|
[[Jainism]] is considered by many a reformist movement that is a part of [[Hinduism]].<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Encyclopædia Britannica|title=Hinduism|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9034/|quote=Jainism which always remained an Indian religion, Hinduism has so much in common, especially in social institutions and ritual life, that nowadays Hindus tend to consider it a Hindu sect. Many Jains also are inclined to fraternization}}</ref> Many others regard it as a separate religion.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Encyclopædia Britannica|title=Jainism|quote=Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, it is one of the three most ancient Indian religious traditions still in existence. ...While often employing concepts shared with Hinduism and Buddhism, the result of a common cultural and linguistic background, the Jain tradition must be regarded as an independent phenomenon. It is an integral part of South Asian religious belief and practice, but it is not a Hindu sect or Buddhist heresy, as earlier scholars believed|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9105858/}}</ref> However, in 2006 the Supreme Court of India gave a rest to the diversity of contemplations in a judgment where it opined that "Jain Religion is indisputably not a part of Hindu Religion".
{{references}}
'''''Armored Core''''' is a [[mecha]]-based [[video game]] series for the [[PlayStation Portable]], [[PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]] and [[Mobile Phone]] platforms. An [[original video animation|OVA]] entitled ''Armored Core: Fort Tower Song'' is also in production scheduled for release in 2007.
== The Constitution of India ==
==Armored Core games==
===PlayStation===
* ''[[Armored Core (game)|Armored Core]]''
* ''[[Armored Core: Project Phantasma]]''
* ''[[Armored Core: Master of Arena]]''
According to some legal professionals, Article 25 in the [[Constitution of India]] most clearly recognizes Jainism as a religion, [[inter alia]]:
===PlayStation 2===
* ''[[Armored Core 2]]''
* ''[[Armored Core 2: Another Age]]''
* ''[[Armored Core 3]]''
* ''[[Silent Line: Armored Core]]''
* ''[[Armored Core: Nexus]]''
* ''[[Armored Core: Nine Breaker]]''
* ''[[Armored Core: Formula Front]]''
* ''[[Armored Core: Last Raven]]''
{{cquote|(2)(b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus.}}
===PlayStation 3===
* ''[[Armored Core 4]]'' (In development, [[2006]])
In sub-clause (b) of clause (2), the reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jain or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly.
===Xbox 360===
* ''[[Armored Core 4]]'' (In development, ''Delayed'')
Some believe that this article makes it clear that the Constitution framers were aware of the distinct status of Jain religion, inter alia. Further, it is not logical to deduce from this explanation that Jainism is, inter alia, a part of Hinduism. There are many laws which state that a reference to a "male" would include a reference to a "female"<ref>Section 8 of the Indian Penal Code states: "''8.Gender—The pronoun "he" and its derivatives are used of any person, whether male or female.''"</ref>.
===PlayStation Portable===
* ''[[Armored Core: Formula Front]]''
* ''Armored Core: Formula Front Extreme Battle'' (U.S. only)
* ''Armored Core: Formula Front International'' (Japan only)
==The Bal Patil Judgment==
===Mobile Phone===
* ''Armored Core: Mobile Mission'' (Japan only)
* ''Armored Core: Mobile 2'' (Japan only)
* ''Armored Core: Mobile Online'' (Japan only)
In 2005, the [[Supreme Court of India]] declined to issue a writ of Mandamus towards granting Jains the status of a religious minority throughout India. The Court however left it to the respective States to decide on the minority status of Jain religion<ref>http://judis.nic.in/supremecourt/qrydisp.asp?tfnm=27098</ref>
===OVA===
* ''[[Armored Core: Fort Tower Song]]'' [http://www.aniplex.co.jp/AC/]
In the judgment, the Supreme Court opined<ref>[[Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics]] Vol. 7 pg. 465; 2) History of Jains by A. K. Roy pgs. 5 to 23; and Vinoba Sahitya Vol. 7 pg. 271 to 284]." [para 31 of the Bal Patil Judgment]</ref>
==Description==
{{cquote|Thus, 'Hinduism' can be called a general religion and common faith of India whereas 'Jainism' is a special religion formed on the basis of quintessence of Hindu religion. Jainism places greater emphasis on non-violence ('[[Ahimsa]]') and compassion ('[[Karuna]]'). Their only difference from Hindus is that Jains do not believe in any creator like God but worship only the perfect human-being whom they called [[Tirthankar]]. Lord [[Mahavir]] was one in the generation of Thirthankars. The Tirathankars are embodiments of perfect human-beings who have achieved human excellence at mental and physical levels. In philosophical sense, Jainism is a reformist movement amongst Hindus like [[Brahmo Samaj|Brahamsamajis]], [[Arya Samaj|Aryasamajis]] and [[Lingayatism|Lingayats]]. The three main principles of Jainism are Ahimsa, Anekantvad and Aparigrah.}}
The Supreme Court also noted<ref>[para 7 of the Bal Patil Judgment]</ref>: " ... that the State Governments of [[Chhatisgarh]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Uttarakhand]] have already notified Jains as 'minority' in accordance with the provisions of the respective State Minority Commissions Act."
''Armored Core'' games are [[third-person shooter]]s, in which the player pilots a large mecha called an '''Armored Core''', or '''AC''' for short. The player builds their AC from parts that can be bought from a shop, found in missions or by fulfilling certain requirements.
This cast a doubt on the independent standing of Jain religion. Scholars in the Jain tradition, as well as several groups amongst the Jain community protested, and emphasised that Jain religion stands as a religion in its own right. While Hinduism as a mode of living, and as a culture is to be found across various religions in India because of several common customs, traditions and practices, but as religions Hindu religion and Jain religion are distinct.
Typically, in each game, the player is a 'Raven', a member of a [[mercenary]] organization, and is hired by corporations to do various missions.
=== Criticism of the Supreme Court's Decision in Bal Patil's Case ===
==Muscle Tracer (MT)==
[[Image:Illustration_16.jpg|thumb|right|The Scimitar MT]]
The Muscle Tracer (MT) is the precursor to the Armored Core. MTs are the most frequent enemies in the series, aside from other ACs. They come in various varieties, such as mobile gun turrets, powered suits, tank-like quadrupeds, and much more. Some MTs even resemble Armored Cores.
In para 27 of the Bal Patil Case quoted above the Supreme Court noted:
Certain variations of MTs are transformable, such as the Scimitar MT from [[Armored Core: Project Phantasma]], which has the capability to transform from a bipedal unit with a large top to a very fast and agile hit-and-run fighter. It appears in [[Armored Core: Project Phantasma]] and [[Armored Core: Nexus]] (REVOLUTION disc). The Scimitar MT possesses moderate weapons capabilities, though a squad or two of the Scimitar can easily destroy an unwary Armored Core.
{{cquote|Sikhs and Jains, in fact, have throughout been treated as part of the wider Hindu community which has different sects, sub-sects, faiths, modes of worship and religious philosophies. In various codified customary laws like Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act and other laws of pre and post-Constitution period, definition of 'Hindu' included all sects, sub-sects of Hindu religions including Sikhs and Jains}}.
They are always [[non-player character]]s, though in some games MTs accompany the player's AC as friendly support. MTs are mainly used by the corporations to resolve disputes without dealing with the Ravens or their "dispute resolution" organizations (Raven's Nest, Nerves Concord, Global Cortex, Raven's Ark), although MTs have been used by artificial intelligences as well.
With deference to the Supreme Court, the observtion of amounts to deciding an issue which may not be completely supported by the provision of laws which are intended to support it.
==Cored MT Unit (Armored Core)==
A section of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (25 of 1955) states:
The full name for a Muscle Tracer that is not mass-produced as a single unit in bulk, '''Cored MT Units''' are much more powerful than their counterparts and are built differently. Instead of a single set of parts being used, and different models of the MT being built, an Armored Core is built from several different interchangeable parts, to allow maximum customization by their pilots. Some Armored Cores have also been custom made, and the corporations have not reproduced their parts (with the exception of Stinger, whose AC, Vixen, received special treatment; its parts were released to the public for Ravens to purchase).
{{cquote|<pre>
2. Application of Act.
(1) This Act applies
(a) To any person who is a Hindu by religion in any of its forms or
developments, including a Virashaiva, a Lingayat or a follower of
the Brahmo, Prarthana or Arya Samaj,
(b) To any person who is a Buddhist, Jaina or Sikh by religion, and
(c) To any other person domiciled in the territories to which this Act
extends who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew by religion,
unless it is proved that any such person would not have been governed
by the Hindu law or by any custom or usage as part of that law in
respect of any of the matters dealt with herein if this Act had not
been passed.
Explanation. The following persons are Hindus, Buddhists, Jainas or Sikhs by
==Anatomy of an AC==
religion, as the case may be:
The structure of an AC is standardized and modular, consisting of a number of parts which are fitted together in the AC Garage. Radiators, inside parts, extension parts, and hovering legs are found only in ''[[Armored Core 2]]'' and subsequent games.
(a) Any child, legitimate or illegitimate, both of whose parents are Hindus,
Buddhists, Jainas or Sikhs by religion;
(b) Any child, legitimate or illegitimate, one of whose parents a Hindu,
Buddhist, Jaina or Sikh by religion and who is brought up as a member of
the tribe. community, group or family to which such parent belongs or
belonged; and
(c) Any person who is a convert or re-convert to the Hindu, Buddhist, Jaina
or Sikh religion.
</pre>
}}
Thus, the Hindu Marriage Act refers to Hindu as a religion and finds [[Virashaiva]]s, [[Lingayat]]s, [[Brahmo Samaj|Brahmo]], [[Prarthana Samaj|Prarthana]] or [[Arya Samaj]] as "forms or developments" of Hindu religion. It uses the term "religion" for [[Muslim]], [[Christian]], [[Parsi]] and [[Jew]]ish faiths. It then, in the Explanation, intends to treat Jainism as a "religion" along with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism and there is a clear and marked distinction of approach, since the two phrases "religion" and "forms or developments" have been carefully chosen to give the intended effect.
===Required Parts===
The Hindu Succession Act 1956 (30 of 1956), The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act 1956 (32 of 1956) and The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956 (78 of 1956) are on similar lines as The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 stated above. Hinduism is treated as religion and Virashaiva, Lingayat, Brahmo, Prarthana or Arya Samaj as Hindu religion's "forms or developments".
An AC ''must'' have all of these parts in order to function, or it will be declared incomplete.
The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 (32 of 1956) further states in sub-clause 3 of Section 3:
====Head====
{{cquote|The expression "Hindu" in any provision of this Act shall be construed as if it included a person who, though not a Hindu by religion, is, nevertheless, a person to whom this Act applies by virtue of the provisions contained in this section.}}
According to some legal professionals, this sub-clause enunciates the spirit of the Act, holding that only for the purposes of reference, a person though ''Not Hindu by religion'', would be construed as a Hindu for the purposes of this Act.
Contains visual sensors. May also contain radar and computing equipment. Some heads are better armoured than others, but at the cost of lacking extra sensor equipment. The radar and sensor equipment is broken down into several categories including Bio-Sensor, Noise Canceller, Night Vision, Missile Sensor and Auto-Map.
The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956 (78 of 1956) states in sub-clause (bb) of the Explanation:
In ''Armored Core: Nexus'' onward, the stability of the head is now factored in when determining the stability of an AC, whereas traditionally it had only been affected by the legs and optional parts. Light ACs and others with weak stability generally tend to stick to the few heads with high stability, while heavier ACs can use heavier heads with weaker stability stats.
{{cquote|Any child, legitimate or illegitimate, who has been abandoned both by his father and mother or whose parentage is not known and who in either case is brought up as a Hindu, Buddhist, Jaina or Sikh}}
It notes that a child brought up in Hindu or Jaina faith would be treated belonging to the Hindu or Jaina religion respectively. Some legal experts argue that if Jaina was only a sub-sect or a "form or development" of Hinduism, how could a child brought under the Jaina way, not be belonging to the Hindu religion. This illustration would show that the bringing up of a child under the Hindu way would certainly be different from the Jaina way, or so the legislature had intended.
* '''Auto-Map''': allows a player to check the map screen of the game and see the whole area map of a mission. Heads without the Auto-Map function can only see a limited portion of the area.
* '''Bio-Sensor''': allows an AC to detect and target biological organisms, which appear in many of the games.
* '''Missile Sensor''': detects incoming missiles on the radar screen so that a player has the chance to dodge them before they hit. If a head has a radar but no Missile Sensor, the ability can be supplemented by an Optional Part providing this ability or a radar unit equipped with the sensor.
* '''Noise Canceller''' (''Armored Core'' - ''Silent Line: Armored Core''): appeared in previous games and was a prelude to ''Nexus'' 's 'vs ECM'. It helps an AC recover from electronic interference.
* '''Night Vision''' (''Armored Core: Nexus'' onward): Night Vision initiates automatically and lights up an area that would otherwise be too dark to see anything. It is akin to modern [[night vision]] goggles and cameras.
* '''Vs. ECM''' (''Armored Core: Nexus'' onward): reflects the ability of the AC to counter high levels of electronic interference. These may be the result of ECM pods used by an arena opponent or of mission-specific environmental hazards. Back radars, FCS systems, and optional parts can boost this level higher.
==U.P. Basic Shiksha Parishad Judgment==
====Core====
In 2006, the Supreme Court opined that "Jain Religion is indisputably is not a part of Hindu Religion"<ref name="judis_basic_shiksha">(para 25, Committee of Management Kanya Junior High School Bal Vidya Mandir, Etah, U.P. v. Sachiv, U.P. Basic Shiksha Parishad, Allahabad, U.P. and Ors., Per Dalveer Bhandari J., Civil Appeal No. 9595 of 2003, decided On: 21.08.2006, Supreme Court of India) [http://judis.nic.in/supremecourt/qrydisp.asp?tfnm=27962]</ref>.
The 'torso' of the mech. It is the 'armored core' from which the mech and the game series take their name. The human pilot sits inside the core.
=== Illustrations noted by the Supreme Court ===
Cores come in different weights to suit different styles of robot; the lighter ones are less well protected but more suitable for more mobile ACs. Similarly, there are highly defensive heavyweight cores.
Jainism and Other Religions: Illustrations noted by Supreme Court of India in the U.P. Basic Shiksha Parishad Judgment<ref name="judis_basic_shiksha"/> (the para numbers refer to the paragraphs in the Judgment):
====Jawaharlal Nehru====
Cores contain a number of slots into which Optional Parts can be placed to improve its operation. Also, some cores have built-in anti-missile systems.
10.1 On September 3, 1949, while addressing a public meeting at [[Allahabad]], the first Prime Minister of India, Shri [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] said<ref>Jawaharlal Nehru's speech reported in the English daily newspaper ''The Statesman'' dated September 5, 1949</ref>:
As the series has progressed, new features for cores have appeared:
{{cquote|No doubt India has a vast majority of Hindus, but they could not forget the fact that there were also minorities - Muslims, Parsis, Christians, Sikhs and Jains. If India was understood as a Hindu Rashtra, it meant that the minorities were not cent percent citizens of this country.}}
* '''Overboost''' (''Armored Core 2'' onward): a high powered booster system that operates in combination with the external or leg based booster of an AC. When activated, it allows the player's AC to move at amazingly high speeds, but can only be used to move forward, left, right, or diagonally left or right at a forward angle, backward movement is impossible. While it offers a tremendous amount of extra speed, Overboosting both drains energy very quickly and causes a massive increase in the core's heat level when initially used. These two factors heavily limit the amount of time an Overboost function can be used.
The said speech can be considered as a clarification on Article 25 of the Constitution of India.
* '''Exceed Orbit''' (''Armored Core 3'' onward): Exceed Orbit (EO) cores contain one or more orbital pods that can be deployed to hover above the AC and retracted at will. They automatically target and shoot enemies. The rate of fire, power, and field of vision for EO pods varies from model to model. For EO pods with energy weapons, the ammunition supply gradually regenerates when not in use. Two important factors that limit Exceed Orbit usage are the small amounts of added heat that occur whenever an EO pod is deployed, as well as the energy drain from the pod firing. EO Cores with solid ammo do not suffer from an energy drain while firing but their ammo cannot be replenished once depleted.
10.2 On January 31, 1950, the PPS to the then Prime Minister of India sent a letter to the Jain Deputation on behalf of the then Prime Minister, which reads as under:
* '''Hanger Unit''' (''Armored Core: Nexus'' onward): any core with this unit can hold one spare piece of equipment for each hand. Only small devices can be stored inside this unit, for example, a hand gun or an energy shield generator. Some cores are equipped with both Overboost and Hanger functions but there are no Exceed Orbit cores with Hangers.
{{cquote|With reference to the deputation of certain representatives of the Jains, who met the Prime Minister on the 25 January, 1950, I am desired to say that there is no cause whatever for the Jains to have any apprehensions regarding the future of their religion and community. Your deputation drew attention to Article 25, explanation II of the Constitution. This explanation only lays down a rule of construction for the limited purpose of the provision in the article and as you will notice, it mentions not only of Jains but also Buddhists and the Sikhs. It is clear therefore, there is no reason for thinking that Jains are considered as Hindus. It is true that Jains in some ways closely linked to Hindus and have many customs in common, but there can be no doubt that they are a distinct religious community and constitution does not in any way affect this well recognized position.<br/>
Yours faithfully,<br/>
Sd.<br/>
A.V. Pai<br/>
Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister
}}
10.5 Jawaharlal Nehru, in his book ''[[Discovery of India]]'', mentioned as under:
* '''Energy Shield''' (''Armored Core 4'' onward): trailers for the upcoming ''Armored Core 4'' have showcased a core with the ability to generate an energy shield consisting of a sphere that surrounds the whole AC and protects it from most, probably all, attacks for a brief period of time. This capability has previously been seen on the Airborne Pulverizer in ''Armored Core: Last Raven''.
{{cquote|Buddhism and Jainism were certainly not Hinduism or even the Vedic Dharma. Yet they arose in India and were integral parts of Indian life, culture and philosophy. A Buddhist or Jain, in India, is a hundred per cent product of Indian thought and culture, yet neither is a Hindu by faith. It is, therefore, entirely misleading to refer to Indian culture as Hindu culture.}}
====Dr. S. Radhakrishnan====
* '''Quick Boost''' (''Armored Core 4'' onward): a new streaming trailer on FROM's ''Armored Core 4'' site, as well as listed in their keyword section of the same site, shows several cores equipped with an extra set of boosters alongside the standard booster units. These extra boosters allow for rapid left/right forward/back movements, an ability allowed previously only via a extension part. A translation of the keyword description states that the new extra boosters are energy inefficient and somewhat difficult to control.
10.3 Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the former [[President of India]], in his book "Indian Philosophy Vol I" mentioned as under:
====Arms====
{{cquote|The Bhagawat Purana endorses the view that Rishbhadeva was the founder of Jainism. There is evidence to show that so far back as the first century B.C. there were people who were worshipping Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara. There is no doubt that Jainism prevailed even before Vardhamana Mahaveera or Parsvanatha. The Yajurveda mentions the names of three Tirthankaras-Rishab, Ajitnath & Aristanemi.}}
15. Dr. Radhakrishnan, who edited the 6th Volume of The Cultural Heritage of India, mentioned as under:
There are two types of arms; normal arms capable of holding weapons, and weapon arms that ''are'' weapons:
{{cquote|The Jains claim a great antiquity for their religion. Their earliest prophet was Rishabhdeva. Who is mentioned even in the Vishnu and Bhagawat Puranas as belonging to a very remote past. In the earliest Brahmanic literature are found traces of the existence of a religious Or.}}
==References==
*'''Normal arms''' have various differing attributes; the most important are the weight and defensive qualities, which are usually related - heavier arms are better armored. Other attributes are recoil control, which keeps the arm steady while firing, and reaction speed, which determines how quickly the robot can swing a laserblade.
<references/>
[[Category:Hinduism in India]]
*'''Weapon arms''' sometimes possess two different firing modes, and are more powerful than ordinary weapons because they can be fired from two arms at once. However, they are greatly lacking in defense compared to normal arms. Weapon arms can be useful in keeping the weight of an AC down, as they are lighter than having separate arms and weapons but now are generally outclassed by Normal arms with weapons. Unlike Normal arms , weapon arms cannot be tuned.
[[Category:Jainism in India]]
====Legs====
The legs support the AC on the ground and determine how it moves, and are usually the part by which an AC is classified. There are several different kinds of legs:
* '''Humanoid''' — classic bipedal humanoid-style. Comes in many different weights, speeds and strengths. Humanoid ACs are limited in that they must kneel down to use many of the back-unit weapons (except for missiles and rockets). This takes time and also leaves them unable to move while firing.
**'''Heavy Legs''' are well armoured and can support heavy weights but very slow.
**'''Light Legs''' are very fast but have very low AP and weight limits.
**'''Standard Legs''' are a balance between the other two types, with average AP, speed and weight limit. These legs are always equipped on the default AC that the player is provided at the start of each game.
* '''Reverse-Joint''' — also bipedal, these legs resemble those of a bird. Reverse-jointed ACs tend to be faster than standard humanoid models while still having a reasonable carrying capacity; they can also jump higher. However, they have the same problem with back weapons as standard bipeds. They are not as well-armoured as bipeds, have less cooling, and low defensive stability. However, reverse-joint legs drain less energy from the generator than other leg types.
* '''Four Leg''' — quadrupedal, similar to a [[spider]]. Four-legged ACs tend to be fast and have the ability to fire back weapons while moving. However most quads, as they are known in fan circles, cannot support heavy weights, are less well-armored than bipeds, and use high amounts of energy. In the earlier games ACs equipped with quad legs appeared to hover or roll, in the more recent ''Armored Core'' games they physically walk.
* '''Tank Legs''' — slow and heavy, but very well armored and can support massive loads. Tank ACs can fire any weapon even if moving or airborne. As these kind of legs don't have any joints, they cannot jump, instead using built-in boosters to thrust upward. A disadvantage of this is that if the generator has been emptied and is recharging, the AC cannot leave the ground, unlike legged ACs which can jump.
** '''Tank tracks''' - uses a caterpillar track to move.
** '''Hover tank''' - uses hovering technology to improve speed, while sacrificing some of the armour and load carrying ability of the tank track legs.
* '''Hover Legs''' — floating platforms that do not touch the ground. Hover ACs are the fastest and most maneuverable of all ACs and can travel over water; a huge advantage on aquatic missions. They are, however, the least armored of all the leg types and can only support very light loads. They suffer the same limitations as bipeds with regards to back-unit weapons. Like Tank ACs, Hover ACs cannot jump and have built-in boosters instead, and suffer the same problem of being unable to leave the ground if the generator is recharging.
====FCS====
The FCS or Fire Control System is the targeting computer, and controls weapon targeting and missile lock-ons. There are several different kinds, which vary on several attributes such as lock-on speed, maximum lock-on range, maximum lock-on number, or shape and size of lock-on area, suitable for different styles of weapons.
*'''Missile FCS''' — FCS designed for use with missiles normally have a long vertical lock box, lock on very quickly with missiles and have a long detection range.
*'''Sniper FCS''' — FCS designed for sniper rifle or cannons normally have a small square lock box, lock on very slowly with missiles and have an extremely long detection range.
*'''Rifle FCS''' — FCS designed for rifle, pistol or shotgun weapons normally have a wide horizontal lock box, lock on rather slow with missiles and have a fairly short detection range.
*'''Standard FCS''' — Standard FCS don't show any particular preference when it comes to lock time, have an even square lock box and a balanced lock on distance.
====Booster====
Boosters enable an AC to move quickly, and to fly. They come in different strengths and efficiencies. Boosters cannot be equipped on Tank and Hover ACs, as these have built-in boosters.
In ''[[Armored Core: Nexus]]'', players have to be cautious when equipping and using boosters because they now not only drain energy but produce heat too, which can hamper the performance of the player's AC if it overheats. The amount of heat produced from an AC's boosters is tied to the Generator's '''calorific value''', so hotter boosters should be used with cooler running Generators with low calorific values.
====Generator====
Supplies power to the AC. Power is an important consideration in the ''Armored Core'' games - the generator can only generate energy at a certain rate, and if the AC uses energy at a faster rate, the charge held by the generator is depleted. If the energy produced by the generator is depleted past the generator's red zone it immediately shuts off all other high-energy dependent functions and recharges, leaving the AC very vulnerable. Recharging ACs cannot use their boosters or energy weaponry until the generator has completely recharged, and in battle up to a minute without weapons or mobility can end up costing a heavy price. The time it takes to recharge varies from generator to generator; also, the generator is still supporting the AC's necessary functions while charging, and these (particularly the radiator) slow the recharge rate. The quickest way to recharge, therefore, is to stand completely still and do nothing.
====Radiator (''Armored Core 2''-onward)====
ACs can get very hot, and when overheated their combat effectiveness is reduced. Radiators attempt to release this heat, with varying efficiency. Heat is produced by taking hits from various types of weaponry, by the external environment, and in ''[[Armored Core: Nexus]]'' by the AC's boosters.
From ''Armored Core'' to ''Silent Line: Armored Core'', an overheated AC would incur damage until the temperature was lowered.
In ''Armored Core: Nexus'' the heat system was completely reworked. Now heat does not do instant damage to an AC, but when an AC becomes overheated the radiator begins sucking massive amounts of energy from the AC's generator to cool down the core. This can quickly deplete its energy supply and leave it vulnerable if the radiator is not very efficient. If the heat level cannot be brought down quick enough or goes too high too quickly, the AC will still take damage.
===Non-Essential Parts===
These parts can be left off if the player desires; however, an AC will have difficulty progressing far into the game without a weapon of some kind.
====Inside (''Armored Core 2''-onward)====
An internal compartment from which a variety of devices can be released, including bombs, mines, decoys and radar-jammers. In ''Armored Core 3'' small rockets and napalm rockets were added to the selection. These rockets have no aiming trajectory in the HUD and needed to be fired blindly. These parts were located in the top rear of the core facing backwards in the Armored Core 2 series and in the shoulders facing forwards from Armored Core 3 onward.
====Extension (''Armored Core 2''-onward)====
Extensions come in pairs and are mounted on the sides of the shoulders. They are miscellaneous, usually non-offensive devices, and can be anything from extra boosters to stealth devices.
* Extra boosters (with various functions)
* Anti-missile systems
* Relation missiles (extra missiles that fire simultaneously with missile launchers)
* Shoulder energy shields
* Emergency heat sinks (rapidly cools an AC)
* Emergency energy units (rapidly recharges energy)
In ''Armored Core 3'', several emergency energy units were sold - these were usually 3 uses, and would quickly refill the energy of an AC in about 5 seconds. Emergency [[heat sink]]s were also introduced that allowed a quick cooling burst to bleed off potentially damaging heat if an AC got too hot. ''In Armored Core 2'', additional booster and relation missiles become available but in "Armored Core: Nexus" the radar jamming equipment was removed along with the radiator and ECM equipment.
====Back Unit====
There are two points on the back where weapons or devices may be mounted. These include:
* Missile launchers
* Rocket launchers
* Guns (chain guns, slug guns, rail guns, pulse guns, etc)
* Cannons (grenade launchers, laser cannons)
* Orbit cannons (units which deploy autonomous, floating guns)
* Radars
* Extra ammunition supplies
Some weapons and devices take up both Back Unit slots.
Cannon-type weapons must be fired over the shoulder, so there is usually a delay in activating the weapon for it to unfold or align itself. Bipedal and Hovering ACs have insufficient stability to use a cannon-type weapon whilst standing or moving, so it is more common to see missile and rocket launchers on these ACs.
In earlier games AC pilots who unlocked the Human PLUS modifications or gained the black market Optional Part OP-INTENSIFY were able to deploy cannons while moving but such features have been removed from more recent games like ''[[Armored Core: Nexus]]'', ''[[Armored Core: Nine Breaker|Nine Breaker]]'' and ''[[Armored Core: Last Raven|Last Raven]]'', although in some of these the AI players appear to still have access to OP-INTENSIFY.
Although it is impossible to move around using a cannon on bipedal or hover legs, it is possible to speed up the retracting process. Using OB or the forward booster extension, the sudden movement forces the AC to stand back up as well as move it out of danger.
====Arm Unit R====
This is the right arm weapon, and for most ACs it is their primary offense. There are a large number of different weapons, including rifles, machine guns, handguns, bazookas, shotguns, grenade rifles, laser guns and various energy weapons.
In ''Armored Core 3'', parrying blades are available - these are short-range blades used to counter a laserblade strike and deal heavy damage, however there is a significant lag time between when the trigger is pulled and when the blade activates.
The most powerful weapons in the games (with the possible exception of the WA-FINGER in ''[[Armored Core: Project Phantasma|Project Phantasma]]'', ''[[Armored Core: Master of Arena|Master of Arena]]'' and its later incarnations in ''Nexus'', ''Nine Breaker'', ''Formula Front'' and ''Last Raven'') are the ''Karasawa'' series, named for one of the series' producers. ''Armored Core'' has the Karasawa, the Karasawa Mk. II in ''[[Armored Core 2]]'', and ''[[Armored Core 3]]'' saw the MWG Karasawa. In ''[[Armored Core: Nexus]]'' through ''[[Armored Core: Last Raven]]'', this weapon is called the WH04HL-KRSW, but has been knocked off its pedestal by other more powerful weapons added in to the later games. In an attempt to make up for this fact, one is allowed to use two Karasawas from ''Nexus'' onward.
====Arm Unit L====
The left arm was traditionally used for melee weapons, typically the laserblade, which is a short-range blade of energy which can cause great damage to an opponent. One can also equip hand-held energy shields which can absorb damage from weapons and laserblades. Armored Core 3 introduces solid shields which used no energy. They could simply be activated at the beginning of a battle and would greatly reduce all frontal damage taken until they broke. They are banned from many tournaments.
As the series has progressed, a greater variety of weapons has appeared for the left arm. ''Armored Core 3'' introduced a few ranged weapons, such as howitzers. ''[[Armored Core: Nexus]]'' produced a much larger selection of left arm weapons, including copies of various right arm weapons, although the reaction time to fire these is far slower when compared to weapons held by the right arm.
With the introduction of the hanger feature, left arm ranged weapons have become more popular, as the user can have a laser blade as a back-up weapon when ammunition is depleted. It's also quite possible to lock-on to 2 enemies at a time. The benefits of ranged weapons have made blades nearly obsolete, but not useless. Blades still do more damage and have a faster rate of "fire" than most left hand weaponry, but are only effective at close range.
====Optional Parts====
These are parts which can be plugged into slots in the core to enhance the AC's performance. They have a variety of effects, such as increasing damage resistance to certain weapons, or increasing the generator capacity.
Different cores have different numbers of slots for optional parts, and generally more powerful optional parts cost more slots, while those only applied to certain situations are less slot-costly.
In ''Armored Core 3'' and ''Silent Line: Armored Core'' a special unlockable Optional Part exists known as OP-INTENSIFY, or OP-I for short. This part, awarded to you upon your completion of ''Armored Core 3'' 's storyline, allows you to use new features on your AC like the Human PLUS enhancements of the previous AC games. The part automatically takes up every single Optional Part slot provided in your equipped Core so no other Optional Parts can be used while the OP-I is equipped. Replaying past missions and completing specific tasks unlocks new abilities and powers up your AC. These abilities are:
*"Blade wave" projection
*Enhanced energy blade range
*Enhanced radar abilities
*All radar abilities added regardless of equipment
*Able to fire back cannons while moving on leg bases other then tanks and quadrupeds.
*Enhanced normal cooling (No effect on Forced Cooling Stats)
*Enhanced boosters
*Enhanced missile interception
*Enhanced turning abilities
*Enhanced targeting abilities
The OP-INTENSIFY and Human PLUS were removed from later AC games like ''Nexus'', ''Nine Breaker'' and ''Last Raven'', yet enemies like ''Nexus''' #1 Arena Raven Genobee still exhibited PLUS-like performance levels and abilities in combat.
The OP-INTENSIFY and Human PLUS caused a lot of controversy over its usage, as some will dispute the quality of a player(s) who might use it. The part was looked down upon by some in the community, citing that it was 'unfair' or 'cheating', though some veterans used PLUS and OP-INTENSIFY as well, and many believed that it was possible to use it without being cheap. The conflict and debate over these two functions raged until they were finally removed in ''Nexus''.
In fan circles the term "PLOW" is often used to describe ACs operating with PLUS or PLUS-like attributes. The term is a compound of "PLUS" and "Over Weight". The term dates back to the original ''Armored Core'', where PLUS and the "Overweight" features originated.
Since the removal of PLUS and OP-I in later games, players had to improvise using other optional parts and using various equipment to "imitate" the enhanced abilities. As for being overweight, it is possible to go beyond weight limits, but the increased weight will slow down an AC's speed greatly, depending on the distance from those limits. It is best to stay near or far below the weight limits for the best performance of the AC.
==External links==
*{{en icon}} [http://armoredcore.agetec.com/ ''Armored Core'' series official website]
*{{en icon}} [http://www.armoredcoreonline.com/acforums/index.php?act=portal Armored Core Online :: Largest English Fan Site]
*{{ja icon}} [http://www.armoredcore.net/top/ FROM SOFTWARE's official ''Armored Core'' website]
*{{en icon}} [http://www.mobygames.com/game_group/sheet/gameGroupId,758/ Moby Game's entry on the ''Armored Core'' series]
*{{en icon}} [http://www.acgarage.com/ The Garage: Armored Core Series Fan Site]
{{Armored Core}}
[[Category:Third-person shooters]]
[[Category:Armored Core Games]]
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