Calling all Mechanoid pilots, attention we have an emergency. Earth year 233, nearly half of the Earth's population has been relocated to the neighbouring planet of Mars. Zio Matrix, Earth's largest corporation has a vested interest in the planet Mars. The competition to gain a stranglehold on the planet is becoming violent. Because of the harsh environmental conditions, giant mechanoid robots are the combatants of choice. For a game that is based primarily upon battle, Armored Core 2 has a surprisingly involved story line. For the Corporations, soldiers were nothing but expendable tools in the battlefields, and were held in low regard by society. However, the members of the Ravens, though they were soldiers as well, were guaranteed freedom and independence. They were admired and respected by all other soldiers. For those who had fled the Earth's extremely poor underground cities and were barely surviving as soldiers, becoming a Raven represented the highest status and admiration they could acquire. And so a new soldier aspires to become a member of the famed Ravens. Armoured Core 2 is the true sequel to the original Armoured Core game, there are two different versions between these two titles but they don't carry the story on. This is what 128-bit fighting looks like and you will be impressed. The PS2 can render some amazing real-time environments and the backgrounds are stunning. Armoured Core 2 is essentially a combat game. You can choose to fight your way through the arena or opt for mission-based gameplay. There are 12 different arenas in all and in this mode it's one on one fighting, ideal for two-player Vs. games. If you are victorious, you win credits that can be spent on upgrading your machine. You gradually work your way up the ladder, taking out 49 computer controlled mechs. The missions are tricky, but satisfying and help you hone your skills. Upgrading your machine is one of the best aspects of Armoured Core 2. There are over 200 different parts that can be combined to make your own unique fighting machine. Everything from the look, functionality and weapons systems can be changed or upgraded. If you're looking for an excellent looking, playable and destructive PS2 title, Armoured Core 2 is it.