So happy that you decided to make a video that's not just retelling games for people who are to lazy to experience them themselves, but actually talking about the subject that might inspire more people to go ahead and experience them. You inspired me at least.
Honestly still wild to me how you sorta predicted one of the main themes in 6 (that I’ve personally discerned) with this video, that being mankind in conflict with an environment and situation they themselves created that has become bigger than them, and having to change and adapt in response to each other and their own past and circumstances. Apologies if I’m misunderstanding/misremembering anything I watched this video like 3 days ago and have really been ruminating on it since, it’s very satisfying to see someone analyze these games in a way that’s both novel and meaningful! I feel slightly less silly for having these sorts of thoughts about these games frankly constantly :V
I feel a bit inadequate in fully articulating a lot of what I feel is being said in 6 in particular so again sorry if my explanation of what I think you “predicted” is a bit too broad
The idea of AC being used as a mean to adapt rather than nessicarily up end hyper objects is a pretty interesting lens to view the franchise as a whole. Cool video as always I will say though, if I see the face of a single pilot in AC VI, I may vomit
Your point about new youtubers latching on to Armored Core (Vaatividya and Ziostorm and the like) hit me especially since I'm someone who started Armored Core in chronological order with my jailbroken PS3 (so I can play all the games in 1 box) in 2022. If I'm being honest, I played Armored Core 1, put it down, then played through the rest of the games once AC6 was announced as I got spurred on by the hype (so I'm not too different from the hangers-on I suppose.) My point is that I noticed something that seems like contempt for the old fans coming from the new influx of people looking at AC6. I've seen YT comments saying that AC fans are being exclusionary and gatekeepy and any complaints or concerns about 6 (Souls-like lockon and rotating in place like a Souls character from the gameplay footage) from those fans are being dismissed with "It's been 9 years! Armored Core needed to change! It needs to appeal to a broader fanbase and that's good!" All of this is coming from what I imagine are Elden Ring fans who got into From Software with that game (not surprising, ER sold gangbusters and attracted a new fanbase who were dissuaded by DS's reputation for being "soooo hard!"). I'm seeing long-time AC fans have their franchise morph into a Souls-like and they're being drowned out by the larger Souls/Rings fanbase who want a game that appeals to them. Even as someone who also falls in the "new fan" category, I don't want to see Armored Core become Dark Souls, I'm sick of Souls-likes, I want From to keep the experiences of the 2 franchises seperate. When I want Souls, I'll play Souls. When I want, Armored Core, I'll play Armored Core. And I'm worried that AC6 would abandon longtime AC fans to chase the Elden Ring crowd, satisfying neither crowd.
That is a very well said and thought out comment. I agree it is difficult because at no point would I want people to say "New fans can't play AC", its a weird janky series that is kinda bullshit at points but i love it dearly. Ideally everyone should try to play it and do so in however works for them. But it is also true that FROM is in a pickle balancing a huge group of new fans who probably are not the niche mecha guys who have played it before. I kinda just hope VI is "Good" in a well rounded way that feels fun to play. My main annoyance is with vocal people who never had a genuine attachment shifting to it out of personal greed. It just feels gross.
While I found you to be a bit harsh on Vaati, the main point of this video is incredibly interesting, inspiring and well backed up. Excellent video overall, thank you for this work.
22 minutes in and MAN this has me hyped, as a 4th gen player in the 2010s this touches my heart. I always loved the megastructures in AC4 and 4A. There's a building in my home city that always reminded me of big box.
I would argue that 4/FA are the most blatantly philosophical out of the entire series; companies literally becoming governments, the names of Next pilots being "Links" (english: "Lynx") as in "links of a chain" with their overarching authority being "Collared"...not even subtle. The centers of humanity's power condensing all the way from cities, to industrial complexes, into hyperobjects (Arms Forts) that have individuals as their nerves and tendons; Lynx pilots finally being powerful enough to become truly independent of the system that created them - the chain of evolution from Normals, from the long forgotten Dominants that were said to possess many of the same qualities, to the first ever Next...to a Link which had the capability to tear down the entire system and leave nothing in its wake.
One theory I have about the whole point of AC pilots fighting each other or attempting to defeat that damn gigantic entity is more of an evolutionary process of humans adapting to the hyperobject. The latter will remain forever or for a length of time beyond human comprehension obviously, but what happens is that all the other AC pilots attempt to survive their new cutthroat environment in their own ways, which will have to conflict with another AC pilot's way. Ultimately the player's victory in these scenarios is just the best attempt at living within the hyperobject relative to its own response mechanisms. Late 3rd gen kind of makes this whole thing the clearest with the Internecine: quite possibly the most hyper of hyperobjects in 3rd gen in general. By the time you get to any of the endings of LR, you're basically at a point where you're comparing evolutionary processes with either other humans who may or may not become less human (Evangel Pulverizer and maybe Final Zinaida because her bullshit can only be explained by some really boosted version of OP-Intensify) or the Internecine itself (Leviathans and Pulverizers). By the end of LR you are the last AC pilot standing, as in the only bridge to the hyperobject standing. It's a successful adaptation to the hyperobject, if not just for that very instance in time. You have the same thing going on with almost every AC game. It's a conflict of evolution. anyway from one tough baby man to another tough baby man you did good now let's joust with our own hyperobjects with mine clearly being bigger than urs as the shockwaves of our duel cause soulsbabbies to analyze the fluids of our battle to see whether it can be connected to idk the adventures of cookie and cream or some shit i s2g i'm gonna dark slayer sword magic 2 their asses
I'm as much a newbie to AC as any other fresh head as well as a bit green off a half-assed humanities degree (big on the Ace Combat train tho), tho I'll throw my two cents at the whole hyper object > mecha analogy. Since its more originally applied to counter Environmental Theory (which as far as a brief skim on Wikiped kinda separates Human Society as overcoming Nature), the use of hyper objects is actually more analogous to a "force of nature" or at least a force so strong that humans alone cannot possibly control it as they are. One could just as expand it that just theorizing about Hyper Objects places humanity in a much smaller, insignificant position, that comes with a lot of cosmic scale dis-empowerment (kinda like HP Lovecraft Eldritch being so beyond Human comprehension) Now with mecha and to refashion the language, if the oppressive and barren landscape and the un-ending squabbling of the corporate power balance are treated as unchanging aspects of the world, than mechs as active particpants become Hyper SUBJECTS, since while they are "more than human", we still recognize Armored Cores as [us]. I'd have to do my own digging in post-construction theory since a lot of Continental Philosophy is baked in since ol' Decartes on just assuming "if you think, yes YOU exist, but you can't feel anyone else's thoughts, so everyone else is debatable, if not of existence or sentience then of agency and [human-ness]". I'd reach further and say a lot of fiction that presents an over-whelming, all-encompassing entity that far out-lives/out-embodies "normal humans" could be coded as hyper objects in their fictional universes [Mythological Gods as creators of every aspect of the world and living outside of it, the presumption of a metaphysical nature to reality if not society, the belief of an upcoming inevitable singularity where AI will far out-pace and out-evolve humanity etc...], but also that calls on just as much a "hyperization" of power to change a "normal human" into something more: think demi-gods, superpowered heros, cyborg mercenaries, etc... where yes they become "less human" by gaining some power that changes them fundamentally, yet WE still empathize and treat these sorta characters as [One of Us]. (I'd also stretch further into real life for things like organized activist groups that while they effectively swallow up individuality to conform to a common goal, the members within still feel THEY are IN CONTROL within their own system). Of course, a Fromsoft game with as depressingly cynical as it is, the hyper subject ultimately fails to overcome the hyper object, heavily contrasted with other, more hot-blooded/idealistic super robot type stories. But what truly seems to matter I think comes across more in gameplay, that despite you lacking "power" to change things, you, as a subject, still have the agency to try anyways.
my takeaway is that the hyperobject is the eldritch made manifest. the infinite and the divine made concrete by the physical forces of the cosmos or a mass of human though and effort. In my own writing, I unintentionally wrote about the consequences of an ambitious humanity messing with the hyperobject of the cosmos itself.
The concept of the ACs existing as adaptation in order to better survive the inhospitable world of the hyperobject is really interesting, reminds me a great deal of a chapter from Shin Getter Robo (and adapted into New Getter) where Ryouma is sent into a future dominated by the Getter Rays to the point where all humans seemingly have become one with the getter machines, it sounds like the Getter Rays in general map pretty well to the concept of a hyperobject
These hyperobjects fit in neatly with the even larger scale concept of complex systems. Though I believe the hyperobject would continue to exist if the complex system it is a part of (or summarizes) dies by reaching equilibrium. We'd at the very least still count these corpses as objects, maybe only as part of a different greater hyperobject, it gets a little pointlessly semantic here. Point being: the most interesting part of a complex system to me is that it is open, which means its agents can interact beyond the system. They can even leave. And I think when it comes to the feeling of powerlessness that being surrounded by hyperobjects may give, this objective fact that this is not a closed system remains like an opportunity. I don't believe triumph will ever take on the shape of expansion, being lasting or the successful subjugation of the ruling system. The last step, when it's not the system dying, is the relevant agent leaving. When we examine the language behind the notion of triumph, this seems accurate to me. It's all underpinned by a desire to escape influence (overcoming).
Really fascinating video. The idea of Hyper-Object really embodies something I've always thought about but never had the proper words for it. Its relation to Armored Core's world also helps explain what I've grown to like about it. I must sadly admit I'm one of those newbies who hasn't sat down to properly engage with the AC games but i look forward to AC6 and properly sitting down to try the older titles. I'd give a more elaborate comment but I'm kinda bad and awkward with words so: Hyper Objects big Robot cool Me like much thanks
The only reason I picked up a copy of Demon's Souls in 2009 was because I saw the Fromsoftware logo on it. I had followed the AC series since Project Phantasma and loved every title since. All that to say that I don't blame a man for jumping on the AC bandwagon just because it's a Fromsoftware game. I did the same thing with DS. Also, it's just cool to see the franchise getting a new title and lost of attention.
I appreciate the Vaati criticism here. The release of AC6 could've been the time for smaller AC channels to blow up, *cough* ArmoredCoreLore *cough* but Vaati had to take the spotlight for himself.
this channel is such a treasure trove, man i found this channel through this amazing video and finding out you do other mecha content is such a blessing, especially since i've only started getting into gundam after not getting much about armored core in 2022
the way these ideas get expanded on in armored core 6 is incredible- it *really* wants to drive home the point that armored cores as an adaptation to the vast scale of hyper objects are really just extensions of those objects themselves. even v.ii snail, who believes that he embodies the hyper object of arquebus, is disposable to his higher-ups within the corporation, everyone in this world only acting as a limb of the institutions which pay their checks and build their mechs. branch, the supposedly "free" mercenaries, only opened the doors for massive corporate destruction on rubicon, and ended up defeated at the hands of another mercenary who was just following orders. c4-621 themself of course also has a very heavy narrative about the illusion of freedom granted by the system, only ever able to chase other people's dreams, whether they're good or bad. 621 is probably my favorite video game protagonist period because of the conversations they invite about agency and individuals being exploited to further wars, which is a *really* good topic for a piece of art to tackle when you literally have certain real-life militaries using video games as recruitment tools.
Been watching your videos here and there for the past couple of months, and I've been really enjoying your dives into Armored Core and other sci-fi. Now normally, I'd say that your opening here was too harsh. The problem is, I absolutely agree with everything you said and I'm tired of other channels keeping their analysis at the level of a middle schooler's book report. I hope that your channel, and others like it, will inspire more channels that aim for deeper discussions on what make our favorite stories special. There's clearly a market for it - I had watched another AC6 video essay some time ago which tried to express similar thematic touchstones (that is, the incomprehensible breadth of hyper objects to the human mind), but was held back by a very surface-level understanding of the series' writing. I hope that writer will see your essay, have some validation for being on the right track, and be encouraged to dig deeper!
having never gotten into the AC series before the new game, this video has single-handedly made me want to visit older editions to experience their stories. but also, you're clearly more qualified for narrative analysis than i am - as i'd be constantly distracted by the giant robots wheee.
Hah! Ever since I saw that Armored Core V intro (and learned about the series's existence), I had hoped for some video like this to appear. Alas, the moment has come. Another wish fulfilled.
@@argonboltAaron Beck's designs seem to have inspired a good chunk of the parts with strong KE defense in both of the Gen 5 games. It would make sense given the context of the videogames industry at the time when FS developed Gen 5, in an attempt to market to western audiences.
perfect video, also, im always kinda hesitant to say anything about my distaste for vaati, because i understand that like, yea, he can write good, spin something into a more narrated, connected story,, and ppl crave that, soft asmr voice, emotional story that is "hidden" somewhat" i get it, but like, hes so fuxkin annoying and his videos are often so fuckin barebones in terms of actual nuance, idk why ppl praise him as some kinda "lorefix", explainer, he doesnt explain shit, there are so many great, better creators who connect the dots and speculate and talk about themes and overall narrativr, but i guess, thats more nerdy, thats not what ppl want, its not as engaging as " uuu so sad this person suffered u imma cry wow such deep", so yea, thanks for hatin on vaati lol, i loved the viddy soo much, i came from souls initially, and bloodborne might still be my favourite game, or like, on the same place with maybe 3 or 4 other, but i started playin ac like, 2 years ago, maybe 3, and i think its overall, my favourite series, this video solidifies many things i love about it so much
this video was uploaded today and I've already watched it in full twice. great montage and honestly that might be the answer to the questions the hypothetical viewer has about the setting after everything else: "Just fight to become strongest tough baby robot man, it's cool ' Also I do feel guilty, Armored Core 1 was something played for a little before being thrown off by the controls (emulated, but i choose to stick to default controls) but maybe I should finally just re-bind a special setup for those earlier games. I might be someone riding off the hype of AC6, but I kinda did the same with Ace Combat after 7's announcement: played it as a kid, bounced off it, years later as an adult with money and resources I replay the games I know and discover the others. Hope the new Armored Core isn't another Ace Combat 7 situation
Seriously rebind the controls and Gen-1 is really fun as a simple arcade mecha game. It feels fun as hell and only the last mission of AC1 sucks so hard I remember it being bad. I also hope 6 is not AC7, but it looks promising so far.
Watched this video twice, and while I'm sure I've missed some details I want to articulate out my thoughts more for myself than anyone else. I came across this channel because I've been researching mechs and mecha for my own mech game to understand what it needed to be. I've been researching big piloted robots for a long time, and I have half an idea what I'm talking about. I think this idea of being the human core in a world that's too big to understand is what's at the core of the mecha genre. Gundam is about a new generation reaching their potential by evolving into new types with the power of giant robot lasers for example. I think it's at its most explicit in Daemon X Machina (DXM). It's not the best game and it's a mid-tier story, but the core idea is what I want to focus on. In DXM, the moon exploded, and suddenly people start randomly evolving into the next stage of human evolution called an "Outer". The outer is the person outside their Arsenal (DXM's word for a mecha and the equivalent of an AC) where even the terminology suggests that the Arsenal and Outer are two pieces of one whole, and each is lesser without the other. The Arsenal is a shell without the Outer, and the Outer dies to the red hot lead flying around the battlefield without the armored Arsenal. The two enter the new world after the MoonFall to create something new, possibly choosing to end all non Outer humans at the end. It's something unique brought about by the remnants of Samurai culture in Japan, the fusion of the warrior and his weapon though mastery to the point where one can't tell where one ends and the other begins. Mechs are different. Where a mecha is an extension of the pilot, or the body to the pilot's soul, the mech is a war machine. The mech is something like a fusion of jet fighter and main battle tank. It is a piece of equipment that is mass produced and built to fill a role on the battlefield, but is the king of all it surveys. Something big and heavy as opposed to how nimble some mecha can get. Unfortunately I can't point to any modern games to give an example of what this looks like. MechWarrior 3 & 4 are the best examples that I know. MW5 is trying to be an action wave extraction shooter and ends up having little identity of its own when taken in the context of the entire franchise. Frustration with MW5 was the primary driver for building my own project through, so perhaps I'm a little biased. I feel like Mech games are at their best when you're in a combined arms formation as the wrecking ball. GG sim is actually one of the closest examples that I can give. You're not the next step in human evolution, you're the pilot of a very powerful war machine doing your best to direct recon assets while putting 120mm cannon shells downrange to break enemy formations. GHPC (a tank game based in the 1980s about a fictional Soviet invasion of western Europe) is in that same broad category. I feel like 08th MS team is the one piece of non game fiction I could point to as being in the mech camp instead of the mecha camp. I feel like The Revenge of Mecha is in this sort of middle ground between mech and mecha. Obviously Argon portrayed the Type-12 as a machine that could exist versus equipment that does exist in the real world, which is very much a point towards the mech camp. I'm going to say that the nature of the Type-12's ability to transform into a fixed wing aircraft and go back to being ground based isn't a point to either camp, even if basically all mecha have some ability to take flight and only a few mechs can. I'm also not going to count the fact that the franchise of GG originated in Japan as a point one way or another. But Argon definitely leaned into the idea that the soul of the Type-12 is its pilot. The example that comes to mind is the desert episode, the one where they were getting shelled every night by mortars and drones. The way that he described the anxious desperation to get to the Type-12 when they stumbled onto the enemy felt like he was out of his skin and desperate to get back into his mech like it was his own body. The way that setting leans into how big and complex the Hyperobject that is the world is compared to the pilot, makes me feel like Argon's OVA is probably mecha and not mech. I may have more to say some day, but that's enough vomiting text onto the internet for now.
Speaking as somebody from the strictly Souls-side of that particular conversation, I do sympathize with the frustration of seeing people who've made their bread and butter on Soulsborne titles begin latching onto "the next Fromsoft thing". You're correct, it's the loyal fans who are responsible for making a continuation a possibility. I don't fault bandwagoners for it too much, it's a business decision and a guy's gotta eat. Though funnily enough there was another creator (Writing on Games) who made a video going through his own experience playing through the mainline titles not long before Vaati released his, and honestly the former is more insightful. I similarly get exasperated at thoughtless comments saying Armored Core needed to "evolve to get with the times"; I actually felt some disappointment that 6 is opting to make major adjustments that can be construed as taking inspiration from Souls. A part of me wished the two franchises would have zero comparison points between each other, just so I can witness Armored Core prove to be just as successful if only it had experienced the same watershed moment that grew into the accumulated renown of Souls. Still no patience though for those who claim 6 is no longer "Armored Core" for them, too many parallels to the ultimately meaningless argument about Monster Hunter's generational shift to World, or the revamp in gameplay from Guilty Gear's previous titles to Strive. As for the actual meat of your video though, it was thoroughly provocative. I knew I was getting drawn to a certain aspect of this franchise upon learning of its existence and exploring further material, but at the time I can only word it as a desire to find meaning in a uncaring world. Turns out, you found the specific concept and wording for me. I'm even more excited for 6 now - hyperobjects are an ideal framework when considering what is known from previews and the recent story trailer: the idea that human and corporate conflict has extended to other planets, the ramifications of a valuable and sought-after resource, the potential attitudes of those who see you as not even man, but a literal product line within the military-industrial complex, and your Core being the only way you can perceive even a glimpse of this vast scale.
From the perspective of someone who played Armored Core 2 to death when I was a kid, Demons Souls was "the next Fromsoft thing." Just chill and enjoy it. Still miss the oldschool turning and strafing mechanics. I deliberately missed Armored Core 4-5 because they sucked, and I picked up on 6 because it was informed by their experiences in making much higher quality Souls games. I like how they brought weight and gravity back into the series.
Good video on Armored core. And yes machines have always been the way we interact with the wider world we call home, yet thinking about these hyperobjects and what they mean dosen't exactly change much in my mind. We've always dealt with things just *bigger* than ourselves for as long as we live; the movement of the earth, the processes of the atmosphere, the ocean itself. All of these being bigger than our own comprehension yet does it have to sound so oppressive? These things are just as much a part of our world as we are, we've interacted with them and used machines to better negotiate with these forces of nature on our own terms, we've even used these greater forces as power (hydroelectric, geothermal, Nuclear, solar). It could be that I just see it differently, but I see it more as just.... things that happen to be bigger than us and while we can't exactly be *above* them machines are our way of navigating these things that just happen to be *bigger* than us. But yes indeed cool mercenary robot go boom boom, and zoom zoom. Mechs be methods of humans navigating hyperobject world, world is bigger than human therefore human must be bigger and tougher to maintain power.
The Collared ending? Basically the status quo kinda just endures. All the problems remain(hyperobjects included) humanity, that is the small chunk of it fortunate enough to live in the cradles, continue to exist in ignorance while the planet grows more toxic until the Kojima contamination reaches them pretty much.
Thanks so much for making interesting videos! Have not had time to play VI but it seems it stuck close to the formula of no faces, focus on the hyperobject, and looks like its a great game too.
Ideally yeah, though I need to finish my first big Gundam series, so it may take a while 😅. I am almost done playing all the FMs, i just might play the 1/2 remake or emulate them. I enjoy that series quite a bit. Battletech is tougher as I would need to sink my teeth in to really feel like I get it and represent what it does well, but i only played MW3 a very long time ago so I would need to do some more homework.
As I watched this again I wondered: Are LLMs (derogatory) hyperobjects? They do require virtually all of humanity's available text to be trained - and need an immense operational technology logistics chain for them to run.
I remember when I saw that AC 5 CG video back in 2011 and then saw the game itself and got pretty dissapointed because it doesn't look like the CG video, back then I wasn't aware of the differences between pre rendered and real time computer graphics.
Can't have giant robots without the hyperobject industrial complex If 360 era was the primordial age, what was 1997? The Big Bang? [ insert "back in my day"] I do like Vati, but FWIW never considered him the only this or that, so much as a particular style of narrator that usually sticks to a particular topic - there's always room for more perspective
Fair, I was worried about sticking too long on small stuff when I was trying to get the big picture idea going so I was more then likely flubbing some stuf.
@@argonbolt Yeah, no problem. Getting the numbers slightly wrong there didn't detract from the overall point, anyway. I know nothing about the Armored Core series, but I enjoyed your video a lot.
Gonna be honest, a lot of the philosophy of this video goes a tad over my head. But it was interesting regardless. However, I'm glad you enjoyed the Armored Core games either way. Although the dig at people who like Human Plus was a bit uneccesary.
A remix i made of "Bitches" by Louis Cole, had to add a faster drum and bass beat and smash it a bit so copyright didn't bork me. Go listen to the original it is a killer track.
Battletech was inspired by a lot more than just Dougram. They famously used a ton of mecha from Macross, and the Atlas was made by tracing over a Scopedog from Votoms.
Unpopular opinion: Maybe that whole section from 10:45 onto 22:09 should be its own video. I think it muddies the main idea behind the video, regarding the concept of the Hyperobjects and their relationship to the Armored Core franchise. Also, sorry for deleting the old comment, but I think it might have been a bit excessive content-wise. I would mention how, Gen 5 expands heavily on the themes and ideas presented in Gen 4, except in a more.... dispersed and unorganized way. Regarding 37:48, they don't really cheat. Those missions take place in the surface or in installations made on the surface of the planet by the corporations, and sometimes, said structure were actually repurposed by the corporations to further their own goals. Also, after investigating about the topic, the idea of the Hyperobjects seems to be sharing a lot of perspectives on the perception of reality as many eastern philosophies of thought, rather than the more occidental ones. In way it reminds a lot of Carl Jung's book: "The Secret of the Golden Flower" where he talked a lot about the differences of thought structure between the east and the west.
"But Argonbolt!" I ask, where does Daemon X Machina fit into this conversation? I played that game pretty passionately for a while because of its similarity to Armored Core, but it seems absent from the conversation. I can't help but notice how Femto from DxM and the fires of Rubicon are both this eerie, widespread fiery glow at the center of things. DxM clearly takes a lot of pointers from Armored Core, but now Armored Core seems to be drawing at least one visual cue from Daemon X Machina. It may be a thin read, a surface-level read, a cursory glance but I do have to wonder (aloud) if a conversation about mecha acting as bridge between meatfolk and Hyper Objects in Armored Core would benefit from looking at the only other game series that's tried to do the same exact thing. DxM prominently features a pilot that can undergo pretty extensive, Human Plus-style augmentations, too. In short, does Daemon X Machina tell us anything more about Armored Core's Hyper Objects as you argue in your essay?
Wait, are you telling me ML Sumika is inspired by AC Sumika? I never considered connecting the two outside of the name. Maybe I'm getting carried away by a shitpost...
Also, is that Silver Case OST I hear? You should write down the music used in your videos, people might discover something new and cool through it all.
you're a bit of a hater to the ds lore yt... which, as a massive mecha fan and ER lore nerd earns my sub, it's rare to come across someone who also sees the problem.
Oh no how dare someone get into a new series for there JOB how fucking dare they goddamn tOuRiSt. Tho that lying about og hardware this is fucking wierd.
Yikes, so hyper-pessimistic for the first 20 minutes it nearly turned me off watching the video. Only managed to push through because I watched your "ON ARMORED CORE 6: 1 MONTH AFTER 10 YEARS" video first and that was quite enjoyable. For what it's worth this video is otherwise very enjoyable, that intro is just yikes... almost sounds like parody of an angry fanboy tbh. I also find it interesting that you assume From Soft subconsciously made games about hyper-objects, as if it wasn't done deliberately? Sure the term "hyper-object" may not have existed at the time of AC1, but considering it's a throughline in most of their titles (not limited to AC imo) I'd argue it's like a pretty conscious decision.
you have the most annoying presentation of any youtuber ive ever seen and your delivery constantly comes off as condescending. but you introduce me to some really interesting ideas so thx
Before you even get to the point (if you bring it up) I really hate his bandwagoning (and a lot of souls creators) because VD came out between dark souls 1 and 2, and none of them said a PEEP about the game whatsoever, but now on a dime they're big FROM loyalist apparently who didn't give a shit about AC back then lol.
I'm not even a fromsoftware fan and never played any armored core games, i only like their trailers i find the disconnect between how cool and absolutely metal the trailers are and how kinda lame the games are in comparison or completely different in theme, hilarious. Dont even much like dark souls and i beat elden ring via massive cheesing. Anywho still hate vaatividya.
Could we get a credit for that fucking insane acid jazz piece playing over the montage at the end?! Please??
Argonbolt smashing the very good song "Bitches" by Louis Cole with rocks in a shed to a faster DnB sample to avoid copyright. The original is amazing.
@@argonbolt I recently got introduced to Louis Cole through Knower! I'm really digging your remix too! Do you have anywhere to listen to your stuff?
"Alright guys, I'm about to talk about Armored Core... but first, let me grind this axe right quick." 🤣
So happy that you decided to make a video that's not just retelling games for people who are to lazy to experience them themselves, but actually talking about the subject that might inspire more people to go ahead and experience them. You inspired me at least.
Honestly still wild to me how you sorta predicted one of the main themes in 6 (that I’ve personally discerned) with this video, that being mankind in conflict with an environment and situation they themselves created that has become bigger than them, and having to change and adapt in response to each other and their own past and circumstances. Apologies if I’m misunderstanding/misremembering anything I watched this video like 3 days ago and have really been ruminating on it since, it’s very satisfying to see someone analyze these games in a way that’s both novel and meaningful! I feel slightly less silly for having these sorts of thoughts about these games frankly constantly :V
I feel a bit inadequate in fully articulating a lot of what I feel is being said in 6 in particular so again sorry if my explanation of what I think you “predicted” is a bit too broad
The idea of AC being used as a mean to adapt rather than nessicarily up end hyper objects is a pretty interesting lens to view the franchise as a whole. Cool video as always
I will say though, if I see the face of a single pilot in AC VI, I may vomit
Hey I come from the future, not you're not gonna see the face of a single pilot in AC6
It never occurred to me that AC is truly, just about mecha.
Every mecha game and series ( most of them ) are more than mecha
@@dotmbarricade3424 I know. It's like a fish in water kind of thing.
Your point about new youtubers latching on to Armored Core (Vaatividya and Ziostorm and the like) hit me especially since I'm someone who started Armored Core in chronological order with my jailbroken PS3 (so I can play all the games in 1 box) in 2022. If I'm being honest, I played Armored Core 1, put it down, then played through the rest of the games once AC6 was announced as I got spurred on by the hype (so I'm not too different from the hangers-on I suppose.)
My point is that I noticed something that seems like contempt for the old fans coming from the new influx of people looking at AC6. I've seen YT comments saying that AC fans are being exclusionary and gatekeepy and any complaints or concerns about 6 (Souls-like lockon and rotating in place like a Souls character from the gameplay footage) from those fans are being dismissed with "It's been 9 years! Armored Core needed to change! It needs to appeal to a broader fanbase and that's good!" All of this is coming from what I imagine are Elden Ring fans who got into From Software with that game (not surprising, ER sold gangbusters and attracted a new fanbase who were dissuaded by DS's reputation for being "soooo hard!"). I'm seeing long-time AC fans have their franchise morph into a Souls-like and they're being drowned out by the larger Souls/Rings fanbase who want a game that appeals to them. Even as someone who also falls in the "new fan" category, I don't want to see Armored Core become Dark Souls, I'm sick of Souls-likes, I want From to keep the experiences of the 2 franchises seperate. When I want Souls, I'll play Souls. When I want, Armored Core, I'll play Armored Core. And I'm worried that AC6 would abandon longtime AC fans to chase the Elden Ring crowd, satisfying neither crowd.
That is a very well said and thought out comment. I agree it is difficult because at no point would I want people to say "New fans can't play AC", its a weird janky series that is kinda bullshit at points but i love it dearly. Ideally everyone should try to play it and do so in however works for them. But it is also true that FROM is in a pickle balancing a huge group of new fans who probably are not the niche mecha guys who have played it before. I kinda just hope VI is "Good" in a well rounded way that feels fun to play. My main annoyance is with vocal people who never had a genuine attachment shifting to it out of personal greed. It just feels gross.
Holyshit that cicada comparison killed me. Hella accurate.
While I found you to be a bit harsh on Vaati, the main point of this video is incredibly interesting, inspiring and well backed up. Excellent video overall, thank you for this work.
22 minutes in and MAN this has me hyped, as a 4th gen player in the 2010s this touches my heart. I always loved the megastructures in AC4 and 4A. There's a building in my home city that always reminded me of big box.
I would argue that 4/FA are the most blatantly philosophical out of the entire series; companies literally becoming governments, the names of Next pilots being "Links" (english: "Lynx") as in "links of a chain" with their overarching authority being "Collared"...not even subtle.
The centers of humanity's power condensing all the way from cities, to industrial complexes, into hyperobjects (Arms Forts) that have individuals as their nerves and tendons; Lynx pilots finally being powerful enough to become truly independent of the system that created them - the chain of evolution from Normals, from the long forgotten Dominants that were said to possess many of the same qualities, to the first ever Next...to a Link which had the capability to tear down the entire system and leave nothing in its wake.
One theory I have about the whole point of AC pilots fighting each other or attempting to defeat that damn gigantic entity is more of an evolutionary process of humans adapting to the hyperobject. The latter will remain forever or for a length of time beyond human comprehension obviously, but what happens is that all the other AC pilots attempt to survive their new cutthroat environment in their own ways, which will have to conflict with another AC pilot's way. Ultimately the player's victory in these scenarios is just the best attempt at living within the hyperobject relative to its own response mechanisms. Late 3rd gen kind of makes this whole thing the clearest with the Internecine: quite possibly the most hyper of hyperobjects in 3rd gen in general. By the time you get to any of the endings of LR, you're basically at a point where you're comparing evolutionary processes with either other humans who may or may not become less human (Evangel Pulverizer and maybe Final Zinaida because her bullshit can only be explained by some really boosted version of OP-Intensify) or the Internecine itself (Leviathans and Pulverizers). By the end of LR you are the last AC pilot standing, as in the only bridge to the hyperobject standing. It's a successful adaptation to the hyperobject, if not just for that very instance in time. You have the same thing going on with almost every AC game. It's a conflict of evolution.
anyway from one tough baby man to another tough baby man you did good now let's joust with our own hyperobjects with mine clearly being bigger than urs as the shockwaves of our duel cause soulsbabbies to analyze the fluids of our battle to see whether it can be connected to idk the adventures of cookie and cream or some shit i s2g i'm gonna dark slayer sword magic 2 their asses
Yeah the "Last Raven" is quite literally the last survivor in the hyperobject hell world of 3rd gen. A great interpretation.
less go, new Argonbolt Mech essay just dropped.
I'm as much a newbie to AC as any other fresh head as well as a bit green off a half-assed humanities degree (big on the Ace Combat train tho), tho I'll throw my two cents at the whole hyper object > mecha analogy. Since its more originally applied to counter Environmental Theory (which as far as a brief skim on Wikiped kinda separates Human Society as overcoming Nature), the use of hyper objects is actually more analogous to a "force of nature" or at least a force so strong that humans alone cannot possibly control it as they are. One could just as expand it that just theorizing about Hyper Objects places humanity in a much smaller, insignificant position, that comes with a lot of cosmic scale dis-empowerment (kinda like HP Lovecraft Eldritch being so beyond Human comprehension)
Now with mecha and to refashion the language, if the oppressive and barren landscape and the un-ending squabbling of the corporate power balance are treated as unchanging aspects of the world, than mechs as active particpants become Hyper SUBJECTS, since while they are "more than human", we still recognize Armored Cores as [us]. I'd have to do my own digging in post-construction theory since a lot of Continental Philosophy is baked in since ol' Decartes on just assuming "if you think, yes YOU exist, but you can't feel anyone else's thoughts, so everyone else is debatable, if not of existence or sentience then of agency and [human-ness]".
I'd reach further and say a lot of fiction that presents an over-whelming, all-encompassing entity that far out-lives/out-embodies "normal humans" could be coded as hyper objects in their fictional universes [Mythological Gods as creators of every aspect of the world and living outside of it, the presumption of a metaphysical nature to reality if not society, the belief of an upcoming inevitable singularity where AI will far out-pace and out-evolve humanity etc...], but also that calls on just as much a "hyperization" of power to change a "normal human" into something more: think demi-gods, superpowered heros, cyborg mercenaries, etc... where yes they become "less human" by gaining some power that changes them fundamentally, yet WE still empathize and treat these sorta characters as [One of Us].
(I'd also stretch further into real life for things like organized activist groups that while they effectively swallow up individuality to conform to a common goal, the members within still feel THEY are IN CONTROL within their own system).
Of course, a Fromsoft game with as depressingly cynical as it is, the hyper subject ultimately fails to overcome the hyper object, heavily contrasted with other, more hot-blooded/idealistic super robot type stories. But what truly seems to matter I think comes across more in gameplay, that despite you lacking "power" to change things, you, as a subject, still have the agency to try anyways.
my takeaway is that the hyperobject is the eldritch made manifest. the infinite and the divine made concrete by the physical forces of the cosmos or a mass of human though and effort. In my own writing, I unintentionally wrote about the consequences of an ambitious humanity messing with the hyperobject of the cosmos itself.
Why do I feel like we’re gonna get the mech economy sooner or later
The concept of the ACs existing as adaptation in order to better survive the inhospitable world of the hyperobject is really interesting, reminds me a great deal of a chapter from Shin Getter Robo (and adapted into New Getter) where Ryouma is sent into a future dominated by the Getter Rays to the point where all humans seemingly have become one with the getter machines, it sounds like the Getter Rays in general map pretty well to the concept of a hyperobject
These hyperobjects fit in neatly with the even larger scale concept of complex systems. Though I believe the hyperobject would continue to exist if the complex system it is a part of (or summarizes) dies by reaching equilibrium. We'd at the very least still count these corpses as objects, maybe only as part of a different greater hyperobject, it gets a little pointlessly semantic here.
Point being: the most interesting part of a complex system to me is that it is open, which means its agents can interact beyond the system. They can even leave. And I think when it comes to the feeling of powerlessness that being surrounded by hyperobjects may give, this objective fact that this is not a closed system remains like an opportunity. I don't believe triumph will ever take on the shape of expansion, being lasting or the successful subjugation of the ruling system. The last step, when it's not the system dying, is the relevant agent leaving. When we examine the language behind the notion of triumph, this seems accurate to me. It's all underpinned by a desire to escape influence (overcoming).
Really fascinating video. The idea of Hyper-Object really embodies something I've always thought about but never had the proper words for it. Its relation to Armored Core's world also helps explain what I've grown to like about it. I must sadly admit I'm one of those newbies who hasn't sat down to properly engage with the AC games but i look forward to AC6 and properly sitting down to try the older titles.
I'd give a more elaborate comment but I'm kinda bad and awkward with words so:
Hyper Objects big
Robot cool
Me like much thanks
The only reason I picked up a copy of Demon's Souls in 2009 was because I saw the Fromsoftware logo on it. I had followed the AC series since Project Phantasma and loved every title since. All that to say that I don't blame a man for jumping on the AC bandwagon just because it's a Fromsoftware game. I did the same thing with DS. Also, it's just cool to see the franchise getting a new title and lost of attention.
I appreciate the Vaati criticism here. The release of AC6 could've been the time for smaller AC channels to blow up, *cough* ArmoredCoreLore *cough* but Vaati had to take the spotlight for himself.
this channel is such a treasure trove, man
i found this channel through this amazing video and finding out you do other mecha content is such a blessing, especially since i've only started getting into gundam after not getting much about armored core in 2022
very cool Silver Case OST, wasn't expecting it but guess I started this game at the right time lol
the way these ideas get expanded on in armored core 6 is incredible- it *really* wants to drive home the point that armored cores as an adaptation to the vast scale of hyper objects are really just extensions of those objects themselves. even v.ii snail, who believes that he embodies the hyper object of arquebus, is disposable to his higher-ups within the corporation, everyone in this world only acting as a limb of the institutions which pay their checks and build their mechs. branch, the supposedly "free" mercenaries, only opened the doors for massive corporate destruction on rubicon, and ended up defeated at the hands of another mercenary who was just following orders. c4-621 themself of course also has a very heavy narrative about the illusion of freedom granted by the system, only ever able to chase other people's dreams, whether they're good or bad. 621 is probably my favorite video game protagonist period because of the conversations they invite about agency and individuals being exploited to further wars, which is a *really* good topic for a piece of art to tackle when you literally have certain real-life militaries using video games as recruitment tools.
you are quite literally enlightening. Your essays are a feast for my mind.
Haven't ever played a single armored core game, and still this video was fucking good. Good shit right here.
Been watching your videos here and there for the past couple of months, and I've been really enjoying your dives into Armored Core and other sci-fi. Now normally, I'd say that your opening here was too harsh. The problem is, I absolutely agree with everything you said and I'm tired of other channels keeping their analysis at the level of a middle schooler's book report. I hope that your channel, and others like it, will inspire more channels that aim for deeper discussions on what make our favorite stories special. There's clearly a market for it - I had watched another AC6 video essay some time ago which tried to express similar thematic touchstones (that is, the incomprehensible breadth of hyper objects to the human mind), but was held back by a very surface-level understanding of the series' writing. I hope that writer will see your essay, have some validation for being on the right track, and be encouraged to dig deeper!
Thank you for the kind words
Ive been yearning for a video like this, One of my favorites of your work so far.
having never gotten into the AC series before the new game, this video has single-handedly made me want to visit older editions to experience their stories. but also, you're clearly more qualified for narrative analysis than i am - as i'd be constantly distracted by the giant robots wheee.
Another Argonbolt banger just dropped, lets go boys!
People complaining about the controls jsut need to map the look functions to the face buttons and make it a psuedo second stick
There's a fan mod for a real dual analog. Why would you do this nonsense?
A friend sent me this vid over discord and now I feel like my brain is melting, 10/10 great vid
Hah! Ever since I saw that Armored Core V intro (and learned about the series's existence), I had hoped for some video like this to appear. Alas, the moment has come. Another wish fulfilled.
I am glad to see so many people enjoying this! I may try that mechanical design history AC vid yet...
@@argonboltAaron Beck's designs seem to have inspired a good chunk of the parts with strong KE defense in both of the Gen 5 games. It would make sense given the context of the videogames industry at the time when FS developed Gen 5, in an attempt to market to western audiences.
@@Th3_L30n That's an interesting idea I haven't really considered tbh
"IF YOU USE HUMAN PLUS TO BEAT AC YOU ARE WEAKKKKKKKK" Agree :D Also Peak video! I really enjoy this :D
perfect video, also, im always kinda hesitant to say anything about my distaste for vaati, because i understand that like, yea, he can write good, spin something into a more narrated, connected story,, and ppl crave that, soft asmr voice, emotional story that is "hidden" somewhat" i get it, but like, hes so fuxkin annoying and his videos are often so fuckin barebones in terms of actual nuance, idk why ppl praise him as some kinda "lorefix", explainer, he doesnt explain shit, there are so many great, better creators who connect the dots and speculate and talk about themes and overall narrativr, but i guess, thats more nerdy, thats not what ppl want, its not as engaging as " uuu so sad this person suffered u imma cry wow such deep", so yea, thanks for hatin on vaati lol, i loved the viddy soo much, i came from souls initially, and bloodborne might still be my favourite game, or like, on the same place with maybe 3 or 4 other, but i started playin ac like, 2 years ago, maybe 3, and i think its overall, my favourite series, this video solidifies many things i love about it so much
this video was uploaded today and I've already watched it in full twice.
great montage and honestly that might be the answer to the questions the hypothetical viewer has about the setting after everything else: "Just fight to become strongest tough baby robot man, it's cool '
Also I do feel guilty, Armored Core 1 was something played for a little before being thrown off by the controls (emulated, but i choose to stick to default controls) but maybe I should finally just re-bind a special setup for those earlier games. I might be someone riding off the hype of AC6, but I kinda did the same with Ace Combat after 7's announcement: played it as a kid, bounced off it, years later as an adult with money and resources I replay the games I know and discover the others. Hope the new Armored Core isn't another Ace Combat 7 situation
Seriously rebind the controls and Gen-1 is really fun as a simple arcade mecha game. It feels fun as hell and only the last mission of AC1 sucks so hard I remember it being bad. I also hope 6 is not AC7, but it looks promising so far.
Watched this video twice, and while I'm sure I've missed some details I want to articulate out my thoughts more for myself than anyone else.
I came across this channel because I've been researching mechs and mecha for my own mech game to understand what it needed to be. I've been researching big piloted robots for a long time, and I have half an idea what I'm talking about.
I think this idea of being the human core in a world that's too big to understand is what's at the core of the mecha genre. Gundam is about a new generation reaching their potential by evolving into new types with the power of giant robot lasers for example. I think it's at its most explicit in Daemon X Machina (DXM). It's not the best game and it's a mid-tier story, but the core idea is what I want to focus on. In DXM, the moon exploded, and suddenly people start randomly evolving into the next stage of human evolution called an "Outer". The outer is the person outside their Arsenal (DXM's word for a mecha and the equivalent of an AC) where even the terminology suggests that the Arsenal and Outer are two pieces of one whole, and each is lesser without the other. The Arsenal is a shell without the Outer, and the Outer dies to the red hot lead flying around the battlefield without the armored Arsenal. The two enter the new world after the MoonFall to create something new, possibly choosing to end all non Outer humans at the end.
It's something unique brought about by the remnants of Samurai culture in Japan, the fusion of the warrior and his weapon though mastery to the point where one can't tell where one ends and the other begins.
Mechs are different. Where a mecha is an extension of the pilot, or the body to the pilot's soul, the mech is a war machine. The mech is something like a fusion of jet fighter and main battle tank. It is a piece of equipment that is mass produced and built to fill a role on the battlefield, but is the king of all it surveys. Something big and heavy as opposed to how nimble some mecha can get. Unfortunately I can't point to any modern games to give an example of what this looks like. MechWarrior 3 & 4 are the best examples that I know. MW5 is trying to be an action wave extraction shooter and ends up having little identity of its own when taken in the context of the entire franchise. Frustration with MW5 was the primary driver for building my own project through, so perhaps I'm a little biased. I feel like Mech games are at their best when you're in a combined arms formation as the wrecking ball.
GG sim is actually one of the closest examples that I can give. You're not the next step in human evolution, you're the pilot of a very powerful war machine doing your best to direct recon assets while putting 120mm cannon shells downrange to break enemy formations. GHPC (a tank game based in the 1980s about a fictional Soviet invasion of western Europe) is in that same broad category.
I feel like 08th MS team is the one piece of non game fiction I could point to as being in the mech camp instead of the mecha camp.
I feel like The Revenge of Mecha is in this sort of middle ground between mech and mecha. Obviously Argon portrayed the Type-12 as a machine that could exist versus equipment that does exist in the real world, which is very much a point towards the mech camp. I'm going to say that the nature of the Type-12's ability to transform into a fixed wing aircraft and go back to being ground based isn't a point to either camp, even if basically all mecha have some ability to take flight and only a few mechs can. I'm also not going to count the fact that the franchise of GG originated in Japan as a point one way or another. But Argon definitely leaned into the idea that the soul of the Type-12 is its pilot. The example that comes to mind is the desert episode, the one where they were getting shelled every night by mortars and drones. The way that he described the anxious desperation to get to the Type-12 when they stumbled onto the enemy felt like he was out of his skin and desperate to get back into his mech like it was his own body. The way that setting leans into how big and complex the Hyperobject that is the world is compared to the pilot, makes me feel like Argon's OVA is probably mecha and not mech.
I may have more to say some day, but that's enough vomiting text onto the internet for now.
I really hope your channel blows up. We need people who are more "mecha-literate" to get out there now that AC is drawing attention to the genre.
Much appreciated
Good to see more videos from you, I really like them :>
Always happy to have people find and enjoy by stuf.
Speaking as somebody from the strictly Souls-side of that particular conversation, I do sympathize with the frustration of seeing people who've made their bread and butter on Soulsborne titles begin latching onto "the next Fromsoft thing". You're correct, it's the loyal fans who are responsible for making a continuation a possibility. I don't fault bandwagoners for it too much, it's a business decision and a guy's gotta eat. Though funnily enough there was another creator (Writing on Games) who made a video going through his own experience playing through the mainline titles not long before Vaati released his, and honestly the former is more insightful. I similarly get exasperated at thoughtless comments saying Armored Core needed to "evolve to get with the times"; I actually felt some disappointment that 6 is opting to make major adjustments that can be construed as taking inspiration from Souls. A part of me wished the two franchises would have zero comparison points between each other, just so I can witness Armored Core prove to be just as successful if only it had experienced the same watershed moment that grew into the accumulated renown of Souls. Still no patience though for those who claim 6 is no longer "Armored Core" for them, too many parallels to the ultimately meaningless argument about Monster Hunter's generational shift to World, or the revamp in gameplay from Guilty Gear's previous titles to Strive.
As for the actual meat of your video though, it was thoroughly provocative. I knew I was getting drawn to a certain aspect of this franchise upon learning of its existence and exploring further material, but at the time I can only word it as a desire to find meaning in a uncaring world. Turns out, you found the specific concept and wording for me. I'm even more excited for 6 now - hyperobjects are an ideal framework when considering what is known from previews and the recent story trailer: the idea that human and corporate conflict has extended to other planets, the ramifications of a valuable and sought-after resource, the potential attitudes of those who see you as not even man, but a literal product line within the military-industrial complex, and your Core being the only way you can perceive even a glimpse of this vast scale.
From the perspective of someone who played Armored Core 2 to death when I was a kid, Demons Souls was "the next Fromsoft thing." Just chill and enjoy it.
Still miss the oldschool turning and strafing mechanics. I deliberately missed Armored Core 4-5 because they sucked, and I picked up on 6 because it was informed by their experiences in making much higher quality Souls games. I like how they brought weight and gravity back into the series.
This video effectively reframed the three endings of AC6 for me.
Good video on Armored core. And yes machines have always been the way we interact with the wider world we call home, yet thinking about these hyperobjects and what they mean dosen't exactly change much in my mind. We've always dealt with things just *bigger* than ourselves for as long as we live; the movement of the earth, the processes of the atmosphere, the ocean itself. All of these being bigger than our own comprehension yet does it have to sound so oppressive? These things are just as much a part of our world as we are, we've interacted with them and used machines to better negotiate with these forces of nature on our own terms, we've even used these greater forces as power (hydroelectric, geothermal, Nuclear, solar). It could be that I just see it differently, but I see it more as just.... things that happen to be bigger than us and while we can't exactly be *above* them machines are our way of navigating these things that just happen to be *bigger* than us.
But yes indeed cool mercenary robot go boom boom, and zoom zoom. Mechs be methods of humans navigating hyperobject world, world is bigger than human therefore human must be bigger and tougher to maintain power.
Just finished the vid, this is pure brilliance
Allmind's goal makes more sense now.
This is really interesting to think about.
I am curious about what your take is on FA's destruction ending in relation to it would be.
The Collared ending? Basically the status quo kinda just endures. All the problems remain(hyperobjects included) humanity, that is the small chunk of it fortunate enough to live in the cradles, continue to exist in ignorance while the planet grows more toxic until the Kojima contamination reaches them pretty much.
@@argonbolt I meant the Old King ending, where strayed goes off to destroy all the remaining cradles.
@@Sable_Crow oh uh, you are the.biggest piece of crap ever, the end.
@@argonbolt LMFAO 😂
Thanks so much for making interesting videos! Have not had time to play VI but it seems it stuck close to the formula of no faces, focus on the hyperobject, and looks like its a great game too.
Never fail to impress buddy
Will you cover other mecha franchises too. Likw front mission, battletech soon
Ideally yeah, though I need to finish my first big Gundam series, so it may take a while 😅. I am almost done playing all the FMs, i just might play the 1/2 remake or emulate them. I enjoy that series quite a bit. Battletech is tougher as I would need to sink my teeth in to really feel like I get it and represent what it does well, but i only played MW3 a very long time ago so I would need to do some more homework.
Great video, I sorry it took me awhile to get to it. Keep up the good work
Great video man, got more out of it then i thought i would.
Always happy to make people think! Also very good SMT profile pick.
@@argonboltThanks Nocturne is a Oldie but a Goldie
As I watched this again I wondered: Are LLMs (derogatory) hyperobjects? They do require virtually all of humanity's available text to be trained - and need an immense operational technology logistics chain for them to run.
@@michaelberens2814 probably
this is why im subscribed
I remember when I saw that AC 5 CG video back in 2011 and then saw the game itself and got pretty dissapointed because it doesn't look like the CG video, back then I wasn't aware of the differences between pre rendered and real time computer graphics.
I had that same demo disc. Good times.
I just played Armored Core 2 once when I was ten or something how did I get here!?
Can't have giant robots without the hyperobject industrial complex
If 360 era was the primordial age, what was 1997? The Big Bang? [ insert "back in my day"]
I do like Vati, but FWIW never considered him the only this or that, so much as a particular style of narrator that usually sticks to a particular topic - there's always room for more perspective
This is my favorite video.
For answer OST is so good bro
24:04 Small nitpick, but the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, not 1991. In 1991 the Soviet Union dissolved.
Fair, I was worried about sticking too long on small stuff when I was trying to get the big picture idea going so I was more then likely flubbing some stuf.
@@argonbolt Yeah, no problem. Getting the numbers slightly wrong there didn't detract from the overall point, anyway.
I know nothing about the Armored Core series, but I enjoyed your video a lot.
You can’t keep uploading peak after peak like this - it’s inhuman! In all seriousness keep up the good work, you’re so genuinely a cut above the rest
i know this comment is 7 months late. but what is the Ost playing from 6:35 - 8:05 ?
Master of Arena intro theme
Gonna be honest, a lot of the philosophy of this video goes a tad over my head. But it was interesting regardless. However, I'm glad you enjoyed the Armored Core games either way.
Although the dig at people who like Human Plus was a bit uneccesary.
Another ArgonBolt W, great video man. What music did you use in the montage at the end?
A remix i made of "Bitches" by Louis Cole, had to add a faster drum and bass beat and smash it a bit so copyright didn't bork me. Go listen to the original it is a killer track.
This is a good video.
Battletech was inspired by a lot more than just Dougram. They famously used a ton of mecha from Macross, and the Atlas was made by tracing over a Scopedog from Votoms.
Yes the point was not "Only Dougram inspired Battletech", it was "Western and eastern sf(and mecha) are not really so separate as initially appear"
Got me saying yikes at attempts to start drama for 20 whole minutes
Unpopular opinion:
Maybe that whole section from 10:45 onto 22:09 should be its own video. I think it muddies the main idea behind the video, regarding the concept of the Hyperobjects and their relationship to the Armored Core franchise. Also, sorry for deleting the old comment, but I think it might have been a bit excessive content-wise. I would mention how, Gen 5 expands heavily on the themes and ideas presented in Gen 4, except in a more.... dispersed and unorganized way.
Regarding 37:48, they don't really cheat. Those missions take place in the surface or in installations made on the surface of the planet by the corporations, and sometimes, said structure were actually repurposed by the corporations to further their own goals. Also, after investigating about the topic, the idea of the Hyperobjects seems to be sharing a lot of perspectives on the perception of reality as many eastern philosophies of thought, rather than the more occidental ones. In way it reminds a lot of Carl Jung's book: "The Secret of the Golden Flower" where he talked a lot about the differences of thought structure between the east and the west.
AMOWED COWA
16:11 This!! Being lost in an alien, mysterious world is half the appeal of these games. Why do people ruin it for themselves?
"But Argonbolt!" I ask, where does Daemon X Machina fit into this conversation?
I played that game pretty passionately for a while because of its similarity to Armored Core, but it seems absent from the conversation. I can't help but notice how Femto from DxM and the fires of Rubicon are both this eerie, widespread fiery glow at the center of things. DxM clearly takes a lot of pointers from Armored Core, but now Armored Core seems to be drawing at least one visual cue from Daemon X Machina.
It may be a thin read, a surface-level read, a cursory glance but I do have to wonder (aloud) if a conversation about mecha acting as bridge between meatfolk and Hyper Objects in Armored Core would benefit from looking at the only other game series that's tried to do the same exact thing. DxM prominently features a pilot that can undergo pretty extensive, Human Plus-style augmentations, too.
In short, does Daemon X Machina tell us anything more about Armored Core's Hyper Objects as you argue in your essay?
Can't say have not played
YES YES YES YEAH WOHOOO LES GOOOO YEEEEE33EEEEEAGGG IM SO HAPPY HELLO THANK YOU
ty for bideo
Hey--I like AC. I could care if you know what less to say, any non-forum platform to get AC content is...nice. :p
omg are you a The Silver Case fan
Suda51 is the shiznit
came for your thoughts on armored core, stayed for you sh*tting on vaati lol
Evangel is definitely not the Dominant. jack-O in other hand.....
Perfect rose is Great aint it
Mean While "Old king"
Old King with the gasoline and matches in that neighborhood with the serial arsonist problem.
@argonbolt how else you gonna destroy Hyperoject destroy the participants in it
@@AORaiMechWork unfortunately killing all the people just kills the man made hyper objects, the natural ones remain as strong as ever.
Wait, are you telling me ML Sumika is inspired by AC Sumika? I never considered connecting the two outside of the name. Maybe I'm getting carried away by a shitpost...
Also, is that Silver Case OST I hear? You should write down the music used in your videos, people might discover something new and cool through it all.
you're a bit of a hater to the ds lore yt... which, as a massive mecha fan and ER lore nerd earns my sub, it's rare to come across someone who also sees the problem.
Oh no how dare someone get into a new series for there JOB how fucking dare they goddamn tOuRiSt.
Tho that lying about og hardware this is fucking wierd.
Dude I'm just trying to fall asleep stop making me think about politics 😭
to much time spent critiquing other and not getting to your own point, otherwise great work
petty
Yikes, so hyper-pessimistic for the first 20 minutes it nearly turned me off watching the video. Only managed to push through because I watched your "ON ARMORED CORE 6: 1 MONTH AFTER 10 YEARS" video first and that was quite enjoyable. For what it's worth this video is otherwise very enjoyable, that intro is just yikes... almost sounds like parody of an angry fanboy tbh. I also find it interesting that you assume From Soft subconsciously made games about hyper-objects, as if it wasn't done deliberately? Sure the term "hyper-object" may not have existed at the time of AC1, but considering it's a throughline in most of their titles (not limited to AC imo) I'd argue it's like a pretty conscious decision.
meant it more in the sense of explicitly "Hyper Objects" as a concept, obviously they were working on the vibes.
@@argonbolt Ahh for sure, fair enough. 🙌
@@argonboltwhat did you think of AC6? Did it carry the themes you laid out here?
you have the most annoying presentation of any youtuber ive ever seen and your delivery constantly comes off as condescending. but you introduce me to some really interesting ideas so thx
Ah yes, Armored Core, the greatest mecha game franchise ever crafted by human hands and 2nd only to Xenogears for my favorite thing of all time.
One of the greatest,but not the greatest
@@dotmbarricade3424 What do have in mind for what IS the greatest mecha game franchise?
All the homies hate vaatividya
Before you even get to the point (if you bring it up) I really hate his bandwagoning (and a lot of souls creators) because VD came out between dark souls 1 and 2, and none of them said a PEEP about the game whatsoever, but now on a dime they're big FROM loyalist apparently who didn't give a shit about AC back then lol.
@@MrTrayjenkinsso true , these fromsoftware fan boys are so cringe imo.
I'm not even a fromsoftware fan and never played any armored core games, i only like their trailers i find the disconnect between how cool and absolutely metal the trailers are and how kinda lame the games are in comparison or completely different in theme, hilarious.
Dont even much like dark souls and i beat elden ring via massive cheesing.
Anywho still hate vaatividya.
@@karambiatos mayb u should play one instead of running at the mouth tbh
@@MrTrayjenkins touchyyy... no i wont they look kinda crappy tbh and too anime...