Armored Core (series) I don't get it.

[Pixel_Outlaw]

So I picked up Armored Core 3 a long time ago and I honestly get so damn frustrated with the game. I know that many people like the series, but I don't understand why they are so hard on the poor player if a mission is failed. It seems that they not only tax the living hell out of the player but also take the mission away as well. It seems like Robo Pit meets a roguelike. Honestly, I only have two games in the series, oh and S.L.A.I. too. I just don't quite understand why they ding the player so hard for loosing. I guess I feel that the whole repair thing is stupid, even worse when you cannot continue a failed mission for the money. Each mission feels like a gamble because if you loose you are even further in the hole.

I expect a "ur doin it wwrong!" but that will only help me. I want to get into this game(s) but maybe I'm just not understanding. S.L.A.I. feels much the same way.

All that aside, it looks like there is a good game here, I just must be doing something incorrectly. I have Armored Core 3 and also "The Last Raven".

[dcharlie]

i'd have suggested trying Chrome Hounds if the servers weren't already dead - but seriously, Chromehounds (online) fixed everything that irks me about AC - and i am a bit AC fan too!

It's just CH is much more refined - better pacing, better implementation of robowar, better ideas, less reliance on a couple of weapon types, strategy and tactics on a team level :/

RIP Chromehounds , the best online game this gen killed off with no sign of a follow up

[UnscathedFlyingObject]

I'm replaying God Hard on hard difficulty and you don't read me around complaining like a *****.

So I'll just do that now. Damn, you God Hand. DAAAAAMMMNNN YOU TO DAMNATION!

There's no need to get worked up over a game.

[ZOM]

I think AC3 is my favourite in the series, tho I haven't played it in a long time and I just have the Japanese version, so I didn't "get" everything at first sight but still thoroughly enjoyed the game.

Anyways, for many fans the draw is exactly that: inhuman penalty for failure, forcing you to save the game before attempting any mission and repeat it with different AC, weapons and strategy. Once you grasp that aspect of the game you'll find the small features that re-balance the aforementioned "inhuman penalties", the most important one being the fact that you can sell your AC's parts at the exact same value that you bought them. This is pretty much the fuel to the "neverending tinkering-circle"(lol). This series surely is not for everyone, if you don't find enjoyment in 10-minute mission/30 minutes of tinkering - rinse & repeat till you get it right, then I'm afraid there's not much you can do in the game.

On the bright side, once you get the hang of it it's one of the most rewarding series out there IMHO. Just knowing that you actually beat an at first seemingly impossible mission with just a few chips of damage and even get a new part as a prize for S-Rank-ing it... good feeling


P.S. As a reminder, most energy-based weapons don't need ammunition = less expenses post-mission.

[Lordstar]

im on 4 answers and im stuck on the first incounter of white glint. Seems that no matter how many difrent variations of my mech i make i just cant beat him after days of trying. Its anoying becuase the game was not that bad until i got to this guy and its like oh shit half way though the game lets whack up the dificulty to make it feel like the game is a lot longer than it is.

[Ganelon]

You're supposed to save before every mission and reset if you don't make it (except for the few missions branched on failure). Unlike games like Dynasty Warriors, there's no incentive to continue after a loss (and in a few, you won't have a choice anyway). I don't think any game before Last Raven has any particularly difficult missions unless you're trying to rank S.

Arena opponents are sometimes tougher but that just means your control of the AC isn't refined yet. If moving in any direction and dodging don't come naturally to you, you need to spend more time with the controls. Nexus and afterward changed it up to a more modern move-look dual stick scheme so give Last Raven a try to see if that suits your fancy more.

I'm a huge fan of the Armored Core series. The customization is awesome, the story is deceptively detailed, and blasting through the arena is fulfilling. I'm not sure why you would need to adjust your AC for every mission though; I use the same AC for most missions and breeze by them. It's only in the arena where you have to sacrifice ammo for power and speed.

If you want to improve, I'd suggest watching some AC tourney matches on Youtube or something; if you're not moving as much as they are, you just need to get some more experience. One of the biggest signs of that is if you find yourself not being able to effectively move/jump/boost/aim from target to target. From Software actually designed the arena AI really well; you'll get far just standing there with better ACs taking shots. Bu against the tougher AI opponents, you'll get slaughtered if you just try to sit there and aim or if you simplistically strafe left or right.

[Mortificator]

ZOM already mentioned this, but all parts can be resold for the same price that you paid in the first place, so don't be afraid to experiment.

You're not charged for ammunition expended during arena fights, so feel free to use weapons with a higher cost-per-shot there.

Try out the machine guns. They're almost too good, at least for the missions. A good laser blade (NOT parrying blade) should be your left arm standby.

Optional parts don't cost you any weight, so try not to leave home without your slots full. The ones that reduce damage are always worthwhile, and there are several that together will significantly improve the utility of an energy weapon loadout.

If you do end up liking AC3, you can carry over your save file to Silent Line (but not Last Raven).

[Lordstar]

im guessing its just a level i cant reach as ive speced it in a way the FAQ tells me but my ability to do it just is not at that level.