasant to look at. Great list.
Your list looks very much how id go with a few changes: - For Answer goes down mediocre with 4, the fast pace switch was bad. It took most of the tactical combat out of fights in favor of quick cheeky burst attacks and loses felt landslides and victories felt assured from the start with little middle ground. Better then 5 but not and a C class. Admittedly For Answer is alot of peoples introduction to the series in newer gens cause those cinematics are ridiculously good but armored core as a whole always was ahead of the game rivaling series like final fantasy in the graphic for cinematics as consoles evolved. - id switch 2 and Another Age around. 2 was amazing its sequel though did everything 2 did right and expanded it which is what a good sequel should do. - bump Last Raven up the Elite Raven the fact it has i think 6 different endings made replay value high and offered different difficulties for progressing through. Also the fact your "killing other ravens" and you get a huge hit list basically and your mind was hit with so many possibilities. It was the end pf the best Saga and it did not disappoint in any aspect from my views. Mediocre feels a bit like a slap in the face for Last Raven. Overall though your list matches mine besides that and we have very close views. Enjoyed your vid. PS. I made an Armored Core music video if your interested as a fan of the series. (I made it a point to not use the 4th & 5th gen out of spite for killing my series)
Thanks for the reply, and yeah I'll definitely check out your music video. Just a couple of reponses -As much as I am not a huge fan of the 4th gen for many reasons, in my opinion 4A is a far more refined title than 4, so I couldn't put them at the same level. When I make tier lists, I basically am saying that these items are on this level and everything on it equates to it. -It was the lack of story for me, but I can see either or for this one. -I put Last Raven on the dominant tier, not mediocre.
been playign since the first one, now the new AC is coming im watching videos lol, AC3 is the best Armored Core game in the series including the soundtrack .Anything after silent line made the the game too arcade like in my opinion. i did not like that. I hope they go back to the AC3 style of gameplay.
I've recently done a review of Dual Gear, which is more in the realm of being similar to Front Mission 3. I've also played M.A.S.S. Driver recently and had a ton of fun with that. Both are currently in Early Access though, so there is definitely a lack of content in terms of the amount of missions. The customization is still very high with both currently.
I started with AC5 and AC5VD I later got AC3 AC3SL and AC3LR on psp when I had a psvita in highschool and I played the heck out of AC3 SL. I honestly liked AC5 & V Day... sure it had it flaws but I wouldn't down right say it was bottom tier (mid for sure but def not top). I get they feel completely different but in a way they're the same. at the very least AC didn't end up like front mission. where it basically turned into bootleg halo 4 mantis sim shooter, and I'm a PlayStation guy but couldn't help draw a similarity to that.
Unpopular opinion but i love and i mean love ac4 and ac5 took it into a totally different direction but i loved the hell out of it too and i never played the multi-player there was a solid single player for me and aces to shoot down to get their gear now the newest game i have its daemon x machina
I honestly like a lot of the PS2 games, even Nine Breaker. A lot of them were great, not really "scrub" to me. I agree with Verdict Day though, that game is just NOT Armored Core, definitely doesn't have any of the things that made AC stand out.
i play an old armored core in ps1 before dont remember what title but thats the first time i enjoy the series and then i came back in armored core last raven its true its very difficult but very satisfying the moment i acquired all the parts and i spend hundred of hours customizing ac where i enjoy the most but my most favorite and still play is formula front because here customizing ac is really shine which i think its solely made for here you can also choose your ac to control by an ai so you can really see if you made something really great not because your good in controlling your ac in a fight i also played recently armored core 6 the only good about it is graphics and particles 😢 sorry for my bad english
Last Raven was my favorite, followed by Silent Line and AC3. I honestly never played any before 3, but 4 was dog and I liked that 5 was more grounded and had a lot of cosmetic customization, but still doesn't even compare with the PS2 era.
I did enjoy the armored core games. But I feel like you should at least beat the games before rating them. A good chunk of your ratings from nexus onward sounds like you had trouble adjusting, which I will admit is fair. It was not an easy adjustment. You had increased heat. No OP Intensify, higher energy drain. Lighter mechs felt much better than heavy units, but died easily. HOWEVER ince you make it over the speed bumps and adapt, then nexus through Lastraven get much better. It's funny. I consider nine breaker as one of the worst of the games that span between nexus and last raven, but at the same time it was while fighting Etzam Nar (#1 in the arena) I was forced to come face to face with my weaknesses. I had been using tanks the entire time since nexus and never found out how to play mid weight-light weight units, but Etzam blew through tanks and could always stay behind me. I went back to nexus, replayed the Nine ball mission over and over again as a bi-pedal until I learned how to get good. Once you do this, everything feels so much more rewarding. I was also able to achieve gold in every Nine Breaker mission and #1 in all but two missions, but I'm convinced those two missions weren't checked by the creators to even see if they were possible, and judging from all the bugs and exploits in Nine Breaker, I dont think I'm wrong for assuming that. Anyways. Still enjoyed the vid. Have a good day.
I appreciate the comment, but I do have one issue with it. While I have not beaten 5 or verdict day, I have beaten Nexus twice. Many times I had to switch my build depending on the mission, which I did appreciate and found enjoyable. When I tried to be a bit more experimental on my second run, however, I found out that despite the wide variety of parts, It really comes down to using a handful of OP parts (Ex. Sniper rifle that shoots twice). I'm fine if a game wants me to adjust to it's style. That's why I love games like Dark Souls and the Armored Core series as a whole (both From Software titles ironically). However, I don't like having an illusion of choice where there are a ton of red herrings. With the heat mechanic introduced, it limits many potential builds as you need to invest into your radiator if you want to have any kind of speed. You also can't get too powerful of a booster or you'll heat up like crazy. As you do that, you have very limited weight/energy left to invest into other things like guns and weapons One of the first things I noticed in Nine Breaker was the improvement of heat, but allot of things were rebalanced mainly making everything weaker and top quality builds in nexus become mid tier at best. I had to make sure I bought every part before I moved on to nine-breaker after I discovered this. Let me know if you need any clarification.
the thing about armored core is that even one of the "bad" games is still leagues better then all the shovelware bs some game companies push out for a quick buck. legendary game franchise that still holds up.
Still waiting for that Armored Core 6 that might never come 😔
Same here. Really wish From Software would take another crack at it with a bigger budget.
@@Powerhouse1 I still think there is hope tbh, I would even settle down with a remaster, and at this point its their best bet.
@@autumnmod A remaster is probably the most likely outcome honestly.
I suspect we'll see a remaster before we see a new game. Still, I would love anything from Fromsoftware at this point.
@@autumnmod Remaster Armored Core 2 please, it's absolutely the most deserving, in my opinion.
I agree with a lot of this but for awnser was a great game. From the cut scenes to the missions. They made these games faster cause of rival games like ZOE. I think it was a lot more balanced then you think cause you could still tank up with duel grenade launchers and just rip people from far away or go fast and dash everywhere.
No it's not, man, stop being so delusional, the game is terribly designed and the combat is super annoying, if the combat system doesn't work in a game like this, then why even bother. I don't know about the rest of the series but if the games are all like this, then now we know why we don't get armored core games anymore
@@Redxyellow1 sounds like you're just prejudiced. We don't get armored core anymore because the staff that worked on them left Fromsoft.
@@Redxyellow1 For Answers is the only one of the franchise I've played too, but I can tell you're just acting like a scrub. If you don't like it that's fine, but I'm confident it's a good game.
@@Redxyellow1 Why? You haven’t really explained any of your points.
ZOE??? That came out in like 2004ish ACFA came out in 2010??
Heavy mechs in FA dominated the meta in PVP. There were almost no rankers with light Nexts. Specifically ultra heavy long range missile builds were everywhere.
kinda funny, for me I grew up with 4 and FA so theyve always been my go-tos. Im finally able to play the older games thanks to emulation, and im loving em
So you never played the first game that you were in and started with 4 and 4A? My mind is blown!
@@Powerhouse1 I grew up with 4 and FA, I played the very first one a *long* time ago, I tried to get into the ones on the PS2 but I couldn't get past the archaic controls, so I just ended up playing Nexus and Last Raven.
For the most part I find the games fun, although 3 had a few repetitive missions it was overall enjoyable, tho not being able to turn 180 degrees without a specific extension part has been hard to get used to XD
same man. Armored core 4 was my first and I loved it and absolutely love for answer afterwards. The games looked familiar to me though but I couldn't figure out why for a while. That was because I remember seeing my Brother playing the armored core games on the ps2 when I was younger. I just got into the series really late I guess.
ForAnswer the best for me
There arnt many video games period that go as fast as for answer not even the gundam maxiboost games. Like if i wanted to play heavy mechs i can literally just pick out any other armored core and there are quite a few of those. Im glad for the one off insanely high octane game. The very different experience for answer gives makes it incredible just for that. Especially since from soft made nothing but those slow as hell souls games for nearly 10 years straight.
Putting Verdict Day with V is a no go for me. What they did with the UNAC system and the online made a world of difference. I had an insane amount of fun watching full teams of players fall to myself and my team of AI that I made from scratch. Easily atleast in Dominant tier.
Sounds really interesting hopefully something like that’s in ACVI
Armored Core 4 is one that I remember fondly for one reason: a specific online multiplayer match I had after clearing the main story.
It was the 360 version of the game and I got paired up against the stereotypical Xbox Live 12-year-old in a match. In the 10-12 seconds it took me to select my mech for the match, this kid must have insulted me and made the typical comments about my mother that everyone is probably thinking of so many times I wondered if he was going for a world record.
I picked out my reverse knee-joint missile boat mech for the fight. Mission starts, I jump up, target the little jerk, see he’s in the starter mech, and unload dozens of missiles from in the air.
Less than half a minute later, he’s a smoking crater in the ground and the chat is nothing but silence.
It was a good day 😊
I concur with this teerlist, wholeheartedly, having mowed lawns to earn enough money to buy the OG Armored Core back in the day, for PSX. It was amazing, and had incredible replay value, especially if one has a friend with whom to engage in some Core rivalry!
Yeah finding someone who is also dedicated to Armored core is very underrated fun!
I seen a few videos where some heavy AC units was whooping ass. I could never tweak a heavy to make it usable especially in acfa.
If you stack on PA boosting parts, you become pretty tanky. I remember the basic MTs not being able to damage me at all.
@@seb24789 oh wow. It's funny because I tried to make a heavy and that's probably what missed. They cut though my defense like a hot knife though butter. And I was a slow moving target.
@@seb24789 Yeah, PA boosts and Heavy's were the best ways to beat harder missions, I even beat Arteria Carpals on hard with a tank build
My heavy destroyed your 100% right I guess we were just smarter.
I'm hoping that we get a new Armored Core game for the PlayStation 5 that plays like the first 3 games on the original PSX.
I would definitely be down for that my man, but if it was to happen most likely not until Elden Ring is done.
@@Powerhouse1 What impressed me most about versus mode in the first three Armored Core games was the size of the maps. The arenas (maps) seemed absolutely HUGE especially when compared to those in the first-person-shooters that were available in the mid to late 90's. Only Starseige Tribes' maps came close but Tribes was really more multiplayer focused even though it also featured a PvP Deathmatch mode.
@@furballbear Yeah I do remember being in the tree level in the first game hiding out lol. My favorite of the PS1 arenas was the water one. That one was always visually impressive to me.
@@Powerhouse1 Yeah, several of the maps were visually impressive for the time. Some even got a little bigger when you linked two PlayStation consoles together.
@@furballbear I've actually never done system link like that before, but it sounds pretty awesome!
Tier list for Total War: Warhammer 2 generals from Simp to General
A strong possibility friend!
My first game ACLR (it was the latest one at the time so I thought "why not?") and I found it really hard to go back to previous titles because I was so used to control type B lol.
AC3 was my favorite. Silent Line was awesome, but I felt like the story in AC3 was more memorable.
I was expecting to rage but you actually made a pretty good tier list, the only thing I would change is switching AC1 and phantasma. Original ps1 trilogy had the best physics by far imo.
Why does everyone want to yell at me? lol jk. I tried to be fair with each generation, but it looks like I may need to revisit some of these.
Tank craft are absurd in AC4 and ACFA, they just don’t like light non-specialist weaponry, which I would assume makes up a lot of the weapons in the older games?
In AC4/FA if you want to beat light craft, a tank craft with a heavy engine and shittons of missiles, four gatling guns, or the fattest “grenade launchers” (bigass sniper cannons!) is the way to go.
Or if you want to really cheese it, the back-mounted superheavy Kojima artillery will just oneshot lightcraft like flies...maybe even just one Kojima rifle.
It sounds like you needed to explore more into AC4/FA builds and specialize them. However, it’s totally okay to enjoy a certain playstyle! :)
Appreciate the vid!
I will agree though that superfast blade NEXTs are totally imbalanced in AC4 and ACFA, especially with the Overboost-Forward Boost-Blade Boost exploit.
Not sure why allot of people are forgetting about easy mode in FA, which can get you through all except one mission, and that is dual blades. That with the white glint core will clear most of the game for you.
And now, the prices of the older games have skyrocket.
Good tier list, fairly balanced in every way I can think of.
It served me as a fantastic guide to the series, thank you. :)
I agree with everything but 4, seemed more of a personal preference. But I get that it's their tier list. Personally loved them, when you get "in the zone" so to speak, it feels incredible to play.
I just started venturing into Armored Core. Currently playing 1 on ePSXe Android, and man this is some advanced stuff. I respect everyone who has made the commitment to get really good. It is hard. Like, REALLY hard. Intimidating actually, with the dark maps, relentless enemies and baffling customization options. When I entered the game, I was like aight let's customize a sweet core and smash some mecha butts!! Well, I got smacked. Put in my place I guess. About 30K debt after my first 5 mission failures. Now I'm starting to actually complete some missions and (as of yet vainly) trying to make a customization plan; calculator, pen, paper on the table. It's hardcore but I like difficult stuff. It's all very complex and there is so much room for improvement. For me, Armored Core feels more like training a skill rather than leaning back playing a videogame. I feel like I'm starting to get how mech-piloting anime characters must feel xD. Anyway I'm already hyped for the other games, so thanks for this great tier list. knowing now what to expect without spoiling anything 👍
I would say at this point for you to start over only because the debt will handicap you from getting better parts going forward, but glad you have been enjoying it so far. Hope it helps prepare you for the other games in the series!
Armoured Core is trending babyyy!
Armoured core for answer last mission 1v4 was so fucking frustrating
Don't remind of that one lol. I beat every other mission, but never that one.
Only played AC3, but it's a hell of a good time.
Easily one of the best games to start with.
holy shit, a recent AC video !
Yeah, it's very surprising because it's been ages since a good Armored Core game was released on console.
Dude. You are hands down the best, 100% woth you on all the choices. Hardcore Armored Core fan here!
Glad to see another knowledgeable AC gamer.
Much appreciated!
there its is some niche community in ACVD and still making 1v1 duels until this day, ramming oponents with a tank type is really fun.
But nothing will match the glory days of VD
I played the launch title game for PS2 to living death. Original game too. Last Raven was really good and the difficulty was great in hard modes. I loved that you could bring your build over from the other games. You could really feel the love with the games up the last of them.
If they go anywhere with the game it needs better more realistic movement. Destruction of environment and collision effects need to be an important effect. The scale of missiles and ballistics to lasers needs to be realistic, because it would really set it off. A little more realism in AC would go along way. But think about those empty casings flying from some of the weapons, it has so much potential. Cities should take the most insane collateral damage in some cases. Graphics overhaul.
Played almost all of the AC series. I dropped off after playing AC4 for the exact reason you said, too fast paced.
Recently picked up verdict day and have thoroughly been enjoying it.
Hopefully if they make AC6, the pace follows more close to 5 instead of 4
Wrong. Hopefully it reverts back to what gave it such a die hard following in the first place. And that don't include PS3/360 era ANYTHING . SPIT
Thank you for putting Armored Core 3 at S Tier. I didn't get into 2. Gonna try 6, Silent Line and Last Raven. You earned a sub. ❤
Regardless of the tier lists, I wish they at least Remastered or Ported the Armored Core games over onto PS4 or PS5. Something man.
God damn I miss this series.
Yeah doesn't look like there is much interest at the moment to do so where From Software is concerned.
I use emulators to play them on pc and handheld android game device, that also lets you fix the controls so that you can use a ps4 controller with both sticks to look and move. Being able to use 2 sticks makes the first games even better.
It is a shame since demon souls they found lightning in a bottle and caught it 5 times after it is unlikely they look back at other series including everything pre souls
Last raven was by far my favorite of the PS2 era. I think I'm just a special case of loving brutally difficult games. That was my childhood game for many years
From Soft turned sadistic. They love Brutality
@@monolithgeometry3221 Sorry, "turned" sadistic? They've been sadistic since they started making games.
Didn't knew I needed this, but oh yeah... I needed this! Thank you based Pow3rh0use 🙏
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it :)
My first game in the series was 4 so I might be a bit biased with this but I REALLY love the movement in that game a whole lot, it's pretty much what drew me to giving the series a try after watching all those old multiplayer videos on here and I unknowingly played it as a kid too when I tried it out in game crazy (points if you remember those) which I think I liked back then too. I definitely do want to give the older games a try though since they all seem really awesome from the gameplay and missions i've seen despite the more methodical gameplay.
I'm still really confused on how the customization works though, I don't know if it's explained in more depth in the earlier games and they just dropped the explanations after a while but I have a hard time choosing parts and never really know what works and what doesn't. Really wish From would stop wanking off of souls for a few minutes and give these games some love again, at the very least, a modern port or collection to bring up to new consoles so I didn't have to rely on emulators just to play most of them.
If you dont like FA i seriously recommend you give it a deeper dive, imo one of the most fun AC games of all time
I played this pretty extensively and honestly don't have any plans to revisit it. Haven't in years honestly.
ACFA got robbed
For me best AC was 4Answer hands down, it was so intense, little time to react, chaos, mayhem.
It was so glorious than my friends loved to watch me play online.
Very useful video to get context about the series
I can see why you didn't like V and VD, but I gotta say those 2 are my favorites (behind AC3 of course).
It sucks that VD died so quickly, at least on 360, having played since the start the number of teams noticeably dropped just 6 months after launch. However ultimately it was bad balancing decisions that killed it.
The armor system they introduced added a cool game of rock paper scissors to combat, allowing well balanced builds to always have a way of piercing enemy armor no matter the target. But in a cruel twist of irony, in an attempt to buff rifles’ chip damage, they accidentally super buffed Gatling guns (which could never pierce armor but instead relied on slowly chipping away at your opponent's HP). So all the top teams just switched over to heavy biped mechs with dual gats and there was no counter. So that killed any fun that was left in the game at that point, my team left soon after.
Still, that was some of the most fun I've ever had in any AC game, but without decent single player modes there is no reason to go back. So I guess that was a long winded way of saying I agree with your list.
All good my man. I appreciate the respectful response! I definitely want to give Verdict Day another shot and maybe review it on this channel.
Spent more time on Silent Line than any other Ps2 game. No one even remembers Armored Core on ps2.
Silent Line definitely feels like the most complete armored core and the peak of the series. Doing this list makes me want to go back to it lol.
I thought 3 was better. It felt like silent line was a step back. That's just my opinion though.
Every one talks about ps2 being so good just cause of gta and dvd smh wich makes me said they forgot all the exclusives like Armored core series, all 4 games in onimusha series, way of the samurai series, resident evil outbreak a game that deserved as much love as halo imo one of the best most revolutionary online games left 4 dead might of not been a thing if resident evil outbreak wasn’t a thing heck incredibles and shrek 2 sold more than shadow of the colossus ps2 version 😂 hahahahaha that game shadow of the colossus should of been the main selling point for ps2 but in the same time normies runied it when the remake came shadow of the colossus I liked when it was underrated but in the same time the thought of shrek 2 and incredibles the game selling more than shadow of the colossus is just dumb plus I hate when people call ps2 a rpg system no ps2 has everything online great games, mech games, fighting games , hack and slash and beat em ups mabye ps2 is lacking in ps2 first person shooters exclusives but it has socom, ratchet and clank, wich are online too well ratchet and clank 3 and deadlocked are online and socom is all online ps2 also had monster hunter online how amazing is that I like gta but it’s kinda sad a multiplatform game was the highest selling game on ps2 and GameCube highest was super smash bro’s and Xbox was halo 2 🤦♂️ Ps2 had 453 exclusives Xbox had 95 and Gc had 80 people missed out on great ps2 exclusives and the sad part most of the PlayStation 4 owners make a big deal about exclusives and never gave a danm about ps2 exclusives they just use ps2 for gta and dvd 😂
Another age also added the heat generation when you overboost. From software probably thought that players abused the shit out of it lol. You'll also face some familiar ACs if you get far enough
Lol I remember how often people would add flamethrowers in arena fights or in multiplayer. I believe it was either 3 or 2 where this was exploited.
So I bought a PS2 off someone on Facebook marketplace for cheap and they included like 10 games with it. Out of those games were 4 armored core games, never heard of the series. I was curious about the series and stumbled upon this tier list vid. Funny enough, all 4 of the armored core games you ranked highest are the games I have. I’m kinda excited to play them now.
That's awesome! Hope you enjoy them!
stoked for 6. i wish it was easier to play these old games
Solid tier list. I agree with your assessment of AC 2: Another Age. And AC 3 was a masterpiece.
Yeah I've replied to a similar comment about this, but AC3 and Silent Line were the peak for me.
ac4+4A are the best bro-bro...
you put AC4 and ACFA in a heretical position
armored core could be a competitive game if you could fight against friends and build your stuff like in formula front
You could in some
you could in the newer ones, the problem is that the player base is very small and the franchise wasn't popular enough to justify a competitive setting
so whats the most similar to the formula front where you can let the ai fight and you have ton of costumization
ACFA, For Answer for life, on 360, no lag
I played the hell out of Another Age and Last Raven. I got 3 but it was too hard for me and stressed me out.
I loved what they did with Armored Core 4, since the fast movement had such a high skill ceiling it was insane. Some people online got super good with it. Like, you could “stage” your boosts such that if you spammed them recklessly, it would drain your energy really quickly and you would just putter along. However, if you timed the boost well, you could get an extremely fast and efficient boost out of it, and there were like 3 stages of boosts! The more precise you were, the better. The best pilots could hit stage 3 consistently. AC really showcases the game design philosophy of FromSoft which can even be seen with Dark Souls today (high customizability, high skill ceiling, tough). Wish I got the opportunity to for 4 Answer, but never did. Looking at the art for 4 Answer, it has one of my favorite mech designs ever (Omer Type-Lahire Stasis) which looks fucking sick.
Armored Core 5 made fast mechs weaker I feel like. Worst of all it got rid of flight-you could hover, but you’d gradually descend unless you kicked off a building or cliff or something which I didn’t like at all. The flight aspect of the game are the coolest part and they really diminished it in 5.
Rumor has it that FromSoft is working with the writers of the Expanse so I’m hopeful that AC 6 is on its way!
Question. How do you deal with Overheating in AC3?
I haven't had too many issues with overheating in AC3. Most of mine came in Nexus. Having a good radiator and only over boosting when necessary should do the trick.
The only thing i would change in your list is Last Raven needs to be in top tear. I really enjoyed it, plus you could unlock Stingers parts from Project Phantasma. I thought that was awesome.
Yeah I always liked getting throwback parts in later games, although some of them would be very weak like the Finger in Nexus and Nine Breaker.
My second game was nine breaker and I really liked it but the training missions did suck. My first was AC3 and Last Raven is definitely hard, but it was a real challenge for a veteran player and very satisfying to beat. I didn't like V or Verdict Day, I don't like the changes they made to mechanics
AC 4 is my favorite Armored core and I've been playing since 2
I would love to see the original armoredcore get a next gen reboot. Keep the original game play style and theme but redesign the parts, enemies and missions. In a similar style to the nexus disk two content but keep the identity and flavor of the original game. Redesigned in a way that isn't strictly better or take away from the original but a game that someone who hasn't played since arena can pick up a controller and feel right at home.
I don't see why Armored Core would need a reboot when they easily just could make another game. It really is a series that doesn't need one unless one just really wants nostalgia trip.
Recently deep dove into this series and I'm enjoying it soo much! I had AC 2 as a kid but never finished it but now I'm working my way through it as well as AC Verdict day and AC 4 and I'm loving it, 5 is definitely the weakest but I'm still having a blast and I cannot wait until AC 6 drops
I liked ac last raven the most! That game was hard as hell but insanely rewarding when you do beat the missions and the arenas also ac for answer was great! The fast paced combat made that game so fun combined with the quick boost. But I do hear you that heavy Mechs are pretty useless overall I wish they would just do that again or re release it for the ps4
Last Raven followed Nine breaker. The weapon systems were totally downgraded and they were both harder because of that fact. In AC3 and Silent Line your machine guns didn't have clips it was constant fire, it made it easier to keep pressure onn your adverary. And they did something inexplicable to the way the games looked, the targeting systems...this is when I really lost interest completely. Then I picked up A.C.4 years later on 360. Yeah, I don't even wanna talk about that
Mostly agree but the thing I feel you didn't reach is how the progression on Formula Front was based on unlocking more capacity and options for the AI. Yes it's different but I did have a ton of enjoyment watching my AI be more and more effective as I went on.
Yeah the progression was definitely different in that way. I just found it odd that the Kurosawa is available from the start considering the rarity of that weapon previously. I believe the moonblade was always present as well.
@@Powerhouse1 Odd, different, yes, but still satisfying. I had a bunch of hours in that game and the other PSP ports because it was so much more accessible as a kid than having to compete for the TV 😂
Project Phantasm is my favorite. My major disappointment with MoA was how they made all the great arena maps from the previous game unavailable unless you were playing 2 player over the link cable. The new standard for vs matches from this point on were flat, obstacle free arenas.
Guess what??? Last Raven was my first one 😂😂😂😂😂😂 after that I played all the others then came back for ac4 and for answer
Armored Core series on the PS2 RULES!!!🥰
And to this very day I still play the PSP ported versions of AC3, Silent Line, and Last Raven on my PS Vita.
It definitely was the prime of the series
My first armor car was 4 and 4 answer.
Me and my friend played the hell out of it. He went heavy bombarder and I kept having to redesigned my Light mech to dodge his artillery for two shots is all it took to die. Fun times
Things started to go downhill with AC 4. I dream of a new game with AC3/Last Raven formula and the deeper armor mechanics of VD
I laughed when you mentioned Last Raven. That was my entry into the AC series of games lmao. I discovered it pretty much when everyone else was upgrading to the 360/ps3 I stuck around on Ps2 for a bit.
I still remember the flamethrower that I used in that game lol.
For answer was the last good one in the franchise IMO. I'll admit though they did basically discard a lot of previous mechanics. I am not sure if it's just me, but did ANYBODY overheat? I remember my build was pretty broken, not even a laser sword could beat it. Basically I went light-ish, sort of a midway between light and mid weight, and gave myself enough power stabilization to where I could basically be up in the air indefinitely. Then I had two machine guns in each hand, and a set of chain guns for my shoulder weapons. Lastly, I threw on the beast targeting system in the game.
After all that I would just fly straight up in the air and start going to work. Anyone shot a missile etc my machine gun fire would usually detonate them before they could reach me, and if not quick boost out of the way. Laser sword types? They need energy to use their weapons so every time they would get close enough they'd usually drop lol. I'll admit that it was cheap, but it was still kind of fun.
God I wish they would make AC 6 without the BS that came along with 5.
I like your intensity!
Armored core 6 just got announced
how can you put armored core last Raven so low, I'm not talking about the story but the gameplay is one of the most balanced armored core's is also not fair with V Fromsoftware hit the formula of history but missed the design, missions and balancing weapons with pieces
Last Raven is in the dominant tier, so I wouldn't call that low. That tier and anything above it is a recommendation from me. It was a decent end to the PS2 titles, but the difficulty is incredibly hard especially if you end up going down certain paths. It is very hard for me to recommend it to a newcomer for that reason. If you start with this one, you'll be thrown to the wolves right away and probably won't give any of the other games a shot. Great atmosphere though and multiple endings is always a plus for me.
V felt like a radical departure from 4 and 4A. I was initially excited to see the direction they would take with it, but it focused way too much on the online, which requires an active community to thrive. Unfortunately, the community never got going, and the singleplayer was lackluster, especially compared to 4A which had multiple endings and a ton of missions along with arena battles.
Armored Core Master of Arena was the first and only Armored Core I’ve played. It’s still one of the best games I’ve ever played.
"What is it that you wish, Raven?"
As a Huge Souls fan I really wanna try this series
I definitely recommend it!
dump a list in the description. pictures aren't big enough to see without me looking them all up, and I haven't played any of em yet.
What song did you use during Masters of Arena?
th-cam.com/video/HoDktcAjhWg/w-d-xo.html
I would recommend like making your friend get as far as possible in Ninebreaker or using it personally on both control schemes to refresh if you’ve been away from AC for years
My skill jumped back fast from a good attempt to appreciate it (same did not beat but I see the value in it now)
Fucked up that LR was not my first but it’s the first I bought & beat as a kid I see what you mean now as it not being a great value but LR
Funny story I started on AC 1 demo disk at my Grandmas on my uncles ps2 2003
Got into ac2/AA & years later I bought LR
Did not realize they were the same games I just figured it was a Genre in my kid brain till I bought up all of em & the nostalgia hit (a 6th grader lol)
MY first AC was the silent line and I was 10 and was one of the best games I ever played. Every time I wanted know how to carry cannon weapon at humanoid type AC I after 6 year I Figure out its needed the convertion of AC3 to AC3 silentline and get the op itensify. This was soooo cool for me.
Heavy mechs werent irrelevent in 4. I for one rocked gilbert humanoid legs all the way thru normal and hard modes. I spent the points in a way that allows for infinite flight. The rest I spent on turning radius and primal armor. And helped mitigate the weaknesses of a slow AC. It also helps that my defenses were strong enough to mitigate Ballistic weapon damage. Therefore making them almost pointless without an energy weapon to deplete my primal armor.
Very official fellow raven
I’ve played AC 1 & 2. And I have a 3rd one Ive never played. With 2 moves and kids, I set all these aside. But I’m get nostalgic and to play these again after reading that AC 6 may be in the works.
Bro the AC community is dying but we must stay strong and pray to FROM SOFTWARE for 6 🙏
I agree. The first step is for us to unite like a flock of ravens. Call it...Raven's flock! lol
Look closely at the Emeraude AC at 3:59 guys...
Nine breaker is def my fav 😭
I beat every game on the PS1 and PS2 with the exception of Nine Breaker because I struggled with the training missions.
Also, if you want to dunk on Master of Arena's boss, load up on only grenade launchers in every position (don't use the double arms use the individual hand ones, more damage). You get an ammo refill before the boss and it just melts.
Those training missions are insane
I have a hard time enjoying any of them aside from 3, silent line, and nexus. Those 3 just nailed it for me and always end up making me want to play them instead.
Though I do like master of the arena's arena more.
That's exactly right . AC 2 and AC 2 another age have some semblance of those great too tho. I don't wanna overlook PS1 era, but man, have you seen a PS1 game lately ? I just bought Tenchu Stealth Assassins again.....uh...man I couldn't for Alla the Money go back to that
@@monolithgeometry3221 I remember liking 3 much m ore than 2 for a pretty superficial, but important reason, which was the colour/brightness. At the time my console tv was in a fairly bright room and I d idn't have a super expensive tv with 1000 nits or whatever, and I found that many MANY of the AC2 levels looked kinda washed out and it was really hard for me to make out terrain.
I suspect your issue with ps1 games is 2d and 3d or whatever. I personally, even when n64 and ps1s were new, I did NOT like the look of early 3d games, even FF7, and I loved FF. I can play a game like Xenogears again, or Legend of Mana. But someone made me play goldeneye awhile back, and while I was never a big fan of it to begin with, it was simply painful to play in modern times.
@@Ghalion666 I honestly get goose bumbs when someone brings up Silent Line . I have so much love for that game.
This video I just watched and all the AC talk has made me put in Nexus disc 2 Im about to play Infiltrate Amber Base from Project Phantasma, which I've not played. I've got so many games I overlook what's right in front of me often
@@monolithgeometry3221 you still have your old games and consoles then? Nice. Same. I always get a kick out of people who complain about playstatjons not being backwards compatible, and I ask why not just keep your old one? Then they say "I dont have space man!"... Then I see them post pictures of their gaming collection and I see like 3 shelves with these anime girl statues and %&%%* taking up like 30x more space than their old consoles would have.
@@Ghalion666 Oh yeah I have them still. most. some I sold years ago. Silent Line was one of them. I still regret that cuz Armored Core prices have hit the roof........even the NEWER ones that SUCK AND ARENT AC GAMES AT ALL!?
My PS2 looks better with component cables on MY tv than hd, and it displays PS1 games better than my PS3.
The old logic that selling your PS2 is cool because it's "outdated" is being rethought and true gamers are paying no small fee for them again. eBay is ridiculous right now
As a newcomer to A.C. series… thanks
I understand it is your tier list but i don't think i follow your reasoning for calling AC4 and after terrible. Just because you had to now think about optimizing your Core instead of child level customization doesn't make it a bad game. If you wanted to be a tank Armored Core you would be a slow target, if you wanted to be a fast nimble Armored core you would have low health. AC4 and after brought a balancing act that fit the world perfectly.
Wow, you sound like a real fun guy
I agree. Bias is strong. AC4A is best AC
Daaamn taking it back! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
I figured you would enjoy this one
silent line was amazing i remember being so pissed losing my memory card making an ai robot in arena lol thee amount of hours holy shit lol
It's all about the line.
I agree with most of this list, I honestly have never tried any of the AC games on the PS1 but did try almost all of the other AC games and I totally agree with where everything is. Nexus, Ninebreaker and Last Raven definitely did NOT deserve the highest spots for me because Human + was COMPLETELY restricted from the player and that really took away a fun aspect out so the only way to get Human + was to hack the game.
I also agree with ACV being at the bottom, it was more of a strategy game than it is supposed to be about action-based combat and the graphics and effects in ACV were AWFUL and junky to look at, the color scheme with all the post-apocalyptic setting (grey and brown) just completely saturated how its presented, ugly colors, very unpleasant to look at.
Great list.
Much appreciated. It seems like Last Raven is very controversial to some. It's not a bad game, but brutally difficult.
Have you heard the recent rumors? New armored core being made. Any thoughts?
Looking forward to it, but waiting for a trailer first before I make a video on my thoughts.
hehe... ive played this series for a damn long time... and i can safely say... there is much more to Armored core than you know.
Solid list. The only changes I'd have would be dropping AC1 to Dominant, and Nexus/Last Raven to Mediocre.
It seems like allot of people either love or hate Last Raven. I would say it probably has to do with the insane difficulty spikes.
Me playing Ninebreaker: Hope there's a good story!
From Software: How about no story?
Edit: the list is an E
Your list looks very much how id go with a few changes:
- For Answer goes down mediocre with 4, the fast pace switch was bad. It took most of the tactical combat out of fights in favor of quick cheeky burst attacks and loses felt landslides and victories felt assured from the start with little middle ground. Better then 5 but not and a C class.
Admittedly For Answer is alot of peoples introduction to the series in newer gens cause those cinematics are ridiculously good but armored core as a whole always was ahead of the game rivaling series like final fantasy in the graphic for cinematics as consoles evolved.
- id switch 2 and Another Age around. 2 was amazing its sequel though did everything 2 did right and expanded it which is what a good sequel should do.
- bump Last Raven up the Elite Raven the fact it has i think 6 different endings made replay value high and offered different difficulties for progressing through. Also the fact your "killing other ravens" and you get a huge hit list basically and your mind was hit with so many possibilities. It was the end pf the best Saga and it did not disappoint in any aspect from my views. Mediocre feels a bit like a slap in the face for Last Raven.
Overall though your list matches mine besides that and we have very close views. Enjoyed your vid.
PS. I made an Armored Core music video if your interested as a fan of the series. (I made it a point to not use the 4th & 5th gen out of spite for killing my series)
Thanks for the reply, and yeah I'll definitely check out your music video. Just a couple of reponses
-As much as I am not a huge fan of the 4th gen for many reasons, in my opinion 4A is a far more refined title than 4, so I couldn't put them at the same level. When I make tier lists, I basically am saying that these items are on this level and everything on it equates to it.
-It was the lack of story for me, but I can see either or for this one.
-I put Last Raven on the dominant tier, not mediocre.
been playign since the first one, now the new AC is coming im watching videos lol, AC3 is the best Armored Core game in the series including the soundtrack .Anything after silent line made the the game too arcade like in my opinion. i did not like that. I hope they go back to the AC3 style of gameplay.
I'm waiting for a tier list of Taki looks LOLOLOL
That'll be an interesting one lol
Can you recommend any Mech games on PC? I cant find any good ones
I've recently done a review of Dual Gear, which is more in the realm of being similar to Front Mission 3. I've also played M.A.S.S. Driver recently and had a ton of fun with that. Both are currently in Early Access though, so there is definitely a lack of content in terms of the amount of missions. The customization is still very high with both currently.
MASS Builder. Daemon X Machina (Story is AZZnutZ) Hawken if you play ps4 Then theres good ol Gundam.
Not much to go on, but hey its something
Zone of the Enders 2 bro
The only one I ever played was Armor Core 3. It was a brutal game for a young me.
Really enjoyed ACV. It was my first AC experience tho. So I guess I've nothing to compare against.
Try out ac3,nexus and last raven they are great, last raven would be the biggest recommendation I felt like it went downhill from that
@@buddahkz9980 the first amored core i play was last raven... on the PSP, i beat it and my fingers suffered a lot util this day
I started with AC5 and AC5VD I later got AC3 AC3SL and AC3LR on psp when I had a psvita in highschool and I played the heck out of AC3 SL.
I honestly liked AC5 & V Day... sure it had it flaws but I wouldn't down right say it was bottom tier (mid for sure but def not top).
I get they feel completely different but in a way they're the same.
at the very least AC didn't end up like front mission. where it basically turned into bootleg halo 4 mantis sim shooter, and I'm a PlayStation guy but couldn't help draw a similarity to that.
Unpopular opinion but i love and i mean love ac4 and ac5 took it into a totally different direction but i loved the hell out of it too and i never played the multi-player there was a solid single player for me and aces to shoot down to get their gear now the newest game i have its daemon x machina
I honestly like a lot of the PS2 games, even Nine Breaker. A lot of them were great, not really "scrub" to me. I agree with Verdict Day though, that game is just NOT Armored Core, definitely doesn't have any of the things that made AC stand out.
i play an old armored core in ps1 before dont remember what title but thats the first time i enjoy the series and then i came back in armored core last raven its true its very difficult but very satisfying the moment i acquired all the parts and i spend hundred of hours customizing ac where i enjoy the most but my most favorite and still play is formula front because here customizing ac is really shine which i think its solely made for here you can also choose your ac to control by an ai so you can really see if you made something really great not because your good in controlling your ac in a fight i also played recently armored core 6 the only good about it is graphics and particles 😢 sorry for my bad english
Bro you didn’t beat AC2 Another Age because it’s hard, not because of no narrative 😂
i liked 5 for the multiplayer but hated the rock paper scissor formula they went with
Last Raven was my favorite, followed by Silent Line and AC3. I honestly never played any before 3, but 4 was dog and I liked that 5 was more grounded and had a lot of cosmetic customization, but still doesn't even compare with the PS2 era.
I did enjoy the armored core games. But I feel like you should at least beat the games before rating them.
A good chunk of your ratings from nexus onward sounds like you had trouble adjusting, which I will admit is fair. It was not an easy adjustment. You had increased heat. No OP Intensify, higher energy drain. Lighter mechs felt much better than heavy units, but died easily. HOWEVER ince you make it over the speed bumps and adapt, then nexus through Lastraven get much better. It's funny. I consider nine breaker as one of the worst of the games that span between nexus and last raven, but at the same time it was while fighting Etzam Nar (#1 in the arena) I was forced to come face to face with my weaknesses. I had been using tanks the entire time since nexus and never found out how to play mid weight-light weight units, but Etzam blew through tanks and could always stay behind me. I went back to nexus, replayed the Nine ball mission over and over again as a bi-pedal until I learned how to get good. Once you do this, everything feels so much more rewarding. I was also able to achieve gold in every Nine Breaker mission and #1 in all but two missions, but I'm convinced those two missions weren't checked by the creators to even see if they were possible, and judging from all the bugs and exploits in Nine Breaker, I dont think I'm wrong for assuming that.
Anyways. Still enjoyed the vid. Have a good day.
I appreciate the comment, but I do have one issue with it. While I have not beaten 5 or verdict day, I have beaten Nexus twice. Many times I had to switch my build depending on the mission, which I did appreciate and found enjoyable. When I tried to be a bit more experimental on my second run, however, I found out that despite the wide variety of parts, It really comes down to using a handful of OP parts (Ex. Sniper rifle that shoots twice).
I'm fine if a game wants me to adjust to it's style. That's why I love games like Dark Souls and the Armored Core series as a whole (both From Software titles ironically). However, I don't like having an illusion of choice where there are a ton of red herrings. With the heat mechanic introduced, it limits many potential builds as you need to invest into your radiator if you want to have any kind of speed. You also can't get too powerful of a booster or you'll heat up like crazy. As you do that, you have very limited weight/energy left to invest into other things like guns and weapons
One of the first things I noticed in Nine Breaker was the improvement of heat, but allot of things were rebalanced mainly making everything weaker and top quality builds in nexus become mid tier at best. I had to make sure I bought every part before I moved on to nine-breaker after I discovered this.
Let me know if you need any clarification.