Armored Core: For Answer Q&A - Exclusive First Details

It's hard out here for a mech game. In fact, the traditional Japanese mech game, which generally involved equal quantities of battling giant robots and customizing the guns, armor, and equipment on those robots, is getting scarcer. Fortunately, publisher Ubisoft and developer From Software will be bringing the latest game in the Armored Core series, For Answer, stateside later this year. We caught up with Ubisoft associate producer Kenan Alpay for the exclusive first details.

GameSpot: Give us an overview of what to expect in Armored Core: For Answer. Given that it's the follow-up to Armored Core 4, what will the game be about?

Kenan Alpay: Simply put, the game is all about creating and customizing giant robots, and then going toe-to-toe against colossal, destructive battle stations. And this time, you can take a friend along with you in the new co-op mode!

GS: We recall that Armored Core 4 took place in a war-torn world and had a dirty, gritty look to match it. What can you tell us about the story of the single-player game in For Answer?

KA: The world is still shaken by never-ending conflict. Another problem is the rampant pollution, which has poisoned the atmosphere. Because the surface has become so toxic, an organization known as the League of Corporations devised the Cradle System, a network of orbital platforms that hover thousands of meters above the surface. Millions of citizens have transferred to these cradles, but there are still many [citizens] stuck on the surface that vehemently oppose this system. In order to exert control over these rebel factions, the League manufactures colossal battle stations called Arms Forts.

Players begin their careers as a mercenary working under the League, but as they complete missions and gain notoriety, requests begin to pour in from the different factions in the game. Players must choose what missions to undertake, and their decisions eventually shape the outcome of the conflict.

GS: Aside from the Story mode, will there be any other side missions, such as arena battles or the data packs from Armored Core 4?

KA: Well, there are over 40 missions in the Story mode and multiple endings on top of that. There are also order matches, which are one-on-one battles against other famous pilots. And the regulation files (data packs) also return, tweaking the balance of the game to put a new spin on both the single-player and the competitive multiplayer.

GS: What lessons has the team taken from the previous game, and how are they being implemented into the new game?

KA: A new control scheme is available from the start to let beginners take control more quickly. Beginners can also have their friends join them in co-op mode and get help with missions they're having trouble with.

There's a lot more level variety as well. Many of the key missions involve taking down these enormous battle stations, and each of them requires a different strategy, which is definitely a change from the standard kill-everything-in-sight mission structure. There are levels where we, literally, strap enormous rocket boosters on your back and hurl you toward your target. You have to dodge incoming fire until you're close enough to get in and strike at the weak spot.

The graphics are a noticeable step up from the previous game, with some great environmental effects and depth of field being implemented.

On the whole, the team has really worked hard to take Armored Core to the next level and deliver really fun set pieces where you're taking down colossal enemies, making players feel like they're "the answer" to the conflict, so to speak.

GS: We understand that For Answer will have more than 130 new mech parts. How will these add to the game? How much more in-depth will the customization options be, for instance?

KA: In For Answer, we have new types of existing weapons, such as new shotguns, missiles, energy weapons, and blades. But there are also brand-new weapons and some interesting new parts, like auxiliary boost jets that increase your mobility and are ideal for hit-and-run attacks. And of course, there are new frames, decals, and body parts to customize with.

GS: We understand the game will offer co-op multiplayer play. Tell us how this works--will this only be split-screen, for instance, or will it also be available online?

KA: Co-op is online-only for this game, but there is a split-screen Versus mode for taking on another friend.

At any time during the main campaign, you can create an online lobby and invite a buddy to participate in your mission. Then both players start the mission and try to accomplish the objectives together. This can lead to cool scenarios, like one player drawing the battle station's fire while the other sneaks around the back or surrounding a group of faster enemies that would have given you more trouble if you went solo. Also, we support voice chat on both platforms now, so players can chat and call for help if they need it.

GS: Tell us about the other multiplayer modes that will be available in the game.

KA: Eight players can duke it out online in the standard multiplayer modes that Armored Core fans have come to know and love. There are also a bunch of new modes to choose from, but we aren't ready to talk about them just yet.

I can say that since voice chat is now present on all platforms, communicating with your team is far easier, which lets you take it to the next level in terms of team strategy. There's also full cross-regional play, so friends can link up across Japan, Europe, and the US.

GS: Can you give us any hints on the achievements in the Xbox 360 version or the trophies in the PlayStation 3 version?

KA: Unfortunately, we weren't able to implement trophy support for the PS3 in the Western version. Of course, we have achievements for the 360 version, and there will be some tricky challenges in store for players looking to raise their gamerscore.

GS: Any plans to make use of any particular features from either Microsoft's Xbox Live or PlayStation Network?

KA: Other than the online multiplayer component, there are currently no plans for any additional content, save for the free downloadable regulation files.

GS: Finally, is there anything else you'd like to add about Armored Core: For Answer?

KA: Armored Core: For Answer has a ton of elements that make it stand out from the previous game: online co-op, better graphics, multiple story arcs, more weapons and parts...it's a much more complete package. The missions have really evolved into these elaborate set pieces where the player is David, taking down his Goliath. Players will have to think smart and adapt to overcome these monstrosities, and we bet they'll have a lot of fun doing so.

GS: Sounds good. Thanks.