All Armored Core Games Ranked

My ranking of all 15 Armored Core games in preparation for Armored Core VI later this year.
00:00 Intro
01:27 Number 15
02:32 Number 14
04:08 Number 13
05:10 Number 12
06:51 Number 11
08:07 Number 10
09:46 Number 9
10:50 Number 8
12:30 Number 7
13:24 Number 6
15:04 Number 5
16:05 Number 4
17:06 Number 3
18:46 Number 2
20:00 Number 1
21:17 Conclusion

[@sosaysjay]

This came out on April 1st with a joke title and thumbnail, in case anyone was confused about the comments.

[@akitsuki_yuu]

Can you talk about metal gear solid 4 ? I would like to hear it out from your perspective

[@sosaysjay]

@@akitsuki_yuu I'd love to talk about Metal Gear some day if I get the chance

[@TaigaNine]

what was the original title?

[@sosaysjay]

@@TaigaNine All AC Games Ranked

[@kyastrzhembsky7005]

i would like to thank the lord for giving us not only a good AC youtuber, but also making him a good AC youtuber.

[@namelessking8049]

This is why all souls games magic is op because they are secretly bullets/missiles in disguise from AC

[@SL4PSH0CK]

lol yea, for me, I'm seeing AC being a Jank masocore-like for its quest as a contributing factor giving birth to soulslike

[@Aereto]

Only in lightweights there's even a chance to dodge those missiles until they added omni direction boosters in 4. We have down booster in 2 and onward. But if you can no-hit Nine Ball Seraph in Master of Arena, thy strength befits a crown.

[@sosaysjay]

Happy April everyone.

[@darrylrobson4376]

You fooled me while still providing me with enjoyable content. This is how it should be done.

[@keithmatt9431]

Great list. Personally I think 4 answer is my favorite because when you get those crazy reaction speed dodges, it just hits different. There was one time I went full melee against the last league mission against thermidor and his partner and I swear I had unlocked ultra instinct

[@HelianMitlowdelmilk]

Mine too

[@binkerbonker3626]

EASILY one of the best Armored Core videos ever edited on KZbin. Solid transitions, solid commentary, a genuine treat for the mecha community. Thank you for picking Armored Core out of the many AC acronym games for this April Fools! :)

[@sosaysjay]

That is very kind of you, thank you!

[@mallow2902]

Excellent taste, AC3, Silent Line, Last Raven, and For Answer are my top four as well, though my order is a little different.

[@CSionni]

Same here. For me LR FA 3 SL

[@axsprime]

Your list is solid and I respect you trolling your generally Assassin's Creed fanbase with the glory that is Armored Core. I hope to see some of you as Raven's in AC6.

[@sosaysjay]

Much appreciated, thank you. Hope to see you on Rubicon 3.

[@blakerogers7813]

Silent line was my first AC game and it is still my favourite to this day. It really warmed my soul when it topped your list! I was totally expecting for answer to be at the top, because it's every AC fan's wet dream 😂

[@HelianMitlowdelmilk]

For answer is

[@TheFinderseeker]

Never played any Armored core games… But the trailer for Armored core 6 made me exited!

[@dubiousmage]

The only thing I would add is that while Silent Line is basically "3 but more," I think it's better appreciated coming off the back of 3. Whether or not the difficulty curve intends you to have imported your AC3 save, or is perfectly balanced to come in fresh to, the sheer fact that you *can* carry over your ACs and money means a lot to the discussion. If SL is the victory lap, 3 is the race that earned it, the context that allows SL to shine. That's why I'd personally put 3 at the top with SL just behind it in second place, because I feel like part of SL's value hinges on 3's existence. I never had the patience to beat either of them back when I owned them, but the beginning of SL on a fresh save definitely felt harder to me than the beginning of 3. And importing even a midgame save from 3 into SL made SL considerably more enjoyable for me, being able to rack up credits across both games to be able to get into experimenting with builds and using expensive gear quicker, and having an easier time with SL's missions by virtue of already having a decent mech build from the previous game (and having had the time to get experience with the gameplay). Importing a completed AC3 save into SL may or may not kind of ruin part of the experience (I can't speak to that, again, never finished either game), but the save import almost gives you a granular difficulty slider in SL (depending on how far along in an AC3 playthrough you decide to import from), which might make SL more approachable to more people.

[@jt.8144]

Thank you for this history lesson in Armored Core! Great episode!

[@allekid]

I actually have never played an armored core game or seen any gameplay of it so this is actually pretty entertaining

[@voidleech3465]

jokes on you, buddy boy. i love the AC games!

[@BazTheBlue]

Nice to see someone give Last Raven the respect it deserves. It filters way too many people and I find the difficult a little embellished

[@IntrusiveThot420]

It took me 3 days to go from "i have never played an AC game" to beating every route including Zinaida in ACLR. The difficulty is definitely overstated even if there are some brutal fights.

[@user-iq9hl6cn1f]

Last Raven and AC3 kept me hooked for hrs back in the days

[@tehfoxxy9630]

KBash video whining about it was beautiful

[@hyperx72]

@@IntrusiveThot420 It took me days to beat just final Zinaida (With a cheat build specifically designed to counter her)

[@stryker5055]

Nexus above 2, 4, AA, and Verdict Day is insane

[@KyubiMaster100]

That's what I'm saying. What is bro waffling about? Also, hi Stryker.

[@stryker5055]

@@KyubiMaster100 yo

[@Ushmadand]

I have been duped, bamboozled, and now speckledorfed.

[@glibchubik4090]

Thanks for the list, gonna use it when i get into AC games myself!

[@sosaysjay]

I hope you enjoy them!

[@domiiinik4320]

This is probably the only good joke I've seen today so good job

[@65firered]

I'm pretty interested in the next AC title so this video came right on time!

[@Aurwenn]

The CGI cutscenes of the earlier AC games are so charming, some of rhey look straight out of the Command and Conquer Tiberian Sun era, been binge watching AC content lately preparing for the new game as someone new to the franchise trying to get to know its legacy better. I also see you cover Assassin's Creed content, will you cover the new one coming out too?

[@sosaysjay]

Yes, I do intend to talk about Mirage whenever that ends up coming out

[@TackyKnacky]

The only adjustment i would make to the list is to move last raven and silent line down a spot each and put for answer at numero uno. I still 100% agree with everything on the list but for answer... is just so damn good. Every point you made is still accurate.

[@Nidhogg]

great video. some interesting choices! you might be the first person i've ever heard say that AC5 is better than Verdict Day, lol. we have the same top 4, just in a slightly different order

[@MrDepraved]

Not what I clicked for. I thought AC meant assassins creed but I still wasn't disappointed! Good vid

[@astreakaito5625]

I'm gonna like every videos about armored core! However I think that Another Age is actually awesome and I still hope Fromsoft explore the concept again in a future games with 100+ missions! Subbed

[@Isaac_BC]

Last Raven was my first entry into the series, and even thought I got my sht rocked many times and had a couple of rage inducing moments, I loved the game so much to the point of being one of my most played PS2 games.

[@carlschrappen9712]

I just completed AC4 and I really feel what you said about about it relying on some of the series duller tropes. There were so many missions that were just some slight variation on "kill these normals" or "shoot this stationary object until it explodes". Also, compared to AC3, AC4's missions also lack the imaginative twists and suprises that made missions in that game memorable. For example, there is an AC3 mission where you are tasked by a company to route a squad of MTs, only to be betrayed by the AC you were assigned with because the mission was actually a trap designed to kill you. I can not think of a single AC4 mission that had anywhere near such a dramatic twist, at least not on normal difficulty.

[@stephenthedude4383]

Best April fool's video. These games look awesome

[@HayneStatioN]

I enjoyed this. AC2AA was my first and still one of my favorites. I don’t understand why so many rate it low. Totally agree with Nine Breaker being at the bottom. I was really impressed with Last Raven, but haven’t really been able to get into For Answer for whatever reason.

[@Aereto]

I got PS3 so late that 4 and For Answer are no longer being made. I was legit pissed being a teenager too young to work and unavailable in PSN that Piracy is the only option.

[@val1703]

Really well done video!!! This is probably the best one of those "AC Games Ranked" kinda videos out there, or really any tier list video of that matter. While I don't agree with everything personally, all of your criticisms were totally valid and completely understandable. That said, just for fun, here's how I'd rank 'em purely based off how much fun I had with each title. S+) AA , SL S ) AC3 , AC1, MoA , NB A ) ACV , AC2, FF , PP B ) FA , VD , LR , AC4 F ) NX

[@sosaysjay]

Thank you very much, I appreciate you watching!

[@SL4PSH0CK]

Last Raven and AC 4 were great, due to giving players option w/ routes based from morale or factions.

[@sosaysjay]

I did really enjoy checking out all the different LR paths, even if Zinaida was brutal

[@DarkstarArchangel]

I like how you didn't put any of the '5' games at a high-spot, understandable for your reasons to listed above some other games, even Formula Front was a "I do not care" for me.

[@sosaysjay]

Yeah, I enjoyed the fifth gen way more than I thought I would but I still do think the others are better

[@hayk3000]

Wow I was thinking "this is a risky title and thumbnail for the algorithm. You must either be experimienting with it, or you're super confindent and going for a elegant low-key quality". Jokes on you! I actually was interested on learning about Armored Core and watched the whole video and found it informative and ejoyable. Next I'll watch Writing on Games' video on it. That'll show ya!

[@Durabele]

As a huge AC fan, I'm excited to check out AC6. Even if the other AC has disappointed in me recent years, AC and AC seem to be similar, so I'm excited to see if I find 6 fun or not.

[@aurumcaelo]

Looking forward to the astral chain video

[@durandol]

Wow, someone that doesn't shit on V for not being 4/4A. A breath of fresh air.

[@aboveaveragegaming6120]

Awesome video

[@sosaysjay]

Thank you

[@sosaysjay]

Hello, I apologize for not realizing earlier who you are. Since you have what I’d say is some of the most all encompassing Armored Core content on KZbin, I really appreciate you commenting! Have a good day, best of luck to you

[@aboveaveragegaming6120]

@@sosaysjay thanks man. You too

[@scottcantrell_cosmere]

I've played AC3, LR, 4, and 4A on my Steam Deck in preparation for Fires of Rubicon, and I can say that I am a new fan of the mecha genre as of 2023. AC4A is in my top 10 favorite games ever now, even though I did get hardstuck on Occupation of Arteria Carpals for like 3 hours

[@sosaysjay]

I’m glad you’ve been enjoying them

[@miletfan4363]

play ZoE or Gundam vs. Gundam NEXT PLUS or macross much better combat

[@draugr7693]

I didn't play the other AC games until after AC6 but after having now completed them all on emulators i can honestly say that my personal favourites are the entire 1st gen, AC3, For Answer and AC6.

[@user-rr3pt4pb3l]

Armored Core 2 and 3 are my personal favorites!

[@mikepanda117]

So for those thinking hover with chaingun on water is a good idea in ac3. Dont do it. U fall thru when u "sit" to shoot chain gun and fails water mission.

[@NotsoseriousNick]

As someone who is relatively new to AC, how does 6 look to you from the recent gameplay trailer we got?

[@sosaysjay]

It looks fantastic so far, but obviously we don’t know much yet. The AC designs seem very traditional, more reminiscent of Gen 2 and 3 than I expected, with some flavors of For Answer. Speed looks like it will be a big focus, weapon variety seems strong so far, and large scale bosses will probably be better than ever since From has gotten so much experience in boss design over the years. Plus, it just looks like a very pure armored core experience. It seems like they are focusing on sticking to what worked in the past and modernizing it, so I look forward to seeing more.

[@user-iq9hl6cn1f]

I have AC3 with me for a long time that one is my favorite but Last Raven is right up there tied in first place of The Best AC games

[@Landscape_]

You fooled me, now i have to watch the whole video thank you >:(

[@lesslighter]

would have been more funnier if you recommend Last Raven from the get go while giving people the lenny face

[@thefraser5131]

Trying to get a reasonably priced version of For Answer, at least got AC4 as of now. I did find a decent price for the platinum collection of For Answer but I dont know what the platinum collection even is. If its the Japanese version im not sure if it will be playable on my xbox. And I do not want to work with getting a ps3 emulator working, I already had a bad experience trying to get demons souls working.

[@sosaysjay]

Yeah getting the old games is a rough experience. Honestly, I've seen that emulating For Answer can be a really simple experience and it is easy to find settings requirements online. But I wish you luck whatever you decide to do.

[@thefraser5131]

​@@sosaysjaythanks! I'll check that out if I can't find anything from any of my local stores. Afterwards I plan on emulating 3 & The Line, and then taking on Last Raven.

[@Jubejabba]

0:37 , yep here we are lol

[@aydenkoory9646]

could you ever come back and do a video on AC6?

[@GuadianWolfJilly2]

You definitely got me lol

[@adimasguntur]

You forgot to mention building and training AI in silent line.

[@Attaxalotl]

AC could mean Animal Crossing Assassin's Creed Armored Core Ace Combat and there's probably more

[@LordSeth-hf8ew]

I've never played amored core but the top 3 looks sick and what i would want from a transformers game imo

[@comicsexplored1627]

souls games ranking next??

[@Lofirainbows]

I wish this was in order I'm kind of lost tbh

[@Xero_Kaiser]

I gotta say, while there hasn't been an AC game that I've outright hated, Last Raven was definitely the one I enjoyed the least. Yeah, it's more challenging. In the same way that playing chess against someone that got to move their pieces wherever the fuck they wanted while you had to play by the standard rules would be more challenging. There wasn't a single mission that I had any desire to play a second time. I just ran through the Arena, finished the story once and put the game down. More obnoxious than fun, at least for me.

[@mariowright]

Armored Core 3 is my fav ❤

[@alexandriahaunt5324]

All I have is Last Raven. Is it really that difficult for a first AC games?

[@omnibot5848]

LR is pretty tough overall, but the saving grace is that it has multiple story routes of varying difficulty, and it's one of the few oldgen games with proper dual stick controls. As an AC vet it's my personal favourite, but I can certainly imagine it being hard to get into if you don't have AC designing and piloting experience from previous games. I'd personally recommend starting with AC1 or AC3 as an entry point, but ACLR is doable.

[@Mvtarvs]

Bueno, sé que es tarde, pero mi primer Armored Core jugado fue el mismo Last Raven, me vicie al punto en que no pude parar hasta que me hice los 6 finales, se que hay un final extra pero ese lo ví por KZbin y es básicamente tu siendo un MT vs un NEXT, por tanto no quería morir de estrés, igual he disfrutado ese juego como ningún otro, y la manera en que se maneja la campaña me parece perfecta, cada final te hace buscar saber acerca del que sigue, por qué sucede esto? Que estoy buscando? Y todo, en tan solo 24 horas. Una obra maestra, que sinceramente me costó volver a juegos más antiguos, incluso al 3, simplemente pq me acostumbré al menú de LR y se me hacía tedioso esa manera de hacer misiones. Lo volvería a jugar? Probablemente sí, pero tengo que darme un tiempo para volver. Obra maestra

[@namelessking8049]

Next april fool will be Ace Combat...

[@0Akeldama0]

0:07 i missed the joke, whats the bear?

[@TheDisturbednerd]

Last Raven is king

[@jamesmillerjo]

0:01 Ace Combat.

[@Lofirainbows]

22:00 If anyone can do it it's probably Fromsoft Ware

[@andrewrogers3067]

So now the true question... Where does 6 rank?

[@camedark_vods]

and no.1 may be AC 6

[@Kingcrimsonprimus]

17:06 song plz

[@sosaysjay]

Spirit of the Motherwill from For Answer

[@James_Winter27]

No man, when people hear AC, they think of Assassins Creed first.

[@sosaysjay]

That can’t be

[@night1952]

Damage types can be fun, plenty of From games new and old do great things with them, but in ACV it didn't lead to interesting gameplay.

[@adonisvillain]

Lol, really?! I thought it would be only first minute

[@65firered]

That would have been a gut punch.

[@luichinplaystation610]

The only AC I care

[@linkkicksu]

I really don't know what everyone sees in 4A Sure it's fast and has a lot of customization options but holy fuck is it boring It has the same 30 second missions of 4 but with blander maps and the speed just makes it incredibly easy to cheese every single boss. I cleared every collared fight in 4A before finishing chapter 1 by just picking the Sunshine as my starter and replacing its guns with the baby's first chain guns you can buy in the shop. Do people just deepthoat it so hard because it was their first game? Or do they judge the whole game on the PVP?

[@hanso7537]

AC: assassin's creed

[@fuctupkidmiles]

AC - Ace Combat or Assassin's Creed

[@heardofrvb]

Isn't Nine Breaker considered a training tool for Last Raven?

[@sosaysjay]

At the time it was marketed as its own, full game

[@sergiomendoza251]

Ac5 is not that bad to be placed in 12th place.

[@sosaysjay]

I enjoy AC5 more than most people I’ve asked but I just prefer the others

[@johnprice6271]

ACVD is one of my favorates only because of the final boss. Ignore every little bit of the main game, that final boss is, in my completely biased opinion, what AC is meant to be. Fast, intense, and set to a killer bop. Fitting for a fight between an AC and a NEXT.

[@KyubiMaster100]

Why is Nexus higher than Armored Core 2? What the hell? The game with seriously awful missions and terrible balancing. I know this is your list, but the only good thing about AC:N is the music and disc 2. The overheat mechanic is horrid in this game. It makes certain builds just not viable.

[@sosaysjay]

I really just didn’t get into gen 2 in general. Nexus has its flaws but they just didn’t bother me in the same way. With it being more cinematic and a little more breakable, I just got more out of it.

[@tessemi]

Nexus is awful honestly. Id put that at the end, and ac2 in the top 3.

[@kaisermosasaurus6405]

Man, you're a fake fan lol. Fun fact, there are actually 24 AC games in total if you count Rubicon, mobile games, 'remasters' and spin-offs.

[@sosaysjay]

Between Mobile Online, Mobile Mission, Mobile Mission 2, Mobile Mission 3, and Mobile Mission 4, which was your favorite?

[@kaisermosasaurus6405]

@@sosaysjay There isn't really a favourite tbh, I think that's mainly due to the fact that you played on a flip phone.

[@GeorgePerakis]

When I hear AC I think Ace Combat fam.

[@sugipulaboule]

Mark my words, in a few years the abbreviation "AC" will be much more associated with Armored Core than it will with Ass Creed.