Armored Core: Last Raven

Last Raven is your last chance to experience the world of Armored Core on the PS2. Even if the MSRP weren't $29.99, you'd have a ridiculously hard time trying to find a more complete mobile suit package. The gameplay (battles), pre-gameplay (customization), flashy graphics, and adrenaline-filled soundtrack are some of the best this series has had to offer.

Really, this is just more of the same from Agetec – they found a formula that works and they stuck with it. It’s still fun, and there are a few minor improvements here and there, but it’s tough to shake a sense of having seen and done it all before.

The story is old hat, the telling of it is pretty lame but overall it serves as a good enough excuse to get into a giant robot and blow things up.

This is the Dynasty Warriors of mech games, and much like how that franchise is solidly enjoyable, so goes Armored Core.

While the addition of a few tweaks and online play will certainly thrill hardcores; anyone interested in taking the plunge for the first time will find themselves overwhelmed with menus and confusing customization options.

Unless players are willing to put several hours into a complicated control scheme, only to enjoy average playability at the end, they should probably look elsewhere.

Overall, it's the same old song and dance that players have had for years now, so if you're into this extensive mech type of game, then you'll probably want to pick it up. However, most people will find themselves overwhelmed and bored quite quickly and while there have been improvements in small areas of the gameplay, the biggest flaws still exist.

Fans will be happy to see some of the battle and garage tweaks that make positive changes in the gameplay, but the uninteresting missions will dampen any excitement. Sadly, those want to check this out for the first time are getting the tiny end of the stick. Too much time will be spent researching and banging your head against the wall with a ridiculous amount of trial and error for a treat that's not nearly worth the effort.

If you're willing to devote serious time and effort to a harsh and unforgiving series that jealously guards its goodies from the uninitiated, there's a chance you could pick up Lost Raven and eventually get into it.

If you've played the previous games in the series, you'll be right at home here, but you won't find much of anything new or different.

More importantly, let's hope the next-gen will bring about better graphics, which honestly shouldn't be in the state they are.

Armored Core: Last Raven isn't a broken game, and it's actually one of the better titles in the series - it's just that this series has been tragically underwhelming for years now.

The presentation is weak, the gameplay flawed, and the reliance on insanely in-depth customization will likely end up annoying most gamers.

The Armored Core developers are celebrating the series' 10th birthday by giving you the same mech game they've pumped out since the beginning. [Jun 2006, p.92]