Armored Core: For Answer
Armored Core: For Answer is a 2008 3D mecha-based, Mecha is a science fiction genre that centers around robots or machines, video game for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 developed by From Software and published by From Software in Japan and Ubisoft internationally. It is the 13th installment of From Software's Armored Core series. Armored Core: For Answer is the sequel to Armored Core 4, and takes place around ten years later. It was released in Japan on March 19, 2008, in North America on September 16, 2008 and in Europe on October 3, 2008.
Gameplay
AC customization has been changed from the previous Armored Core title, with a new interface and many new parts not found in Armored Core 4. Online mode returns with a new co-operative mode alongside the player versus mode. Gameplay enhancements included a power increase for both Quick Boost and Over Boost, as well as an auxiliary high speed booster known as Vanguard Over Booster (VOB). Another new feature in the game is the Assault Armor attack that becomes available by equipping certain OB parts. This attack uses up all available Primal Armor that the AC has and generates a huge blast consisting of Kojima (highly reactive particles) that destroys or damages all objects surrounding the AC. However, this also leaves the AC vulnerable because not only will the AC lose its PA, it will also not regenerate for a few seconds. Laser blades are deadlier because of the revamped laser blade attack. Once the blade has acquired a lock-on, the AC will instantly rush to the target, traveling a great distance to use the laser blade. All parts carried over from the previous game have had their parameters altered, much like the transition between previous series installments Silent Line and Nexus. The on-screen HUD can now be changed to any of 20 colors. There are now 442 FRS tuning points available to unlock, which is an increase from the 300 (PS3) and 337 (XBOX360) FRS points available in AC4. Maps are much larger and more detailed including environment damage such as collapsing buildings. The game is also the second in the series (after Last Raven) to feature multiple endings, with three different possible plot branches available depending on your actions and decisions in the game.
The North American Xbox 360 edition of For Answer was released advertising both online and off-line (local) cooperative play on the packaging, but as of early October, there has been no off-line cooperative option accessible in game, nor comment from Ubisoft or From Software.
Plot
The planet is in a decrepit and decaying state. Pollution from not only human habitation, but from the hazardous waste given off by Kojima particles released during the LYNX War, has caused the surface of the earth to become virtually inhospitable. The remaining corporations from the Pax Economica formed a new group called "The League of Ruling Companies" or "The League" for short. In desperate need of a solution, they build airborne habitats called "Cradles" to house a majority of the populace - safeguarding them from the contaminated surface below. Some however, are forced to live on the surface. A few NEXT pilots have learned of the corporations' dark secrets and formed the rebel group known as ORCA to wage war against the League. Piloting the cutting-edge Armored Cores known as NEXTs, the player is thrust into the middle of the conflict between the corporations and ORCA. Each faction now controls super weapons known as "Arms Forts" that the player must battle against.
Background
Ten years have passed since the National Dismantlement War, and five years since the LYNX War. The League of Ruling Companies has taken over the world. To escape the pollution that poisons the surface of the planet, the League has built massive floating platforms (as mentioned earlier) called Cradles. Only there, 7,000 meters (4.35 miles) above the ground, where the air is still clean and safe. Already, half of humankind lives in the skies. The planet's surface has become a battlefield, where armies fight to control the resource plants that feed the Cradles.
As the LYNX War came to a close, NEXTs enabled the League to firmly establish its rule of the planet. NEXT pilots (established in the previous title) are called LYNX. Fearing the power and independence of these NEXTs, the League left them behind on the surface. The LYNX now work as mercenaries for an organization called Collared.
