Beginning Armored Core
Pressing START at the Title Screen brings up the MODE MENU. You can choose between a one-player game (SCENARIO MODE) or a two-player game (VS MODE). Use the Directional buttons to highlight a mode and press the button to select.
Pressing the button at any menu will return you to the previous screen.
Scenario Mode - 1 Player Game
This is a one-player game where you accept mercenary missions as a member of the Ravens' Nest. Successful missions reward you with credits, parts, or weapons.
Use your rewards to customize your AC. Your original ACs can be saved to a Memory card and used later in head-to-head combat. (See the SAVE/LOAD section).
VS Mode - 2 Player Game
This is a two-player head-to-head battle between mercenaries from opposing corporations. There are no rewards or AC improvements in VS MODE.
After combat, a CONTINUE confirmation window appears. Select YES to continue or NO to return to the VS MODE Menu.
Split Screen
Two-player games can be displayed as a split-screen or on two screens using a link cable. Split-screen mode is automatically selected unless a link cable is connected.
Using a Link Cable
To play LINK VS Mode, you need two Consoles, two ARMORED CORE discs, and a Link cable. Connect the Link cable to the Serial I/O terminal on the back of each PlayStation and then turn the power ON. If the Link cable is removed during LINK VS MODE combat, the game returns to the Title Screen.
Note on VS Mode Options
In a VS MODE game, Player 2's options can only be saved by entering SCENARIO MODE, selecting and saving the options, then accessing the load facility within VS MODE to restore them from the Memory card.
Playing Armored Core
A single-player ARMORED CORE game involves:
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Registering your name with the Ravens' Nest.
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Building and customizing your weapons and armor.
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Completing a test mission and joining the Ravens' Nest.
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Accepting paid missions from governing corporations.
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Collecting rewards after missions and using money to create deadlier and faster ACs.
You can alter the balance of world power based on your successful missions.
Register Your Name
Select NEW GAME at the SCENARIO MODE Screen. To become a Raven mercenary, you must first register with the Ravens' Nest.
Use the Directional buttons to highlight letters and the button to select. The button erases the last letter entry. Select END to exit and press the button to confirm your name.
Ravens' Nest Headquarters
Once registered, you are brought to the Ravens' Nest. Here you have access to vital Raven operations: GARAGE, RANKING, MAIL, SYSTEM, MISSION, and SHOP.
Ravens' Nest Garage
At the Garage, you can build and alter your AC's characteristics. Use the Directional buttons to scroll through the Garage options and press the button to select.
Assembly
Here you can choose the various components that comprise your AC.
Head
The Head houses bio sensors, radar, and other special functions.
Right Arm Weapon
Right Arm weapons include powerful single-shot rifles and rapid-fire machine guns.
Left Arm Weapon
The Left Arm can be equipped with a laserblade, effective in close-range fighting. Using the laserblade drains energy.
Selecting Body Parts
Use the LEFT and RIGHT Directional buttons to scroll through available parts. Use the UP and DOWN Directional buttons to change body components. Press the button to make your selection.
Your choices will be limited initially. After completing missions, additional parts will be rewarded or available for purchase, allowing you to upgrade your AC.
When an AC part or weapon is highlighted, press the button to display its price, weight, energy drain, attack power, defensive capabilities, and other details. Press the button again to close the window.
Part Statistics
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EP: Displays the output of the generator in Energy Points.
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Legs WP: Displays the carrying capacity of the legs in Weight Points.
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Core WP: Displays the carrying capacity of the core in Weight Points.
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AP: Displays the Armor Points of the AC.
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Weight: Displays the total weight of the AC.
Assembly Results
After selecting all AC parts, press the button to assemble the AC. The results are then displayed. If any values appear in red, you cannot embark on a mission. Values on the left cannot exceed those on the right.
One of the following warnings may be displayed:
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EQUIPMENT INCOMPLETE: The AC is not equipped with the minimum number of parts required for a mission.
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OVERWEIGHT: The total weight of the equipment exceeds the carrying capacity of the legs.
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NOT ENOUGH ENERGY: The power drain of the equipment exceeds the output of the generator.
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ARMS OVERWEIGHT: The total weight of the arms exceeds the carrying capacity of the core.
Optional Parts
Additional hardware enhancements can be installed in slots on both sides of your AC's Core. Like weapons and armor, these optional parts may be rewarded or purchased after completing missions. The number of available slots is limited, so choose enhancements carefully.
Performance
You can check the details of your assembled AC's total performance at this screen.
Change Colour
You can alter the