The compilation animation series Secret Level is now finally out on Prime Video, with one of the segments doing a decent job of covering Armored Core.
Specifically that of the eighth episode, called Asset Management, starring none other than Keanu Reeves in the main pilot role.
In general, it takes a lot from the setting of Armored Core VI, which makes sense as that’s the most recent entry in the series. Moreover, a bunch of the weapons are also from Armored Core VI (shown above) and if it is linked, it’s likely before the events we see in the game.
That said, things like the Vanguard Overed Boost (shown below) and insanely powerful laser blades are sort of specific to this. Although, on the latter, we did get stuff like this in the CG opening movies for the old Armored Core games.
In that, the opening movie for Armored Core Last Raven feels particularly pertinent in some of the combat and layout, as well as the beetle/cockroach segment.
We also have a lady talking to Keanu in his head, which is very similar to Ayre in Armored Core VI, so all around, it feels more in line with the most recent game.
I thought the mecha combat was also solidly done and the premise at the end also felt like a nod to the end of the first Armored Core, with the inclusion of other Human Plus types. Although the actual ending was a bit on the icky side, but maybe that’s just me.
My only real complaint is that, apart from the weapons, the mecha looked like they were designed by a committee and were a bit bland.
I don’t get why it’s so hard to hire someone like Shoji Kawamori for this, as his mecha designs already form the basis for the Armored Core series in terms of overall style anyway.
All that aside, I still thought that this was a proper stab at doing some kind of Armored Core story outside of the games, which in and of itself is mildly surreal although entirely appreciated.
As someone that has played and finished every games in the series, starting with the 1997 original, I am still amazed that this even exists and starring Keanu Reeves no less.
Secret Level is now available to watch on Prime Video, and Armored Core VI is available to play on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbone One, and PC.
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