I got a rehash. Well, let me rephrase that --I got a pretty rehash.

And boy, is it pretty. While not anywhere near the top of the crop, AC2 has some nice graphics. The second the game booted up the training mission (which takes place in a see-through tunnel that allows you to see a gorgeously rendered city) I was impressed. As my first real experience with PS2, I wasn't TOO impressed, but it wasn't ugly as I thought it was going to be. Some of the weapon effects are really nice too, as well as that of the lighting. And while the game does sort of have remnants of the last's "drab apocalyptic future" design, it's not nearly as bad.

But then there's the gameplay.

Don't get me wrong. Armored Core 2 is fun. Kind of. To put it bluntly, if you liked Armored Core, and aren't sick of it yet, you'll like Armored Core 2. But the game does nothing--and I repeat, NOTHING to fix the various problems that plagued the first. And I assure you--the first Armored Core (and it's ubsequent Mission packs) were far from perfect. The game's main weakness lies in it's actual in battle gameplay. Your mech will still occassionally obscure your view. The control is still fairly clunky when it comes to turning. There's still no effective lock-mechanism. In short, everything that was wrong with Armored Core, and it's subsequent upgrades, is wrong with AC2. Take that as you will...

But there is one unique factor that changes AC2's gameplay just a bit. Since the game is now running on the PS2, we're now treated to a crisp framerate. I can hear them now--"Riisuke, FPS is a graphics issue, not a gameplay one!" Au contraire, for you see just as an overly elaborate animation routine can cause a machine to slow down (shades of the SNES), a moderate framerate can sometimes provide a faster--if not choppier, experience. To that end, Armored Core 2 feels a smidge slower than the first one. Make no mistake, when you're dodging 7 sets of missles while making a freefall down a gigantic crater, you'll still feel the game's every bit as intense, but the less drama-packed moments feel a wee bit slower than before.

Of note, however, is Armored Core 2's mech building engine. Yes, I know it's virtually unchanged from the other Armored Core titles in the series, but that doesn't make it any less brilliant. Putting together your own mech to your own specifications is still fun, and provides tons of replay value. And if that's not enough to get you to come back, the game features a veritable mountain of missions, as well as a new factor: The Arena. Now, if you're feeling hard up for cash, you can forego the traditional mercenary route and simply engage in one-on-one battles with other AC pilots for some quick cash-money. A welcome addition, as I'll go insane if I have to protect another base/bridge/train/whatever.

Soundwise, Armored Core 2 is nothing shoddy. The somber, occassionally dramatic background music works as well and the sound effects are all clear and distinct. I won't be purchasing the soundtrack anytime soon, but I'll not feel the need to mute the TV and play Gundam mp3s either. All in all, this game is more of the same. And whether or not that's cool is entirely up to you. As for me...well, I guess it's okay. I'm still kind of dissapointed, and hoping that From Software comes up with something newer for their next title.

· · · Riisuke