Armored Core 2: Another Age Hints III (PS2)

The expansion to Armored Core 2 runs on the same game engine as its predecessor but features a number of changes in the way the game is played. There is no trial mission in Another Age that kicks the game off, the player is simply thrown into the world with their AC and their first job offer right there waiting for them. The Arena, which played a significant role in Armored Core 2 has been scaled back a bit, but a fair number of the game's missions involve one-on-one combat with other Ravens in a set-up unlike Armored Core 2's Arena. Another Age has no expressed plot; it is more a portrait of the life of a mercenary, always bouncing about from place to place and not getting tied down to any particular cause. Occasionally recurring elements pop up from time to time as the game progresses, but there is no defined storyline to the game. Instead, there are over 100 separate missions that make up the mass of the game, the largest Armored Core title to date and each mission plays out in a specific area of the world map screen that would reappear in following AC titles down the road. Another Age is also noted for its cameo appearances. Past enemies from previous Armored Core games Stinger and Nineball appear as bosses in several special missions that are unlocked once you clear all 100 of the game's missions.

GAMEPLAY HINTS

Defeating the Master MT

When you are fighting the large flying Master MT near the end of the game, focus all shots at his head/face. With his face destroyed, he will fall apart and explode.

More hidden AC parts


Neo Izak: Complete All Missions Back EWR-M40
Old Gal: Complete Attack the military warehouse BEX-BT180
Old Gal: Complete All Missions EWG-RF-10LB
Horwick Mountains: Complete All Missions ELN070

Second bonus mission

Jump on top of the enemy. You will have to fight one on one. Keep shooting his head. He cannot hit you there, and its an easy way to win.

Getting parts

Though it is rather obvious, you get parts whenever you complete all the missions at one location.

Flamethrower

The flamethrower overheats ACs quickly, but it works better on some rather than others. The giant insect in the Thorn Garden dies in under a minute of flamethrower fire. It also works well against the train.

Shoot energy disks from any blade

To shoot energy disks from any blade, press Circle. Then while he is halfway through the attack, press X.

Float on water

Whenever you go in to a mission with the threat of drowning, equip Anti-Gravity Legs. You will float on top of the water instead of sinking.

Hitchhiking

Equip the ZLR-TII/BUD high speed legs (or any other anti-gravity legs that you can use to fly around quickly). In missions with the helicopters that zoom around, boost up and fly up over them. If your timing is correct, you may be able to land on top of one, and it will carry you around.

Once you complete the main set of missions in Another Age, a new area becomes accessible. Called the Lost Field it offers three new missions against foes from the PSone games: