Armored Core

A mecha third-person shooter video game series developed by FromSoftware, focusing on customizable armored combat suits.

Action

Action (Mech)

48

Games

1997–2023

Years

20

Platforms

$35.60

Ø CIB

-13.7%

24M change

About

Armored Core is a science fiction video game series centered on piloting highly customizable mecha called Armored Cores. Players act as mercenary pilots taking on missions for competing corporations in dystopian future settings. The series is highly regarded for its deep customization mechanics, allowing players to swap weapons, armor, and internal parts.

Developed by FromSoftware, the franchise debuted on the PlayStation console with the release of Armored Core in 1997. This initial release established the technical foundation for the series, which was quickly expanded through standalone installments Armored Core: Project Phantasma in 1997 and Armored Core: Master of Arena in 1999. These early titles introduced save-data transfer mechanics, allowing players to carry their customized progress and parts between games.

In 2000, the original game reached wider audiences through the Armored Core [Agetec Re-Release]. As the series progressed onto subsequent console generations, it maintained a distinct focus on high-speed, three-dimensional movement and complex control schemes. The franchise served as a foundational property for FromSoftware, showcasing the developer's signature approach to challenging gameplay and environmental storytelling long before their mainstream success with action role-playing games. Over several decades, the series has influenced the broader mecha genre through its mechanical realism and tactical depth.