Armored Core 4 has now hit our consoles and much like the others in the series the idea is fairly simple. The whole idea behind the game is to build a Mech using the hundreds of parts available to you and then destroy any enemies that are in your path, this can be in a mission, one on one or even over Xbox Live, so as you can see it isn’t Rocket Science.

There are many options for using your robot as stated above, but it is probably best to start off in the Simulation battles against individual enemy Mech’s. This option is good because it will help you get used to the weapon changes and tactics required for when you brave the multiplayer modes, which offer team play and free for all arena battles for up to eight players and can provide a tough challenge if you don’t know what you are doing. 

In the missions you basically need to destroy everything in your path although there are plenty of objectives and different enemy types to stop this being just a button basher, for example you may need to escort transport vehicles or destroy key objectives this can prove very challenging and requires some tactical know how rather than just pushing your trigger button.

The customisation is what gives Armored Core 4 something unique, you can edit anything from the emblems on your Mech right down to the colour of his parts. then there is the weaponry options which allow you to really create a robot to be reckoned with and if you are not feeling very creative then you can always choose from one of the six pre made Mech’s.

Graphically the game shines in places but not in others, the Mech’s all look very impressive as do the cut-scenes, however the environments in which the missions take place feel bland and empty which is a shame really. The sound fairs slightly better than the graphics however thanks to the realistic weapon effects which are fantastic with your surround sound on.

The multiplayer options is where games succeed or fail these days and Armoured Core 4 offers plenty of choices here with system link, split screen and online and once you have your favoured way of playing against friends the next options your are given are one vs one, two vs two, four vs four, four player battle royal and eight player battle royal and this really is where the fun begins as there is nothing quite like blowing up your friends or teaming up with them against others.  

The only real drawback to the game is the controls which take a bit of getting used to, this is due to the game’s default making players move their Mech’s around using the d pad with the triggers being assigned for looking up and down and since you are probably used to most other games using the analogue sticks for these functions it can be quite awkward at first.

So there you have it, although Armoured Core 4 may not be for everyone there is something here which deserves a look, there are over 30 missions to keep you going and for those who like their games online there is plenty here also. This is definitely a game worth considering especially for Robot fans and for those still not convinced rental is always an option.