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The Armored Core series focuses on deep mecha customization and futuristic combat. While the latest entry is scheduled for release in 2023, those who cannot wait have multiple game options with which to fill that void. These titles are accessible to gamers of multiple levels, from longtime fans of the franchise to those looking for a place to get their feet wet in the subgenre of custom robot games.

8 Daemon X Machina Is The Switch’s Armored Core

Daemon X Machina started life as a Nintendo Switch game, and then was later ported to the PC. It takes place in a future Earth where a chunk of the moon crashed into the planet, and sentient AI roam the landscapes. This takes the “core” formula of Armored Core and gives it an anime coat of paint.

The mecha designs strongly echo the basic appearance of the suits from the franchise. They function in much the same way as Armored Core’s machines as well, including ranged weapons, a boost ability, and melee options. This is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants an Armored Core-type experience to tide them over.

7 Gundam Breaker Mobile Is Mecha Combat On The Go

The Gundam franchise is one of the most popular giant robot franchises, both in Japan and internationally. Gundam Breaker Mobile puts the fun and action of the storied series on the average mobile phone.

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This game does not take place in any particular continuity, but rather focuses on the construction of mechanized versions of Gundam model kits. Players of the Armored Core franchise will appreciate the deep customization options available, which draw from the many eras of the franchise. The action is fast as well, but it can be a bit taxing on older phone hardware.

6 Custom Robo Is A Hidden Gem In The West

Nintendo’s Custom Robo franchise has had a storied history on its consoles, but only a handful of titles from the franchise have reached U.S. shores. These are Custom Robo for the Nintendo GameCube, and Custom Robo Arena for the Nintendo DS. The franchise continues to be underappreciated in the United States.

These games follow the standard JRPG format of roaming an overworld and interacting with NPCs. Battles are waged with tiny, customized robots, whose parts and weapons can be swapped out. Combat is real-time, in 3D, top-down arenas in which the robots zip around. While mecha customization is not as deep here as it is in the Armored Core franchise, there are plenty of options with which to experiment.

5 TerraTech’s Appearances Are Deceiving

TerraTech is centered on exploring the frontiers of space and mining resources for corporate contractors. Vehicle designs start out simple, and new part options are unlocked as the miner takes on assignments.

The lighthearted visual appearance of this game should not fool any Armored Core fan. The physics are immensely detailed, as each block has its own weight. Vehicles can be constructed for travel on land or air, and have variations in speed or durability. The parts of defeated rivals can be collected for even more construction options. The near-infinite number of possibilities in craft design will appeal to any mecha fan.

4 Brigador: Up-Armored Edition Balances Customization With Accessibility

For those who are less concerned with an in-depth simulation, and care more about sheer destruction, Brigador: Up-Armored Division is the way to go. The game puts aspiring mecha pilots in the role of a mercenary in a totalitarian dystopian future, accepting contracts to take out targets in isometric environments.

While Brigador is not the deepest game, it still has plenty to satiate the appetite of Armored Core fans. Dozens of robots and vehicles are available to purchase, each with its own stats. Also available are multiple primary and secondary weapons, opening up hundreds of combinations to suit anyone’s preferences.

3 Shogo: Mobile Armor Division Is Sheer Dumb Fun

Shogo: Mobile Armor Division is a title that likely not many remember today. It came out around the time when anime was just getting popular in the United States, and American entertainment companies were taking notice and adapting. Such was the case with this game from Titan Computer, Monolith Productions, and Hyperion Entertainment.

Shogo is a first-person shooter that is divided into on-ground missions as the game’s protagonist and piloting massive armored suits. Stomping around in a mecha is always good fun, and weapon effects are bright and bombastic. It is available on Steam and GOG, but it will take some tinkering to get it to work on modern hardware.

2 Once More Into The Breach

Into the Breach is for anyone who likes robot combat games with more strategy. A squad of soldiers is sent from the future to hold back the tide of the invading insect-like Vek.

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Into the Breach has a set of units that are each moved on the battlefield, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When enemies are attacked, they can be pushed into other units. Elements in the game levels like water can play a crucial role in the game as well. Each unit is also upgradeable.

1 More Than Meets The Eye

The Transformers have had many iterations over the course of its history. Every fan has that one iteration that made them fall in love with the franchise. For many, their first exposure was the anime-inspired Transformers: Armada.

The Atari-published Transformers game inspired by Armada and developed by Melbourne House is a must-play for fans of both Transformers and Armored Core. The controls capture the weight and momentum of the AutoBots. The addition of the human-sized Transformers known as the Mini-Cons also provides additional weapons and tools for the chosen AutoBot controlled, resulting in different configurations for different scenarios.

Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubiconis scheduled to release in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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