YouTube | Born and raised beside a game controller, he's been playing video games for much of his life. Mecha games, especially Armored Core, are his favorites.
We interrupt our little history lesson with an update for Armored Core 6.
FromSoft is revving up the hype machine for their upcoming Armored Core 6 with a live playable demo (from what we understand) in the coming weeks. Held of course, in branches of the Yodobashi Camera retail centers, who have sponsored the earliest of Armored Core tournaments.
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.
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 casualsMore 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
*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!
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcwb3Qx3rTw
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!
Step into the midst of the red-hot plasma jet debris and prepare to be captivated by the tales of legendary battles fought between Ravens, NEXTs, and mercenaries from a bygone era. Let me transport you back two decades, to a time when Armored Core PVP demanded the same level of anticipation as a first date—one that would forever be etched in your memory.
Yearning for True Adversaries
Cast your mind back to the late 90s, to an era when mobile devices only offered basic talk and text features, 1GB of RAM was deemed impractical, and the Sony PlayStation reigned supreme. Armored Core had just made its debut on Sony’s gaming behemoth, and as you overcame the challenges posed by Nineball and Phantasma, a craving for more exhilarating battles took hold.
Or maybe it was in the early 2000s, when you were among the fortunate few who acquired a brand-new PlayStation 2, eager to delve into the console’s hottest launch title: Armored Core 2. You vanquished Leos Klein, dominated the arena, collected all the parts, and emerged as a formidable force against the AI.
Yet, with the urge to fight burning inside you, the absence of worthy adversaries left a void. In those days, you only had two options: relying on the fortuitous presence of a family member or friend who shared your passion for Armored Core, or venturing into the uncharted territory of online matchmaking, cautiously hoping that your opponent had genuine intentions and wasn’t simply after your kidneys.
Given that Armored Core was a console-exclusive game lacking online features, finding worthy opponents online then setting up offline meetups was the only realistic path to engage in multiplayer combat. Beyond the numerous Japanese fansites, Yahoo! searches led English-speaking players to forums and websites such as Core Dump, Core Depot, Raven’s Nest of Northern California (RNNC), GameFAQs, and a host of other smaller AC-dedicated sites.
These platforms served as digital gathering grounds, where players exchanged callsigns/gamertags, revealed their locations, and shared means of communication. In this virtual network, Armored Core enthusiasts everywhere roamed in search of fierce rivals and newfound camaraderie, albeit on a more local scale.
A Retrospective Series
In a forthcoming series of articles, we’ll embark on a journey through time as I unravel captivating anecdotes from the earliest AC tournaments to their modern-day iterations. Moreover, I will make the case that Armored Core, much like the fighting game community, has transcended its grassroots origins, and is poised to captivate audiences on the same scale as renowned fighting games.
By studying the past, we gain insights to shape the future.
Embracing the Competitive Spirit
Armored Core has carved its niche within both grassroots and official tournaments, boasting a high level of competitive play. We’ll dive deep into the heart of this iconic franchise, tracing its legacy while envisaging an exciting future.
Stay tuned for a trip through history that will ignite your passion for Armored Core once again.
News came up about Armored Core 6’s age rating in Korea, a symptom of a slow news day when the only newsworthy topic is its age classification. However, something interesting pops up when you directly translate the text into English as discovered over on the Armored Core subreddit.
Translating the game’s description yields the following text (ran through Deepl translatior):
Independent mercenary 621 Raven tackles the secrets of the Rubicon in this action-packed game.
The translation leaves a lot to be desired; it is unknown if “Raven” refers to the pilot/character’s name, or if it’s still the term used for the mercenaries who pilot the titular Armored Cores.
At least, it’s good to know that our website’s name will still be relevant for the next Armored Core generation.
You’ve probably listened to The Answer tribute album over a decade ago, and now we found something to tide you over until the eventual release of Armored Core 6.
These are a bunch of Armored Core inspired tracks, amazingly composed by Shok Music. Every single track in the playlist is sure to hype you up for the upcoming AC game, or maybe use those tracks instead of AC:LR’s mediocre sound track. Give them a listen, you won’t regret it.
Do give Shok Music a like, and sub, they deserve it. Now excuse me while I drown myself in this wonderful music land.
Further proof that Armored Core 6 is the worst-kept secret in the gaming world, rumors about a potential release window have surfaced thanks to dubious sources. According to these rumors, the game could be released around September-October 2023, just in time for the year-end holiday season, if the release date is indeed final.
However, it’s worth considering that the game may be delayed for further polishing, as was the case with From’s previous title, Elden Ring, which was delayed from 2021 to 2022.
We’ll keep you updated on any rumors or news related to Armored Core.
