Armored Core 2

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Game Revolution
    91
    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. GamePro
    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. GamePen
    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.
  5. 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.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. TotalPlayStation
    89
    If you are just purchasing a PlayStation2, and are considering an investment in a good strategy/fighting game, look no further.
  7. Games Radar
    88
    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.
  8. 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.
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Game Informer
    85
    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.
  10. Gamezilla!
    83
    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.
  11. 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.
    All this publication's reviews
  12. CNET Gamecenter
    80
    The new game offers impressive graphics mixed with familiar gameplay for a conservative sequel that does the series proud.
    All this publication's reviews
  13. IGN
    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.
  14. GameSpot
    78
    Thanks to a slick presentation, diverse gameplay, and overwhelming customization options, the game certainly comes close.
  15. GameSpy
    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.
  16. GamerWeb Sony
    75
    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.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PS2 Game of 2000
9
#9 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2000
10
#10 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Za_Uvek
    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. DreamEaglr
    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. Tubie
    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 »
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