Final Franchise Addition: Armored Core

One of the most underrated games of all time, Armored Core, is a Robot/Mecha/Shooter game developed originally for the Playstation that also adapted over to the Playstation 2. Upon release for the playstation in the 90's, Armored Core was a huge hit and was a success as a video game. However, only a small (core) fanbase existed. For some reason, after the sales of the sequel Armored Core: Project Phantasma (FREAKING HARD TO BEAT) the game sold well, however not in the popularity it once did when the original game was sold.

Gameplay is solid, and the story goes that you are a Raven, a mercenary for hire. In all of the games, missions were available to advance your mecha and to gain currency (credits). Literally hundreds of parts were available in the first Armored Core game, and then as more of the games came out, thousands of parts can be selected to fully customize your mecha. Paint, Shoulder Emblems and Optional Parts (enhancements) all made the game more detailed. You could have a 4 legged robot with better speed, but less traction and booster power of a 2 legged model.

With the introduction of Armored Core: Project Phantasma you could now fight arena opponents and either earn parts or credits for the defeat. Be warned however, that most of the higher ranking Ravens (B+) (or in some games, the top 15) are extremely skilled with their AI. How you beat them is up to you. You not only need good skill as a gamer to beat them; you will need the right robot.

As the series transfered over the Playstation 2, graphics got a huge boost as well as modifications to the new "Core" games. You could now fight 2player vs. 2 player with a multi tap, in Armored Core 3 you could hire NPC (non player character) mercenaries to assist you, and of course with each game, more missions, levels, harder difficulties both in multiplayer (versus mode) and single player mode (normal game). You can find the games cheap now a days, and if you have the time to want to customize a mech and have fun with the game, I will gurantee that Armored Core offers a ton of solid game time that is well worth the price paid for the game.