Armored Core 3 Cheats, Unlockables and Hints (PS2)

Armored Core 3 is a mecha video game in the Armored Core series. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Armored Core 3 depicts a subterranean society called "Layered". Layered is ruled by an AI simply known as "The Controller" and it dictates nearly everything that goes on in this world. The two major corporations, Mirage and Crest Industries, fight for dominance and control over Layered's land and assets. All is not right with The Controller however and odd things happen that might even go so far as to suggest that the logic system is failing...

Like Armored Core and Armored Core 2, you are given a trial mission to see if you are talented enough to join the mercenary group dubbed Global Cortex. New features within Armored Core 3 include consorts (additional allies that can be obtained to assist you in a mission), detachable weapons (thereby lessening your total weight and increasing speed), and a new Core classification; Exceed Orbit (EO) which sacrifices the power of Overboost and allows you to deploy a built-in, autonomous weapon on your Core.

CHEATS

First person view

Insert a memory card with saved game files from Armored Core 2 or Armored Core 2: Another Age. After saving and resuming in Armored Core 3 from that memory card, pause game play, then press L1 + R2 + X + Square + D-pad to get a first person view of the current screen. Note: The screen will return to normal when the game is resumed.

UNLOCKABLES

Extra Arena

Defeat Ace and get an "A-1" rank to unlock the Extra Arena. This arena allows you and a partner to face two other ACs.

GAMEPLAY HINTS

Easy Arena match wins

Go to the "Reservoir" arena level. At the beginning of the match, boost backwards to the point where your AC is almost out of bounds (indicated by the red line on your radar). Most arena opponents will try to get in behind you to attack. Using this trick will cause them to go out of bounds. You may take a little damage, but most fights will be over within ten seconds. Keep in mind that some opponents will not fall for this, but most will.

In the "Parking Lot", as soon as the match begins, boost backwards (into the corner). On occasion the enemy will get caught-up on the wall and you will have up to a minute worth of free shots. Since the part of the wall covers the R arm weapon, there are only a couple of Arena opponents that this trick will not work on.

Buy and equip the machine gun with 1000 ammo (R arm weapon), and the hovering legs at the end of the list (it is a long shaft). Strafe around your opponent in the arena while firing the machine gun. This trick usually works up until rank A-3.

Equip Heavy Tank Legs, and the heavy EO Core. Equip the Flamethrower L arm part and the Grenade Rifle R arm part. Go to the "Parking Lot" level. In the beginning, move backwards into the very back of the corner. Wait until the opponents get close, which they almost always do, and turn on the flames while pelting them with the Grenade Rifle and the EO weapons. The enemy AC might land on your head. Just look up and keep on attacking. No AC should be able to defeat you.

In the "Arena", there is an easy way to avoid a ground torpedo. In the center of the arena is a slightly raised platform. It may be difficult to notice, but its there. If you separate yourself from the enemy with that platform, the ground torpedo will hit the platform instead and not do any damage.

Here's the final mission in Armored Core 3: