Armored Core 'Mech Success

Published April 23, 2007

Armored Core® 4 is a lightning quick 'mech shooter that fuses its unique sense of speed with classic 'mech customization. While success can certainly be found through trial and error on the sci-fi battlefield, you may find victory comes quicker by adhering to the following tips. Good luck.

Skyscrapers make ideal cover.

Radar Awareness
It's easy to keep your eyes glued to the action and shoot at what's in front of you, but proper strategy requires a greater sense of awareness. Make sure you steal glances every few seconds at the radar in the upper-right-hand corner of your screen. Armored Core 4 moves much faster than your typical 'mech-based game, so being aware of newly arriving enemies and current opponents moving to flank you is crucial to survival.

Dash and Slash
When facing down heavily armored 'mech opponents, try using your ranged weaponry to whittle your opponent down. Once you've got them on the ropes though, it's time to throw caution to the wind and use your boosters to charge the enemy. Once in melee range, let loose with your sword attacks. Melee attacks can be devastating, and while they can leave you exposed and vulnerable if used without caution, they are perfectly suited to deliver the final, fatal blow.

Trust the Aim
Veterans of first-person shooters (FPS) in particular try to put too fine a point on aiming in Armored Core 4. Just use basic movement with the right stick to highlight an enemy and let the A.I. do the fine-tuning for you. Because of the swift pace in Armored Core 4, spend more attention on your movement and less on perfect aiming.

Dodge! Don't just sit there and take it.

Big Ones First
Classic battle encounters involve a flurry of smaller, lightly armored enemies bolstered by the presence of a few 'mechs. Ignore the smaller enemies and focus exclusively on the heavy hitters until they're eliminated. The battlefield is constantly evolving, so keep a close eye on reinforcements to spot new 'mechs on the scene.

Primal Armor
Like Halo® 2, Armored Core 4 uses a sort of overshield called Primal Armor, so anytime the Primal Armor gauge begins flirting with the bottom of the meter, find a spot to rest. Stay out of combat long enough and the shield will regenerate.

Speed Survival
Classic 'mech games tend to lumber along, but Armored Core 4 isn't your typical 'mech game. Your primary defense is evasion. Use your boosters to strafe and leap away from enemy fire and even to rapidly retreat when necessary. Get used to constant evasion early on and the later missions will be much less frustrating.

Always use the right weapon for the job.

High Ground
Like any good combat-based game, gaining the high ground will instantly grant you a tactical advantage. Whether it's sitting atop a skyscraper and demolishing a battalion of tanks below, or using a large hill for strike-and-retreat tactics, establish ownership of the available high ground early on in each mission. Use the superior line of sight from above the field of battle to better gauge enemy maneuvers.

Resupply
Armored Core 4 is by no means a simple game so equip yourself properly before a mission. Take any mission failure as an opportunity to re-evaluate your weapon load-out. Pay careful attention to the mission briefing as they will often clue you in on which weaponry will be most effective.

Article by Ryan Treit