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Armored Core:  Project Phantasma
Strategy Guide and AC listing.

Version 0.002

The most current version 
will always be at www.gamefaqs.com

Written by Cyber_Ant (cyber_ant@masakishrine.com)
http://members.xoom.com/cyber__ant/
http://www.netins.net/showcase/cyberant/

Last Updated: 6-3-00

History
-------

Version 0.002
6-3-00
- - - -
Fixed a few errors.
Revised it a little bit.
Added more complex ASCII Art.
Clarified a few things.
Added 8 more ACs.
Added a bit of strategy.

Version 0.001
5-23-00
- - - -
Started this.


Contents
--------
1. Intro
2. Gameplay
3. Personal Note
4. Classification
5. Generic Tactics
6. Heavy
7. Medium
8. Light
9. ACs
  9.1 My AC's
  9.2 GoldSaber's AC's
  9.3 Other AC's
10. Tag
11. How I lay the smack on Necron
12. Conclusion
13. Credits
14. Legal Disclaimer



1. Intro
--------
I really like armored core, and after seeing some
other faqs, I think some "facts" are opinions.
Just remember that skill is the absolute.
Fast, slow, weak, strong; it depends on your skill.
These are my strategies, develop your own; if mine
happen to fit your AC well, that's fine too.
Everything in here is my opinion, it works for me,
but it may not work for you, find your own balance
in your AC.

Note: When I say treds, I mean the ones called
      catapiller in the game.


2. Gameplay
-----------
I will assume that you have this game and know
how to play, I also think these strategies
will work on the other Armored Core games.


3. Personal Note
----------------
There is another FAQ that says speed is everything.
THIS IS FALSE!!
My AC is very slow, I use no plus's, and I have
beat everybody in the arena.  I have maxed armor,
and powerful weapons, it is not the weapons, it
is my ability in piloting a heavy AC.  I know the
extents and limits of what I am piloting, and I
have made several small tweaks along the way to
perfect it.  Near the end of this file I will list
all my ACs, and AC's that anyone sends in.


4. Classification
-----------------
My classifications are:

Heavy: Slow moving, usually with high armor; can't
       build one with the 4-leg type legs, they
       don't support much weight.  Maybe
       reverse-joint legs, mostly with tank treds
       and large humanoid legs.

Medium: Medium movement; usually medium with armor
        but not always; any legs; not usually treds,
        except the tank "hover" tred.

Light: Fast movement, usually with low armor.
       4-leg type legs and fast humanoid legs
       are the ones usually used, maybe reverse
       joint; but not treds or thicker legs.

I classify by speed, you can build a heavy with low
armor or light with medium armor, but it is not
possible to build with both incredable speed AND
incredable defense.  That's where skill comes in.
Your skill is the missing attribute.  With a heavy,
your skill makes up for the low speed; with a light,
it makes up for low strength or armor.


5. Generic Tactics
------------------
It is very helpful to learn to shoot at someone just
off the screen by learning to recognize the lock-on
tone; I like to circle enemy's by strafing with
L1/R1 and hitting the boost, I move left or right
at the same time to circle them.  The problem is they
aren't on the screen, so you have to tell when you
are locked on by sound.  This tactic can be very
effective, if you use treds or 4-leg type, you can't
hit boost; it may not really work with treds. A
heavy CAN do it, just can't sustain it as long.
You can use this easier with a sideway FCS if you
still want somewhat of a distance lock instead of
using a wide & shallow, but ifferent weapons have
more "area."

If you you are firing any energy type weapons,
remember to keep an eye on your energy gauge
becuase if you are boosting you will deplete it
alot quicker.

Airborne AC's more easily hit with missiles, as
there are no obstructions, and their anti-missile
laser can't shoot down the missile as easily.

Many missles work the best when shot from above;
no small bumps or the ground itself to hit.

Know thy foe.
Know thy self.


6. Heavy
--------
I am the best at heavy ACs, even when I try to make
a lighter one it winds up leaning twards heavy.
For one thing, heavier ones move slow.  Learn to
not use your boosters as long.  I use them enough
to dodge a large projectile and clear lower objects,
never to engage in prolonged aerial combat.  I found
out that if you DO NOT use the most powerful booster
and switch to a smaller one, you get more stamina;
too small and it doesn't work.  You are not fast
enough for any "guerilla" tactics, be prepared to
hold ground. Since I can support more weight, I like
to equip advanced weapons (the Karasawa, large missle,
other powerful weapons) becuase I will not equip weak
weapons if I can't move. I need to inflict more
damage than I recieve becuase I can't dodge smaller,
fast firing weapons.  Some people call the karasawa
and the like cheating; they are not fast, multiple
firing weapons, and they have lower ammo, so it makes
up for the power.  I also switch to the head with
the great radar so I have two back weapons, while
still having _some_ radar.


7. Medium
---------
I have built a couple different medium types.
You can use strategies from all catgories with
these.
If I stop in place and tap the boost so that
I jump, I get a lot of air and I can dodge a
few things this way; if I boost right before
I lose momentum at the top of the jump, I get
a lot more air time during a boost.


8. Light
--------
I have practiced with these a bit more, I have a
couple different kinds but I am no expert.
The 4-leg type legs seem to work well with energy
weapons, as I do get some high speed and a smooth
ride without using any energy.
One tactic that I like to use, is to boost high
and rain fire down upon them; REMEMBER, if they
have missles they tend to hit you easier when
you're airborne.


9. ACs
---------
This list is to give an example of an AC, or to
show off your latest creation. For anyone that
cares to send me theirs, give me all the info
here and a description on how you use it,
I will include it word for word with your name
and add your name to a contributer list at the
bottom.
(I use Necron as a way to check performance,
so that's why I always refer to him.)

9.1 My AC's
- - - - - -
These all belong to me, go ahead and use them
if you want.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cy-Ant I
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XCH-01
arms=           AN-3001
legs=           LN-3001C
generator=      GBG-XR
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-P351
b.wpnL=         WM-SMSS24
b.wpnR=         WM-AT
armwpnL=        LS-99-MOONLIGHT
armwpnR=        WG-1-KARASAWA

options=
                SP-MAW -in arena and 2player battles
                        I use SP-M/AUTO
                SP-JAM
                SP-ABS
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH
                SP-E+

Overall=        30,324 Superfine
AP=             9,668
Weight=         10,328
Price=          1,131,300

This my original AC, I built up to this, and it
worked real well.
It is now retired, as I modified it to increase
it's capabilities.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cy-Ant II through Cy-Ant VI were never kept,
a couple were prototypes. Cy-Ant II used 4-leg type
legs; but it had no balance. It's energy ran out
too fast becuase of the cannons it had; it confused
my friend with the multiple explosions, but once he
knew what hit him he would dodge it.  The others
ethier never got off the ground, or they were used
for "tag" described in the section below.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cy-Ant VII
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XCH-01
arms=           AN-25
legs=           LN-3001C
generator=      GBX-XL
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-T2
b.wpnL=         WM-SMSS24
b.wpnR=         WM-AT
armwpnL=        LS-99-MOONLIGHT
armwpnR=        WG-1-KARASAWA

options=
                SP-MAW -in arena and 2player battles
                        I use SP-M/AUTO
                SP-JAM
                SP-ABS
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH
                SP-E+

Overall=        29,080 Superfine
AP=             9,559
Weight=         10,039
Price=          1,209,200

My improved Cy-Ant I, note the arms, they are
lighter so I could get the biggest engine, the
boosters are a lower model, but with more
engine power, and less consumption, I get alot
more boost than before.  Perfect.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cy-Ant VIII I don't have saved anymore, it might
be on a friends memory card.  It was a medium
AC with reverse joint legs and a machine gun,
I liked it but didn't have a lot of skill with
it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cy-Ant IX
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XCH-01
arms=           AN-3001
legs=           LC-MOS18
generator=      GBX-XL
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        none, I used treds.
b.wpnL=         WC-GN230
b.wpnR=         WM-AT
armwpnL=        LS-99-MOONLIGHT
armwpnR=        WG-XFPPK

options=
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH

Overall=        31,172 Superfine
AP=             9,619
Weight=         11,685
Price=          1,140,100

This model has large tank treds, a grenade launcher,
large missile, and a gun similer to the Karasawa.
It is VERY slow, and I like to pilot it more for
fun than anything else.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cy-Ant X
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA-SO
arms=           AN-25
legs=           LBKS-2B45A or LN-501
generator=      GBG-XR
FCS=            FBMB-18X
booster=        B-T2
b.wpnL=         WM-X201
b.wpnR=         none
armwpnL=        LS-3303
armwpnR=        WG-RFM118

options=
                SP-MAW
                SP-JAM
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-CND-K
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR

Overall=        17,922 Fine
AP=             8,348
Weight=         6,426
Price=          850,150

I decided to try my hand at making a light AC.
It turned out well, I tested it in a fight with
Necron, I won 2 out of 4 times. I haven't fully
tested it, but it is promising. It is the last
of the Cy-Ant series. I am not good enough with
light ACs so I have trouble beating ACs like
Tiamat.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cy-Ant Omega
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AN-25
legs=           LNKS-1B46J
generator=      GBX-TC
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-T2
b.wpnL=         WM-SMSS24
b.wpnR=         WM-AT
armwpnL=        LS-99-MOONLIGHT
armwpnR=        WG-RFM118

options=
                SP-MAW
                SP-JAM
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-CND-K
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH

Overall=        29,442 Superfine
AP=             8,405
Weight=         9,095
Price=          1,182,800

This is an overhualed version of my Cy-Ant VII.
I do not actually classify it within the rest
of the Cy-Ant ACs, as it is my ultimate AC.
The engine has a large red zone, since the
boost meter is depleted a lot slower in the
redzone, I get a lot more boost; enough to
allow me to fly higher and farther than any
other big AC I have made. It can stay airborne
longer than my quad leg ones. The body is modified
to be a tad lighter, allowing more boosting ability.
Built more for the arena, it still works well
in many missions.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
InseKiK I
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AN-25
legs=           LN-D-8000R
generator=      GBX-XL
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-T2
b.wpns=         WX-S800-GF
armwpnL=        none
armwpnR=        WG-RFM118

options=
                SP-MAW
                SP-JAM
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-CND-K
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR

Overall=        15,644 Fine
AP=             8,149
Weight=         7,058
Price=          901,600

The first in my next group of ACs is the InseKiK I.
I decided to go for the unusual with this one,
the result blew me away when I found out that I
could wage an almost totally offensive battle
against Necron with it.
I am not good enough with it to beat some of the other
ACs in Arena Mode.
This AC was built only for duels.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
InseKiK II
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AN-25
legs=           LN-D-8000R
generator=      GBX-XL
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-T2
b.wpnL=         WM-X201
b.wpnR=         M11A8-TD
armwpnL=        none
armwpnR=        WG-RFM118

options=
                SP-MAW
                SP-JAM
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-CND-K
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR

Overall=        15,504 Fine
AP=             8,149
Weight=         7,123
Price=          969,250

This is a modification of the Cy-Ant X, used
bigger legs so I could carry a magazine as well.
I can do pretty good with it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
InseKiK III
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AW-30/3
legs=           LF-205-SF
generator=      GBX-XL
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-T2
b.wpnL=         WC-01QC
b.wpnR=         WC-IR24
armwpnL=        N/A
armwpnR=        N/A

options=
                SP-JAM
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH
                SP-E+
                SP-DEhf

Overall=        20,332 Great
AP=             6,320
Weight=         5,575
Price=          1,008,200

I built this one so I could use the laser cannon
while moving, and so I could move a a decent
speed without boosting.  I can do ok with it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
InseKiK IV
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AW-30/3
legs=           LF-DEX-1
generator=      GBX-XL
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-T2
b.wpnL=         WC-GN230
b.wpnR=         WC-IR24
armwpnL=        N/A
armwpnR=        N/A

options=
                SP-JAM
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH
                SP-E+
                SP-DEhf

Overall=        21,282 Great
AP=             6,658
Weight=         7,045
Price=          1,040,300

Modification of the InseKiK III to hold a grenade
launcher. Used to fire either the Grenade Launcher
or the Laser Canon while moving. Used for Arena
only.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
InseKiK V
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AN-25
legs=           LFH-X3
generator=      GBG-XR
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-T2
b.wpns=         WX-S800-GF
armwpnL=        none
armwpnR=        WG-XP1000

options=
                SP-MAW
                SP-JAM
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-CND-K
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH

Overall=        16,465 Fine
AP=             7,717
Weight=         6,185
Price=          821,600

Dual missiles on a 4-leg type was just something
that I wanted to try.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

9.2 GoldSaber's AC's
- - - - - - - - - - -
These all belong to GoldSaber(goldsaber@saiyan.com).
He has more, but he cheats with GameShark.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Terra T
constructed by GoldSaber(goldsaber@saiyan.com)
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AN-25
legs=           LB-4401
generator=      GBG-XR
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-P351
b.wpnL=         M11A8-TD
b.wpnR=         WM-SMSS24
armwpnL=        LS-99-MOONLIGHT
armwpnR=        WG-RFM118

options=
                SP-JAM
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH
                SP-E+
                SP-DEHF

Overall=        19,977 Fine
AP=             8,427
Weight=         7,408
Price=          996,100

GoldSaber's AC
Used to fire at an airborne enemy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Terra X
constructed by GoldSaber(goldsaber@saiyan.com)
head=           HD-06-RADAR
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AN-25
legs=           LN-3001C
generator=      GBX-XL
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-P351
b.wpns=         WX-S800-GF
armwpnL=        LS-99-MOONLIGHT
armwpnR=        WG-1-KARASAWA

options=
                SP-JAM
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH
                SP-E+
                SP-DEHF

Overall=        19,766 Fine
AP=             8,594
Weight=         9,037
Price=          967,7000

GoldSaber's AC.
Best of his Terra series, with it's fire power it
can beat Necron with ease.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

9.3 Other AC's
- - - - - - - -
ACs submitted by other people.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(untitled)
constructed by HP930@aol.com
head=           HD-G780
core=           XXA_SO
arms=           AN-863-B
legs=           LN-3001C
generator=      GBG-XR
FCS=            TRYX-QUAD
booster=        B-P351
b.wpnL=         WM-AT
b.wpnR=         WC-GN230
armwpnL=        LS-99-MOONLIGHT
armwpnR=        WG-PB26

options=
                SP-MAW
                SP-JAM
                SP-M/AUTO
                SP-ABS
                SP-SAP
                SP-CND-K
                SP-AXL
                SP-S/SCR
                SP-E/SCR
                SP-EH

Overall=        34,113 SuperFine
AP=             8,812
Weight=         10,346
Price=          1,222,100

Large AC with both a handheld Grenade Launcher
and the shoulder mounted one. The other back
weapon is the most powerful large missile in
the game.  Anybody used to piloting a heavy type
and using these kind of weapons would do real
well.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


10. Tag
-------
Me and GoldSaber decided to make a fast, light AC
with lots of boost, and the hand gun with short
range and lots of ammo and the best radar as a
back weapon.  We would designate one of us as "it"
and proceed to get a hit on the other to make them
it.  We found it plenty fun as you need to just
nick them to make them it. I will post my tag AC
once I remeber it, I will list GoldSaber's as well.


11. How I lay the smack on Necron
---------------------------------
I use my Cy-Ant I, Cy-Ant VII, or Cy-Ant Omega.
1. I switch to my Large Missile.
2. He flys, jumps, and runs around firing his
 grenade launcher.
3. I boost left and right to dodge his shots
 while keeping him in my sights, my auto
 launcher keeps a steady supply of large
 missiles.
4. When I run out I switch to my small missiles.
5. When he runs out he starts using his machine
 gun while moving.
6. I then switch to my gun and start blasting
 while circling with boost and just plain
 moving period.
7. If I run out I switch back to small missiles.

I sometimes use small missiles for step 1, and
my Large Missle for step 4 or if he goes behind
something relativly thin.  I put this here not
to brag, as many people have beat him, but to
give someone an idea as to how you might beat
someone if you had no clue. And I guess to prove
that a slow AC DOES work if you can use it well.


12. Conclusion
--------------
I hope this helps, if it does great, if it
doesn't, maybe it gave you an idea.


13. Credits
-----------
GoldSaber (goldsaber@saiyen.com)
          (members.xoom.com/goldsaber_/)
     -for the tag mode and the battles.

From Software (www.fromsoftware.co.jp)
     -for making this fine game.

GameFAQs (www.gamefaqs.com)
     -for hosting this file.

Wojciech Migda (cooker@v-lo.krakow.pl)
               (www.v-lo.krakow.pl/~cooker/)
     -for his GFX2ASC program so I could
      make the ascii at the top.

People that have submitted ACs:
     -HP930@aol.com


14. Legal Disclaimer
--------------------
Copyright 2000 Cyber_Ant (cyber_ant@masakishrine.com)
If you want to distribute or post this FAQ, go ahead,
but you MUST keep it completely unmodified and intact.
If any money is to be made involving this document,
you are required to contact me and seek my permission,
this includes selling a CD with this on it. Any
selling of this alone is prohibited.