Armored Core

Armored Core is a mecha-based video game franchise developed by FromSoftware, first released in 1997. The series centers on players piloting customizable mechs known as Armored Cores (ACs) in a dystopian future dominated by corporate warfare. Players assume the role of a mercenary, known as a Raven, undertaking missions for various factions to earn credits, which are then used to upgrade their ACs. The gameplay emphasizes deep customization, strategic combat, and a branching narrative influenced by player choices.

The franchise spans 16 main titles, including spin-offs and remakes, across multiple generations of gaming consoles. The most recent installment, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, was released on August 25, 2023, marking the series’ return after a decade-long hiatus. Set on the remote planet Rubicon 3, the game explores the discovery of a powerful energy source called Coral, leading to conflict among corporations, the government, and resistance groups. Players control C4-621, a cyborg mercenary, navigating this complex environment. The game received generally favorable reviews and became the highest-selling entry in the series, with over 3 million copies sold by July 2024.

In addition to video games, the Armored Core franchise has expanded into other media. A manga adaptation titled Armored Core: Tower City Blade was serialized in 2007. More recently, in December 2024, the series was featured in an episode of Amazon Prime Video’s animated anthology Secret Level, with Keanu Reeves voicing the lead character. Despite its niche appeal, Armored Core has influenced the mecha genre and remains a cult favorite among fans of complex, customizable combat systems.