For years, From Software seemed synonymous with mech-based action, and the Armored Core series was its crowning achievement. Starting on the original PlayStation, Armored Core established a dedicated fanbase that remains passionate even after two decades have passed.
With the exciting news that the original Armored Core (1997), along with Armored Core: Project Phantasma and Armored Core: Master of Arena, are set to land on PlayStation Plus Classics, there couldn’t be a better time to revisit the franchise’s storied past.
### Armored Core | PlayStation | 1997
The genesis of Armored Core came from the collaboration of From Software and renowned anime mechanical designer Shoji Kawamori. Together, they envisioned a game presenting mechs that players could customize—a concept that quickly evolved, allowing players to attach different modular parts to central units, dubbed Armored Cores. Set against a backdrop of Earth laid to waste by the Great Destruction, players navigate a corporate dystopia as Ravens, mercenaries who care only for financial gain.
The game made a splash in Japan and North America in 1997, with Europe catching up a year later. It was praised for its depth in customization, resource management, and mission-oriented progression, coupled with a control scheme that truly immersed players in a mech pilot’s world. The narrative offered different paths based on mission choices, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
Armored Core becomes available on PlayStation Plus Premium starting March 18.
### Armored Core: Project Phantasma | PlayStation | 1998
Following its positive reception, Armored Core spawned two immediate expansions. Of them, Project Phantasma, a prequel to the original, stood out by offering more narrative depth. It introduced the hugely popular Arena mode, where players could climb the ranks through mech duels and earn rewards.
Armored Core: Project Phantasma joins PlayStation Plus Premium also on March 18.
### Armored Core: Master of Arena | PlayStation | 1999
Master of Arena, true to its name, further enhanced the Arena mode, making it the center piece of the game. As a direct sequel to Project Phantasma, it allowed players to carry over their saved weapons and customizations, bridging the gap between titles. These early Armored Core games laid down the foundation for the series, defined by Shoji Kawamori’s signature mech designs that have remained distinctive throughout its iterations.
This title, too, will be on PlayStation Plus Premium on March 18.
### Armored Core 2 | PlayStation 2 | 2000
When the PlayStation 2 debuted, From Software was among the first to leverage its capabilities, launching Armored Core 2 as one of its inaugural titles in North America in 2000. The storyline took players decades beyond the original, to a Mars embroiled in civil war. This sequel presented a significant graphical advancement and introduced mechanics like Overboost for rapid movement at the energy cost. Plus, it expanded customization with new parts like Radiator and Inside parts.
Armored Core 2: Another Age quickly followed, bringing the fight back to Earth’s political struggles with over 100 missions. The Japanese release was particularly notable as one of the first PS2 games to support online play.
### Armored Core 3 | PlayStation 2 | 2002
With Armored Core 3, the series did not continue the previous narrative threads but returned to a familiar setting: Earth, now a series of underground enclaves governed by a potentially hostile AI called The Controller. The introduction of Consorts and the ability to jettison weapons mid-mission heightened the tactical gameplay. Arena mode, sadly missing in AC2AA, made a welcome comeback.
The saga then extended with Armored Core 3: Silent Line, introducing a new surface threat. This led to Armored Core: Nexus in 2004, whose gameplay changes meant no data import from earlier titles. This chapter of the series rounded out with Nine Breaker and Last Raven, while several titles also saw PSP ports.
### Armored Core 4 | PlayStation 3 | 2006
On the PlayStation 3, Armored Core 4 delivered high-def mech action with sophistication. Rebooting the story once again, corporations ruled Earth, employing mercenaries for assignments within their influence. New-generation Armored Cores—or NEXTs—included novel technology like Primal Armor and Allegorical Manipulation System controls, usable by psychic pilots known as Lynx.
The game revamped controls for accessibility, doing away with heat management and incorporating a Quick Boost mechanic, enhancing mech agility. The detailed HD environments introduced a direct impact of combat. Its sequel, Armored Core for Answer, picked up a decade later, depicting a clash between corporations and rebels on Earth’s surface.
### Armored Core V | PlayStation 3 | 2012
Armored Core V was released on PS3 in early 2012. In its setting, Earth is reduced to a single livable city under “Father’s” tyrannical rule. Players, part of the Resistance, rise as mercenaries to defy Father. A move to Roman numerals for the title symbolized a tactical shift closer to early PlayStation roots, favoring strategic play over speed. Smaller units encourage stealth and environmental tactics, while Overed Weapons and a Scan mode introduced new dynamics.
Its sequel, Armored Core: Verdict Day in 2013, advances the story 100 years, featuring a war over technological Towers. It expanded on AC5’s mechanics with customizable AI Armored Cores, or UNACs.
### Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon | PlayStation 5 | 2023
Finally, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is here. This latest entry is a testament to the enduring appeal of the series, breaking a decade-long hiatus after Armored Core: Verdict Day. It’s reintroduced the series to a fresh audience, many new to mech combat, reflecting a revival of interest and success. As we stand at the dawn of this new era, anticipation builds for what From Software will do next with Armored Core.
