Armored Core 2 for PlayStation 2

Of all the launch titles for the Playstation 2, Armored Core 2 may have been one that most gamers overlooked. The actual sequel to Agetec's 1997 Playstation hit(the other two games in the series were add-ons), it may have been overshadowed by some of the more popular games being released on the launch. However, AC2 is one title that should not be overlooked.

The object of AC2 is to pilot your mech through a group of over 35 different missions, which range from guarding a submarine to destroying an enemy base. You get to choose which missions you will accept, and the storyline of the game unfolds according to your choices. When you complete a mission, you are rewarded with a cash prize. Money is deducted from this prize depending on how much ammo you wasted and on how much damage your mech took. This isn't one of those games that you can just mindlessly blast through; AC2 takes a little bit of strategy. The money you earn can be used to buy new parts and weapons for your mech, which you can totally customize from head to toe. Agetec claims that with the vast amount of parts available to you, there are over one billion possible combinations that cab be used. In addition to the missions, you can compete in the Arena, which is a one-on-one duel between mechs. There are over 50 opponents in the Arena that you can fight against. The multiplayer option, which is played either split-screen or on separate monitors via a link cable, plays exactly like this. These features continue to add depth to this title.

Graphically, Armored Core 2 is excellent. The mechs look smooth, the backgrounds look very realistic, and the lighting effects are amazing. There is no pop-up at all in the graphics, and the movement of the mechs are fluid. The only problem with AC2's graphics are that when the screen fills up with characters and gunfire, there is a big slowdown. This can get annoying sometimes, but this problem is not bad enough to cause any serious problems. AC2 provides great sound, as you can hear every shot and explosion in the distance. Your never left guessing when you will be attacked. The control has been an issue for the entire Armored Core series. In this installment of the series, the turning speed is still poor. It can get on your nerves when your being pounded in the back by gunfire because you can't turn around quick enough. However, you can get around this problem, and it can be gotten used to. Also, fans of analog control will be disappointed. the D-pad is used to move, as the analog sticks are used as ordinary buttons. The analog is not needed in this game and again, you can get used to it.

Despite some minor flaws, Armored Core 2 is a great title. The graphics are awesome, the gameplay is solid, and the options that you are given are enough to keep you hooked for months. Fans of this series will get all that they could hope for as Armored Core makes its jump to the PS2. Even if you're a new comer to this series, you should be able to pick it up and have some fun with all of the features available in this game. Armored Core 2 is a must have game for gamers looking for an action-packed title.