Does Armored Core Take Place on Earth?
Armored Core is a popular Japanese mecha action series developed by FromSoftware, known for their dark and complex storytelling, intricate game mechanics, and immersive worlds. As with many video game franchises, the series has undergone changes in its setting and timeline over the years, leading to a plethora of questions about where exactly the game takes place. In this article, we’ll explore the various answers to this question, diving into the different timelines and settings of the Armored Core series.
Direct Answer: Not Always on Earth
As the title suggests, the answer to whether Armored Core takes place on Earth is not always a straightforward "yes." In fact, the series has seen a significant shift in its setting over the years, with only a few titles taking place on our home planet. Let’s explore the different timelines and settings to get a better understanding of where Armored Core takes place.
Classic Timeline (1-5)
The first five games in the series, starting from Armored Core to Armored Core 5: Verdict Day, are set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, where humanity has been forced underground due to a catastrophic event known as "The Great Destruction." Players take on the role of mercenaries, known as "Kildren," who pilot giant mechs called Armored Cores to complete missions for various clients. The series focuses on the struggles of the Kildren as they try to survive in a world ravaged by war and devastation.
New Timeline (6)
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon marks a significant change in the series’ setting, as it takes place on a new planet called Rubicon 3. This human-colonized planet is located in a distant solar system, and the game features a completely new storyline, characters, and setting. The Armored Cores in this game are now used for combat and exploration, and the game focuses on the conflicts between factions vying for control of the planet.
Is There a Connection Between the Timelines?
So, do the different timelines in Armored Core have any connections? While it’s possible to connect the dots between the classic timeline and Armored Core 6, it’s important to note that the games are designed to be standalone experiences. FromSoftware, the developer, has never explicitly confirmed a direct connection between the two timelines, leaving it up to players to interpret the connections and relationships between the games.
Summary of Settings and Timelines
Here’s a quick summary of the different settings and timelines in Armored Core:
- Classic Timeline (1-5): Post-apocalyptic Earth, where humanity lives underground
- Armored Core 6: Rubicon 3, a human-colonized planet in a distant solar system
Conclusion
Armored Core is a series that has evolved significantly over the years, with different timelines and settings offering a unique gaming experience. While the series has seen some changes in its setting, the core gameplay mechanics and themes of survival and exploration remain the same. For fans of the series, understanding the different timelines and settings can enhance their gaming experience and provide a deeper appreciation for the world of Armored Core.
Additional Information
Here are some additional facts about the Armored Core series and its settings:
- Armored Core: The game takes place on a futuristic Earth, where humanity is on the brink of destruction.
- Armored Core 2: The game takes place in a future where Earth has been abandoned, and humanity lives in space stations.
- Armored Core 3: The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity lives in underground cities.
- Armored Core 4: The game takes place on a planet called "Near-Earth" orbiting a black hole.
- Armored Core 5: Verdict Day: The game takes place in a world where humanity is on the brink of collapse due to environmental disasters and wars.
- Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon: The game takes place on the planet Rubicon 3, where humanity has established a colony.
Resources
Here are some useful resources for further reading:
- Armored Core official website: www.fromsoftware.jp/ armored_core
- Armored Core Wikipedia page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armored_Core
- Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon review: www.polygon.com/2022/2/22/22934263/armored-core-6-fires-of-rubicon-review
Conclusion
Armored Core is a unique and complex series that offers a lot to explore. From its post-apocalyptic settings to its futuristic space stations, the series has evolved significantly over the years. Understanding the different timelines and settings can enhance the gaming experience and provide a deeper appreciation for the world of Armored Core.