Armored Core: Verdict Day

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Armored Core: Verdict Day
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Armored Core: Verdict Day is a "Teen"-rated third-person shooter that pits giant mechanized machines against one another. Think of it as a Hunger Games-like battle to the end, in a kill-or-be-killed scenario. It's clearly science fiction, and the combat is between giant mechanized robots ("mechs") and vehicles, but humans are piloting them (mostly). Gamers have access to a variety of weapons, but there is no blood or gore. The game also has mildly suggestive imagery (a silhouette of a pole dancer) and light profanity.
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What’s It About?
Is It Any Good?
Yes and no. On one hand, this new disc delivers some intense gameplay, slick graphics that push the aging consoles to their limits, and engaging matchmaking and multiplayer support. You can customize your mechs in a myriad of ways, including upgradeable weaponry, parts, and aesthetic options -- and the Operator Mode is still thrilling for those who prefer a top-down view to tactically command a full squad of Armored Core units (by setting waypoints, marking targets, and receiving in-cockpit viewpoints as they happen).
Still, although the artificial intelligence (AI) is better than last year's Armored Core V, the missions are still repetitive and unimaginative, the controls can sometimes be tricky, and the user interface is in need of a refresh. Unless you're a huge fan of the franchise and want to support everything Japanese developer FromSoftware cranks out, save your money and instead pick up the older Armored Core V second hand for $18 or less.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of media violence. Is this violence different from other games since it involves big machines (but with humans inside)?
How do you determine how much time you should allot to playing video games?
Game Details
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Subjects: Social Studies: geography, global awareness, Science: physics
- Skills: Collaboration: cooperation, teamwork, Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, investigation, strategy, Tech Skills: using and applying technology, Self-Direction: set objectives, work to achieve goals
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Namco Bandai
- Release date: October 1, 2013
- Genre: Third-Person Shooter
- Topics: Adventures, Robots, Science and Nature
- ESRB rating: T for Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Last updated: August 26, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love strategy and action games
Themes & Topics
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