New Shots: Armored Core 2

GameSpot News has the latest screenshots of From Software's mech title, Armored Core 2 for the PS2. Although the game is still early in its development, its developers say a good deal of the game is subject to change. We've already heard of one new addition – a feature that allows more than two players to play in one arena.

And if you thought Armored Core was difficult, now there will be up to 13 different gauges displayed onscreen, and players can select which ones to display. The 13 different gauges are: damage, enemy damage, speed meter, system error messages, energy gauge, cannon trajectory, enemy firepower ratio/remaining enemies/remaining time/winning odds, lock range/altitude meter, radar/weather display, weapons/extension switch, caution message, mech temperature/generator efficiency, and enemy weapons/approximate rounds/energy/mech temperature. With all these gauges onscreen, the game will likely resemble Sega's Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram.

Players can also edit several mech-design aspects, such as color changes and edit emblems. Previously, the emblem edit provided you with a 64x64 dot matrix, but it has been enhanced to a 128x128 dot matrix, allowing for more detailed design on your personal emblems.

Armored Core 2 for the PlayStation2 is slated for a summer 2000 release in Japan.