Armored Core 3 Hints IV (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". It is ruled by an AI simply known as "The Controller" and 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.

GAMEPLAY HINTS

Destroy Gun Emplacements: Hidden parts

To get the Karasawa, you have to complete the "Destroy Gun Emplacements" mission in a short amount of time. There are two guns on the shore you start out on, and three on the other side. After that, you will be asked to participate in an attack on a Union fortress. You must hold out for five minutes against a never ending onslaught of jets and Mobile MTs (the hovering type with the big cannon). When the timer reaches zero, immediately fall back to the escape point. Complete the mission and the MWG-Karasawa is yours.

In order to get the Karasawa laser rifle, complete the "Destroy Gun Emplacements" mission under two minutes with an "A" rank or better. Doing this will unlock the "Distract Union Defenses" mission. You must do both missions back to back using the same AC. An easy way to go about this is to use the Orc core unit, the Oc-22 back unit (releases independent weapon pods), and a good machine gun and blade. For the "Destroy Gun Emplacements" mission, boost over to the guns and pound them with the machine gun. Strafe heavily and try not to get hit; do not worry about the MTs). If done correctly, you will get a message stating there is another mission possible. You must get to the transport. When the second mission starts, do not fight as you will probably die. Instead, boost to the rear left corner and hide behind one of the leafy trees. Turn on the Exceed Orbit and switch to the Oc-22 and release it. Note: Do not release one after another, because the new one will destroy the previous. Doing this will ward off fighters while your comrades take care of the rest. Last for five minutes and get to the escape point. You will take damage, but not too much.

Destroy Massive MT: Hidden parts

There is a hidden booster part on the mission "Destroy Massive MT". When you first start the mission, turn due west and boost straight ahead. You will see hill in front of you. Boost to the very corner of the map (somewhere in between the yellow and red out-of-bounds line). You will see a small, circular alcove on the backside of the hill. Look for a very small black dot on the ground of the alcove. When you spot it, stand directly over it and press Circle. You will be notified when you acquire it. Complete the mission to receive the CBT-FLEET booster part (boost power 19900).

Go to the "Destroy Massive MT" mission. Do not get a consort or you will not get the part. Attack the target desired, but watch out for the four pursuit missiles it launches at once and the two large missiles and the four grenade rifles it has. Provided that you do not die, the thing will split in two. Attack the big part and defeat it. Once it is dead, the mission is complete and you will get the part.

To get the MLB-MOONLIGHT, you must complete the mission Destroy Massive MT mission without a consort.

There are two rewards for this mission. The first reward for completing the mission is the MLB-MOONLIGHT. The second award for the mission with a completion of rank(s) "A" or "S" is the AC core part, model number MCM-MX/002 from Union.

Note: This is the best AC Core in the game.

Destroy Massive Weapon: Hidden weapon

Immediately when you start the "Destroy Massive Weapon'" mission, look down. You will see a destructible floor section. Blow it up. Go underneath the platform and look towards the enemy. On the railing surrounding the area is a part. Press Circle to grab it. It is a Parrying Blade that does 3,100 damage. It can be sold at the shop for 59,000 C.

Here's the final mission in Armored Core 3: