Raven’s Arena Korea vs Japan: Armored Core’s First International Duel

Welcome back to our series tracking down Armored Core’s rich PVP history. This time we advance a few years forward from our last entry, to the dawn of the 3rd gen era.

Throughout Armored Core history, there is one event that stands out as a landmark moment—the first official international duel between Japanese and Korean players. Armored Core 3: Raven’s Arena, a special program held on December 14, 2002, brought together formidable teams from both countries. What ensued was a clash of skill, camaraderie, and a touch of miscommunication.

The following is a summarized account of the events by Right/Light and Raptor, both from the Japanese team. We do not know the selection process for the pilots, but it’s safe to say that they were selected for their skills as Ravens.

Pictures of the article's source material.
Mr. Light and Raptor, respectively

As the Japanese team embarked on their journey from Japan to Seoul on December 13, anticipation ran high. Consisting of four skilled players—Light/Right, Raptor, Atlas, and the legendary Imori—accompanied by representatives from Famitsu gaming magazine and FromSoftware (including Armored Core series producer Kenichiro Tsukuda), the Japanese contingent was ready to make their mark. A fascinating tidbit emerged during their journey: when asked about the development team for Armored Core, Mr. Tsukuda revealed that over 50 people were involved, highlighting the scale and dedication behind the game.

Upon arrival in Seoul, the Japanese team settled into the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel, their home base for the upcoming battle. They wasted no time in acquainting themselves with the Korean AC teams, engaging in casual matches at local PlayStation 2 rental places. It became clear to Mr. Right that the Korean players possessed remarkable skill with blading, even capable of giving top Japanese players a run for their money. But what truly surprised the Japanese team was the Korean players’ ability to converse fluently in Japanese—an unexpected display of linguistic prowess.

Pre-fight casuals
More people playing Armored Core

The teams went back home to rest up for the night.

The following day, as the tournament approached, an unexpected problem arose. It was discovered that the standard mode of play in South Korea was Normal mode, while the Japanese players preferred the more challenging Hard mode. To the uninitiated, Hard mode gives a smaller lock box for players, with the Japanese rationale being that the lockbox in Normal mode was too big for competitive play. The organizers failed to inform the Korean team of this and a brief back-and-forth ensued until Mr. Tsukuda himself intervened, ultimately settling on Hard mode as the choice for the matches. This decision put the Korean team at a disadvantage as many of their players had never experienced Hard mode gameplay before. It was an unfortunate case of miscommunication that resulted in a handicap for the Korean players.

Both Right and Raptor acknowledged the event’s lack of fairness. Nonetheless, the die was cast, and the tournament had to proceed. Due to time constraints, there was a forced last-minute change to a team battle format between the Japanese and Korean Ravens.

The Raven’s Arena tournament had specific rules and parameters. The Korean version of Armored Core 3 was employed. Each battle had a time limit of five minutes, with opponents vying for points in a best-of-five format. Certain parts were banned, including (naturally) the OP-INTENSIFY and CROW extensions. Each player was allowed three AC designs they can swap out at any time. Design details of opponents’ ACs were concealed, and changing parts during the tournament was strictly prohibited. To level the playing field, enemy data on the HUD was banned, ensuring players had to rely solely on their skills and awareness. Wearing headphones while playing was a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, specific maps like Jungle, Blast Furnace, and Parking Lot were deemed off-limits.

The significance of the event was further highlighted by the presence of professional commentators, including JIN, the founder of Korea’s largest Armored Core fansite, “Armored Korea”. Drawing inspiration from the e-sports scene and the prevalence of Starcraft tournaments in South Korea, the organizers sought to replicate that success with Armored Core.

Preparations underway; note the giant screen on the background

Prior to the main event, participants meticulously crafted their machines in the garage. Although the rules strictly forbade players from viewing their opponents’ designs, the assembly screen was displayed on a giant projector in the background of the stage. With a keen eye, Raptor managed to catch a glimpse of some design elements of their enemies. It’s worth noting that due to the sheer size of the screen, the Korean players likely saw what the Japanese players were creating as well.

With their preparations complete, the teams engaged in a few practice matches. The atmosphere grew tense, and the anticipation among the players reached its zenith.

So here was the tale of the tape:

The Japanese team: Atlas, Imori, Light, and Raptor

Japan Team:
Satake Yoshikawa (Atlas)

  • SKYEYE, NER, REX, HUESO, WS-1, ROZ, FLEET, DD/20, side shields, RF/220, HZL50

Kobayashi Masakasu (Light)

  • MM/003, STO, MHL, RE/3003, WS-3, ROZ, SA44, DD/20, M24/2, dual missiles, chaingun, GS-56, LS-1551

Nishizawa Keitan (Raptor)

  • HUESO, OX/002, RF/220, ???, OC/15, R/24, DM24/1

Hayashi Yua (Imori)

  • ??? (possibly SKYEYE), NER, EAS, PETAL, none, ???, ???, none, none, none, none, KARASAWA, LS-1551
The Korean Team: Eakalian, Choi Hoonzo, Saga, and Zo Kang Hee

Korean Team:
Zo Kang Hee

  • Round 1 and 2: TIE, NER, MARTE, HUESO, ANA, ROZ, SA44, MARE, DD/10, M24/2, S40-1, RF/220, HZL50
  • Round 3 (allegedly named “Muscle Bastard”): 008, STO, CASK, ORDER, FLEET, WS-3, ROZ, SA44, DD/20, RF/220, HZL50

Kang In Hwang (Saga)

  • Round 1 and 4: 008, NER, REX, HUESO, FLEET, WS-1, VE905, CR10, ECM rockets, A102, HG-80, MOONLIGHT
  • Round 2 and 3: YIV, NER, REX, HUESO, FLEET, WS-1, ROZ, SA44, MG-500, MOONLIGHT, A102

Kim Min Woo (Eakalian)

  • Round 1 and 2: 008, STO, SOL, SNSK, MARE, ANA, ROZ, SA44, R20, small rocket?, OC/15, MG-500, FTL450
  • Round 3: HUESO, NER, MARTE, HUESO, MARE, ANA, ROZ, SA44, ???, small rocket?, MG-500, FTL450

Choi Hoon-Zo

  • Round 1: RACHIS, IKS, RE/GG, SHUT, ANA, ROZ, CR14, DD/20, TB-UN5, DM-24, CNG-300, GS-56, MIRROR
  • Round 2: 008, IKS, CASK, SHUT, WS-3, ROZ, KD99, DD/20, TB-UN5, slug gun, CNG-300, GS-56, MIRROR
  • Round 3: 008, STO, SOL, ORDER, MARE, ANA, ROZ, CR10, DD/10, R/24, DM-24, AD/20, RF/220

*Author’s notes: I provided part information where I could. Also, I prolly/really butchered the players’ names on both teams*

And so the battles began. Note that these videos are basically short highlight reels; not all matches were broadcast nor recorded. But it is the most amount of video we have available from the event at this time (and believe me, we looked!):

With Japanese commentary:

With Korean commentary:

As the dust settled, the Japanese team emerged victorious with a clean sweep. However, the Japanese players were quick to emphasize that this outcome should not be seen as a definitive judgment of the skill gap between Korea and Japan. The discrepancy in game modes—Korean players accustomed to Normal mode and Japanese players competing on Hard mode due to the organizer’s oversight—created an unbalanced situation. The Japanese participants commended the Korean team for their willingness to adapt and compete on Hard mode at a moment’s notice. They acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning abruptly from Normal to Hard mode and urged others not to read too much into the results of this particular match.

In the aftermath of the intense battles, both teams put aside their competitive spirits and shared a heartwarming dinner, savoring delicious Korean cuisine. A memorable moment unfolded when Raptor and his opponent Eakalian bonded over a serving of bibimbap.

Raptor: Was it good to mix kimchi in the bibimpap?
Eakalian: You can mix the kimchi and gochujang, but I won’t mix it.
Raptor: You don’t usually mix them?
Eakalian: I’m not good with spicy food *bitter smile*

Mr. Light, AC Producer Mr. Tsukuda, Raptor, and Mr. Kurusu

The remainder of the evening was spent in friendly conversation and bonding, with the Japanese team learning a few Korean words. Interestingly, the teams decided to play Armored Core once again, but this time in Normal mode. The Korean players showcased their creativity by bringing forth a wider array of AC designs, demonstrating their true potential.

Armored Core’s first official international duel between Japan and Korea may have had its fair share of obstacles and unexpected turns, but it was an event that showcased the passion and dedication of the players. It fostered a sense of unity and respect among two large Armored Core communities. As the Raven’s Arena echoed with the sounds of clashing mechs, a new chapter in the history of Armored Core began—a chapter that would forever be remembered as a testament to the enduring spirit of competitive gaming.

In the next article, we dive deep into one of the most storied grassroots tournament series the game has ever had: Master of California. Stay tuned!

SOURCES:

Archive of Raptor’s account of the event

Mr. Right’s account of Raven’s Arena, Part 1

Mr. Right’s account of Raven’s Arena, Part 2

Archived footage from Luna477’s YouTube account

YOU, the Original Dominant

Why are you banned?

forsaken: Because I cheated in a CS:GO tourney

FaZe Jarvis: Banned from Fortnite because I literally hacked and filmed it for millions to see

YOU: IDK I’m just too good

Have you seen this AC? If you’ve played the Ex Arena in Armored Core: Master of Arena’s 2nd disc, under the “Champion” category, you probably have.

It turns out, there’s a man and a story behind this AC—a glimpse into the earliest days of Armored Core tournaments and the people around it.

Who is this person with the callsign “YOU”? A man who was so good at Gen1 Armored Core that he was banned from participating in Armored Core tournaments for winning consistently. He was so good that he was bestowed the title of “Irregular” by his peers, and as you saw, cemented his legacy by earning a spot in AC:MoA’s Ex Arena.

Denfaminico Gamer was able to track YOU down for an extensive interview about his life as a Raven. The following is a summary of that interview.

A Head Start

YOU’s extraordinary journey began in the early days of Armored Core, where he swiftly made a name for himself. In total, he won a staggering nine official tournaments across the first and second generation Armored Core games and was a force to be reckoned with. However, it was his participation during the lifecycle of Armored Core: Project Phantasma that solidified his legendary status.

When asked about his ban from Armored Core tournaments in the PSX era, YOU confirmed the rumors, explaining that he was asked to step aside after his fourth tournament. FromSoftware sought a fresh champion, and deemed his unparalleled success as a hindrance to the tournament’s diversity and excitement. Eventually he was able to rejoin the tournaments, winning again when Armored Core 2 and Armored Core 2: Another Age were released.

Unconventional Tactics and Unforgettable Moments

Throughout his career, YOU developed a reputation for employing unorthodox strategies and mind games to gain an edge over his opponents. His mastery of the game’s meta allowed him to remain on top. He intentionally chewed gum during matches to distract his adversaries. He was also known for surprising his competitors by announcing one AC design before a tournament, only to arrive with a completely different one on the day itself—an unpredictable tactic that often caught his opponents off guard.

YOU also shed light on the inner workings of Armored Core tournaments during his prime. FromSoftware would send letters to participants, and a lottery system determined who would compete. A minimum of 16 players were required for a tournament to commence. In recounting these events, he revealed that the first-ever tournament was sponsored and organized by the renowned Yodobashi Camera Corporation. This first tournament, which happened to coincide with his birthday, saw him triumphantly declaring victory as his greatest gift to himself.

The Path to Greatness

During the interview, YOU delved into his origins as an Armored Core enthusiast. Initially introduced to the world of mecha combat through the PSX title Vehicle Cavalier, he quickly became captivated by Armored Core’s limitless possibilities. A desire to create effective PVP designs and tactics fueled his passion, pushing him to invest countless hours into honing his skills. With modesty, YOU attributed his success not to innate talent but to unwavering dedication and practice, often logging five to eight hours of gameplay per day, with the interviewer commenting it is not unlike how an athlete trains for a sporting event.

The Unbreakable Friendships

While the competitive scene could be cutthroat, YOU acknowledged the friendships he formed during his Armored Core journey. These bonds, often forged through battles and shared experiences, provided him with a lifeline when the pressures of constant victory threatened to consume him. He emphasized the significance of these relationships, recounting heartwarming anecdotes of sharing post-competition ramen sessions with fellow Ravens. These communal moments, where individuals from different backgrounds gathered to bond over their shared love for Armored Core and local cuisines served as a powerful motivator for him to continually push the boundaries of his abilities.

Reflections on Triumph and Humanity

As the interview drew to a close, YOU reflected on the mental toll his pursuit of victory had exacted on him. The weight of his “Irregular” title became suffocating, causing him to hyperventilate under the immense pressure to always emerge victorious. However, it was the intervention of a concerned teammate that led him to question the true value of relentless triumph. It was through this introspection that he finally discovered the joy of Armored Core beyond the competitive realm—a joy found in simply playing for the love of the game.

The Legacy of a Legend

Immortalized in Armored Core: Master of Arena, YOU managed to leave a permanent legacy in the history of Armored Core. From his meteoric rise, to his ban from official tournaments, and finally, to the profound friendships he fostered along the way, his journey is a testament to the lasting impact of shared experiences and the power of camaraderie forged by competition. While Armored Core may have catapulted him into the annals of gaming history, it is the connections he made that he cherishes above all else. Truly, Armored Core proved to be the conduit that linked him to lifelong friends, forever enriching his life.

Today, YOU is just coasting through life, surrounded by family and friends. He’s jumped into figure modelling and is a fan of Girls und Panzer. He looks back at his glory days and wonders if his story might be unearthed by his children one day.

And yes, he still possesses the skills of an Irregular:

The last word of the interview may be the finest (machine translated):

My life changed when I met “Armored Core”, and I am grateful to Mr. From and the Ravens who played against me. I never thought I’d be interviewed after 20 years, but I’m happy to have this opportunity and it was fun.

Thank you very much today!

Thank you, YOU for being a legend. His experiences resonate to many of us who have met in real life because of Armored Core. And so to that end, thank you too, FromSoftware, for creating the game that brought us all here together.

For those who are curious, his old Armored Core website is archived in the links section below.

Thus concludes the first part of our series covering various Armored Core PVP moments in history. Stay tuned for part 2!

SOURCES:

We talked to the legendary Raven who became an “Official Irregular” because his “Armored Core” was too strong

Web archive of YOU’s Armored Core Website, Arcadia

YOU’s Twitter account

Editor’s Note: Name has been redacted as per request of YOU. Sorry about that!

Armored Core: Verdict Day JPN Tournament

The Japanese Armored Core community just concluded an intense and very entertaining tournament for Armored Core: Verdict Day. Check out their recording, and congratulations to the winner.

Armored Core V – Updates

We’ve fallen a bit behind in our humble coverage of the anticipated Armored Core V partly due to our recent domain renewal issues. But thankfully, we’re back online. And the ever reliable source for all things mecha straight from Japan, Mecha Damashii, has been more than up to date with information.

The latest pieces of Armored Core V news, as revealed in AC’s revamped website, show that the game will play out permanently online, with AC teams on the ground and operators to guide them.

Armored Core Fan Stuff from Comiket 79

The devotion of AC fans knows no boundaries, and a group of hard-core enthusiasts decided to publish a series of fan magazines in the upcoming Comiket (Comic Market) 79 this coming December 29, 2010 in Japan. From what we gather, the contents will include original fan illustrations of Armored Core/s, and some articles that may interest fans. More images after the jump, along with their studio links:

Wonder Festival 2010: New Kotobukiya AC Kits

Kit-maker Kotobukiya exhibited several new (and a few recycled) Armored Core model kits for the recent (Winter) Wonder Festival in Tokyo, Japan. Among the new kits are the SD White Glint (pictured above) and the Mirage C02-Uranus Marvelous.

More pictures and upcoming products after the jump:

The Economic and Environmental Effects of Having a Giant Robot on Your Backyard

Japan Probe has reported the Tetsujin-28 statue received a million visits within three months of its construction, boosting tourism and increasing the overall economic activity of the area by immediately capitalizing on the giant robot’s popularity through merchandising and Tetsujin-28 related items and services.

Kotaku also reports that within 300 days the life sized Gundam statue is erected, the city of Shizouka will be able to attract 900,000 visitors, earn over 40 billion yen, and create 9,600 jobs including security and maintenance occupations. However, the adverse side of this development may be the effect on the local environment as these following before and after shots of the venue show after the jump.

Gundam vs Gundam IRL

No, not the upcoming PSP game, but maybe one day if they’ll scale this up this will be way better. Filmed from the International Robot Exhibition 2009 in Japan.

[via: Japanprobe]