Armored Core 4: Answers

I bought this game about two months ago and by now spent about 15 hours with it.
Also, I am - by far - not through with it yet, so excuse occasional mistakes or the lack of information you would have liked to receive.
Besides, I have not played former Armored Core Games, this is my first one. So I do not have this fanboy-opinion of "man this is called Armored Core! It CAN'T be anything but awesome!".

But before I start, let me give an advice to you:
You don't see it much on YouTube or on online shops, but the game consists of a good 40% of building up and adjusting your "Next" called Robot. This is what makes the game; you are putting your machine together from nuts and bolts to which type of weapon you want the completed thing to carry.
If you dislike too much of customization, you should not buy this game before having tested it.

Okay, let's start the review then!

When I opened the package from amazon, I found a real awesomely designed cover for the game inside.
You have seen the picture here on amazon, but holding it in hands lets you witness way more depth in it!
Defenitely some of the best eye-candy!

I then opened the case and found the game DVD, as well as a very well designed instruction booklet in it.
The booklet gives you instructions on controls, modes, options to change, as well as pretty much anything you could want to know about the game before jumping into action.

I don't know the Multiplayer yet, but as far as I've heard, it is a well-designed one with lots of options to adjust and modes to choose from!

Okay then, I'll tell my opinions concerning the following categories:
-Graphics
-Sound
-Gameplay
-Story
-Performance
-Overall

#1 - Graphics
The graphics of ACFA are excellent! Absolutely amazing!
They have so much detail and crispness, you'll wet yourself!
The maps do not have very much details, but in the thematic context of the game (post apocalyptic) this is the perfect setting.
The Robots, named "Armored Cores" (ACs), are extremely detailed and things like shadows, explosions, water, fire, flying missiles, etc. look awesome!
From Software didn't spend much time on grounds, buildings, and bullet holes, but they don't look anything like "bad", just a little out-dated. So this is no big deal.

#2 - Sound
Armored Core For Answer's soundtrack is very well-done as well. The tracks are suiting the action perfectly and build up a chilling background for the whole thing. They're discreet but beautiful one by one.

#3 - Gameplay
The Gameplay of ACFA is very complex, but mastering it rewards you big time!
It is on one level with flying a model aircraft, to give you a comparison.
Once you understand it and are able to make it work for your needs, you are able to let your AC do pretty much anything thinkable!

#4 - Story
The does not really have something called a "story", but more of an overall setting you and your craft are but into.
It takes place in the far future and shows a world of war, envy, and desparation. Humans lack a constant health care, enough food, and a working political system. There are no Characters as such in the game. just a few names of corporations or rovals of yours.

#5 - Performance
Though the graphics are complex at points, I have not witnessed any lags by now, the game runs well and smooth like you would want it to.

#6 - OVERALL
Armored Core For Answer is a very unique title. But once it has you, it will become your favourite game and you'll want more!

I give this game a total of 9.5/10.

Defenite must-have for fans of robots, 3D-fighting games, and model versions of things like helicopters, boats, aircrafts, etc..

Not much more to say that the other reviews haven't covered in great detail. My experience with the franchise pre-Xbox 360 has been limited. Played a little of AC2 but found the game needlessly complex and gameplay slow. Not anymore!

Armored Core 4 and this title (effectively an expansion for the previous) are truly games which reward the elite gamer. That is, the gamer who persists, is willing to tweak strategies and machine schematics until victory is achieved. But this does not simply mean that persistence will eventually pay off- AC4: For Answer DEMANDS absolute concentration, a cool head and ninja-fast reaction speed to avoid that humiliating pummelling which the A.I. are more than willing to deliver.

This is a gamer's game, make no mistake. Planning a casual night of co-op with friends? Best leave this out, for fear of frustration and RAGE moments all round.

High points:
* Brutally complex enemy A.I.
* Huge boss battles
* Beautiful open-world settings
* Arena matches offer a genuine challenge to the seasoned player
* Better control pad layout than AC4
* Streamlined build customisation for easy parts swapping
* Streamlined pricing structure in shop
* Opportunity to build enemy schematics won from AC duels

Low points:
* Not for the casual gamer
* Too short!
* Storyline feels linear, would prefer a better career structure
* More boss fights
* Arena needs more location choices

In short, a great game SO CLOSE to being perfect. Eagerly awaiting the release of AC5...

Fun very good game brilliant to play fun fun fun fun fun brilliant no complaints a very good buy 10/10