Armored Core V might not have been a smash hit in the states, but that's not stopping Namco Bandai and From Software from bringing the mech fighting sequel stateside. Armored Core: Verdict Day was announced earlier this week in Japan and today is was revealed it will be coming to North America. This title  will be a true sequel to the events to ACV, not that anyone could follow them. The world is still in a constant state of war as opposing factions vie for territory, seeking to control of what remains of the planet's resources. I don't remember much resource gathering in ACV, but I do remember raining down metal hell on opposing Cores. Good times.

I've been playing a little Armored Core V lately, and I'm really enjoying my time building, customizing, and fighting with the sleek mechs the series is known for. The other day I logged in and was greeted with a message/warning that Online Boss Battles would be available this weekend. What the heck is an "online boss battle?" I was about to find out.

The last Armored Core's co-op was nothing to write home about, but Armored Core V has been built for co-op from the ground up. Read on to find how well From Software succeeds in their latest mech simulation.

Chromehounds exiles should feel relief at last now that Armored Core V has made its way to stores. The latest Armored Core game integrates elements from the now-defunct multiplayer-oriented mech combat sim. Indeed, joining a clan is basically mandatory in Armored Core V and the entire game can now be played with online teammates. If the expanded co-op features don't get your interest, perhaps this launch trailer will.

Can you hear that? That isn't a raid siren. That is the sound of carnage raining down on you from above. The latest Armored Core V trailer has some pretty powerful visuals, and just as aggressive words to go along with it. 

Do you like big, sweaty mechs heaving against each other?  Really?  That's weird.  Armored Core V is the long awaited continuation of the Armored Core franchise.  Highly customizable, turbo charged war machines do battle in a new team-based mission structure.  The new system is a departure from the game's old play style, focusing more on tactics than run-and-gun gameplay.

The fast-paced mech shooter designed by FROM Software has a video out that showcases the both the online 5-player battles and the customization menu from the game.  Armored Core V will feature 5-player online co-op for both the campaign and individual skirmish missions. Check out the video bloew:

The Japanese version of Armored Core 5 has been delayed until 2012. From Software, the developer, sites the need to incorporate feedback from the game’s closed beta as the reason for the delay. Don't be too hard on the beta testers now; this is probably good news. Japanese developers often show a very loose grasp of online modes and user interfaces (see Lost Planet 2). Incorporating beta players’ suggestions will likely result in a more streamlined experience.

Being a fan of all things that take place in giant, customizable war robots, I've more or less kept up with the majority of From Software's Armored Core series, which has been primarily single-player through its franchise. A few years ago we saw an attempt at co-op through a few missions in Armored Core: For Answer where players teamed up on a select number of missions to square off against a foe. After an announcement early last year followed by a whole lot of silence, Armored Core V is looking to bring us the real deal in co-op - not just a mode.