• ID = PS0038
• STYLE = Giant Robot Simulation
• DEV. = From Software, Inc.
• PUB. = Agetec, Inc
• R-DATE = Aug-01-2000
• ESRB = T / For Teen
• PLAYERS = 1-2 players
• LIST PRICE = $49.99
  

Fans of the original ARMORED CORE series rejoice, because ARMORED CORE 2 has arrived for the PlayStation 2! From Software, the creators of this critically acclaimed series, have taken their time intricately fine-tuning things so long-time fans of the franchise are guaranteed not to be disappointed.

New players to the ARMORED CORE universe will find the game’s easy controls and jaw-dropping graphics quite inviting too. Never before have over-sized robot melees been both fun and eye pleasingly beautiful at the same time. When you consider the fact that each robot is completely customizable down to the bone, you’ve got both a beautiful and surprisingly replayable game.

With a multi-tiered mission mode, a split-screen multiplayer mode, and a deep virtual-robot toy box, ARMORED CORE 2 is sure to please PlayStation 2 owners aged two to 72.

Features:
• Mech fighting game set 200 years from now
• 35 single-player missions, some optional
• Play against up to 45 computer-controlled battlebots
• 200 customizable parts available
• Play one-on-one via split screen, or connect to PS2s via separately sold link-up cable.

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Armored Core 2 isn't going to be "the game" for everyone, but it's got enough game in it for everyone--at least at preview stage. It's the kind of game that has a long learning curve that's topped with hours and hours of single- and multiplayer action.

Here's the scoop: You're a newcomer on the Martian colonies, and eager to learn your trade and make your mark among the mech-jockeys. After training sessions (rather straightforward stuff), you're let loose to find your own way by "going gladiator" in the arena or by taking on a rather lengthy list of mercenary missions. Armored Core 2 has more than 50 arena battlebots to take on, and a plethora of single-player missions.

Success has its rewards. Winning arena sessions and accomplishing missions gives you money to upgrade your mech. Most of the starter mechs are slow beasts, so that you'll want to upgrade your speed, agility, firepower, and armor protection as soon as possible. Not so easily done when you're snowed under--literally--by sophisticated opponents who want nothing more than to take a blood pressure reading... by using a can opener for a diagnostic tool.

As with its predecessors, Armored Core 2 is no lightweight in the controls and learning-curve departments; it requires skill and dedication to succeed. First-timers are well advised to finish all of the training sessions and even run through them more than once. Even mecha-savants should brush up on how this game struts its stuff, before setting off for a day at the arena.

Once you're comfortable in the cockpit of your mech, take a few seconds to appreciate how good everything looks. No pixel was spared in making this game look as detailed as it could be. Check out the screens: the mechs look very tech-mechy, and the environments are to die for.

Simply stated, Armored Core 2 is exactly the kind of game that you'd want Sony to have at PlayStation2's U.S. launch. While other games (Tekken Tag, Ridge Racer V, et al.) are easy to pick up and play right out of the box, this game separates the men from the boys. However, it's from an extremely enticing genre, and its graphic sophistication and two-player mode undoubtedly will lure many people into parting with some of their zealously guarded launch bankroll--not to mention their precious time. --Todd Mowatt

To find hidden parts:
The first hidden part is in the mission to destroy the dishes. The container doors should be blasted open and behind them is another container in which the hidden part is held.

The second one is in the training room. Shoot the circle in the ceiling, when it breaks, get boosters to get up in the area and in it you will find a radar part. The third part is in the monster disorder unit. Stand at the door and look up. Break the oval on the ceiling and fly up to get the shield.