I've been playing Armored Core since Master of Arena on the PS1, and I can safely say: this is EVERYTHING I've been waiting over a decade for, and even more.

The graphics are absolutely great for what the game is. It may not be cutting edge for every single aspect, but it's gorgeous where it counts. Your AC looks stunning, reflect effects look amazing across your armor (especially with the different reflectivity/luster settings, which I'll get to later). All of the areas feel tangible and vibrant, despite the bleak environment. Weapon effects look great, and add a massive level of immersion.

In typical FromSoftware fashion, the music is fantastic. They continue to do what they do best, and that is: ambiance. The music feels like it just exists alongside the world, as if it were really out there with you. Memorable tracks, and creates the perfect tone for the world.

The story has been fantastic so far. A lot of what makes FromSoftware games great regarding story, can still be found here. It's a mysterious world, with a lot of places/people/events you won't recognize. And as you start to piece the answers together, you will find a super in-depth story, with memorable characters. You'll be faced with decisions that can change the way the game flows. I recently unlocked one of the many endings, and it had me in FEELS after seeing my actions go full circle. This is just another example of how FromSoftware can tell a compelling story without just exposition dumping on players.

Before I get into the customization and gameplay aspects, I'll address the elephant in the room regarding "meta" builds. Yes, there are cheese strategies, and builds that make the fights easier. I think there definitely could be some balancing done with some of the weapons and how easily they trigger stagger.

With that being said, these builds do not trivialize the game. Even with the "OP" setups, you still need to know what you're doing, and play the game mechanically. You won't just instantly win fights, because you run these setups. But they will make them a fair bit easier, and I honestly think this isn't the worst thing ever, at least from the single player perspective. I have not done any online PVP yet, but I can imagine there are some grievances with the balancing of some weapons.

With all of that out of the way, the game still has a CRAZY amount of customization. Depending on how you want to play, there are numerous different paths to follow. I'm very grateful to see the expanded array of melee weapons too. At first I was bummed that they toned down some of the "stats" your AC has (AC temperature, for example), but honestly the stagger system is just a replacement for overheating. They have continued to be the "gold standard" of mech customization. For those of you that have been looking for a proper mech game in the modern age: this is it. No other game is going to give you the level of customization you find here.

All of that above doesn't even take the cosmetic customization into account, either. They've really outdone themselves on this game. Even just the base level of paint options are crazy. You can truly create an AC that looks unlike any other persons, with the proper time put into it. Various patterns, paint colors, metal reflectivity and luster, emblems, the list goes on. I've spent several hours already in this game just making my AC look cool.

If any of this has interested you, then you probably want this game. Fair warning: it's still a FromSoftware game, it's very difficult. And it's difficult in a way that is different from the Soulsborne games that a lot of you are probably used to. This isn't Dark Souls, this isn't Elden Ring. It takes all of the things that their more modern games did right fundamentally, and adds it to the classic Armored Core experience. It'll take some getting used to, if all you're familiar with is Soulsborne. But when you do, I think you'll find an incredibly rewarding experience, and a new take on the formula you love.

Well worth it in my opinion, and I couldn't be happier that I finally have my hands on a modern Armored Core game after over a decade.

I don't have nearly enough time in the game so far to give a deep-dive review into it, but just in the short while I've played it I'm INCREDIBLY excited to get to that point. This game here is a gold mine that people don't even notice.

This is one of those games that you can really go as far as you want with it and have an enjoyable experience. Like to sit down occasion and just run through a short mission solo? Dive on in, and bring some NPCs with you. How about you and your group of friends want to put together a full time crew to actually role-play and go on a seemingly endless campaign? Persistent progression and new adventures every session. Maybe you're just a creative person and like to make subs? Then boy oh boy wait until you see the ship creator. The level of depth in it is astounding and the first time I went into it I immediately closed it out because you could do so much with it.

The art, music, and overall atmosphere the game brings can downright make you anxious and scared. They nailed the mysterious unknown world. The dark is frightening and god forbid you ever have to leave your sub without proper supplies. Enough lore to really feel like you're in this living world, but open ended enough for you to make it your own. Devs that are always pushing out content and it seems like it's a labor of love that isn't going anywhere.

Bottom line, if anything I've just said excites you: You need to get this game. What an experience.