Armored Core: Last Raven (2005)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Armored Core: Last Raven (2005)

Armored Core: Last Raven is a mech combat game developed by FromSoftware and published by Sega for the PlayStation 2. It was released in Japan on December 1, 2005, and in North America and Europe in February 2006. It is the eleventh installment in the Armored Core series, and the fifth and final game in the “Raven” sub-series.

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where two powerful groups, the Alliance and the Vertex, are fighting for world dominance. The player takes on the role of a Raven, an elite mech warrior who must choose sides between the fighting powers. Ravens face the ultimate decision in the fight for survival, either to fiercely defend their chosen side or fight alone and face the wrath of all Ravens.

Armored Core: Last Raven features fast-paced, action-packed gameplay. Players control their mech through a variety of environments, including urban areas, deserts, and forests. The game features a wide variety of weapons and equipment that players can use to customize their mech to their own playstyle.

One of the most unique features of Armored Core: Last Raven is its “Arena” mode. In Arena mode, players can compete against each other in online multiplayer matches. Players can choose from a variety of mechs and weapons, and can customize their mech to their own liking. Arena mode is a great way to test your skills against other players and see how you stack up.

Armored Core: Last Raven was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, deep customization options, and epic boss battles. It was also praised for its innovative Arena mode, which allowed players to compete against each other online.

Gameplay

Armored Core: Last Raven is a mech combat game in which players control a giant robot mech through a variety of environments. The game features a fast-paced, action-packed combat system that allows players to use a variety of weapons and equipment to defeat their enemies.

Players can choose from a variety of mechs, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Mechs can be customized with a variety of weapons, equipment, and upgrades. Players can also choose from a variety of pilots, each with their own unique skills and abilities.

The game features a variety of missions, including story missions, side missions, and Arena missions. Story missions advance the game’s plot, while side missions offer additional challenges and rewards. Arena missions are online multiplayer matches in which players can compete against each other.

Setting

Armored Core: Last Raven is set in a post-apocalyptic world where two powerful groups, the Alliance and the Vertex, are fighting for world dominance. The player takes on the role of a Raven, an elite mech warrior who must choose sides between the fighting powers.

The world of Armored Core: Last Raven is a harsh and unforgiving place. The environment is ravaged by war, and the people are struggling to survive. Ravens are the only hope for peace, but they must first choose which side to fight for.

Characters

The player character in Armored Core: Last Raven is a Raven, an elite mech warrior. Ravens are the only hope for peace in a war-torn world, but they must first choose which side to fight for.

The game features a cast of supporting characters, including:

  • Fiona Jarnefeldt: A young woman who is the leader of the Alliance. She is a skilled politician and a strong leader, but she is also haunted by the memories of her past.
  • Sergei Orlov: A high-ranking officer in the Vertex. He is a ruthless and ambitious man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
  • Alicia Marseille: A skilled Raven who is torn between her loyalty to the Alliance and her love for Sergei Orlov.

Themes

Armored Core: Last Raven explores a number of themes, including:

  • The cost of war: The game shows the devastating effects of war on the environment and the people. It also explores the moral dilemmas that soldiers face in war.
  • The importance of choice: The player character must make a number of difficult choices throughout the game. These choices will affect the outcome of the story and the fate of the world.
  • The power of hope: Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. The player character and their allies must never give up hope for a better future.

Legacy

Armored Core: Last Raven is considered to be one of the best mech combat games ever made. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, deep customization options, and epic boss battles. The game also had a significant impact on the development of the Armored Core series.

Armored Core: Last Raven has been followed by a number of sequels and spin-offs. The most recent game in the series is Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, which was released in 2023.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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