Armored Core Analogs: Energy Shields and Primal Armor

Energy shields are the ugly duckling of the Armored Core series; From one of the franchise’s most useless pieces of gear, they have evolved into an essential component that is literally part of every AC you fly.

When they first made their appearance in AC, EN shields weren’t quite as effective as we all hoped they would be. While their defense boost did turn your AC into a brick wall, their energy drain and weight ensured you also had just as much mobility as one.

Last Raven Portable English Released On PSN

Go grab it now on the PSN for $14.99, and re-live what many of the old-hat Ravens say is the best and last true Armored Core game ever made. See our coverage leading up to the release of the game for features and extras present in this incarnation of Armored Core from the appropriate tag.

Armored Core Flight Sticks

Here’s an interesting little peripheral if you’re interested in getting more out of your Armored Core experience. Sony released its first Dual Analog Controller, officially known as the PlayStation Analog Joystick back in 1996, which look like a pair of flight sticks (or twin-sticks if you ever played Virtual-On). Unlike the overwhelming 40 button Steel Battalion controller for the Xbox, these twin-sticks are much more intuitive for mech gamers looking for a simulation fix.

RR is actually in possession of 2 sets of flight sticks c/o Trace, and hopefully we’ll be able to mod these peripherals to be compatible with Armored Core controls. Inspiration comes from a hobbyist named lkjhgfdsaisamu from Youtube and his videos demonstrating their compatibility with Armored Core. He carefully warns that these sticks have been heavily modded using parts from a Dual Shock controller, as the analog function is strictly relegated to the left stick functions only (Similar to the analog nub controls on the PSP incarnations of AC). See the modded flight sticks in action after the jump:

MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Released for Free

Studio MekTek recently released Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries for free to the internet. From their own press release:

Finally, the long awaited moment has arrived!

Studio MekTek, in association with Smith and Tinker, INC., Virtual World Entertainment, LLC, Catalyst Game Labs, and Microsoft Games, is happy to announce the release of Mechwarrior4 Free.