PSP

Armored Core: Formula Front - Extreme Battle

I never thought I would enjoy a mech management game but that is essentially what we have with Armored Core: Formula Front – Extreme Battle. Running your own team of ACs and being able to customise every aspect of each AC, as well as their AI, actually makes for an addictive experience. The level of complexity and depth here will truly impress fans of the Armored Core series but it could probably be a little too much for those who are expecting the game to simply be an arcade style shooter (something the series has never really been).

The Armored Core series has been going strong for nearly 9 years now, since its debut in Japan circa 1997. As the series has progressed, so has developer From Software's reputation for excellent graphics and increasingly refined gameplay, earning it a loyal and dedicated following of fans. But when Armored Core: Formula Front arrived with the launch of the PSP in Japan, media and consumer reaction to the game was muted, due to the fact that you didn't actually control your cores, instead programming your machine's A.I. and watching it do battle on its own.

Again, it all boils down to whether you are already an existing AC fan. If you love the series on the console then you will certainly want to check out Armored Core: Formula Front - Extreme Battle on the PSP. It sacrifices nothing and gives you all that great robot action in the palm of your hand.

Armored Core: Formula Front is not your regular run-of-the-mill shooter. It may feature giant mechs engaged in viscous battles but that's only one part of the gameplay. The other part is constructing and tweaking these behemoths choosing from among hundreds of parts. You'll spend a large part of your time in the garage perfecting your creations before you send them into battle so you had better enjoy playing mechanic as much as you enjoying shooting. It's the redneck equivalent of fixing up the 77 Pontiac so you can do some rabbit hunting from the passenger seat. Anyone familiar with the previous Armored Cored games will know exactly what to expect.

Armored Core has always been considered the Gran Tourismo of giant mech games by many. There’s no questioning why it has earned that title. Total gear heads will love all the tweaking involved in this game. Others may not. The game is very user-friendly if you read the manual. However, most people just jump into a game and expect to be good at it. This will never be the case with Armored Core games. If that’s a turn off to you, stay far away from this title.

Armored Core: Formula Front is a fun game for fans of hardcore simulations, but the steep learning curve and lack of any real action will probably turn off a lot of people. But, if you're familiar with the Armored Core games, this style of gameplay is nothing new to you, and you'll most likely be very satisfied with what you find in Formula Front.

This game does enough things right that for the most part, you'll likely enjoy yourself while playing it. Recommended.

A beautiful spectacle, a colossal challenge, and a lack of action and excitement. The visuals captivate; the gameplay frustrates. As far as customization goes Armored Core Formula Front: Extreme Battle is at the top of its game. No other title even comes close to providing the wealth of options that this game offers. On the battlefield it lacks due to its strategic elements, which make winning and losing all about what you do before combat begins. Strategy fans shall be most enthused, but the typical PSP owner wants a quick, action-packed experience they can pick up and play whenever they please. Though PlayStation Portable holds your game in place when turned off, this is not the kind of game you can leave and come back to without losing track of what you’ve been doing.

If you grow tired or simply just overwhelmed with the pitch perfect AI, you can battle it out with another player to see how your droids stack up to your buddy's. You can also exchange bots and emblems in this manner too, and it's a worthwhile diversion from hours spent in your virtual garage. In fact, Armored Core Formula Front - Extreme Battle is a fine detour from the standard PSP fare, and while it won't likely win over any converts thanks to a simple gameplay structure and highly complicated game mechanics, it will please admirers of the long-running series. These diminutive mechs pack a strong punch.

So I've finally built my dream robot. Took damn long enough, too, with parts that I needed to put in the right place without falling apart like a glued popsicle stick project. But it's ready, and I'm tearing ass...although gas prices will probably kill me. Why couldn't I use solar panels? Gah. Complication seems to be the order of the day for Armored Core Formula Front, so take that for what you will. Those seeking Virtual On-style action should take a powder, while those eager to create their own battlebot of doom with a lot of time on their hands will want to grab their toolbox. This is your machine.

Ensambla un Armored Core y lánzate a competir en la liga FFA donde equipos con los mechs más poderosos se enfrentan entre sí en demoledores combates. Como arquitecto, organiza una escuadra, escala posiciones en la competición y construye tu destructor definitivo.

Si cet Armored Core semblait tout avoir pour convaincre autant son public que le reste des joueurs, il n'en demeure pas moins que ce soft n'a pas été totalement pensé pour son support et qu'il souffre de fait d'une maniabilité perfectible, qu'il est difficile de rendre convaincante, même en réassignant les touches. De plus, son manque de modes de jeu le condamne à diffuser une certaine lassitude. Si pour les fans, il ne sera pas décevant, les joueurs lambda risquent de se heurter à un titre profond, jouissif sur le fond, original par son principe de "coaching" mais en retrait sur la forme à cause d'une mauvaise exploitation. Dommage.

regret to report the rest of the PSP crowd that Armored Core: Formula Front isn't the action game you're looking for. Armored Core fans might enjoy it for its customization and impressive superficial qualities, but almost anyone else will immediately regret a purchase because there isn't much gameplay involved. From Software, I know you're capable of making an Armored Core that is more fun to play than watch. Please do it next time.

So, it seems as though mech fighting isn't all it's cracked up to be, at least not on the PSP. The only way I could every recommend this game is if you are a hardcore Armored Core fan or mech fighting game enthusiast. Otherwise, you'd be better off playing something else. Next time, let's hope FromSoftware can care enough about their games to make it as full featured as the consoles. Or better yet, let's just not make a next time. At the end of this battle, the bad parts easily outweigh the good. This mech didn't even make it to the battlefield.

It's so stiff and sluggish that you'll often find yourself wondering if the buttons of the PSP are shorting out. So, unless you have three toes, hang upside down in trees and enjoy eating leaves, might I suggest that you avoid this release.