Armored Core V- PS3/360

[Estebang]

Hey guys, demo's up on the Japanese PSN/XBL for the rest of today and tomorrow only, and you can only do multiplayer during those days. GO, GO, GO!

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Thanks for the heads up about the cool AC5 demo, will check it out on the XBox 360 version to see how it fares.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[evil_ash_xero]

I've never played any of these...I'm downloading the ACV PS3 demo now.

What do you guy think of it? Do you like the changes? Do they make it a better game? Does it look like it will be a good 1 player game too?

[evil_ash_xero]

OK. Just played the demo.

I played 4's demo..and I thought it sucked.

This certainly looked better, and played sharper. Problem was, I had NO idea what I was doing. I guess I'll have to wait for the English demo!

[Estebang]

I knew enough Japanese to figure most of it out. Did some co-op, but the time limits on the missions were just too tight without more players and stronger weapons. It plays amazingly well once you grasp the controls, though. The auto lock-on system has been perfected and everything handles much smoother. You can't fly, but it's easy to keep yourself in the air indefinitely with wall kicks and charged overboosts. I can't say I really miss the floatiness of the PS1 and 2 games or the inoperable, overwhelming speed of 4/FA, either. Really looking forward to this.

The one story mission included was pretty great, and you can co-op the whole single player game in the full version with one other person. There's a lot going on and you're constantly being shot at by a huge variety of enemies. If you just waltz through while mashing the triggers, you'll run out of ammo (some enemies are immune to certain weapon types), be killed, or both. So there hasn't been any attempt to pander to lowest common denominators. When the enemy ACs and heavy choppers showed up I really needed to boost-dash all over the place and use cover--buildings can't be destroyed like in 4/FA, so they're always certain sources of defense. The game marks out a path through the city for you, but aside from the stage boundaries you can take any route you want through it. Also, you can use a garage midway through the mission to customize and reload your weapons.

My only real concern is that the lack of flight limits what they can do with stage design and mission objectives, but I'm pretty sure that they've still turned out fine. The demo doesn't allow the use of Overed Weapons, so I'm quite curious how those handle. They're meant to be difficult to use, one-hit-kill attacks with a significant risk attached.

[evil_ash_xero]

Any idea how many levels this is supposed to have?

I've figured it out better... But I keep running out of the only weapon that seems to kill the last enemy(?). Also, why does my machine gun turn change to a rocket king of thing, as it goes on? And what the hell does the "O" button weapon do? It seems kind of useless.

I did enjoy it, and look forward to reviews on the complete game. I would like to enjoy more than just one From Software series.

[Estebang]

You must have run out of ammo on one weapon, causing it to switch to the one on your shoulder. Unless you pressed Y/Triangle + a trigger to manually switch.

The armored chopper at the end of the story mission can be damaged by heavy explosive weapons like battle rifles.

[Estebang]

If you own both consoles and are going to buy this, go with the 360 version. The PS3 one has been confirmed to have some framerate issues, dipping below 20 fps at times. I guess they could patch this, but I doubt it.

[kid aphex]

I did enjoy it, and look forward to reviews on the complete game. I would like to enjoy more than just one From Software series.

Otogi

[Ganelon]

If you own both consoles and are going to buy this, go with the 360 version. The PS3 one has been confirmed to have some framerate issues, dipping below 20 fps at times. I guess they could patch this, but I doubt it.

First of all, let's credit the source for the confirmation (the top JP site for game comparisons right now): http://blog.livedoor.jp/ps360/archives/53435607.html

I don't understand why everyone is only mentioning the PS3 framerate issue and not any of the other differences. Both versions have severe framerate issues, but the PS3 is definitely a lot worse in terms of consistency. The PS3 version is brighter than the 360 version, as is the case with most ports, but that's likely adjustable.

Some textures for the PS3 version look slightly worse (lower res samples or really bad anti-aliasing?). The text in the first shot is indicative of that. Meanwhile, the 360 version seems to be missing a lot of lighting effects. Many of the shots contain additional lighting sources only in the PS3 version.

[evil_ash_xero]

I did enjoy it, and look forward to reviews on the complete game. I would like to enjoy more than just one From Software series.

Otogi

Unfortunately, I don't own an Xbox.

If you own both consoles and are going to buy this, go with the 360 version. The PS3 one has been confirmed to have some framerate issues, dipping below 20 fps at times. I guess they could patch this, but I doubt it.

First of all, let's credit the source for the confirmation (the top JP site for game comparisons right now): http://blog.livedoor.jp/ps360/archives/53435607.html

I don't understand why everyone is only mentioning the PS3 framerate issue and not any of the other differences. Both versions have severe framerate issues, but the PS3 is definitely a lot worse in terms of consistency. The PS3 version is brighter than the 360 version, as is the case with most ports, but that's likely adjustable.

Some textures for the PS3 version look slightly worse (lower res samples or really bad anti-aliasing?). The text in the first shot is indicative of that. Meanwhile, the 360 version seems to be missing a lot of lighting effects. Many of the shots contain additional lighting sources only in the PS3 version.

I guess I'll just wait and see until someone can go over the whole game and say which one has the worst frame rate issues. Cause that is definitely my biggest problem with From's games, and I'll take a solid frame rate over lighting effects. Personal preference.

[evil_ash_xero]

Here's a FM comparison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMU-208t ... e=youtu.be

If the game is good, Xbox for me. The PS3's frame rate is horrid. This gen, it pays a bit to own both systems.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

It's nice to have all three of the current gen consoles and just pick the game titles with the best framerate for the best gaming experience.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Estebang]

Out in the US tomorrow.

[mrsmiley381]

I'll be playing on PS3 if anyone wants to join up and do some crazy stuff. I'll probably end up using middleweight builds.

[Zaarock]

Will get it for 360 on friday(european release), probably starting with lowish weight reverse-joint since I want to see how fun it is with higher speed movement/actions etc. instead of going for most effective builds first.

[Estebang]

Seems Bamco USA royally screwed up the release of this, with voice chat and the parts shop still not functional after a Day 1 patch. Just like how it took 3 angry emails to get my Dark Souls bonus content. Also, it's not their responsibility if your data on the server gets accidentally lost, according to the mandatory EULA.

The manual fails to explain anything beyond the menus, so it might as well be a sheet of toilet paper. I think a lot of newcomers are going to be very easily frustrated with this, and you'll be seeing a lot of used copies on the shelves very soon--for no good reason. Also, you'll be at a severe disadvantage without the Gamestop Heavy Weapons Pack until the shop opens and you grind for lots and lots of cash.

Game itself is great so far, though. I just hope Bamco doesn't stick around as From's main publisher forever.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

So if you pre-ordered AC5 from Gamestop, you'll get the exclusive AC Heavy Weapons Pack dlc code? That's cool if it's included with the AC5 purchase.

So it's recommended to get the 360 version of AC5 with the better framerate issue compared to the PS3 version of the same name?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Estebang]

Yes, the Gamestop stuff was a preorder bonus. It gives you around 150 parts right off the bat that normally have to be unlocked and purchased, which is currently impossible until they fix the servers. It's like importing your save file from a nonexistent preceding ACV game, and without it, you're stuck with "Junk" parts until you pay to repair or replace them.

Impressions indicate that the PS3 final version's framerate is improved from the demo, though the 360 still has a slight edge. It shouldn't matter too much, but I'd go for the 360 if you have both systems. For the record, the servers are segregated by region.

Also, I find it funny that the back of the box explicitly discourages lightweight builds.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Thanks for the heads up on the Gamestop AC5 pre-order bonus, Estebang. Yes, I do have one on reserve from my local Gamestop. I'll go with the 360 version of AC5 then as I do own both consoles.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[mrsmiley381]

All right, so I got the PS3 version since it's really my primary console. I happened to snag an Amazon preorder bonus and Gamestop preorder bonus because I'm really good at bizarre things like that. Right off the bat I had every single part available so now the only items I can buy in the shop are weapons, which can be specialized towards whatever specs you want and then upgraded through use. So really, you want to get away from the preorder weapons as soon as possible so you can upgrade weapons. All right, that's pretty neat. Manual and game interface were ass but I got used to it pretty quickly. Emblem customization is awesome. Same for color schemes and personal data.

Ended up joining Virtue right at the start. The team was level forty or so when I joined and level forty-five about three hours later. Shit yes, the access to weapons in the shop was instantly enormous. So were my repair bills. No big deal!

Played with this guy named Maurice, or "Number21". Dude was ten kinds of awesome. We were both rockin' headsets and we blasted through the first couple of story missions with pretty much zero lag. My light and his heavy smashed shit up pretty well, dodging snipers and enemy AC's all over the place, wall jumping up buildings and boosting around missiles like it's goddamn Macross.

One of the developers must have hated commuting to work every day because you assault trains in the first couple of missions like it's your job. But I'll be damned if hitting a train with a giant laser sword isn't fucking awesome.

Server and framerate issues aside, this game rocks. The parts balancing is a little broken with the preorder items and team levels getting stupid high stupid fast, but the customization and good teamwork is crazy.

[Cuilan]

Is the US360 version region-locked?

For the record, the servers are segregated by region.

Are they IP-locked, or is it based on game's region?

[Friendly]

So if you pre-ordered AC5 from Gamestop, you'll get the exclusive AC Heavy Weapons Pack dlc code? That's cool if it's included with the AC5 purchase.

No, that's not cool. It's bullshit. Store-exclusive pre-order DLC is DLC made even worse.

By the way, I'm surprised they aren't selling you virtual ammunition for real world money yet.
I think I'll send an email to Namco and suggest it to them, and tell them how I'd love to pay for virtual premium bullets.
How about 1000 virtual bullets for 1 USD? I think that's a pretty fair price, and it would also be a nice way to show your support and appreciation for the companies you love and who love you in return.

[Estebang]

For the record, the servers are segregated by region.

Are they IP-locked, or is it based on game's region?

Game region--I was able to play the Japanese demo online on my US 360. The Japanese version has you select your prefecture when filling out a profile, the US version asks for your state, and Europe asks for your country. Don't know about region code for the 360.

And yes, store-exclusive on-disc DLC is total BS. At least I'm able to reap an unfair advantage from it!

Seems they finally got the shop running, at least.

I should point out that there's a Japanese-language iOS app that lets you access assemble mode with your account and build ACs on the go. I'm sure it only connects to the JPN servers, though.

[Estebang]

Apparently the 360 version does not require a Gold account for multiplayer!

[mrsmiley381]

I just took over some territory. The game is awesome if you have a good operator.

[Zaarock]

Loving the game so far (apart from the narrative and voice acting, what the hell) but there are like no mercenaries online and no-one on my friends list has got the game yet. So if anyone from here is up for some games my GT is Zaarock.

[Zaarock]

Bump, the game finally got like 3 patches that the japanese had with major rebalancing stuff. Some things were really inbalanced at launch so I'm pretty hyped by this and starting to play again. Lots of new acs to build as well..

changelist: http://namcobandaigames.com/community/v ... 34&t=12337

[PC Engine Fan X!]

So this v1.03 patch applies to both AC5 ports on the PS3 & Xbox 360?

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Weak Boson]

Finally got this the other day and I'm enjoying it. Not even thought about multiplayer yet but I'm enjoying trying out different configurations while I get to grips with it.

Has the 360 received the latest update yet? It says 1.01 on the title screen for me. Or is it like AC4 where you have to have gold to download the latest regulations? That was annoying. Do the rebalancings not apply in single player or something? As if this game wasn't confusing enough.