ARMORED CORE
SCPS 45060
Copyright 1997, From Software, Inc.
Published by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
"PS" and "PlayStation" are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
WARNING: All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of
applicable laws.

Thank you for purchasing PlayStation "ARMORED CORE"
licensed by FROM SOFTWARE
Please read the attached instruction thoroghly before starting the game.
Please keep this instruction manual for future reference.

1 or 2 Players
Memory Card. 1-3 blocks
Link Cable. 2 Consoles


(page 1)

ARMORED CORE
Contents

Story, pp. 2, 3
I. How to use the controller, pp. 4, 5
II. Screen display, pp. 6, 7
III. How to start the game, pp. 8-10
IV. Main Menu (Raven's Nest), pp. 11-28


(page 2)

STORY

Mankind disappeared from earth's surface on account of the last international
war, known as " The Great Destruction". The few who survived the disaster
abandoned life on the devastated surface and moved their dwellings underground.
Built at various locations and designed to support a growing population, the
underground cities became the only places left for mankind. When that began,
man lost his earthly paradise because of his own fault.

Half a century later. Mankind again welcomed prosperity. People lost the
concept of "nations" and came to be guided and controlled by "corporations".
The principle of free enterprise generated severe corporate competition and
swiftly made the world recover, and the strains that accompanied that increased
as well. Differences between rich and poor, the raging of terrorism, racial
discrimination... The "walls" mankind had built still would not be
extinguished. The "corporations" that became rulers sought more power and
money, and conflicts would not die out.

A world in which corporations hold all power.
With one exception.

Mercenary soldiers that execute requests for a fee whiling maintaining
neutrality
They are called "Ravens".


(Page 3)

Organization Data

* CHROME - A conglomerate with its headquarter in Isaac City. It is the top-
class corporation in the world. The conglomerate does not hesitate in publicly
declaring its aim to further strengthen its monopoly on city administrative
system, and few would publicly recite objections because of its powerful
influences. It has a cooperate relationship with the first-class
"Chemicaldyne", the pharmaceutical research/development division.

* MURAKUMO MILLENIUM- A large corporation which focuses on heavy industries.
Its armored core-related products is especially publicly acknowledged, and its
technical strength is said to surpass even that of Chrome's. It is one of the
few corporations that clearly opposes Chrome's plot of more and more monopolized
control. Because of that, armed clashes around Isaac City is becoming frequent.

* GUARD- Police organizations that every corporate entity possesses. It is
responsible for maintaining the public peace and order in the territory which
the respective corporation controls. The class of armament varies somewhat
depending on the parent corporation, and the guards are a bit pressed against
the terrorist organizations that has gained prominent strengths in recent years.

* RAVEN'S NEST- An organization of mercenary soldiers who carry out all sorts
of legal and illegal missions in exchange for rewards. It is entirely
unconcerned with the content of the mission request or the requester, and its
managers and the particulars of its organization are completely unknown.

* RAVEN- The men who are posted in the nest. For men enrolled in the nest as a
Raven, arrangements for requests and the purchase/sale of Armored Core parts are
conducted through personal computer networks. Although Ravens are posted in the
nest, the nest does not impose any restrictions on them.

* MUSCLE TRACER (MT)/ ARMORED CORE (AC)- Accompanying mankind's move to the
underground, the corporations' pressing need was the development of high
efficiency, high fidelity industrial machines. Robot technology rapidly
developed and arrived in one extreme. Known as Muscle Tracers (MT), the robot
technology promptly penetrated corporations. MT technology steadily progressed
and accomplished even greater developments because of the establishment of a
standard known as the "Core Plan". This plan involved a standardized system of
manufacturing in which the various body parts are attached to the core (the
chest portion), and this allowed the core to be used in various circumstance.
Places where MT's were used increased more and more, and there are military
types, of course.

Competing corporations possess Core MT (CMT) and upgrade them with armaments.
People call a MT that is armored and modified occasionally for specific
environment an Armored Core (AC).


(Pages 4 and 5)

I. HOW TO USE THE CONTROLLER

L2 Button
(game screen) Direct viewpoint up
(map indicator screen) Not used
(menu screen) Selecting color palette when making emblem

L1 Button
(game screen) Move horizontally left
(map indicator screen) Zoom down
(menu screen) Selecting tool when making emblem

Directional Keys
(game screen) Up = forward, Down = backward, Left = turn left, Right = turn
right
(map indicator screen) Up = turn up, Down = turn down, Left = turn left, Right
= turn right
(menu screen) Menu select

Select Button
(game screen) Pause
(map indicator screen) Not used
(menu screen) Change magnification when making emblem

R1 Button
(game screen) Move horizontally right
(map indicator screen) Zoom up
(menu screen) Select tool when making emblem

Start Button
(game screen) Map indicator
(map indicator screen) Return to game screen
(menu screen) Not used

R2 Button
(game screen) Direct viewpoint down
(map indicator screen) Not used
(menu screen) select color palette when making emblem

Square Button (SB)
(game screen) Fire weapon
(map indicator screen) Move left
(menu screen) Open RGB control bar when making emblem

Triangle Button (TB)
(game screen) Change weapon
(map indicator screen) Move up
(menu screen) Selecting color change item when coloring, Activating color fill
when making emblem

Circle Button (CB)
(game screen) Open door, Switch ON/OFF, and other moves. Use left weapon
(map indicator screen) Move right
(menu screen) Decide

X Button (XB)
(game screen) Booster jump. Dash (by pressing XB + directional key)
(map indicator screen) Move down
(menu screen) Cancel, return to previous menu. Open menu when finished making
emblem

NOTE 1: In the game screen, if you press L2 and R2 at the same time, you return
the viewpoint back to the horizontal level (reset horizon).

NOTE 2: The controls for the game screen can be changed to settings of your
choice. (consult KEY ASSIGN, page 26)


(page 6)

II. SCREEN DISPLAY

NOTE: (xx) indicates position on the game screen.

* AP (top left)- Player's armor point. The mission fails when it reaches zero,
and you'll return to the menu screen.

* ENERGY GAUGE (left)- It decreases when you use the boosters or energy-
requiring weapons. When it's use up, the boosters or weapons cannot be used for
a fixed amount of time for energy replenishment.

* WEAPON RANGE (center)- The width changes depending on the weapon. The range
becomes smaller for long distance guns or weapons.

* COMPASS (top)- It displays the player's current direction.

* AIM LOCK (center)- It allows you to know the target is locked on. Depending
on the weapon, the number of lock-ons will change.

* MESSAGE AREA (lower right)- Warning messages are displayed. Consult MESSAGE
DISPLAY (page 7)

* TIME (top right)- It's displayed depending on the mission. The time that
remains or the time that has passed.

* RADAR (upper right, below time)- A radar to identify battle territory and
enemies. Enemies are displayed by points, and the color changes depending on
their height relative to yours (Radar and radar capability is displayed when
head part is installed)

* WEAPON (middle right, below radar)- The weapon you can fire now is in yellow,
and weapon that is equipped is in green.


(page 7)

MESSAGE SUMMARY

* HIT- Your attack has hit the enemy.

* DAMAGED- You have received damage from enemy attack.

* !CHARGING!- The energy is depleted. After this message appears, you cannot
use the boosters and energy-dependent weapons for a fixed period of time.

* LEAVING AREA- You're leaving the battle area. The battle area is determined
by the type of mission. If you leave the battle area, the mission fails.

* ARMOR LOW- Your armor is low.

MAP DISPLAY
The map is displayed if you press START during the game.

The way the map is displayed changes depending on the head part equipped. You
can rotate the map freely and you can confirm your present location and the
surrounding landscape. (consult page 4 for how to use the controller)


(page 8)

III. HOW TO START THE GAME

* TITLE SCREEN (upper left panel)- Please set the game disk in the PlayStation
and press the power switch. After the demo screen ends, or if you press the CB
or the START button during the demo, the title screen is displayed.

* MODE MENU SCREEN (lower left panel)- If you press the START button at the
title screen, it will cut to the mode menu screen. Please choose the mode with
the directional keys and decide with the CB.

MODE EXPLANATION

* SCENARIO MODE (consult page 9)- It's the main mode where you execute
requested missions. Please design your personalized original AC by purchasing
parts and weapons with reward money from successful missions.

* VS MODE (consult page 27)- Please enjoy two types of two-player AC
competition: split-screen battle or two screen battle using link cable. Both
modes can use your assembled AC.


(page 9)

SCENARIO MODE (upper panel)
>From this mode, select a new game or an old game saved on the memory card.
Please select by pressing up/down on the directional keys and decide with CB.
If you press XB, you'll return to the mode menu screen. (To begin a game from
saved data, please consult the game data save/load section of System, page 25)

BASIC RULES AND GAME FLOW
Opening Mission

(middle panel) If you choose "NEW", the player will become a Raven (mercenary)
and start by registering onto Raven's Nest. Please consult AC NAME ENTRY (page
20) for the use of controls.

(lower panel) When you successfully complete the opening mission and completed
registration as a Raven, mission requests will be sent to you via the Raven's
Nest (Main Menu). Please consult Main Menu, page 11. (If you fail the opening
mission, the game cannot continue and will return to the title screen.


(page 10)

RESULTS OF THE MISSION'S INCOME AND EXPENDITURES

(upper panel) Except for the opening mission, the screen with income and
expenditure results is displayed when the mission ends, no matter if the mission
is a success or a failure. The repairs on damaged sections of the AC and
ammunition used during the mission are necessary expenses and are deducted from
you funds (if the mission is successful, the funds include your reward.)

The reward is paid with the currency credit. (COAM: COmpany Assured Money)

NOTE: It can happen that your funds becomes minus as a result of deducting the
necessary expenditures from your funds, but the game can continue. However, if
it surpasses a fixed limit amount, the game will restart with the same parts
that you possess (your fund returns to 0).

FAILURE AND ABANDONMENT OF MISSION

(middle panel) There are various ways to fail a mission, depending on mission
specifics-
* incurring excessive damage to your AC (durability below 0)
* leaving mission territory
* failing your mission (i.e. escorting... and so forth)

(lower panel) However, the mission can be abandoned by the player himself or
herself. To abandon the mission, press the SELECT button and then the START
button. The abandon confirmation message will appear, and you can abandon the
mission by pressing the CB. (Even in this situation, the mission fails.) If
you choose not to abandon, return to the game by pressing the XB.

NOTE: As for the mission's requester, the state of the world changes depending
on the mission's success or failure, because corporations which replaced
countries in controlling the world are pivotal to world events. Therefore, the
game's flow changes depending on how many requests you accept from which
corporation.


(Page 11)

IV. MAIN MENU (RAVEN'S NEST)

The main menu is where you go to register as a Raven and communicate with
Raven's Nest. Raven's Nest is comprised of the six menus. Please choose with
the right/left directional keys and decide with the CB.

GARAGE << RANKING << MAIL << SYSTEM
\--- >> SHOP >> MISSION---------^

* GARAGE- If you choose the garage at Rave's Nest , the garage menu is
displayed. Please select with the up/down directional keys and decide with the
CB. (Return to Raven's Nest with the XB.)

* ASSEMBLY

(upper panel) You can combine parts and weapons and make an original AC.
Please select the type of parts of weapon by using left/right directional keys
and decide with the CB. To choose parts and weapons, use up/down directional
keys.

Common Terms:
EP- Energy Point. Indicates the output from the generator.
LEG WP- Leg Weight Point. Indicates the leg parts' endurance weight.
CORE WP- Core Weight Point. Indicates the core part's endurance weight.
AP- Armor Point. Indicates AC's armor point.
WEIGHT- Indicates AC's total weight.

(middle panel) You can see the details on things such as price, weight, energy
consumption, attack ability, and defense ability by pressing the TB. To close
the detail display, please press the TB again. (for Status Summary, consult
page 14)

(lower panel) Whenever you are finished selecting all the parts, you can end
assembly with the XB. At that time, the results of the rearrangement is
indicated. Confirm the results with the XB, and return to the garage screen
with the CB.

NOTE: When assembling AC, in the situation when the numerical value in the left
side is indicated in red, you cannot sortie out for a mission. Therefore,
please return to the parts assembly and make sure the left hand side numerical
value does not exceed the right hand side value. Furthermore, when a bad
condition occurs such as the head not being equipped, a warning is indicated.
You cannot go on a mission until you return to the garage screen to fix the
problem.

EXPLANATION OF THE WARNING MESSAGES

* Outfitting insufficient- The minimum parts necessary for battle is not
equipped.
* Excessive weight- The total weight equipped exceeds the weight endurance of
the leg parts.
* Shortage of Power- The total power drain exceeds the generator's power
output.
* Excessive equipment on arm sections- The total weight equipped exceeds the
weight endurance of the core parts.


(page 13)

EXPLANATION OF PARTS
The parts that form an AC are classified into 10 types.

1. CORE- The part essential to assembling an AC. The generator and FCS are
equipped in the core. Missile ambush attack capability is also equipped here.

2. HEAD- Special capabilities such as bio-sensors and radar load are hidden
inside.

3. ARMS- There are 2 types of weapon arms- the ones that are weapons
themselves and the average arms that can be equipped with guns or laser blades.

4. LEGS- There are 4 varieties: two legs, reversed joints, four-legged hover,
and catapillar type. Decision on this part depend on weight and mobility
requirement.

5. GENERATOR- It influences the AC's energy gauge and thus the assembly of
parts.

6. BOOSTERS- It influences the dash and aerial flight. The bigger the output,
the higher the speed capability.

7. BACK WEAPON R/L- Aside from heavy weapons such as missile and rockets, it
includes the auxiliary equipment such as radar.

8. ARM WEAPONS R- It includes rifle-style guns that threatens with single fires
and the machine gun-style weapon that threatens with unlimited, continuous fire
capability.

9. ARM WEAPON L- It is the laser blade that is advantageous in close combat.
The use of laser drains energy.

10. FCS- It increases the limit and distance of the rifle range and the
missile lock-on capability.


(page 14)

Page 14 is in English and is self-explanatory.


(page 15)

OPTIONAL PARTS
(upper panel) Choose special parts that raises your machine's capabilities.
Please choose with the up/down directional keys and decide with the CB. Please
press CB to take off what you've equipped. (The XB returns you to the garage
menu.)
Special parts is equipped on the core, and there are slots on both sides. The
number of slots on the core differs depending on the parts, and thus special
parts can be equipped in multiples.

PERFORMANCE
(middle panel) You can confirm the performance details of your assembled AC.


(page 16)

CHANGE COLOR
(upper panel) You can change your AC's color. Please select an item with
up/down directional keys and decide with the CB. (The XB returns you to the
garage menu.)

CHANGE PATTERN
(lower panel) Decide on a color pattern. Please select a pattern with up/down
directional keys and decide with the CB. (The XB returns you to the garage
menu.)


(page 17)

EDIT COLOR
The screen changes depending on the color pattern you choose.

* WHEN YOU SELECT CUSTOM (upper panel)- choose the parts you want to color.
Choose the parts you want to color and decide with the CB. (The XB returns you
to the garage menu.)

(middle panel) You can change the coloring of every part in detail. With the
TB. the coloring section can change to base, optional, detail, and joint.
Please select the RGB control bar with the up/down directional keys and adjust
the color with left/right keys. Decide with the CB, cancel and return to the
coloring parts selection screen with the XB.

NOTE: An advice on custom coloring... The general (the complete body) color
can be changed in proportion to your core. Therefore, if you choose whole body
coloring after coloring the core, the parts that you've colored up to that point
will be changed to the color you decided for the core.

* WHEN YOU SELECT SOMETHING OTHER THAN CUSTOM (lower panel)- You can change the
color tone of your camouflage. Please select the color tone with up/down
directional keys and decide with the CB. (The XB returns you to the garage
menu.)


(Page 18)

EDIT EMBLEM
You can make or modify emblems. The created emblems can be applied to your AC.

Edit Emblem Display
(locations on screen)
1. Whole display- upper left
2. Tool in use- middle left
3. RGB control bar- lower left, below tools in use.
4. Paint space- right
5. Cursor- right, in paint space
6. Color palette- lower right, below paint space.

NOTE: The color on the left hand corner of the color palette is a transparent
color, and it won't show on the actual emblem. When you're adjusting color,
it's turned on and off to discriminate from black.

HOW TO USE THE CONTROLLER TO EDIT EMBLEM

1. Directional keys- Move cursor and select menu.
2. L1/R1 buttons- Select necessary tool to paint with.
3. Circle button (CB)- Decide on paint tool's action and on menu.
4. Square button (SB)- Open the RGB control bar. You can change the color
inside the color palette.
5. Select button- Change the display magnification of the paint space to 2X,
4X, or 8X.
6. L2/R2 button- Choose color you want to use.
7. X button (XB)- Open system menu. When you've opened the system menu or RGB
control bar, you will close and cancel.
8. Triangle button (TB)- Fill the place where the cursor is with color.


(Page 19)

SYSTEM MENU

1. ZOOM- Change the paint space display 2X, 4X, or 8X. Choose with the
up/down directional keys and decide with the CB.

2. UNDO- Make your last operation disappear.
3. CLEAR- Erase everything inside the paint space.
4. SAMPLE- Call up an emblem already recorded. Choose with the directional
keys and decide with the CB. Change the page with L1 or R1 button.
5. SAVE- Finish the drawing and apply it on the AC.
6. CANCEL- Cancel the work you've done up to now and return to the garage
menu.

TOOL EXPLANATION

1. PEN- Draw a line by moving the cursor with the directional key while
pressing the CB.
2. LINE- Draw a straight line. Designate the starting point with the CB, move
the cursor with the directional keys, and decide the end point with the CB.
3. BOX- Draw a box. The way to draw it is the same as the line tool.
4. BOX/ FILL- Draw a box filled with color. The way to draw it is the same as
the line tool.
5. CIRCLE- Draw a circle. The way to draw it is the same as the line tool.
6. PAINT- Fill the inside of a box drawn with lines. Choose the color you
want to use, move the cursor to the spot where you want to paint with the
directional keys, and press the CB.
7. SCROLL- Move the object that you've drawn in the paint space with
directional keys.

MOVING THE DISPLAYED SECTION

(bottom right panel) When the image is made 4X or 8X in size by changing the
display magnification, you can move the displayed section by using the bars at
the four sides of the paint space. Please move the cursor to the bar belonging
to the direction you want to move with the directional keys and press the CB.


(page 20)

AC NAME ENTRY

(upper panel) Enter a name for your AC. Switch between hiragana and English
with the L1 or R1 buttons. Please select the letter with the directional keys
and enter with the CB. Furthermore, for hiragana, you can enter the kanji mode
and decide with the CB. In the kanji mode, you can turn the page with the L1 or
R1 button. Erase the last letter with the XB. (In the kanji mode, you will
return to the hiragana mode) Return to the garage menu with 'END'.
NOTE: In the case you use the Greek letters (I-X), they are displayed as X
in PlayStation's memory card management system.

AC TESTS

(middle panel) Check the movement and weapons for your AC. During the test,
ammunition and service fees will not be deducted from your balance. Please
consult page 4 for how to use the controller, and page 6 for screen display.

CONCLUSION OF THE TEST

(lower panel) Conditions for completing the AC tests-
* Destroying all enemies
* Your AC's AP reaches zero.

Furthermore, in case you really want to end the tests, press the start button
after pressing the select button. The disengage confirmation message is
displayed, and respond 'YES' by pressing the CB.
At the disengage confirmation message, you can return to the test with the XB.


(page 21)

MISSION
Every mission disappears from the summary if you succeed, and even if you fail,
you can sometimes still replay the mission.

MISSION SUMMARY

(top, first panel) If you select mission at the Raven's Nest, the mission
summary is displayed. Please select with up/down directional keys and decide
with the CB. (The XB returns you to the garage menu.)

SORTIE MISSION CONTRACT

(second panel) If you select a mission, specific mission details are displayed.
The down arrow on the lower right shows there is more, and the next screen is
displayed with the CB or the down directional key. (The up directional key
returns you to the previous screen.)

(third panel) When the mission's details are completely displayed, contract
confirmation window is displayed. Select 'YES' or 'NO' to the contract and
decide with the CB. Return to the mission summary with 'NO', and close the
contract confirmation window with the XB.

NOTE: Please be advised, once you agree to a contract, you cannot re-choose
another mission.

(bottom, fourth panel) When the contract is accepted, the sortie confirmation
window is displayed. Select 'YES' or 'NO' with the left/right directional keys
and decide with the CB. The game screen is displayed with 'YES', and the
mission begins. With 'NO', you will return to the Raven's Nest. With the XB,
the contract confirmation window closes.

NOTE: About advanced payment: Depending on the mission, advanced payment can
be paid. If it is after the contract agreement and before the sortie, you can
return to the Raven's Nest and change the AC assembly by buying weapons and
parts.


(page 22)

SHOP
You can buy and sell parts. As the game progresses, you ought to add new parts.

(top panel) Choose 'BUY' if you want to buy parts and weapons, and choose 'SELL'
if you want to sell. Select with the up/down directional keys and decide with
the CB. You can return to the Raven's Nest with the XB.

BUY

(middle panels)
1. Choose the parts to buy
2. Choose the variety of parts

With 1 and 2, choose with up/down directional keys and decide with the CB. If
you press the TB, you can see the specific details of the parts. To close the
detail display, please press the XB. You can return to the previous menu with
the XB.

(bottom panel) After deciding on the parts to buy, the confirmation window is
displayed. Select 'YES' if you will buy, and select 'NO' if you will not buy.
Please select with the left/right directional keys and decide with the CB.
(Pressing the XB is the same as 'NO')

NOTE: If your funds is lower than the cost, you cannot buy.


(Page 23)

SELL

(upper panel) The summary of parts and weapons you have (or equipped) is all
displayed. Choose with the up/down directional keys and decide with the CB. If
you press the TB, you can see the specific details of the parts. To close the
detail display, press the TB again. The XB will return you to the shop menu.

NOTE: You can sell parts and weapons you have equipped. However, when your
money is minus, you cannot sell equipped parts except for the left/right hand
weapons and left/right shoulder weapons.

(lower panel) After you have decided on the parts to sell, the confirmation
window is displayed. Please select 'YES' if you will sell and 'NO' if you don't
with the left/right directional keys, and decide with the CB. (Pressing the XB
is the same as 'NO')


(Page 24)

MAIL

MAIL SUMMARY
(upper left panel) You can see mail that was transmitted during the game.
Please check your mail by all means because it is likely you've received
important information. Select an item with up/down directional keys and decide
with the CB. The XB returns you to the Raven's Nest.

DETAILS
(upper right panel) Event news that happened in the world is timely presented.
The XB returns you to the mail summary screen.

RANKING

RANKING SUMMARY
(lower left panel) The ranking within the Raven's Nest is presented. If you
want to see the details, please select with the directional keys and decide with
the CB. The XB returns you to the Raven's Nest.

DETAILS
(lower right panel) The present ranking point and profile are displayed. The
XB returns you to the ranking summary.


(Page 25)

SYSTEM

(top, first panel) You can save/load game data or emblem and change the sound
and control settings. Please select with up/down directional keys and decide
with the CB. You can return to the Raven's Nest with the XB. (second panel)
When you select game data or emblem, the screen for slot selection is displayed.
Choose with up/down directional keys and decide with the CB. The XB returns you
to the previous menu.

SAVE/LOAD GAME DATA

(middle/ third and fourth panels) Decide the data you want to either save or
load. Choose with the directional keys and decide with the CB. Please choose
'NEW' when saving new data. If you choose data that already saved, you will
save the present game on top of that saved game. (Cancel with the XB)

SAVE/LOAD EMBLEM

(bottom, fifth and sixth panels) Decide the emblem you want to either save or
load. Please choose with the directional keys and decide with the CB. As for
emblems, you can save at most 7 of them. Furthermore, you will need 2 empty
blocks on your memory card to save. (Cancel with the XB)


(Page 26)

OPTION
You can choose the item with up/down directional keys and decide with the CB.
(The XB returns you to the previous menu.)

* MASTER VOLUME- Adjust the game volume. Adjust volume with the left/right
directional keys.

* BGM VOLUME- Adjust the volume with left/right directional keys.

* TEXT MESSAGE- Decide to display or not to display the game message text.
Choose 'ON' or 'OFF' with the up/down directional keys.

* VS STAGE- Decide the map selection method for the VS mode. Choose 'SELECT',
'RANDOM', and 'TURN' with the up/down directional keys. When playing link-up
game, you cannot choose 'SELECT'.

* KEY ASSIGN- Decide the button arrangement for the game screen. Choose the
item you want to change with the directional keys and decide with the CB.
Afterwards, that item will be assigned to the directional key or any other
button you press.

* VS TIME LIMIT- Decide competition time. Choose with the up/down keys and
decide with the CB.

After selections, every window is closed with the XB.


(Page 27)

VS MODE

In the occasion you choose this mode, it will be two-screen (link-up)
competition if the link cable is connected. It will be a split screen
competition if the cable is not connected.

When you want to play a link-up competition with 2 PlayStations, you need to
have a link cable which is sold separately. When you want to use it, please
connect the link cable to the communication jacks on the back of the 2
PlayStations before turning the power on. Then, for the link-up game, an
Armored Core disk must be in each of the 2 PlayStations. On the way to the
link-up game, if the link cable comes off, please correct the problem after
returning to the mode screen.

ONE SCREEN (SPLIT SCREEN) COMPETITION

(bottom left panel) The split screen menu is displayed. Please choose with
up/down directional keys and decide with the CB. The XB confirms the end of
competition, and if you select 'YES' you will return to the title menu.

VS START

(bottom right panel) Start competition. The AP is displayed on the upper part
of the screen and the active weapon and radar are displayed on the lower part.
When the competition ends, there is a confirmation window for continue. With
'YES' you'll compete on the same map; with 'NO', you will return to the menu.


(Page 28)

1P AND 2P AC SETUP

(top left) The setup menu is displayed. Please select with up/down directional
keys and decide with the CB. The XB returns you to the split screen competition
menu. For AC assembly and system, please consult the respective garage (page
12) and system (page 25).

STAGE SELECT

(top right) Please select the competition stage with the directional keys.

NOTE: If there is saved data for 1P/2P, consult the respective data. When only
1P has saved data, 2P's data will be same as the 1P. If there is no saved data,
it's a competition with standard AC's.

TWO SCREEN COMPETITION

(bottom left) The two screen competition menu is displayed. Please choose with
up/down directional keys and decide with the CB. Begin competition with 'VS
START'. For use of the screen, please consult with screen display (page 5)

Please consult with garage (page 12) and system (page 25) for AC assembly and
systems.

NOTE: While in the 2 screen competition, when you want to use saved data in the
original mode, please attach the memory card that you'll load from. When
there's no saved data, it will become a competition with standard AC's.