Armored Core: Nexus

You have to be a Newtype to be able to stand these controls.

Twenty-five years after it all began, mecha subculture has leapt from anime to plastic model kits to video games like Armored Core. AC is a mech simulator best known for combining the visual appeal of anime mecha designs with the imaginative ingenuity that revolves around customizing and building plastic mech model kits. Considered the seminal mecha console game, AC is known for its deep customization features?rivaling Gran Turismo?and unfortunately, its unbalanced gameplay.

Armored Core: Nexus is a two-disc set containing the sequel to Armored Core 3 (Evolution) and a bonus disc (Revolution) that consists of remade missions and unlockable bonus media from the previous AC titles. The set features over 150 missions, more than 40 Arena opponents, and over 400 customizable Core parts. And while there are lots of welcome upgrades, Armored Core: Nexus is still plagued by some old problems.

Newtype, Shmoo-Type

Due to the numerous criticisms of the AC franchise?s unforgiving gameplay, From Software has enhanced Nexus? game engine to be more user friendly. Nexus is the first AC game to sport an analog control configuration?something gamers have called for since the AC series first appeared on the PS2 four years ago. Nexus? Garage has also been fine-tuned to be more lenient on specification restrictions when customizing your Core. Players will find customizing their Core easier than before ?but you?ll still have to bust out the pen, paper, and calculator to get everything to work right. The greatest new feature is the inclusion of head-to-head multiplayer via LAN, adding to the existing split-screen and i.Link multiplayer modes.

It?s Gundam Wing Without the Backstreet Boys

While the improvements to the basic game engine are welcome, many other problems have carried over from previous AC titles. Considering the amount of Core specialization available, it is unfortunate that players are left clueless as to the specific terrain, enemies, and goals of most missions. Players will find themselves in impossible situations because they didn?t switch out their boosters, install a head component with auto mapping functions, or bring along weapons with large payloads. The mission briefings just aren?t informative enough for the amount of customization and specialization players are presented with. Another unfortunate upgrade omission is the in-game targeting and hit detection. Players will find themselves firing through enemies, unable to lock on to enemies that are massed together, or being hit by enemy fire through unopened doors.

Nexus is a welcome addition to the AC franchise, but for all the upgrades and tweaks that From Software has instituted, it?s seems too little, too late, and too bad.

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