I played Armored Core this past weekend and I recorded the 36 missions it took me to beat it. According to my footage, the whole experience was about six hours over two sessions, with plenty of breaks and pauses. I had played most of the game the previous week, so I was pretty familiar with many of the levels when I started this playthrough.
The majority of the time I was playing the game I was menuing between the Garage and Shop to tinker on my AC. The missions are generally quite short in comparison. I have some other Big Thoughts about the themes in Armored Core, the game's narrative, and the gameplay that happens when you're customizing your AC, but this isn't what this post is about. What follows is just one aspect of this playthrough: the missions and my thoughts about them.
For each mission I'll provide the title, employer and prompt. I'll then have my footage of the mission and any comments I have about that experience. I've edited out any pauses or save-state shenanigans (those were pretty rare, but I'll try to mention them in my comments.)
This isn't a video essay. This is a really long chost. Click "read more" if you're interested.
1. AC Raven Test - Raven's Nest
This is the only test that we give to people who want to become a Raven. You must battle against the opponent AC and survive. If you survive, you will be considered a Raven. That's all. Good luck.
The game's tutorial doesn't tell you how to operate your AC, but assumes you know how to if you're able to destroy these two enemies.
2. Eliminate Strikers - Chrome
Workers in the Avalon Valley development area, demonstrating for better working conditions, have taken over the "Doan Bridge". They have erected a barricade on the bridge and completely halted traffic. There is no sign of their giving in to the Guards. They persist in demanding to see the HQ. We told them that we have no time to deal with such trifling matters, but they don't seem to understand. Anyway, we can't leave this as is. In a drawn-out battle, collateral damage would become a problem, so forcibly eliminate them now. Several Worker MTs are on the bridge, but this should be no problem at all for you Ravens. Our armored division is also deployed. Should be an easy job, so go to it.
There's a secret weapon right behind your start location here. If you want, you can hop off the bridge, go to the end, and then hop back on so you're behind the barricaded enemies.
3. Eliminate Squatters - Zam City Guard
You are to eliminate a group of illegal squatters at an abandoned factory on the east side of the City. They profess to be radicals opposed to area redevelopment. However, the planners have already reached an agreement with the citizens in question, so these are merely outlaws who want an excuse to run amock. But they are still citizens, so from the standpoint of the Guard, we cannot use force. If they are left as is, there is a risk of affecting the progress of the plan. There is no need for restraint. We want you to firmly teach them the rules of society.
Showing off the AW-RF105 cannon arms here (I'll be coming back to them again and again in this playthrough.) I like this level - not too claustrophobic but just enough obstacles to give it some texture.
4. Destroy Unknown MTs - Isaac City Guard
We just now discovered several unidentified MTs in the sewers. The MTs overwhelmed the Guards going to investigate and fled. I don't think they are ordinary citizens. Our reputation will be ruined if we let them go. We'll begin our search of the sewers at once, and drive them to you like cattle. You wait there and pound them.
Not much to say here - some long hallways with some doors. The AW-RF105 makes short work of this level.
5. Stop Security MTs - Fortgarden Guard
The city security system that we monitor has been destroyed and security MTs from various areas are running amock. The true perpetrator is as yet unknown. All of the Guards are trying to control the situation, but the scope of damage is too wide, so we cannot completely handle it. We are asking the Ravens for help. Destroy all of the security MTs in the business district of the city. We have already evacuated the citizens. No need for restraint.
I really like this stage! This level communicates the scale of the AC clearly - you sometimes forget how big these things are when you're crawling through cramped hallways. Fun run-and-gun level.
6. Reclaim Oil Facility - Chrome
We want you to attack the terrorist group "Struggle" that is occupying the oil extraction facility "Tide". Although this facility is now completely abandoned, we were at the point of initiating a retrofit plan. Their purpose can be none other to sabotage our company. We cannot let this delay construction, that would only play into their hands. The Tide facility may have some old tanks that still contain oil. They might explode if hit, so be very careful in your operations.
It starts getting tricky here - the flying enemies can easily park above your head and make your life difficult. This is a mission that challenges you to put your Z-aiming, boosting, and strafing all together. My canon projectiles are a bit too slow to keep their accuracy at range, so I have to close in a bit - a sniper rifle would have worked well here.
7. Remove Gun Emplacement - Murakumo Millenium
We want you to destroy a Chrome gun emplacement. The gun emplacement construction site is located in an ocean buffer zone just barely outside Murakumo territory. Our repeated warnings to halt construction have been completely ignored. Chrome offers only transparent excuses about maintaining security, but their intentions are clearly a preemptive military attack. We now have no choice but to use force. This time we have prepared an AC part as your pay. It is a prototype of the highest quality. We are counting on the Ravens.
A bit less tricky than the last level - the gun emplacements don't stand a chance against circle strafing.
8. Worker Robot Removal - Murakumo Millenium
A problem occured in the No. 7 power plant of Isaac City. Due to security system trouble, the worker robots are out of control. Most of the robots have already been captured or destroyed, but some of them have entered the grounds of the power plant. Luckily, no major accident has occurred so far, but we cannot leave the situation as is. Because of the location, ordinary measures are useless. This is where we need your help. We want you to destroy all of the robots within the power plant, but do not damage the generators or you risk causing a major explosion. If you destroy a generator, we will deduct compensation for the damages from your pay. The worker robots have no attack capability at all, but you must move cautiously.
This is a little gremlin of a level - no enemies other than your own impatience. It's very easy to accidentally destroy a generator, which automatically ends the mission. I went with a sniper rifle here because the laser sword hit box is really weird and off-center when you are on quad-legs.
9. Eliminate Squatters (2) - Zam City Guard
Remnants of the squatters who occupied the abandoned factory on the east side of the City have reappeared. They have brought together 12 MTs from somewhere, and have again amassed inside the factory. Clamoring for us to bring out the guys who hurt them before, they are on a rampage. Our Guard weaponry is useless. Any Raven will do, just do something.
Revisiting the same area as the first "Eliminate the Squatters," but with more and tougher enemies. Nothing to complain about here - I still like the level design.
10. Stop Terrorist Threat - Isaac City Guard
We have managed to obtain vital information on the terrorist group "Imminent Storm". The scum plan to hide inside the city sewers and build their headquarters there. "Imminent Storm" has perpetrated many terrorist acts on Isaac City in the past, and the Guard has suffered bitter defeats. We will never let them build their headquarters. Yet we hesitate to act with only our weaponry. This is why we have asked the Ravens for help. Already several Guards have gone ahead, but it is too dangerous for them alone. Your operation has two objectives: protect the Guard detachment and destroy the terrorist leader. We will deduct 1000 C from your pay for each Guard killed. Ravens, we are counting on you.
This level represents a step up in complexity when compared to what we've experienced so far. It's the first level that's intricate enough that I had to reference the map, and it's also the first level with a cutscene introducing a mini-boss.
11. Terrorist Pursuit - Isaac City Guard
Just now, several MTs, thought to be terrorists, appeared in an urban district. Indiscriminately, they attacked the surrounding buildings and fled. Guards rushing to the scene cornered one terrorist in a nearby parking garage, but the garage has only one large entrance, so it is not easy to get to him. The rest of the gang is still fleeing and we cannot spare any more men. Go to the scene ASAP and cooperate in destroying the terrorist. Several civilian vehicles remain in the garage. Damages to the vehicles will be deducted from your pay. Sorry, but we've got budget problems too. Good luck.
We're pitted against a very speedy guy in a parking garage - a very cramped level that feels even more cramped because you're asked to avoid damaging cars as you try to chase him down. The robot will always try to head down a level after you do enough damage, which you can sometimes exploit.
12. Attack Urban Center - Chrome
We want you to wreak havoc on Gal City. The job is simple. Just attack the urban area and fire at will at any attractive target. If one finds oneself in danger, one who does not have the power to resist must depend on someone else. If you have the power, come to us at Chrome. You have 3 minutes for tactical operations. Staying any longer is useless. If you stay too long, we don't know what will happen. Your pay will be determined based on the results. Simply put, the more you destroy the higher your pay. Good luck.
Very interesting mission. I didn't do a good job of vandalizing the city (I think the cars are worth much less than some of the large features on top of the buildings.) At 1:00 remaining, the #2 ranked AC, Valkyrie, shows up. She can easily stunlock you if you aren't careful - here I wasn't quite able to finish her off before the mission ended.
13. Destroy Fuel Depot - Murakumo Millenium
We want you to perform a secret survey of Chemical-Dyne Co. research lab in the East region. We have heard many troubling rumors about a certain company's research. From the information that we've gathered so far, this seems to be Chrome's doing. Your mission is a diversionary action in support of the survey team entering the lab. Attack the fuel depot adjacent to the lab and blow up all of the fuel tanks inside. The survey team plans to enter the lab during the commotion. You must escape from the depot after blowing up all the tanks. If discovered by the guards, you'll have trouble. There is probably a large number of tanks in the fuel depot. Be careful to avoid damage from explosions.
Our FCS system is scrambled so we won't be able to lock-on this mission. There are a few fuel tanks that are hidden, but the map makes it easy to find them. A secret weapon can be found on the platform with the group of fuel tanks. Enemy reinforcements arrive when you navigate to that platform, so it's best to do so after all other tanks are destroyed so you can high-tail it out of there.
14. Prototype MT Test - Chrome
Come participate in a combat test against a new weapon currently under development. Anyone is OK, as long as they can fight. We want combat data for the current prototype. Your opponent, "CHAOS" is a completely automated robot and the location is inside our lab. No need to be timid. Give it all you've got. However, you get paid only if you win. No slacking off. This may not be much of a challenge to you Ravens, but you can make a fast buck. Think of it as an easy job.
This is a pretty easy fight, but we'll see some narrative follow-up later.
15. Guard Freight Train - Murakumo Millenium
We have an emergency! We have been informd of a plan to attack our long-haul freight train "Boulder". We are unsure of the enemy's exact target, but it is likely that they are after the confidential cargo in the lead car. The train's next stop, Heavensrock's supply depot, has very little cover. We feel that this would be an opportune time for the enemy to attack. Go ahead of the train ASAP and head for the supply depot. Give highest priority to ensuring the safety of at least the lead car. The cars further back are not particularly important at this time, but we will up your pay by 10000c if all cars are safe. We're counting on you, Raven.
This is one of my favorite missions. The fighter jet enemies are really difficult to deal with until you realize you can fly up to the top of one of the mesa's to better target them. After you destroy three jets, an enemy AC, Wildcat, joins the fight with a really cool cutscene of him tearing ass across the desert. I had to reload this one because on my first attempt Wildcat landed a freak shot directly to the train engine. There's a secret item (head-unit) that I forgot about here. In an email message after this mission, we're told that Wildcat disappeared a while back after a failed mission, wasn't seen for a while, and had only recently started showing up randomly to wreak havoc. We'll see a bit of this paid off later.
16. Secret Factory Recon - Murakumo Millenium
Our intelligence has determined that Chrome has an underground factory in the snowy region of Whiteland. We plan to send our Special Forces to destroy the factory. We are looking for someone to scout out the entrance to the factory in advance of the attack. Your mission is to find the point of entry and destroy the door lock system. There is no particular need to engage the enemy, but we will pay an 800 C bonus per enemy MT destroyed. The main force will attack 6 minutes after you start, so your executing the mission within the time limit is absolutely necessary for the surprise attack to succeed. Due to its nature, this mission will be a night maneuver.
The enemies here can be pretty tough and they just keep coming, so I just scrambled around looking for the entrance.
17. Stop Gang, "Dark Soul" - Murakumo Millenium
The Gang "Dark Soul" broke into our property at Heavensrock, stole several tanks and fled. Since they stole tanks, we cannot leave them alone. Go and defeat them as soon as possible. Judging from their direction of escape, they seem to be hiding in the Zahm Desert. In that area many mines remain, left from the war. Be very careful. Note that your pay for this mission is not cash but AC parts.
The thing you need to know here is that the mines only go off it you touch them (and not if you are merely close), so you can navigate between them. It's still possible to get knocked into them, so flying up and out of the field is always an option.
18. Stop Security MT - Earth Environment Reclamation Committee
We have a mission for you regarding the old military facility where we previously sent a survey team. The survey of the first basement is complete, but a passage thought to lead to the lower levels was found during the survey. However, just past it was an extremely powerful security MT that we couldn't defeat with our weapons. Oddly, it never comes out of the passage to attack us. It seems to be protecting something. Anyway, this facility still has many mysteries. According to a structural diagram of the place found on the first floor, there are several control panels for the Security MTs in the back. We want you to destroy them.
A solid mission. Fairly tough enemies and a big level to navigate. I was probably cutting it close with only the cannons and a missile launcher here vis-a-vis ammo.
19. Destroy Plus Escapee - Murakumo Millenium
A subject from the 'Plus' next-generation experiments has escaped from the lab. We cannot divulge any details, but a certain experiment seems to have adversely affected the mind of the subject. An eye witness said that the subject is completely deranged. An ex-Raven, he ran amock with his AC in the city, mowed down a Guard detachment and ran away above ground. We found him in an abandoned skyscraper in the old city. If we leave the situation as is, we don't know when he will start running amock again. Go to the skyscraper now and destroy him and his AC. We regret having to resort to such measures, but there is nothing else we can do. The footing is very poor at the site, so if you enter into combat, be very careful not to fall. When he escaped, he took a prototype AC part with him. You don't have to return the AC part. If you find it, it's yours. We are counting on you.
An interesting duel atop skyscrapers - I spent most of this level looking for that AC part. I won't experience it in this playthrough, but Human Plus is a big mechanic in Armored Core. After reaching 10,000 credits of debt, you'll get an email about Human Plus, which is a cybernetic enhancement program. If you ever get to -50,000 credits, you are forced to undergo the procedure. This basically resets your campaign - all mission progress is rolled back to the point where you were after the tutorial, but each time you do this you get a mechanical in-game benefit like more energy, lock-on range, etc. You also keep any mech parts you purchased. So if you ever want to play AC and are in a debt spiral, just push through and don't worry if you reset - you'll be much stronger after you do. I think it's implied here that Wildcat (from the train mission) was also reset by Human Plus.
20. Exterminate Organisms - Gal City Guard
This is the Gal City Guard. Our city is now occupied by unknown giant organisms. I don't even know if "organism" is right, but I've never seen anything like 'em before. The things are extremely fierce and attack anything that moves. Our citizen have suffered many casualties from the animal horde. We have no way of fighting back. A biological analysis of their behavior patterns shows a social structure much like that of ants or bees. There must be a "queen" somewhere that directs the swarm. Investigators found an unfamiliar hole in a wall in the office district, so this might be the beasts' nest. Your mission is to find and destroy the "queen". If you can take out the leader, the swarm will become disorganized and we can take it from there. We are counting on you.
This is a really twisty level with a very different look to it. If there were multiple objectives here it would have been tricky. Luckily we only need to kill one thing in this level, so I channeled my soulsborne boss run tactics and sped through it as quickly as possible.
21. Recover Capsules - Chrome
We want you to break into an abandoned facility that was used by Murakumo in the initial stages of their Human Plus development. It was left after a fire several years ago. The Human Plus technologies were supposedly developed by Murakumo, but nothing has been released publicly about the initial stages of research, so many mysteries remain. Our surveys so far has not turned up much information. However, we received strange reports from a survey team recently dispatched to the abandoned facility. Parts of the facility are said to be operating even now and strange capsules have been placed in the furthestmost room. Upon trying to recover the capsules, the team was attacked by fighting machines that they had never seen before. They could not fight back and failed to recover the capsules. Your mission is to recover those capsules. We have no idea about their significance, but they might give us an advantage over Murakumo. We are counting on you.
I'm not sure what's going on with the radio transmissions here, but the level is fairly straightforward - cramped hallways with some enemies scattered around. I show off the WG-1-KARASAWA that I picked up back at the fuel depot here - very good damage.
22. Prototype MT Test (2) - Chrome
We want to run tests on a new weapon. As in the last mission, we want you to fight a new weapon model "CHAOS" weapon. That is all. This time, we envision a street battle, fought at Test Track No. 6. We have made improvements to this advanced MT based on the previous data. It might be a bit stronger. If you are defeated by the MT, you have no right to be called a Raven. This time we have prepared some special parts as your pay. They are new products not yet out on the market. However, to make sure you give it your all, you get paid only if you win the fight. Good luck.
The prototype MT that we tested a while back has gotten a few upgrades - its much more mobile and aggressive this time around. As an added surprise, we have to defeat two back-to-back. The triple missile launcher works well here and overall I like this environment.
23. Destroy Plane Computer - Chrome
The other day, one of our special transports crashed while flying over the Naglarder area. Satellite images show the wreck near the center of a giant crater called "Big Hit". We are not worried about the cargo, but the problem is records of our transactions are stored in the transport's computer. They are encrypted but not absolutely safe. Unconfirmed reports put a Murakumo detachment in the area. You must completely destroy the nose section holding the recorder. Destroy all Murakumo on sight. If you let even one of them escape, your mission will fail. Be sure to shoot them all down. That is all.
This is another iconic level for me - a big 5 v 1 showdown in a crater followed by a duel with another AC. This one was a blast.
24. Destroy Base Computer - Chrome
We have a mission for you regarding the old military facility southwest of Isaac City. It is now occupied by the Earth Environment Reclamation Committee. The group purports to survey the above-ground environment, but this seems questionable. The reason given for their entering the facility is said to be the peaceful dismantling of residual military facilities, but they are taking too long for that. We are studying their background, but we must do something about this group quickly. According to surveys, this facility functioned as a military data bank before the Great Destruction. The main computer may still have records from that time. If their true target is this data, this is no trifling matter. Heaven forbid for that to be it. We want you to break into the facility and destroy the main computer.
This level has my favorite cutscene. At the end, a door opens and reveals an confused AC who is promptly blown up by another AC behind it. The iconic FROMSOFT "Prepare to die!" is uttered while scintillating pixels blink on the main computer node in the background. A+ visual.
25. Guard Airplane - Murakumo Millenium
We want you to guard Dr. M. Okamura, an authority on genetic engineering. One of his experiments was grossly misunderstood and he has received many death threats in the past. A terrorist group has also threatened to attack him during his next visit to Isaac City. Dr. Okamura is now at our lab, but he will leave for Isaac City in a couple of days. He plans to travel by airplane. We want you to serve as a guard at the time of takeoff.
This mission was fairly easy - I think the key here is to intercept the bots as far away as possible from the airplane you're guarding. The WG-1-KARASAWA smokes these guys.
26. AC Battle - Ravens' Nest
Come participate in an AC battle that the Nest will be holding over the next few days. This invitational event pits ace pilots in AC-to-AC battles where the winner takes all. Naturally, there are benefits to entering. The winner of each battle will be presented with prize money in an amount equivalent to the pay for a normal mission. We will decide the opponents for the battles. You are free to choose any weapons or equipment. We look forward to your active participation.
If you fail the Guard Freight Train mission and Wildcat survives, you'll face him here 1v1. Because we defeated Wildcat, we're tasked with defeating two ACs, Fefnir and Warhawk. If you don't have the DPS to take one down quickly, this can be a difficult mission.
27. Kill "Struggle" Leader - Chrome
Great news! We have determined the whereabouts of the leader of the terrorist group "Struggle". He is in the Ruins of Vaella in the eastern Dragna region. This is the venue for secret meetings with his sponsor, Murakumo. Your mission: Destroy the enemy leader's AC. Up until now, many plans have been foiled by that one man. I loathe to admit it, but his skills are remarkably well-honed. Nearly all reference material about the ruins was lost in the Great Destruction, so its internal structure is unknown. There may be traps, but you'll be OK in an AC. This is the chance of a lifetime. Do not fail us. Be sure to get him.
This mission is when the game gets really serious and I think of it as a turning point in this playthrough. There are three traps you must avoid: 1) Fireballs that shoot down hallways at regular intervals which must be avoided by either flying over them or hugging the walls. 2) Proximity mines on the walls of said hallways. 3) Floors in those hallways that can give way and leave you plunging into a pit. There is one specific segment that has all three of these traps layered on top of each other and the pit is so incredibly deep that getting out takes longer than most missions in this game.
We're going to see this mechanic later, but I need to stress this: platforming in this game is really rough. You can't look straight up and the draw distance is not very far, so in order to extricate yourself you have to reference your map, line your AC up, look down, and then boost - even then it's very easy to miss these jumps.
I avoid this pit here - if you do fall in, go ahead and fall all the way to the bottom - the "Moonlight" laser sword is hidden there. Anyways, combine the traps with some very difficult enemies and a truly challenging final fight and you have an incredibly tough mission. Note the false chamber at the end here - devious FROMSOFT tricks abound!
28. Stop Gas Exposure - Ravens' Nest
This mission is extremely dangerous. A problem has occured at one of the ruins of the Old Generation. Namely, a military facility. This facility was used to develop chemical weapons, and it seems that someone has secretly entered and tampered with the control panels. It is now full of some kind of gas. The gas corrodes metal, so naturally your AC will take damage. Unluckily, all of the equipment within the base is resistant to the gas, so the defense mechanisms are operating. Of the five control panels, only one appears to be working. Even so, just destroy all of them. We will provide the detonation devices. Just plant them on all five panels. When you are finished, get out of the base immediately. If you dawdle within the facility, your AC will suffer a dangerous level of damage. Be careful!
I spec for speed here. While in the corrosive gas we lose 10 HP/second, so I have about 12 minutes (minus any damage I take from the enemies) to get in, plant five explosives, and get out. There aren't many missions with time limits, so this one stands out and seeing your HP drained away can definitely make for a stressful experience.
29. Destroy Intruders - Earth Environment Reclamation Committee
Several armed MTs have broken into a resource reclamation plant owned by the Commitee. They are probably terrorists employed by those who want to distort our activities. We have taken out several MTs but with heavy damage. So we are asking the Ravens for help. We have closed the gates within the plant to push them gradually into a large blast furnace in the center. We want you to pound them there. Naturally, the blast furnace is very hot. If you fall, your AC cannot survive. Making good use of the geography will be the key to the battle. Good luck.
Huge Dark Souls 2, Iron Keep/Brume Tower vibes here. Platforming is still clumsy, but at least we're just falling down instead of needing to go up!
30. Destroy Space Catapult - Chrome
We want you to break into the Space Station "Kaede" owned by Murakumo. Your goal is to destroy their new catapult. This space station has been unmanned since the Great Destruction and was left in orbit, but Murakumo has made secret modifications, turning it into a space base. We discovered that Murakumo has sent large amounts of materiel to the space station and the catapult appears to be used to send the materiel elsewhere. We still don't know what they are up to. But still, it is in space. It may be too late if we wait until the full story is known. Your space shuttle is ready. Go to the space station ASAP. We are counting on you.
Halfway through this mission we're told we need to get the hell out of here, so I oblige. I get out with a minute and a half to spare, but still failed the mission - I missed the space catapult somewhere. I imagine it was behind one of those doors at the end.
31. Exterminate Organisms (2) - Chemical-Dyne
Someone has entered our lab and destroyed a test vat. The lab is now overflowing with biological weapons. The worst problem is the queen organisms are able to reproduce. Upon leaving the test vat, the cell tissue becomes activated and begins reproducing in no time. If it has already begun reproducing, there may be an overwhelming number of them. If so, they are certain to try to break open the outside wall sooner or later and escape to the outside. We can deal with the small types later, so your target is only the four queen organisms. Be sure to bring down all of the beasts.
I like the look of this stage - there are little terrariums in some of the chambers where they must have been testing these creations. It's basically the original Exterminate Organisms mission with x4 the queens.
32. Retake Air Cleaner - Murakumo Millenium
We just got a terrifying communique from the terrorist group "Imminent Storm". They said that they are occupying the air cleaner above Isaac City. This unit takes air from above-ground, cleans it, and sends it down to the underground city. It is literally the City's lifeline. Their demands are for the immediate dismantling of Murakumo Millenium who they say has become the ringleader of social decay. Their false accusations are brash. Their recent activities have been a string of failures thanks to you Ravens. This is a desperate act of desperate men willing to die with honor. Eliminate them quickly. Note that the air cleaners has an extremely acomplex structure due to repeated retrofits with the expansion of the underground city. Be careful.
I think this level is great, despite the fact that a big part of it is platforming. The mission quickly becomes "find and recover the tank" and you can fail the mission if you accidentally shoot it - I kept in footage of my initial failure and reloaded to secure the tank (you don't have to defeat the mech guarding it.) Beating this mission felt like a real accomplishment, and I think a part of that is how convoluted the map looked at the outset. Cool secret weapon up in the top here.
33. Chrome Uprising - Murakumo Millenium
The Chrome have finally started an armed uprising. Socially, they have been in a cornered position, but it seems that they have finally made their move. We wish no unnecessary fighting, but their mere presence is a danger to all humanity. If we don't crush the bad seeds, the roots will again begin to spread. Justice is ours. Our elite troops have come under attack in various regions. The war situation is going just as we had expected. However, we miscalculated. We had to fight pitched battles against Chrome detachments appearing above-ground. Several military bases were attacked and suffered crippling blows. According to reports, the enemy is a small detachment of 5-6 MTs, but their capabilities cannot be taken lightly. They are probably Chrome's latest models. From the enemy's attack vectors, their next target is probably a military base in the Zahm Desert. We want you to head to the base ASAP and engage the enemy detachment.
It's all been leading up to this: all out war between the Murakumo Millenium and Chrome. The Chrome protoypes you helped test are finally out of beta and they deal a lot of damage - I finish this mission heavily damaged. Great mission overall.
34. Mop Up Chrome Remnants - Murakumo Millenium
Special report for all Ravens! It has been decided to disband the Chrome group that planned a military coup d'etat using new robotic weapons. Murakumo Millenium will control and inspect the remaining assets of Chrome, so that they can be reused appropriately later. Now that the confrontation is over, there may be less and less for you Ravens to do. Hopefully this is a sign that mankind is moving toward a peaceful future. It's not over yet. We have a job for you. We need you to survey a Chrome military base. Some remnants of the group may still resist, but their strength is inconsequential. We want you to check out the situation in the interior of the base and mop up any resistance you find there. Your pay should be adequate.
This is a collection of very easy enemies until the big reveal - we've been set up! Murakumo only sent us here so that a giant mech, "Devastator" can destroy us. You get a cutscene at the end of this mission: if you fail, you get a short cinematic wherein your computer record is updated to reflect that you're dead - you're then tossed back out to the main menu and the only way to try the mission over is to reload your save. (I know this because the first time I played this, my run ended here because I was not regularly saving and was simply "letting it ride.") I succeeded and got the following cinematic:
35. Mop Up Chrome Remnants (2) - Ravens' Nest
We have heard a rumor that a former Chrome military facility has recently been visited by an unknown group. The true situation is unclear but we have eye-witness reports of presumed weapons. Although supposedly already dismantled, the military superiority of Chrome was awesome in scope. It is not surprising that some may still be loyal to Chrome. But still they are only remnants of the group. They probably have no serious weapons. This job may not be satisfying for Ravens, but we want to eliminate apprehension quickly. Enter the base and attack them as you find them. That is all.
After delving down into either the same base as last mission or a carbon copy of it, we're told there's nothing down here and to come back up. On our way back up we are once again ambushed. This is a very difficult mission if you actually fight the bots in the two big rooms - I wise up after the first room and make my way to the top, where I face Sledgehammer. The secret weapon I found in Retake Air Cleaner, the WX-5800-GF missile launcher, worked really well for this fight in the open.
36. Destroy Floating Mines - Ravens' Nest
An armed band of unknown affiliation broke into the Nest HQ and destroyed part of the facility. The security corps quelled the disturbance without incident. There is one problem: the floating mines left by the band. Normally, our corps would deal with them, but the mines are numerous, of a special structure and very powerful. We want you to take care of these mines. Just blow them up as you find them. You will be paid well.
What a demoralizing way to finish the game.
This is a two-part mission - the first part is two rooms, an elevator I couldn't figure out (I had to press the use button in front of a nondescript console) and some tough fights. After you finish this part, you regain all ammo and health.
The second part is what gets me: there's a giant rectangular room that requires multiple boosts to reach the top - the only landing points are moving cubes and many of those cubes have turrets on the top and bottom. You can't land on the top of a cube if a turret is there. There are also a couple of flying mechs in here for good measure. After this, you have to traverse two cylinders with Nine-Ball chasing after you. I edited out all of the save scumming I did for this level - the video would otherwise be twice as long.
Final Impressions
Aside from that last mission, Armored Core was a really enjoyable experience. My time in the Garage customizing my mech reminded me of my hours tinkering with Dark Souls builds, balancing stamina, encumbrance, health and damage.
The missions take place in both incredibly cramped hallways and large open areas, and while latter feels more appropriate for the series and genre, I was surprised that I wasn't that bothered by those indoor missions. The diversity of environments gave me a reason to switch up my weapons. I hope to play through the rest of the series before AC6 releases to see how the series has evolved.