Armored Core (video game)

Armored Core
North American cover art
Developer(s)FromSoftware
Publisher(s)Sony Computer Entertainment
  • JP: FromSoftware
Director(s)Toshifumi Nabeshima
Producer(s)Yasuyoshi Karasawa
Programmer(s)Hiroyuki Arai
Masayuki Saito
Artist(s)Shōji Kawamori
Composer(s)Keiichiro Segawa
Masaru Tateyama
SeriesArmored Core
Platform(s)PlayStation
Release
  • JP: July 10, 1997
  • NA: October 22, 1997[1]
  • EU: June 1, 1998
Genre(s)Third-person shooter
Mode(s)Single player, multiplayer

Armored Core (アーマード・コア) is a 1997 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. The game is the first entry in the Armored Core series. A digital port was released in 2007 in Japan and 2015 in North America on the PlayStation Network as a part of the PSone Classics line of games.

The story introduces many elements that are commonly found in later games in the series, such as corporatocracies and mech robots known as "Armored Cores". The game takes place in a future Earth that has been wiped out by a cataclysm and forced humanity underground, a theme which would continue until Armored Core 4.

Gameplay involves controlling Armored Cores in combat scenarios against other Cores and vehicles. Cores are highly modular, allowing players a great deal of customization over them, such as swapping out different leg units to gain speed advantages. As players complete more missions, they gain credits to purchase different items and parts for their Core. Armored Core was favorably received by critics, who were especially impressed with its customization and multiplayer.

  1. ^ I. G. N. Staff (October 23, 1997). "Armored Core". IGN. Retrieved April 9, 2023.