How to Play Armored Core 3

One of the coolest robot combat games out there, the Armored Core series has been hallmarked by excellent gameplay, a dizzying array of robot assembly options and a complex storyline full of political, corporate and military intrigue. Did we mention that you get to blow stuff up, too?

Instructions

1. Watch the intro movie. It's sweet!

2. Build your Armored Core (AC). Armored Core 3 has a huge array of gear you can pack into your AC, as well as a multitude of parts to construct your AC. You may not have much to start with, but there's a ton of stuff you can upgrade. Don't worry, used parts can be sold back to the vendor for the full purchase price.

3. Try out a few missions. The early missions will be pretty simple: run from point A to point B, blow object C up, etc. This is primarily designed to get you used to the game. Don't fret if you fail a mission, the game continues on even if you blow it.

4. Use the AC Test feature. This will put your AC into a simulation room where you can test its abilities. This is also a perfect place to get the hang of the game.

5. Give the arena a try. This is one of the easier ways to make money in the game because early opponents will just sit there and take it. The trick is to run circles around your opponent while firing. It sounds easier than it is, but if you give it a try, it's not impossible. Try to keep them at the optimum range for your weapons.

6. Use a machine gun to whittle away at arena opponents. While it is weak in power, it carries a lot of ammunition and can cut opponents down to size in little time.

7. Invest in a heavier AC after you get some cash. Heavier ACs are almost always the way to go. They let you live longer and mount heavier weapons, which are essential in the later fights and missions. They may be slower, but speed is not always a saving grace in a world of AC-tracking missiles.

8. Toss the generic models. Once you've played the game a little while and decided what works for you and what doesn't, get rid of any starter gear you may still have on your AC. There are lots of better models out there, as well as a ton of specialized equipment that, depending on your play style, may be a lot better than the competing models. Read the descriptions and check the stats to make sure it's worth it. Armor and cooling power are extremely important.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch your heat gauge. If your AC gets too hot, you will become vulnerable and loose armor points at a frightening rate. Keep it cool!

• Do not let your AC go over its established weight limit. If it does, it will move slower than molasses and will be a sitting duck.