Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Despite the somewhat niggling flaws, Armored Core 2 simply amazes. Out-of-this-world customization, great gameplay and tons of depth place Armored Core 2 atop the current list of PS2 games.
  2. 90
    A solid title that gets kudos for strong action and replay value. Giant-robot fans will want it -- others should, at the very least, rent it
  3. 90
    This game is for hardcore freaks who like their games deep and complex, and who don't mind spending most of their time in the garage perfecting their death machines before they actually do any killing.
  4. Antagonist
    89
    "Armored Core 2" is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of game, and once you're hooked, you're hooked for life.
  5. If you are just purchasing a PlayStation2, and are considering an investment in a good strategy/fighting game, look no further.
  6. Armored Core 2 may not be to everyone's tastes, but if you can get your head round it, the seamless integration of strategy and action provides a deep and enthralling experience.
  7. Daily Radar
    88
    Featuring dozens of challenging missions, a grueling tournament mode and an infinite number of customizable options for building, dissecting and re-working mechs, Armored Core 2 is gorgeous, challenging and thorough.
  8. Sure, the controls are clunky in comparison to the smooth moving Zone of the Enders, but as you know, it’s all about building your own dream machine and using it to blow the galaxy a new hole.
  9. The only drawbacks to this title are its relatively high difficulty later in the game and the fact that it really hasn’t changed at all since the original Armored Core.
  10. Spank!
    80
    Fearsome Transformer-like Mechs (robot body suits) hurtle around the screen cutting loose with the big guns, laying waste to all and sundry, coming on like stern, iron harbinger's of Armageddon - it's great.
  11. CNET Gamecenter
    80
    The new game offers impressive graphics mixed with familiar gameplay for a conservative sequel that does the series proud.
  12. 80
    Packs so many options and so many missions and so much ability to create that I can't ignore how much it does well, even if I can't escape my misgivings about its control scheme.
  13. Thanks to a slick presentation, diverse gameplay, and overwhelming customization options, the game certainly comes close.
  14. 77
    It will demand a lot of your time, and a lot of your patience. It's a game that becomes really fun game once you master everything.
  15. It's not the giant that its characters are, but it is a pretty big fish that should be checked out, by rental at least.
  16. With tons of different mech-building options and a healthy two-player mode, fans of the genre will find themselves having a wonderful time for quite awhile.
  17. For the first time, a mech-style game makes you feel like you're actually inhabiting the suit, not controlling it from afar.
  18. 70
    A great sequel...It is, however, hard going and less proficient gamers may find it too difficult and a chore to get through, even on the normal setting.
  19. The combination of pretty new graphics, the same old music and the same old control is something of a spade.
  20. TotalGames.net
    62
    If Armored Core 2 had managed to add more of "Blaze's" carnage, we would be taking about a classic.
  21. The mechs are slow and ponderous, the missions linear, and the controls complicated.
  22. With the Dual Shock 2 available in every PS2 box, why do we still not have analog control here? Other than that the game plays as it always has, acceptable.
  23. Casual gamers will get into this game for about an hour before being overwhelmed by the choices. Experts of the previous games will love it, even with the odd control scheme.

Awards & Rankings

15
9
#9 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2000
10
#10 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2000
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 31
  2. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Feb 14, 2022
    7
    I was a huge fan of the first Armoured Core on the PS1 because of how ahead of it's time it was. And the sequel is what you would expect. ItI was a huge fan of the first Armoured Core on the PS1 because of how ahead of it's time it was. And the sequel is what you would expect. It simply improves on a already well established formula.

    The story here provides a great setting for the game. Different factions colonising Mars and as a mercenary, you help these factions achieve their missions sporadically. Just like the first game, who you help effects the story somewhat and the gear/parts that become available. Also, as a mercenary in the Raven group, you get to directly compete with your peers in and outside of missions. It all comes together, creating layers of depth that you don't find in too many games these days.

    Visuals and sound are a step up of course and pretty solid for the PS2. The game-play however hasn't changed a hell of a lot. The controls are still a little bit clunky, but it fits the feel of piloting a mech. What makes this game and others in the franchise so engrossing is the customisation of the armoured core itself. Depending on how well you play will determine your pay and in turn, how well your AC develops over the game. Additionally, the multiplayer PvP is still available if you want to battle it out with a mate.

    I could go on and on but it would be better to wrap things up by saying, if you are a fan of mech games then any game from the franchise is a must. They are fun, immersive and challenging, making for a rich experience overall.
    Full Review »
  2. Mar 1, 2017
    8
    Обожаю все части этой серии. Они хоть и однообразные, но очень сильно затягивают геймплеем, механикой и постройкой мехов.Обожаю все части этой серии. Они хоть и однообразные, но очень сильно затягивают геймплеем, механикой и постройкой мехов.
  3. Oct 3, 2010
    7
    I was not a fan at all of the first game and I reluctantly picked this one up but I have to say it was a pleasant surprise. The game was greatI was not a fan at all of the first game and I reluctantly picked this one up but I have to say it was a pleasant surprise. The game was great and offered me enough fun to not regret spending the money I did on it. Full Review »