Let's say you owned a time machine, and had nothing better to do with it other than to go back to 2007 and ask a random gamer which titles From Software makes. The answer you'd most likely hear would be: "From Software makes the Armored Core games."
And they'd be right, as three years ago the interesting titles that helped lift From back into the spotlight - namely Demon's Souls and 3D Dot Game Heroes - did not yet exist, their title lineup dominated by eight installments in the Armored Core franchise (six on the PS2 alone).
Fans of giant stompy robots shouldn't despair though, as From has not abandoned their oldest baby, the Gran Turismo of giant stompy robot games. Instead, they plan to freshen up the formula for Armored Core 5, infusing the missions with more detail and the story with more drama.
And according to Famitsu's countdown-spoiling story, that necessitates making the giant robots a little less...giant. Yes, Armored Core 5's robots are half-sized, standing a "puny" five meters tall, down from ten meters. Keep in mind though, five meters is still about seventeen feet.
That said, if losing scale is what it takes to make Armored Core 5 as dramatic as, say, the last game's CG intro (check it below), it's a tiny price to pay.
OK then. Now make Armored Core 5 a PS3 exclusive, ok, From Software? Don't have anything against X-box, but for some reason PS3-exclusives from From Software rock muck harder, than other games from From Software (damn, I just love to say "from From Software" ^_^).
Changing the scale can only be a good thing. A "smaller" machine might be able to make better use of verticality in more arenas. I just hope they make the controls a little friendlier! The "more drama" storyline sounds like it could end really poorly, though. Ace Combat has always had a very dramatic storyline, and by dramatic I mean insanely cheesy. "Go fly with the angels!"
Hmm...this looks pretty cool, I might have to look into this. I've never played any of the Armored Core games, but I do love me some giant robot action.
I also appreciate the "Ridge Racer/Gran Turismo" analogy, Tomasz, as I'm very much on the "Ridge Racer" side of the fence.
Ugh this is so dumb!! I demand to have a playable Spirit of Mother Will, not some puny cores!
Sarcasm aside, I hope they'll make certain weapons more useful now, along with making co-op not so freggin hard to set up again after you complete a mission.
@Chase Strickland
Harmony Gold has MW5 tied up in licensing bullshit. I swear these people only make money off of the MW franchise.
From Software has all but abandoned Chrome Hounds. They shut of the servers with barely a press release. They are developing a 'fresh' Armored Core instead of pursuing more Chrome Hounds. In 10 years time, I'd say that we could see another re-visiting of Chrome Hounds, just like what happened with Metal Gear.
OH GOD YES!
This is the announcement i have been waiting for the whole year!
Fuck everything else that was announced this and last year.
...
Im totally serious!
As long as it still feels like Armored Core, I'm totally cool with their ideas. It was always pretty awkward to see underground labs that have enormous hallways built for no reason but for giant robots to come and plunder them.
You couldn't be further from the truth with your analogy. AC has a VERY in depth customization system, including tuning, weight distribution, and power/heat output. Mech warrior has robots that shoot things. I haven't play a mech warrior before 2, but IIRC, there was absolutely no customization and you just chose a mech.
Id say that AC is the Forza/Gran Turismo of Mech games, Mech Warrior is the Project Gotham Racing/Need For Speed Hot Pursuit.
This is awesome. AC is the best mech series ever (gundam games suck and others arent as good or skill need and development as ac) I´d love if it had offline (split screen) coop. Hopeit gets a nice location or ill import the jap onje as i did with acfa wich was awesome and had lot of parts.
You should try 2. 2 and 3 are pretty much the best in the series. Some of the others are worth playing for the hardcore fans, but those are the cream of the crop.
Technically, they've already experimented with the super sized to super tiny mecha units with other games, namely Another Centuries Episode 1, 2, and 3. Playing something like the YF-19 from Macross Plus on it's own stage and the music blaring is an awesome sight. ^_^
Sadly, the A.C.E series never left Japan due to the insane amount of licensing it would need to accommodate all of the pilots and their mecha from anime, manga, and other games. But, if they can pull something like that off with Armored Core 5 and actually have "POPULATED" combat zones, then I'd be very happy.
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Contest:
7:00 AM on 01.13.2010 | 
How about the Mech Warrior series?
I approve of AC5, it already sounds really awesome.
Dunno how I feel about stomping but we're 2-1. I'll keep an eye out.
...
YEEESSSSSS!
Where in the world is my new Chromehounds and Mech Warrior!?!?
I also appreciate the "Ridge Racer/Gran Turismo" analogy, Tomasz, as I'm very much on the "Ridge Racer" side of the fence.
Sarcasm aside, I hope they'll make certain weapons more useful now, along with making co-op not so freggin hard to set up again after you complete a mission.
Harmony Gold has MW5 tied up in licensing bullshit. I swear these people only make money off of the MW franchise.
From Software has all but abandoned Chrome Hounds. They shut of the servers with barely a press release. They are developing a 'fresh' Armored Core instead of pursuing more Chrome Hounds. In 10 years time, I'd say that we could see another re-visiting of Chrome Hounds, just like what happened with Metal Gear.
This is the announcement i have been waiting for the whole year!
Fuck everything else that was announced this and last year.
...
Im totally serious!
You couldn't be further from the truth with your analogy. AC has a VERY in depth customization system, including tuning, weight distribution, and power/heat output. Mech warrior has robots that shoot things. I haven't play a mech warrior before 2, but IIRC, there was absolutely no customization and you just chose a mech.
Id say that AC is the Forza/Gran Turismo of Mech games, Mech Warrior is the Project Gotham Racing/Need For Speed Hot Pursuit.
Yeah let's hope it's like that one.
You should try 2. 2 and 3 are pretty much the best in the series. Some of the others are worth playing for the hardcore fans, but those are the cream of the crop.
Sadly, the A.C.E series never left Japan due to the insane amount of licensing it would need to accommodate all of the pilots and their mecha from anime, manga, and other games. But, if they can pull something like that off with Armored Core 5 and actually have "POPULATED" combat zones, then I'd be very happy.