[d0c_zaius]

PRE ORDER CANCELED http://www.destructoid.com/review-ar...v-224542.phtml :(

Wow, that destructoid review is horrible.

"Here is the absolute worst part of all of ACV: After a match, the game forces you to send a message to the other players. I'm all for ridiculing these jerks, except all the messages are positive! "SUPERB JORB!!!"

really? THATs the absolute worst thing? fuck outta here with this nonsense.

Also I have yet to experience this or maybe I just skip it.

[wwm0nkey]

Its a strange day when IGN actually has the better more thought out review.

[hteng]

PRE ORDER CANCELED http://www.destructoid.com/review-ar...v-224542.phtml https://twitter.com/#!/DtoidAllistai...95282710011905 :(

well it's a niche game to begin with, everyone knows AC games has ridiculous learning curves, yet they put like what? 14 games until now? I don't blame the guy for saying it's unfair though, its a trial and error game, you don't get things done in one go, you'll go back and tune your machine to beat the missions. That's really the whole point of simulation games.

i however, don't like how he says mech games died out, he clearly didn't do his research well enough.

[Teknoman]

Wow, that destructoid review is horrible. "Here is the absolute worst part of all of ACV: After a match, the game forces you to send a message to the other players. I'm all for ridiculing these jerks, except all the messages are positive! "SUPERB JORB!!!" really? THATs the absolute worst thing? fuck outta here with this nonsense. Also I have yet to experience this or maybe I just skip it.

I dont think i've ever sent a message to anyone aside from my own teammates. And hard? I havent played an AC game since...well AC1's demo back on PS1, and i'm not having a hard time at all. Just takes a bit of thought, reading, testing, and of course asking others for help/opinions. Just like everything else.

[d0c_zaius]

I dont think i've ever sent a message to anyone aside from my own teammates. And hard? I havent played an AC game since...well AC1's demo back on PS1, and i'm not having a hard time at all. Just takes a bit of thought, reading, testing, and of course asking others for help/opinions. Just like everything else.

yea agreed.

It wouldn't bother me as much if he didnt give it the same score Ninja Gaiden 3 deserves. It'll definitely knock the average rating down.

The beauty of the modern world is using twitter to tell him why his review is awful, as multiple people have already done.

[Interficium]

A third-tier american game journo who can't comprehend the latest iteration of Armored Core and gives it a poor review?!

Megaton.

[d0c_zaius]

A third-tier american game journo who can't comprehend the latest iteration of Armored Core and gives it a poor review?! Megaton.

If I see a hobo taking a shit on a sidewalk, I'd call them out too (and unfortunately have had to do so).

Heres his rationale:

"No but that "feature" irked me and highlighted how badly designed the online is, among other issues with the game."

Never heard of this guy before but its always good to know who not to listen to for impressions. It is unfortunate that any "third-tier" game guy with a webpage can bring down the overall average rating. Of course its not new to AC, but it doesnt help given that this is a pretty big reboot in comparison to previous titles.

[Lockon]

PS3 Team, when do you guys get on (+time zone)? When I got to play, there were only like 3-4 people on a the same time. not including 1stStrike since he's alway on and away. I would like to play conquest with you guys lol.

[Foxix]

yea agreed. It wouldn't bother me as much if he didnt give it the same score Ninja Gaiden 3 deserves. It'll definitely knock the average rating down. The beauty of the modern world is using twitter to tell him why his review is awful, as multiple people have already done.

Giving the destructoid review a read right now and FFS I don't think I've ever read a review this snarky and down right bitter towards something. Holy crap.

[Ken]

Giving the destructoid review a read right now and FFS I don't think I've ever read a review this snarky and down right bitter towards something. Holy crap.

Too bad it seems like the Destructoid review swayed a lot of people from giving it a try, going by the comments.

[ACESmkII]

PS3 Team, when do you guys get on (+time zone)? When I got to play, there were only like 3-4 people on a the same time. not including 1stStrike since he's alway on and away. I would like to play conquest with you guys lol.

I'm usually on 8pm to 1am pst every night.

[casabolg]

Giving the destructoid review a read right now and FFS I don't think I've ever read a review this snarky and down right bitter towards something. Holy crap.

You haven't seen anything yet.
http://www.destructoid.com/review-gl...s-183176.phtml

[Foxix]

Too bad it seems like the Destructoid review swayed a lot of people from giving it a try, going by the comments.

Which is a shame, really. He raises some valid criticisms but he presents them in a manner which really comes off as down right mean spirited. It really taints his writing with a very unprofessional slant. He's really not doing himself any favors here and I'll be sure to avoid future reviews by him.

I feel a bit confused right now as for once in a long time it seems like IGN has a very good take on this and really seems to be trying to judge it based on it's merits.

[Ken]

The only real problem I have with the game currently is getting into Conquest matches with other live players quickly and painlessly.

It's also ugly and isn't very good at explaining things to new players, but I've come to expect that from any AC game.

[Foxix]

The only real problem I have with the game currently is getting into Conquest matches with other live players quickly and painlessly. It's also ugly and isn't very good at explaining things to new players, but I've come to expect that from any AC game.

I was talking about this with a team mate earlier. It really can get pretty crazy wait times.

It would help SO much to just have a little alert or something that goes off telling the team your territory is currently being assaulted by an opposing team. It wouldn't even have to be mandatory, it could work pretty well if there was a sensor/radar or something you could place in territories.

I came to terms with the visuals a while ago. I can forgive them for the most part as the areas are really quite large in some places and the loading is very, very fast. The audio is also really nice IMO. Love purging a weapon and hearing it fall off behind me in my rear speakers.

[1stStrike]

PS3 Team, when do you guys get on (+time zone)? When I got to play, there were only like 3-4 people on a the same time. not including 1stStrike since he's alway on and away. I would like to play conquest with you guys lol.

People are on at various times of the day/night. I'm usually on a good chunk of the night, but I was actually sleeping yesterday because I was exhausted after work. Sorry about that :P

I'll be on most of tonight, probably. Another crazy day at work (Ah, the life of a system administrator) but I'm pretty awake today. We'll definitely do some conquest tonight.

Do note, however, that we need to keep grinding the invasion missions (golden shield with a turret on it in each territory - can be solo'd in 1 - 2 minutes) to accumulate team points. Otherwise, we'll run out of team points and won't be able to do conquest missions.

[Interficium]

It's really not getting worked up, or even caring at all, about mainstream enthusiast press reviews about the AC series.

They have never liked it and likely never will.

And seeing as how we're up to the 14th installment of Armored Core, it's clear their opinions matter very little to the health of the series, and likely never will.

[Phanatic8390]

Anyone have any good builds? I really don't know what I'm doing yet so I'm looking for suggestions on how to outfit my AC

[BlueScrote]

Just picked up the game for the 360. Is there any good beginner guides on how to get a handle on things? Everything seems pretty overwhelming.

[SovietStriker]

Guys I left the 360 gaf team so there is one more spot open again.

[Mattdaddy]

I'll be out of town all this weekend, so if I'm offline for a couple days don't give me the boot!

PS3 team, Johnny_Riingo.

[BlackJace]

Anymore room for the PS3 clan?

Might be picking this up early to mid April.

[Orca]

I went to the Destructoid link and the first thing that popped up on the right side was a big 0%.

It was just an ad... Not great placement.

[hoverX]

What's the password for the 360 team? (just got the game)

[Ken]

What's the password for the 360 team? (just got the game)

N73E

[Teknoman]

Just picked up the game for the 360. Is there any good beginner guides on how to get a handle on things? Everything seems pretty overwhelming.

Do order missions, they'll help explain some of the basics.

[hoverX]

How do I redo the tutorial mission? I accidentally exited out of it and now I don't know how to go back...

Edit:ah found the "order missions"

[Teknoman]

How do I redo the tutorial mission? I accidentally exited out of it and now I don't know how to go back...

I wouldnt worry about it, Order mission number 01 gives you a pretty good rundown.

[Tain]

Just beat the last story mission.

jesus, that's a good way to get cash.

The ultimate weapons are kind of hilarious.

[1stStrike]

Anymore room for the PS3 clan? Might be picking this up early to mid April.

I looked at the list tonight and there was only really one person that was inactive, so there will be one slot as of tomorrow if he doesn't login (mobius or some shit - guy that bitched earlier in this thread and never logged in again).

Not sure how long it'll stay open, though.

I'll be out of town all this weekend, so if I'm offline for a couple days don't give me the boot! PS3 team, Johnny_Riingo.

No worries, as long as I know you're actually active you won't get the boot.

--

We just played some free battle matches and, really, having team mates without mics is a pain in the ass. If you guys are serious about playing this game, get a mic. It makes a huge difference and adds a lot more fun to it. Just sitting there in silence, ignoring the operator and your team mates, is just a burden on the rest of the team in multiplayer matches.

[Phanatic8390]

We just played some free battle matches and, really, having team mates without mics is a pain in the ass. If you guys are serious about playing this game, get a mic. It makes a huge difference and adds a lot more fun to it. Just sitting there in silence, ignoring the operator and your team mates, is just a burden on the rest of the team in multiplayer matches.

I was there for that but I think even if I had a mic I would still be terrible. I've been experimenting with some different parts/weapons but I get absolutely destroyed, even on story missions.

I think I have my PS3 mic somewhere. I'll have to dig it out. That'll at least solve one of my problems

[1stStrike]

I was there for that but I think even if I had a mic I would still be terrible. I've been experimenting with some different parts/weapons but I get absolutely destroyed, even on story missions. I think I have my PS3 mic somewhere. I'll have to dig it out. That'll at least solve one of my problems

Yeah, get your mic and tell us what you're using and we can give you advice. You're probably just using a bad combo. Of course, a lot of this game comes down to actual skill too, so practice makes perfect.

The biggest things you want to avoid in multiplayer matches is:

1. Getting separated from your team mates. Try to stay close to them so you can help them out as much as possible.
2. Scan your enemies and cater to their weaknesses. If the whole team is weak to TE, then swap to TE weapons.
3. Communicate. You need to let people know what's going on, when you need back up, and so on. You can't just wander off somewhere and expect people to know what you're doing.
4. Learn the maps! Once you know the maps, you'll know where people tend to go and can take them by surprise. Nothing like a good flanking!

[Leunam]

It seems like with at least 4 people in a match we should have a decent mix of weapons. Is there something you guys have found lacking in conquest missions that could give us an edge? Long range specialists? TE/CE weapons?

Reason I ask is because I'd be willing to try and fill in that gap if you guys need someone who focuses on one particular type of damage.

[Buggy Loop]

Got the game tonight for 360. Man, its overwhelming at first :o

[1stStrike]

It seems like with at least 4 people in a match we should have a decent mix of weapons. Is there something you guys have found lacking in conquest missions that could give us an edge? Long range specialists? TE/CE weapons? Reason I ask is because I'd be willing to try and fill in that gap if you guys need someone who focuses on one particular type of damage.

Nobody really uses TE weapons. I made one, but I'm not fond of it. It's pretty damn easy to miss in a fight, and those fast AC's are hard to hit with lasers and shit. Plasma weapons are good for them, but you have to be really up close.

A good mix would probably be a plasma gun and a laser gun with some KE missiles or something.

Thing is, every match is different, so you never know what your opponents will be vulnerable against until you scan them. That's what the operator is good for.

[Hecatonchires Custom]

It seems like with at least 4 people in a match we should have a decent mix of weapons. Is there something you guys have found lacking in conquest missions that could give us an edge? Long range specialists? TE/CE weapons? Reason I ask is because I'd be willing to try and fill in that gap if you guys need someone who focuses on one particular type of damage.

I noticed that most people aren't prepared to deal with TE damage at all.

I haven't seen anyone using long range stuff like sniper cannons so I started using them myself after watching this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmdU7...feature=relmfu

Guy sure makes them look awesome.

[Leunam]

I tried using Lasers. Thing is, I find myself in the position where I'm charging them then I wait another second or two for more charge even though I just had a good shot and end up wasting my shot. Maybe I'm missing something.

Regardless, I moved over to dual Battle Rifles (CE, obviously), CE missiles, HEAT howitzer on the left and a sniper rifle on the right. I really like the muzzle velocity on the sniper rifle, but of course there is a very long delay between shots. I could probably get in one or two battle rifle shots between sniper shots.

[Ken]

I noticed that most people aren't prepared to deal with TE damage at all.

I guess no one wants heavy ACs (since most TE armor is heavy).

[1stStrike]

I tried using Lasers. Thing is, I find myself in the position where I'm charging them then I wait another second or two for more charge even though I just had a good shot and end up wasting my shot. Maybe I'm missing something. Regardless, I moved over to dual Battle Rifles (CE, obviously), CE missiles, HEAT howitzer on the left and a sniper rifle on the right. I really like the muzzle velocity on the sniper rifle, but of course there is a very long delay between shots. I could probably get in one or two battle rifle shots between sniper shots.

Sniper rifles shoot sooo slow. I was dueling someone that was using dual sniper rifles and not only was the delay between shots massive, but it was so easy to predict/dodge. It's kind of the same way with laser rifles, which is why I've thus far stuck with KE weapons.

[Leunam]

I think they might do well in an ambush/hit and run type AC, but they're probably overshadowed by dual shotguns. I've been meaning to make a hit and run AC anyway.

Also, to amend my earlier statement, I think I could get more like five or six battle rifle shots in between sniper rifle rounds.

[1stStrike]

I noticed that most people aren't prepared to deal with TE damage at all. I haven't seen anyone using long range stuff like sniper cannons so I started using them myself after watching this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmdU7...feature=relmfu Guy sure makes them look awesome.

He gets owned more than he wins though :P

I really just don't feel like the DPS is there with energy weapons. Yea, some people are resistant to KE and so I'm at a disadvantage there - but for those that aren't, right now I can just wail on them with my shotguns or shotgun/battle rifle/CE missile combo and destroy them quick. Especially tanks with their general lack of KE defense. Oh god, how fast they die when dual shotguns hit them.

Any time I've used energy weapons it's a much slower kill, since I have to charge them up to get maximum effectiveness.

Then again, I haven't tried out the arms that guy was using along with the EN generator. I guess I'll try that out and report back.

[birdcity]

Hey GAF. I got this game yesterday along with some friends. I've never played an Armored Core game before and I suck balls.

Anyone have tips or a website/video with some tips?

[thundr51]

Hey GAF. I got this game yesterday along with some friends. I've never played an Armored Core game before and I suck balls. Anyone have tips or a website/video with some tips?

Not an expert or anything but concentrate on getting rid of your junk parts first... Then don't forget to actually equip them. Once you see what a 'standard' setup can do you'll have a better idea what the parts do which will help with purchasing.

[thundr51]

Encountered some guys with shields and had to hit them in the rear. What's the best way to get behind an enemy? Once they've seen you its pretty hard to get behind them.

[Mattdaddy]

I've got a plasma cannon that I carry on my shoulder just for special situations. It hits hard and has a nice little AOE in case you aren't dead accurate. The downside is you have to be very close, around 50m, and a lot of times with the AOE if you aren't careful you'll hurt yourself or your teammates as much as the enemy. I have misjudged a snapshot and blown myself up :P

Other downers are it has a slow velocity and does considerable energy drain.

But its nice if you want to take a big chunk out real quick and surprise someone, make them back off a little.

[Number10Ox]

Hey GAF. I got this game yesterday along with some friends. I've never played an Armored Core game before and I suck balls. Anyone have tips or a website/video with some tips?

I've learned a lot watching GodlyPerfection's videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/TehGodlyPerfection. I use his Excel spreadsheet to play around with mech builds (there's a link to it with one of his videos).

I've picked up bits and pieces of info from youtube videos and various gaming forums. I assume there's probably more in Japanese than English. It's hard enough finding out how the game works - the UI, controls, mech stats (the back info helps some), weapons, multiplayer modes, etc. I've come across very few play tips. I haven't looked at FAQs for previous ACs (or Chromehounds) - I don't know how relevant they are.

Mech building is a huge part of the game - making focused builds that fit your playstyle. Like thndr51 says, replacing your junk parts should be the first order of business. There's a lot to learn: what the various weapons do; balancing mobility, firing rate, lock-on time, firepower, energy management, and durability.

Some weapons are very popular with the current patch. I wish I had $1 for every USG-23H gattling gun, Seidenbaum sniper rifle, Strekoza battle rifle, USC-23/H Sniper Cannon I saw out there (although people use a lot of other stuff too). CE and KE offense and defense are a lot more common than TE.

Other things I think are important: scan mode is your friend - energy recovery is much higher and knowing the capabilities of your opponents in MP is important; use of recon; using cover; quickly earning cash from order missions dueling mechs.

For the shielded mechs in SP, I usually just go on the ground and boost charge them (takes practice).

Random play tips thread: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/98494...ore-v/62347011

Locations of scrap pieces in story missions (a few give useful items):
http://gamers-high.com/ac5/mission/haihin.html
ttp://www.gamefaqs.com/xbox360/984946-armored-core-v/wiki/3-2-scrap-parts-collection-guide

[Giard]

I'm seeing people talk about speccing weapons...I know you could do that in For Answer, but I can't seem to do it in this game. Do you have to unlock it somehow?

[mjc]

Question for Chromehounds vets: How similar is this to Chrimehounds? If I liked that, will I like ACV?

[wwm0nkey]

Question for Chromehounds vets: How similar is this to Chrimehounds? If I liked that, will I like ACV?

The menu system and constant online is where the similarities stop. If you like mech sim games though you will like this game.

[Number10Ox]

I'm seeing people talk about speccing weapons...I know you could do that in For Answer, but I can't seem to do it in this game. Do you have to unlock it somehow?

I think this is what you are asking about? When you buy a new weapon in the workshop ("Buy Parts," not "Buy New Parts" which should say "Buy *Used* Parts"), you choose a weapon specialty at the time of purchase. It's "Power" by default, which is usually what I've gone with. The weapon has your name on it and it's performance gauge will be filled in as you use the weapon. In "Buy New [i.e. Used] Parts" and "Popular Parts," you can buy other people's used weapons for which a specialty has already been chosen.