When I first played Armored Core 2 at one of my friend's house, I wasn't really all that I wanted it to be. On the positive side, the graphics were one of the best I have ever seen (in a launch game). The enviorments of the game were very well represented. The negative sides of this game is that the sound of your mech kind of drowned out the music that brought so much suspense. The worst thing about Armored Core 2 were the controls. I was really confused on how to switch the weapons, when the switch them, and how to use the boostat the right time in the right place.
If your live for hard-hitting, mech piloting action, than Armored Core 2 is the game for you. However, if your a newcomer, you may want to rent this game before actually owing it in your living room.