Every IGN FromSoftware Game Review
Flight
15 de Abril de 2024
FromSoftware isn't just the Dark Souls/Bloodborne studio! Since the launch of the original PlayStation in 1994 it's been pumping out dozens of games, many of them involving giant robots, and IGN's been around to review most of them. Here's what we think of its storied track record.
Reviewed by Adam Douglas
October 25, 1997
"With solid graphics and control, and an almost obsessive attention to detail as far as customizing the mechs go, it's hard not to love Armored Core. Fans of anime will love barreling around in the Shoji Kawamori-designed mechs, while action lovers will enjoy the short, but hard-hitting, missions. Either way, you can't lose."">Reviewed by Adam Douglas
October 25, 1997
"With solid graphics and control, and an almost obsessive attention to detail as far as customizing the mechs go, it's hard not to love Armored Core. Fans of anime will love barreling around in the Shoji Kawamori-designed mechs, while action lovers will enjoy the short, but hard-hitting, missions. Either way, you can't lose."
Reviewed by Craig Harris
October 19, 1998
"To be quite honest, I never, ever played the original Armored Core. That said, I feel Armored Core Project Phantasma is a decent mission-based action title, but it isn't for fans who like jump-in-and-play-style games. Project Phantasma requires a little bit of time to sit down and manage how you're going to build and upgrade your robot (I'm trying my darndest to not call them " mechs"), and you can't just find the best legs, arms, and bodies money can buy - each needs the power to run it.
Missions themselves range from stupidly easy to incredibly hard, and they jump around in difficulty throughout the game. The game's a challenge, I'll certainly admit that. Controlling your robot is pretty simple, except when your fingers slip off the shoulder buttons and accidentally cause the camera to rise or fall in the middle of the action.
Armored Core Project Phanta">Reviewed by Craig Harris
October 19, 1998
"To be quite honest, I never, ever played the original Armored Core. That said, I feel Armored Core Project Phantasma is a decent mission-based action title, but it isn't for fans who like jump-in-and-play-style games. Project Phantasma requires a little bit of time to sit down and manage how you're going to build and upgrade your robot (I'm trying my darndest to not call them " mechs"), and you can't just find the best legs, arms, and bodies money can buy - each needs the power to run it.
Missions themselves range from stupidly easy to incredibly hard, and they jump around in difficulty throughout the game. The game's a challenge, I'll certainly admit that. Controlling your robot is pretty simple, except when your fingers slip off the shoulder buttons and accidentally cause the camera to rise or fall in the middle of the action.
Armored Core Project Phanta
Reviewed by Max Everingham
September 7, 1999
"Echo Night is a throwback to a lower-bit era when developers were more interested in how a game plays than how it looks. Rather than try and wow their audiences with graphical wizardry (which, in any case, wasn't technically possible), they attempted to deliver the kind of gaming experience that hooks the player, then lures them into the onscreen action. Despite its many deficiencies, this is exactly the effect Echo night achieves.
As I played through the game, there were moments of real tension and excitement as I tried to attain certain objectives and it was always scary (but oddly amusing) to try and escape from the crazy floating child-doll thingy. The gaming experience is where Echo Night shines through. No-one will remember the graphics, and you might even forget the eerie soundtrack, but it'll be a while before you get that child out of your head. When you next fire up one of ">Reviewed by Max Everingham
September 7, 1999
"Echo Night is a throwback to a lower-bit era when developers were more interested in how a game plays than how it looks. Rather than try and wow their audiences with graphical wizardry (which, in any case, wasn't technically possible), they attempted to deliver the kind of gaming experience that hooks the player, then lures them into the onscreen action. Despite its many deficiencies, this is exactly the effect Echo night achieves.
As I played through the game, there were moments of real tension and excitement as I tried to attain certain objectives and it was always scary (but oddly amusing) to try and escape from the crazy floating child-doll thingy. The gaming experience is where Echo Night shines through. No-one will remember the graphics, and you might even forget the eerie soundtrack, but it'll be a while before you get that child out of your head. When you next fire up one of
Reviewed by Jeremy Conrad
March 27, 2000
Overall, Armored Core: Master of Arena is a good game. Definitely a better " sequel" than Project Phantasma was. Even with the graphics showing their age, the gameplay and concept behind the game is still fun and addicting. It's games with cool ideas such as Armored Core (and Carnage Heart) that will be remembered as PlayStation hands the torch over to PS2.
If you are a fan of Armored Core (or mecha games in general), you will probably find something here to enjoy. Even if you have never played Armored Core before, this game has enough to get you into it. And to get you excited about the PlayStation 2 version, Armored Core 2.">Reviewed by Jeremy Conrad
March 27, 2000
Overall, Armored Core: Master of Arena is a good game. Definitely a better " sequel" than Project Phantasma was. Even with the graphics showing their age, the gameplay and concept behind the game is still fun and addicting. It's games with cool ideas such as Armored Core (and Carnage Heart) that will be remembered as PlayStation hands the torch over to PS2.
If you are a fan of Armored Core (or mecha games in general), you will probably find something here to enjoy. Even if you have never played Armored Core before, this game has enough to get you into it. And to get you excited about the PlayStation 2 version, Armored Core 2.
Reviewed by David Smith
October 24, 2000
I have a hard time mustering a tremendous degree of excitement for Eternal Ring, because despite some of its more interesting ideas and scenes, it still tells a fairly pedestrian story through fairly pedestrian action, like the King's Field adventures that came before it. It's far better than they were, but they were some of the worst RPGs of the 32-bit age, so that's not saying a great deal. The game's high points are relatively small, lone spikes.
If you're starving for an RPG on PlayStation 2, though (or, just to cover all the bases, if you could actually stand King's Field), I would recommend this over Orphen at the very least, and perhaps Ever Grace as well, depending on how either From Software offering suits your particular taste. Most gamers would probably be best served by sticking to the PlayStation or Dreamcast for their RPG fix, though, until deeper, more polished games ride">Reviewed by David Smith
October 24, 2000
I have a hard time mustering a tremendous degree of excitement for Eternal Ring, because despite some of its more interesting ideas and scenes, it still tells a fairly pedestrian story through fairly pedestrian action, like the King's Field adventures that came before it. It's far better than they were, but they were some of the worst RPGs of the 32-bit age, so that's not saying a great deal. The game's high points are relatively small, lone spikes.
If you're starving for an RPG on PlayStation 2, though (or, just to cover all the bases, if you could actually stand King's Field), I would recommend this over Orphen at the very least, and perhaps Ever Grace as well, depending on how either From Software offering suits your particular taste. Most gamers would probably be best served by sticking to the PlayStation or Dreamcast for their RPG fix, though, until deeper, more polished games ride
Reviewed by David Zdyrko
October 24, 2000
Evergrace is both a solid and completely enjoyable role-playing game experience that will most likely be a fun playthrough for PlayStation 2 owners who are looking to play an adventure game on their brand spanking new system. The game's only problem is that it doesn't really do extremely well in any one particular category. The story, voice acting, character development, translation, combat system and plot progression are very good, nothing more. It's not a must-have title for PS2, but if you want an RPG, you won't be too disappointed if you pick this one up.">Reviewed by David Zdyrko
October 24, 2000
Evergrace is both a solid and completely enjoyable role-playing game experience that will most likely be a fun playthrough for PlayStation 2 owners who are looking to play an adventure game on their brand spanking new system. The game's only problem is that it doesn't really do extremely well in any one particular category. The story, voice acting, character development, translation, combat system and plot progression are very good, nothing more. It's not a must-have title for PS2, but if you want an RPG, you won't be too disappointed if you pick this one up.
Reviewed by David Smith
October 23, 2000
"Armored Core 2 is not quite so far beyond my imagination as its creators would have once, some time ago, led me to think. It is still recognizably Armored Core, albeit a whole hell of a lot of really good-looking Armored Core. But since Armored Core was a solid creation to begin with, Armored Core 2 works as a visual update of the formula that's won the series so many fans, and it throws in more of everything to boot. The mission tree is large, with plenty of branches to explore a second time through, the Arena offers a fun diversion for when you don't want to take on a complicated challenge, and the garage, of course, is a marvelous mecha toybox.
Of course, those who've tried the original Armored Cores and found the gameplay model not to their liking will probably not have much time for this one, either. It's too bad, because From Software could have easily won themselves a raft of ">Reviewed by David Smith
October 23, 2000
"Armored Core 2 is not quite so far beyond my imagination as its creators would have once, some time ago, led me to think. It is still recognizably Armored Core, albeit a whole hell of a lot of really good-looking Armored Core. But since Armored Core was a solid creation to begin with, Armored Core 2 works as a visual update of the formula that's won the series so many fans, and it throws in more of everything to boot. The mission tree is large, with plenty of branches to explore a second time through, the Arena offers a fun diversion for when you don't want to take on a complicated challenge, and the garage, of course, is a marvelous mecha toybox.
Of course, those who've tried the original Armored Cores and found the gameplay model not to their liking will probably not have much time for this one, either. It's too bad, because From Software could have easily won themselves a raft of
Reviewed by David Smith
May 7, 2001
"There are obviously those of you out there who wouldn't be interested in this game. I don't like you and I certainly don't understand you, but I know who you are.
The rest of you are advised at the very least to rent this game -- even if you don't want to own it for all time, it's one of those things that you ought to experience for a little while, just to say you've done it. Reflect, after all, that in a sane world there is absolutely no reason at all that this game would ever come to America, and certainly not without a complete makeover and stupid American characters thrown in to replace the MEGA-BOSS rabbits with flowerpots and banjos.
Flowerpots. Banjos. Maracas. Yes."">Reviewed by David Smith
May 7, 2001
"There are obviously those of you out there who wouldn't be interested in this game. I don't like you and I certainly don't understand you, but I know who you are.
The rest of you are advised at the very least to rent this game -- even if you don't want to own it for all time, it's one of those things that you ought to experience for a little while, just to say you've done it. Reflect, after all, that in a sane world there is absolutely no reason at all that this game would ever come to America, and certainly not without a complete makeover and stupid American characters thrown in to replace the MEGA-BOSS rabbits with flowerpots and banjos.
Flowerpots. Banjos. Maracas. Yes."
Reviewed by David Smith
August 27, 2002
"For a more comprehensive discussion of the Armored Core experience, it would certainly be worthwhile to check out the original Armored Core 2 review. Essentially all comments made there about how the game looks, sounds, plays, and feels apply just as well to Another Age, and the whole thing is many times more entertaining to read than this brief affair.
But when you're actually at the shop picking stuff out, there's no reason to play the original over this successor if you can only buy one. The PS Armored Core expansions offered less than their predecessors, while this one offers a good deal more. Armored Core fans have of course probably already bought it, so that leaves only a small minority left, but wherever they are, this is the place to jump on board."">Reviewed by David Smith
August 27, 2002
"For a more comprehensive discussion of the Armored Core experience, it would certainly be worthwhile to check out the original Armored Core 2 review. Essentially all comments made there about how the game looks, sounds, plays, and feels apply just as well to Another Age, and the whole thing is many times more entertaining to read than this brief affair.
But when you're actually at the shop picking stuff out, there's no reason to play the original over this successor if you can only buy one. The PS Armored Core expansions offered less than their predecessors, while this one offers a good deal more. Armored Core fans have of course probably already bought it, so that leaves only a small minority left, but wherever they are, this is the place to jump on board."
Reviewed by David Smith
February 6, 2002
"Forever Kingdom comes out of left field to present a surprisingly entertaining action-RPG experience, especially considering what a grim affair the King's Field series has always been. It's nowhere near perfect, particularly in the visual department, but the multi-character gameplay gives it a good deal more gameplay longevity than some of the other contenders in this department.
Rent it first, perhaps, and you might spend the whole game wondering why they don't make another Seiken Densetsu game, but it might turn out to be quite the rewarding experience. Just remember, though, that the iron pot doesn't suit the Flare Armor in the slightest."">Reviewed by David Smith
February 6, 2002
"Forever Kingdom comes out of left field to present a surprisingly entertaining action-RPG experience, especially considering what a grim affair the King's Field series has always been. It's nowhere near perfect, particularly in the visual department, but the multi-character gameplay gives it a good deal more gameplay longevity than some of the other contenders in this department.
Rent it first, perhaps, and you might spend the whole game wondering why they don't make another Seiken Densetsu game, but it might turn out to be quite the rewarding experience. Just remember, though, that the iron pot doesn't suit the Flare Armor in the slightest."
Reviewed by Jeremy Dunham
March 27, 2002
King's Field: The Ancient City is an okay venture into the world of first-person role-players. Long and challenging (although not necessarily for the right reasons), desperate adventurers could find a lot to like. But for the pickier bunch of us out there who demand a deeper story, more action, and an over all tighter package may opt to rent this one over the weekend.">Reviewed by Jeremy Dunham
March 27, 2002
King's Field: The Ancient City is an okay venture into the world of first-person role-players. Long and challenging (although not necessarily for the right reasons), desperate adventurers could find a lot to like. But for the pickier bunch of us out there who demand a deeper story, more action, and an over all tighter package may opt to rent this one over the weekend.
Reviewed by David Smith
September 9, 2002
"I just wish the series would commit to more than gradual improvement. At this pace, it looks like I'll be able to give an unqualified thumbs-up round about Armored Core 5 -- say, four or five years from now. From Software could do so much more with these games, and instead, it seems committed to doing the same damn thing over and over.
For those content with this style of gameplay, well, more power to you. You should have no problems whatsoever with Armored Core 3. It's a definite rent-it-first for anyone else, though, lest you fear getting stuck with a lemon on your hands (subjectively speaking, of course). Until Armored Core 4, then, here's to what might have been."">Reviewed by David Smith
September 9, 2002
"I just wish the series would commit to more than gradual improvement. At this pace, it looks like I'll be able to give an unqualified thumbs-up round about Armored Core 5 -- say, four or five years from now. From Software could do so much more with these games, and instead, it seems committed to doing the same damn thing over and over.
For those content with this style of gameplay, well, more power to you. You should have no problems whatsoever with Armored Core 3. It's a definite rent-it-first for anyone else, though, lest you fear getting stuck with a lemon on your hands (subjectively speaking, of course). Until Armored Core 4, then, here's to what might have been."
Reviewed by Fran Mirabella III
June 4, 2002
"I was relatively excited by the basic ideas surrounding Lost Kingdoms when I first heard about the project. I thought, finally an RPG is on its way to GameCube. When I first played it at Space World 2001, I was slightly less impressed. Tossing cards around in real-time was a novel idea, but I suspected it would get old quick. Sure enough, now that I've played the game thoroughly, this is the case.
Lost Kingdoms has some concepts you can respect, and it's not sloppily pieced together. From Software has all the ideas in place. The problem is that in its execution there are some balance issues. The lack of a deep storyline and inventive gameplay only hurts more.
Lost Kingdoms is definitely worth the rental for RPG starved GameCube fans. There's enough to explore to keep you entertained for a few hours, at least. As a buy, however, you'd have to really love the idea of creat">Reviewed by Fran Mirabella III
June 4, 2002
"I was relatively excited by the basic ideas surrounding Lost Kingdoms when I first heard about the project. I thought, finally an RPG is on its way to GameCube. When I first played it at Space World 2001, I was slightly less impressed. Tossing cards around in real-time was a novel idea, but I suspected it would get old quick. Sure enough, now that I've played the game thoroughly, this is the case.
Lost Kingdoms has some concepts you can respect, and it's not sloppily pieced together. From Software has all the ideas in place. The problem is that in its execution there are some balance issues. The lack of a deep storyline and inventive gameplay only hurts more.
Lost Kingdoms is definitely worth the rental for RPG starved GameCube fans. There's enough to explore to keep you entertained for a few hours, at least. As a buy, however, you'd have to really love the idea of creat
Reviewed by Justin Thompson
March 6, 2003
"Look guys, I wanted to like this game too. The fact is that it's just awful. Awful awful awful. It's ugly, frustrating and extremely repetitive. Murakumo is easily the worst game on Xbox this year, and I can count the Xbox games I've enjoyed less on one hand.
If you're looking for a decent mech game, you've still got options. Either save yourself some money and pick up the now-dirt cheap, and far better Robotech: Battlecry or save up for Steel Battalion. Sure it's four times as expensive, but it's about a thousand times more fun. Whatever you do, don't buy, rent, or even think about Murakumo. Remember, we play these turds so you don't have to."">Reviewed by Justin Thompson
March 6, 2003
"Look guys, I wanted to like this game too. The fact is that it's just awful. Awful awful awful. It's ugly, frustrating and extremely repetitive. Murakumo is easily the worst game on Xbox this year, and I can count the Xbox games I've enjoyed less on one hand.
If you're looking for a decent mech game, you've still got options. Either save yourself some money and pick up the now-dirt cheap, and far better Robotech: Battlecry or save up for Steel Battalion. Sure it's four times as expensive, but it's about a thousand times more fun. Whatever you do, don't buy, rent, or even think about Murakumo. Remember, we play these turds so you don't have to."
Reviewed by Hillary Goldstein
August 22, 2003
"Otogi is 100% action. There's very little to explore and no inventive puzzles to solve. Though a few stages feature protection missions, most of Otogi consists of seek and destroy quests. That's not a bad thing when seeking and destroying is this much fun.
Otogi had me for the first half. I was hooked. Then I hit the second half and found that Raikoh was in some sort of "alternate" world where every level was reused as to expand the game without taxing the minds of the level designers. It's a cheap trick and one that weakens the second half of the adventure just a little. The fights, though very hectic, can also get a bit too repetitive. The boss battles are so unique and refreshing, it's a shame that none of the other stages manage to come close to equaling their intensity. If only there were a few more battles like the one against Crimson Lord, Otogi would have p">Reviewed by Hillary Goldstein
August 22, 2003
"Otogi is 100% action. There's very little to explore and no inventive puzzles to solve. Though a few stages feature protection missions, most of Otogi consists of seek and destroy quests. That's not a bad thing when seeking and destroying is this much fun.
Otogi had me for the first half. I was hooked. Then I hit the second half and found that Raikoh was in some sort of "alternate" world where every level was reused as to expand the game without taxing the minds of the level designers. It's a cheap trick and one that weakens the second half of the adventure just a little. The fights, though very hectic, can also get a bit too repetitive. The boss battles are so unique and refreshing, it's a shame that none of the other stages manage to come close to equaling their intensity. If only there were a few more battles like the one against Crimson Lord, Otogi would have p
Reviewed by Tyrone Rodriguez
August 1, 2003
Armored Core was and is Steel Battalion before Shinji Mikami decided to make it a full-blown sim-esque Xbox game. This might be a bit too much to swallow in terms of story, gameplay, and feel, at least for the average gamer who has never experienced the AC universe. The control alone is something that takes some time to get accustomed to. But, I can bet you anyone who appreciated Ace Combat 04, Steel Battalion or even Robotech will likely find this new expansion appealing.
You have been warned, though, this is nothing new or groundbreaking, it's just more of the same, refined and refined yet again. Our review of the previous AC pretty much sums up how we feel about this one, "I just wish the series would commit to more than gradual improvement. At this pace, it looks like I'll be able to give an unqualified thumbs-up round about Armored Core 5 -- say, four or five years f">Reviewed by Tyrone Rodriguez
August 1, 2003
Armored Core was and is Steel Battalion before Shinji Mikami decided to make it a full-blown sim-esque Xbox game. This might be a bit too much to swallow in terms of story, gameplay, and feel, at least for the average gamer who has never experienced the AC universe. The control alone is something that takes some time to get accustomed to. But, I can bet you anyone who appreciated Ace Combat 04, Steel Battalion or even Robotech will likely find this new expansion appealing.
You have been warned, though, this is nothing new or groundbreaking, it's just more of the same, refined and refined yet again. Our review of the previous AC pretty much sums up how we feel about this one, "I just wish the series would commit to more than gradual improvement. At this pace, it looks like I'll be able to give an unqualified thumbs-up round about Armored Core 5 -- say, four or five years f
Reviewed by Peer Schneider
May 23, 2003
Overall, Lost Kingdoms II is a definite improvement over the first game. You get twice as many monster cards, a quest that's two or three hours longer, some voiceover work, improved graphics, a better two-player mode, a less linear quest, and a few battle upgrades, but the core gameplay remains the same. The whole experience is more balanced and the changes are definitely welcome, but Lost Kingdoms once again is hampered by a cookie-cutter storyline and an overall feeling of blandness. The entire quest just feels uneventful -- and if it weren't for the added draw of collecting all the cards, it would be over so quickly you'd swear it was an action game, not an RPG. I can't deny that Lost Kingdoms shows a lot of potential to someday blossom into an appealing RPG series, but it's not quite there yet. The basic battle mechanics are solid but need more depth, and the character development, q">Reviewed by Peer Schneider
May 23, 2003
Overall, Lost Kingdoms II is a definite improvement over the first game. You get twice as many monster cards, a quest that's two or three hours longer, some voiceover work, improved graphics, a better two-player mode, a less linear quest, and a few battle upgrades, but the core gameplay remains the same. The whole experience is more balanced and the changes are definitely welcome, but Lost Kingdoms once again is hampered by a cookie-cutter storyline and an overall feeling of blandness. The entire quest just feels uneventful -- and if it weren't for the added draw of collecting all the cards, it would be over so quickly you'd swear it was an action game, not an RPG. I can't deny that Lost Kingdoms shows a lot of potential to someday blossom into an appealing RPG series, but it's not quite there yet. The basic battle mechanics are solid but need more depth, and the character development, q
Reviewed by Hillary Goldstein
October 14, 2004
Otogi 2 is not a major step forward from the first. The addition of the new playable characters is a big boon in terms of keeping the game fresh from start to finish, but there's not much progress here otherwise. It's still a very fun game and a better one than the original, but FromSoftware has yet to turn this one into the masterpiece it could be. Action fans will love it as it's a non-stop butt-whoopin' good time. If the term "beautiful destruction" gets you all tingly inside, this is the game for you.">Reviewed by Hillary Goldstein
October 14, 2004
Otogi 2 is not a major step forward from the first. The addition of the new playable characters is a big boon in terms of keeping the game fresh from start to finish, but there's not much progress here otherwise. It's still a very fun game and a better one than the original, but FromSoftware has yet to turn this one into the masterpiece it could be. Action fans will love it as it's a non-stop butt-whoopin' good time. If the term "beautiful destruction" gets you all tingly inside, this is the game for you.
Reviewed by Ivan Sulic
August 30, 2004
Echo Night was shaping up to be a sleeper hit until we actually played through it. For shame...the engine is aptly suited to deliver a chilling experience, but since the experience happens to be about routine ghost encounters and droning fetch quests, there's little left to enjoy beyond the atmosphere. Ultimately, Echo Night is a game with terrific effects that delivers a wonderfully tense mood. But, beyond just walking about and opening cabinets, there's no reason to plod through the underdeveloped puzzles and not so frightening ghosts.">Reviewed by Ivan Sulic
August 30, 2004
Echo Night was shaping up to be a sleeper hit until we actually played through it. For shame...the engine is aptly suited to deliver a chilling experience, but since the experience happens to be about routine ghost encounters and droning fetch quests, there's little left to enjoy beyond the atmosphere. Ultimately, Echo Night is a game with terrific effects that delivers a wonderfully tense mood. But, beyond just walking about and opening cabinets, there's no reason to plod through the underdeveloped puzzles and not so frightening ghosts.
Reviewed by Ivan Sulic
October 7, 2004
Through all this, Nexus is still decent. Go figure. Despite offering a lot of the same (eight games of it, nearly), the slight changes to the engine and all the content make it pretty exciting. There's just too much packed into one box. You must respect it. Ultimately, stalwart fans of the series will obviously dig Nexus (no freaking kidding, huh?). While the analog control opens up the game to a whole new audience, the uninteresting missions and sometimes daunting customization screens bring it down quite a bit.">Reviewed by Ivan Sulic
October 7, 2004
Through all this, Nexus is still decent. Go figure. Despite offering a lot of the same (eight games of it, nearly), the slight changes to the engine and all the content make it pretty exciting. There's just too much packed into one box. You must respect it. Ultimately, stalwart fans of the series will obviously dig Nexus (no freaking kidding, huh?). While the analog control opens up the game to a whole new audience, the uninteresting missions and sometimes daunting customization screens bring it down quite a bit.
Reviewed by Ivan Sulic
September 19, 2005
Simply, Armored Core: Nexus players have no reason to purchase Nine Breaker. To a lesser extent, gamers that have enjoyed Armored Core 2, Another Age or Armored Core 3, will also be wondering what the fuss is about (assuming there is any left at this point). And for those that are new to the Armored Core franchise and are just looking to break into the series, please note that any of the previously mentioned games (Nexus in particular) will offer a better starting point. This is because Nine Breaker does not offer fresh content, nor does it deliver anything to accommodate new players. It's just kind of there.">Reviewed by Ivan Sulic
September 19, 2005
Simply, Armored Core: Nexus players have no reason to purchase Nine Breaker. To a lesser extent, gamers that have enjoyed Armored Core 2, Another Age or Armored Core 3, will also be wondering what the fuss is about (assuming there is any left at this point). And for those that are new to the Armored Core franchise and are just looking to break into the series, please note that any of the previously mentioned games (Nexus in particular) will offer a better starting point. This is because Nine Breaker does not offer fresh content, nor does it deliver anything to accommodate new players. It's just kind of there.
Reviewed by Chris Roper
December 19, 2005
Armored Core: Formula Front - Extreme Battle will almost certainly please fans of the serious simply because it's a portable version of the console series that stays true to its roots, but it's not really anything new. The game's strengths are still in building unique Armored Cores, but there's still quite a long learning curve there. The battlefield action still feels forced and tedious, which is unfortunate. There's still a whole lot of potential here, but the Armored Core series still hasn't quite reached it yet.">Reviewed by Chris Roper
December 19, 2005
Armored Core: Formula Front - Extreme Battle will almost certainly please fans of the serious simply because it's a portable version of the console series that stays true to its roots, but it's not really anything new. The game's strengths are still in building unique Armored Cores, but there's still quite a long learning curve there. The battlefield action still feels forced and tedious, which is unfortunate. There's still a whole lot of potential here, but the Armored Core series still hasn't quite reached it yet.
Reviewed by Ed Lewis
June 13, 2006
Fans will be happy to see some of the battle and garage tweaks that make positive changes in the gameplay, but the uninteresting missions will dampen any excitement. Sadly, those who want to check this out for the first time are getting the tiny end of the stick. Too much time will be spent researching and banging your head against the wall with a ridiculous amount of trial and error for a treat that's not nearly worth the effort.">Reviewed by Ed Lewis
June 13, 2006
Fans will be happy to see some of the battle and garage tweaks that make positive changes in the gameplay, but the uninteresting missions will dampen any excitement. Sadly, those who want to check this out for the first time are getting the tiny end of the stick. Too much time will be spent researching and banging your head against the wall with a ridiculous amount of trial and error for a treat that's not nearly worth the effort.
Reviewed by Erik Brudvig
August 30, 2006
Enchanted Arms is quite good for a first attempt at a 360 traditional RPG. You won't find anything exceptional here, nor will you find anything new. If you're looking for a solid, turn-based RPG, then you could do far worse than Enchanted Arms. The good options for auto fighting, fast forwarding through battles and scores of golems to hunt are brought down by several unfortunate shortcomings. The battle system is generic and battles occur far too often for their own good, making for gameplay that can get boring at times. The story delivery needs a complete overhaul, starting with the character's dialogue. Still, for traditional RPG fans, the good will outweigh the bad and an enjoyable experience is there for the taking. Any game that allows you to fight a giant pizza-faced monster can't be all bad, right?">Reviewed by Erik Brudvig
August 30, 2006
Enchanted Arms is quite good for a first attempt at a 360 traditional RPG. You won't find anything exceptional here, nor will you find anything new. If you're looking for a solid, turn-based RPG, then you could do far worse than Enchanted Arms. The good options for auto fighting, fast forwarding through battles and scores of golems to hunt are brought down by several unfortunate shortcomings. The battle system is generic and battles occur far too often for their own good, making for gameplay that can get boring at times. The story delivery needs a complete overhaul, starting with the character's dialogue. Still, for traditional RPG fans, the good will outweigh the bad and an enjoyable experience is there for the taking. Any game that allows you to fight a giant pizza-faced monster can't be all bad, right?
Reviewed by Greg Miller
April 3, 2007
Enchanted Arms is a slightly above-average RPG at best. Yes, it's the first role-player to feature traditional turn-based combat on the PS3, but there are so many shortcomings to the actual game that I can only recommend the $60 investment to the hardest of hardcore RPG fans. There's nothing here that stands out. You've done it all before.">Reviewed by Greg Miller
April 3, 2007
Enchanted Arms is a slightly above-average RPG at best. Yes, it's the first role-player to feature traditional turn-based combat on the PS3, but there are so many shortcomings to the actual game that I can only recommend the $60 investment to the hardest of hardcore RPG fans. There's nothing here that stands out. You've done it all before.
Reviewed by Charles Onyett
July 12, 2006
If you don't have Xbox Live, don't bother with this game. Since all the single-player missions are training sessions for the online experience, it really feels like an incomplete, unfulfilling package by itself. That being said, the online modes definitely deserve credit. It's one of the most robust multiplayer packages on the Xbox 360, offering a persistent world within which players can wage numerous sorts of war, make money, buy more parts and assemble more powerful Hounds. Despite the options for customization, Chromehounds' core battle mechanics suffer from a severe lack of variety. Since each Hound is so slow, there's little to do in battle aside from aim, lazily strafe, and shoot. Gauging aimed shots isn't difficult; most players should get the idea within an hour or two of training. As such, it's only those who are willing to use each of the six RTs to their fullest tactical potenti">Reviewed by Charles Onyett
July 12, 2006
If you don't have Xbox Live, don't bother with this game. Since all the single-player missions are training sessions for the online experience, it really feels like an incomplete, unfulfilling package by itself. That being said, the online modes definitely deserve credit. It's one of the most robust multiplayer packages on the Xbox 360, offering a persistent world within which players can wage numerous sorts of war, make money, buy more parts and assemble more powerful Hounds. Despite the options for customization, Chromehounds' core battle mechanics suffer from a severe lack of variety. Since each Hound is so slow, there's little to do in battle aside from aim, lazily strafe, and shoot. Gauging aimed shots isn't difficult; most players should get the idea within an hour or two of training. As such, it's only those who are willing to use each of the six RTs to their fullest tactical potenti
Reviewed by Greg Miller
March 20, 2007
The Armored Core franchise celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. To have that kind of staying power, it's clear Sega and FromSoftware know what this fan base wants, but although Armored Core 4 delivers its usual, expansive customization options, it isn't enough to overlook weak single-player missions and lackluster visuals.">Reviewed by Greg Miller
March 20, 2007
The Armored Core franchise celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. To have that kind of staying power, it's clear Sega and FromSoftware know what this fan base wants, but although Armored Core 4 delivers its usual, expansive customization options, it isn't enough to overlook weak single-player missions and lackluster visuals.
Reviewed by Ryan Clements
September 22, 2008
If you think mech customization and boost-filled battles sound like your cup of tea, Armored Core does deliver on those parts. Being a lower profile franchise, Armored Core doesn't impress in terms of tech or revolutionary game design, but the gameplay From Software sets up is a lot of fun and will be a riot for hardcore mech fans. If you can overlook the technical problems, Answer is a solid purchase -- especially if you skipped Armored Core 4 last year.">Reviewed by Ryan Clements
September 22, 2008
If you think mech customization and boost-filled battles sound like your cup of tea, Armored Core does deliver on those parts. Being a lower profile franchise, Armored Core doesn't impress in terms of tech or revolutionary game design, but the gameplay From Software sets up is a lot of fun and will be a riot for hardcore mech fans. If you can overlook the technical problems, Answer is a solid purchase -- especially if you skipped Armored Core 4 last year.
Reviewed by Erik Brudvig
October 9, 2008
Tenchu: Shadow Assault feels disjointed and lacks focus. Neither dissimilar half works well alone and together they appear confused. A solid Live Arcade game that focused solely on the style of gameplay the Tenchu series became famous for would have been great, but this is not the sort of thing old-school Tenchu fans will find attractive. As for the multiplayer game, just stick with the superior Bomberman.">Reviewed by Erik Brudvig
October 9, 2008
Tenchu: Shadow Assault feels disjointed and lacks focus. Neither dissimilar half works well alone and together they appear confused. A solid Live Arcade game that focused solely on the style of gameplay the Tenchu series became famous for would have been great, but this is not the sort of thing old-school Tenchu fans will find attractive. As for the multiplayer game, just stick with the superior Bomberman.
Reviewed by Erik Brudvig
April 6, 2009
Ninja Blade isn't necessarily a bad or broken hack-and-slash game. There are a few elements that could use a bit more polish, such as the awkward jumping or the occasional collision detection error. The whole package is serviceable, even if the majority of the action tends towards the mundane and tedious far too often. Slices of Ninja Blade are fun and goofy in a way that reminds you that games are meant for entertainment and don't always have to be serious. The epic end-boss finishes are enough to make the game stand out a bit, but the rest is far from special and by the end Ninja Blade left me generally disinterested.">Reviewed by Erik Brudvig
April 6, 2009
Ninja Blade isn't necessarily a bad or broken hack-and-slash game. There are a few elements that could use a bit more polish, such as the awkward jumping or the occasional collision detection error. The whole package is serviceable, even if the majority of the action tends towards the mundane and tedious far too often. Slices of Ninja Blade are fun and goofy in a way that reminds you that games are meant for entertainment and don't always have to be serious. The epic end-boss finishes are enough to make the game stand out a bit, but the rest is far from special and by the end Ninja Blade left me generally disinterested.
Reviewed by Sam Bishop
October 8, 20092
Demon's Souls is not a game for everyone. Actually, I take that back; it's most definitely something everyone should try, but the look, seemingly unforgiving nature and themes might be a bit off-putting. Don't let them be. Every single person that owns a PS3 should at the very least rent this game to see what all the fuss is about, and those that can remember the good ol' days when games taught through the highly effective use of intense punishment and a heavy price for not playing it carefully should scoop this up instantly. It's utterly unique among the offerings on any console right now, and absolutely, positively should not be missed.">Reviewed by Sam Bishop
October 8, 20092
Demon's Souls is not a game for everyone. Actually, I take that back; it's most definitely something everyone should try, but the look, seemingly unforgiving nature and themes might be a bit off-putting. Don't let them be. Every single person that owns a PS3 should at the very least rent this game to see what all the fuss is about, and those that can remember the good ol' days when games taught through the highly effective use of intense punishment and a heavy price for not playing it carefully should scoop this up instantly. It's utterly unique among the offerings on any console right now, and absolutely, positively should not be missed.
Reviewed by Keza McDonald
March 27, 2012
If you can't play online, Armored Core V is rather dry, but if you can, it's a detailed and substantial mech experience made loads better by the addition of other people. It doesn't do anything to make the genre more accessible, and you'll have to be prepared to scale a high entry barrier and deal with its accessibility issues if you want to get into it - but if you do make the effort, you'll find that this is the best mech game in a long time, one that's deep enough to satisfy even the most seasoned player. Let's hope it manages to sustain the active player population that it needs to really shine.">Reviewed by Keza McDonald
March 27, 2012
If you can't play online, Armored Core V is rather dry, but if you can, it's a detailed and substantial mech experience made loads better by the addition of other people. It doesn't do anything to make the genre more accessible, and you'll have to be prepared to scale a high entry barrier and deal with its accessibility issues if you want to get into it - but if you do make the effort, you'll find that this is the best mech game in a long time, one that's deep enough to satisfy even the most seasoned player. Let's hope it manages to sustain the active player population that it needs to really shine.
Reviewed by Ryan McCaffrey
June 19, 2012
Heavy Armor might be Kinect’s most spectacular failure, but it’s precisely because it’s so ambitious. The game genuinely tries to go where Kinect has never gone before, not only attempting to build a hardcore game around the device, but fully committing to doing so in an immersive way. That it’s so disappointing is due in large part to us genuinely wanting it to be fun and functional. Where so many Kinect games are wont to take the easy way out by slapping a few voice commands in there and calling it a “Better With Kinect” product, Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor deserves a lot of credit for sticking its neck out in an effort to craft a fresh videogame experience. It’s one of the best ideas on Xbox this year, but ultimately it’s also one of the system’s worst games.">Reviewed by Ryan McCaffrey
June 19, 2012
Heavy Armor might be Kinect’s most spectacular failure, but it’s precisely because it’s so ambitious. The game genuinely tries to go where Kinect has never gone before, not only attempting to build a hardcore game around the device, but fully committing to doing so in an immersive way. That it’s so disappointing is due in large part to us genuinely wanting it to be fun and functional. Where so many Kinect games are wont to take the easy way out by slapping a few voice commands in there and calling it a “Better With Kinect” product, Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor deserves a lot of credit for sticking its neck out in an effort to craft a fresh videogame experience. It’s one of the best ideas on Xbox this year, but ultimately it’s also one of the system’s worst games.
Reviewed by Keza MacDonald
September 30, 2011
If you're interested in the limits of the videogame form to see just how focused, how pure and how uncompromising in its vision a game can be, Dark Souls is unmissable. If you take the time get into Dark Souls' mindset, to begin to understand the twisted way in which it operates and taste the rewards behind its cruellest challenges, this is one of the most thrilling, most fascinating and most completely absorbing experiences in gaming.">Reviewed by Keza MacDonald
September 30, 2011
If you're interested in the limits of the videogame form to see just how focused, how pure and how uncompromising in its vision a game can be, Dark Souls is unmissable. If you take the time get into Dark Souls' mindset, to begin to understand the twisted way in which it operates and taste the rewards behind its cruellest challenges, this is one of the most thrilling, most fascinating and most completely absorbing experiences in gaming.
Reviewed by Scott Butterworth
October 1, 2013
Verdict Day suffers many obvious weaknesses: The graphics border on embarrassing. Too many missions feel repetitive and empty. The menus can be extremely aggravating. Still, there’s a special kind of magic here that most games would never even attempt. Verdict Day is deeply tactical and requires both planning and performance. It’s unforgiving and unapologetic, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.">Reviewed by Scott Butterworth
October 1, 2013
Verdict Day suffers many obvious weaknesses: The graphics border on embarrassing. Too many missions feel repetitive and empty. The menus can be extremely aggravating. Still, there’s a special kind of magic here that most games would never even attempt. Verdict Day is deeply tactical and requires both planning and performance. It’s unforgiving and unapologetic, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Reviewed by Marty Sliva
March 10, 2014
Dark Souls II is a smart, massive, and incredibly rewarding sequel. It’s crammed with deep systems, tense encounters, and enough clever multiplayer and New Game Plus elements to make me want to restart the second I saw the end credits. Not all of the tweaks and additions worked out for the best, but with such great enemies and levels to fight and explore, Dark Souls II made 60 hours of pain and agony so much fun they flew by in a heartbeat.">Reviewed by Marty Sliva
March 10, 2014
Dark Souls II is a smart, massive, and incredibly rewarding sequel. It’s crammed with deep systems, tense encounters, and enough clever multiplayer and New Game Plus elements to make me want to restart the second I saw the end credits. Not all of the tweaks and additions worked out for the best, but with such great enemies and levels to fight and explore, Dark Souls II made 60 hours of pain and agony so much fun they flew by in a heartbeat.
Reviewed by Jared Petty
August 26, 2014
Boasting some of the best combat in the series, Crown of the Old Iron King is an intriguing and immersive odyssey. Though less visually impressive than Crown of the Sunken King, this second DLC installment rewards strategic planning more fully than any other episode in the series. Creative traps and engaging battles make this a wonderful addition to Dark Souls 2.">Reviewed by Jared Petty
August 26, 2014
Boasting some of the best combat in the series, Crown of the Old Iron King is an intriguing and immersive odyssey. Though less visually impressive than Crown of the Sunken King, this second DLC installment rewards strategic planning more fully than any other episode in the series. Creative traps and engaging battles make this a wonderful addition to Dark Souls 2.
Reviewed by Marty Sliva
July 22, 2014
Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King is a brutal, but entertaining opening to a coming trilogy of DLC. Though I wasn’t wild about some of the level design, the emphasis on puzzle solving added a welcome new layer to the already-deep Souls gameplay. Within its four hours, I played through a handful of encounters that were as tense, challenging, and rewarding as anything in the entire Souls series, and that’s saying something.">Reviewed by Marty Sliva
July 22, 2014
Dark Souls 2: Crown of the Sunken King is a brutal, but entertaining opening to a coming trilogy of DLC. Though I wasn’t wild about some of the level design, the emphasis on puzzle solving added a welcome new layer to the already-deep Souls gameplay. Within its four hours, I played through a handful of encounters that were as tense, challenging, and rewarding as anything in the entire Souls series, and that’s saying something.
Reviewed by Marty Sliva
April 7, 2015
Over a year after its initial release, Dark Souls II still manages to impress. The visual enhancements make Scholar of the First Sin feel right at home on a new-gen system, while the additional enemies and reshuffled placement deliver a powerful dose of that special kind of torture that Souls fans clamor for. With the included DLC, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is an even better version of one of our favorite games of 2014, but maybe a bit tougher to get into. Trust me though: it’s worth it.">Reviewed by Marty Sliva
April 7, 2015
Over a year after its initial release, Dark Souls II still manages to impress. The visual enhancements make Scholar of the First Sin feel right at home on a new-gen system, while the additional enemies and reshuffled placement deliver a powerful dose of that special kind of torture that Souls fans clamor for. With the included DLC, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is an even better version of one of our favorite games of 2014, but maybe a bit tougher to get into. Trust me though: it’s worth it.
Reviewed by Brandin Tyrrel
March 23, 2015
Bloodborne is an amazing, exacting, and exhausting pilgrimage through a gorgeous land that imposes the feeling of approaching the bottom of a descent into madness. Though extended load times and minor frame-rate hitches have an effect on the pacing, it’s otherwise an intensely challenging and rewarding game. There’s an incredible power to unlocking its mysteries, and in succeeding, despite its demand for a pound of your flesh.">Reviewed by Brandin Tyrrel
March 23, 2015
Bloodborne is an amazing, exacting, and exhausting pilgrimage through a gorgeous land that imposes the feeling of approaching the bottom of a descent into madness. Though extended load times and minor frame-rate hitches have an effect on the pacing, it’s otherwise an intensely challenging and rewarding game. There’s an incredible power to unlocking its mysteries, and in succeeding, despite its demand for a pound of your flesh.
Reviewed by Brandin Tyrrel
November 23, 2015
The Old Hunters is another shot in the arm of the same serum that coursed through Bloodborne’s veins. Though diehards may pillage its secrets quickly, my approximate 15 hours spent delving its depths and gleefully employing each new destructive tool felt satisfyingly dense. The Old Hunters is an impressive return to FromSoftware’s oppressive and rewarding universe, and while it retreads much of the same path, it’s very much a path worth taking.">Reviewed by Brandin Tyrrel
November 23, 2015
The Old Hunters is another shot in the arm of the same serum that coursed through Bloodborne’s veins. Though diehards may pillage its secrets quickly, my approximate 15 hours spent delving its depths and gleefully employing each new destructive tool felt satisfyingly dense. The Old Hunters is an impressive return to FromSoftware’s oppressive and rewarding universe, and while it retreads much of the same path, it’s very much a path worth taking.
Reviewed by Chloi Rad
April 4, 2016
If Dark Souls 3 truly is the last in the series as we know it, then it’s a worthy send-off. Weapon arts allow stylish and versatile new moves without tarnishing the purity of the combat system. Lothric’s awe-inspiring locations provide visually stunning arenas for rigorous exploration and fierce face-offs with hosts of deadly enemies and even deadlier bosses. While not all the risky changes land as neatly as others, Dark Souls 3 is a powerful journey and the sequel the series truly deserves.">Reviewed by Chloi Rad
April 4, 2016
If Dark Souls 3 truly is the last in the series as we know it, then it’s a worthy send-off. Weapon arts allow stylish and versatile new moves without tarnishing the purity of the combat system. Lothric’s awe-inspiring locations provide visually stunning arenas for rigorous exploration and fierce face-offs with hosts of deadly enemies and even deadlier bosses. While not all the risky changes land as neatly as others, Dark Souls 3 is a powerful journey and the sequel the series truly deserves.
Reviewed by Chloi Rad
March 27, 2017
Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City has found a way to revisit the past without a cheap reliance on nostalgia, wrapping up the story of Dark Souls in a way that will be satisfying for fans who enjoy digging into the rich lore the series has been building for the last few years. But you don’t need an encyclopedic knowledge of the Souls series to appreciate the satisfying twists and turns of this short, but exciting adventure, with its abundance of haunting, secret-filled locales and terrifying boss fights.">Reviewed by Chloi Rad
March 27, 2017
Dark Souls 3: The Ringed City has found a way to revisit the past without a cheap reliance on nostalgia, wrapping up the story of Dark Souls in a way that will be satisfying for fans who enjoy digging into the rich lore the series has been building for the last few years. But you don’t need an encyclopedic knowledge of the Souls series to appreciate the satisfying twists and turns of this short, but exciting adventure, with its abundance of haunting, secret-filled locales and terrifying boss fights.
Reviewed by Brendan Graeber
October 24, 2016
The Painted World of Ariandel presents a land that’s both enticing and dangerous, and there’s plenty of challenges to face even if you won’t have to face them too many times. However, unless you really love dueling in PvP arenas and can find sustained interest there, this adventure may serve as more of an appetizer than a full course meal.">Reviewed by Brendan Graeber
October 24, 2016
The Painted World of Ariandel presents a land that’s both enticing and dangerous, and there’s plenty of challenges to face even if you won’t have to face them too many times. However, unless you really love dueling in PvP arenas and can find sustained interest there, this adventure may serve as more of an appetizer than a full course meal.
Reviewed by Daniel Krupa
October 18, 2018
Dark Souls Remastered is a technically better version of an already-exceptional game. While the Switch version may lack some of the higher-end features available on other platforms, it still presents a more pristine version of the original, and importantly adds the exciting and absorbing dimension to explore Lordran on a portable device.">Reviewed by Daniel Krupa
October 18, 2018
Dark Souls Remastered is a technically better version of an already-exceptional game. While the Switch version may lack some of the higher-end features available on other platforms, it still presents a more pristine version of the original, and importantly adds the exciting and absorbing dimension to explore Lordran on a portable device.
Reviewed by Adam Douglas
October 25, 1997
With solid graphics and control, and an almost obsessive attention to detail as far as customizing the mechs go, it's hard not to love Armored Core. Fans of anime will love barreling around in the Shoji Kawamori-designed mechs, while action lovers will enjoy the short, but hard-hitting, missions. Either way, you can't lose.">Reviewed by Adam Douglas
October 25, 1997
With solid graphics and control, and an almost obsessive attention to detail as far as customizing the mechs go, it's hard not to love Armored Core. Fans of anime will love barreling around in the Shoji Kawamori-designed mechs, while action lovers will enjoy the short, but hard-hitting, missions. Either way, you can't lose.
Reviewed by Brandin Tyrrel
March 21, 2019
Sekiro evolves From Software’s formula into a stylish stealth-action adventure that, naturally, emphasizes precision and skill in its combat. It walks the line between deliberate and patient stealth and breakneck melee combat against threats both earthly and otherworldly. Its imaginative and flexible tools support a more focused experience that shaves down some of From Software’s overly cryptic sensibilities without losing its air of mystery. Sekiro is an amazing new twist on a familiar set of ideas that can stand on its own alongside its predecessors.">Reviewed by Brandin Tyrrel
March 21, 2019
Sekiro evolves From Software’s formula into a stylish stealth-action adventure that, naturally, emphasizes precision and skill in its combat. It walks the line between deliberate and patient stealth and breakneck melee combat against threats both earthly and otherworldly. Its imaginative and flexible tools support a more focused experience that shaves down some of From Software’s overly cryptic sensibilities without losing its air of mystery. Sekiro is an amazing new twist on a familiar set of ideas that can stand on its own alongside its predecessors.
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