NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced ARMORED CORE V will be released on March 20, 2012 in North America and on March 23, 2012 in Europe for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Developed by the acclaimed FromSoftware, Inc., ARMORED CORE V will bring the most intense and strategic mech battles yet to the veteran series.

The ARMORED CORE franchise is renowned in the mech action genre for its intense battles and customization options. ARMORED CORE V revolutionizes the series with massive online multiplayer battles designed around huge team-based skirmishes on a grand scale, a robust offline mode, and a completely new atmosphere. Featuring mechs or "Armored Cores" that are customized for more strategic gameplay, ARMORED CORE V focuses on tactics and effectively utilizing the geography of a level to maximize the devastating effects of attacks. Players will be able to customize their Armored Core with countless unlockable parts creating their own personal weapons of mass destruction.

"Gamers have been eagerly anticipating the release of ARMORED CORE V, which will bring strategic mech combat to new heights," said Eiichi Nakajima, studio head, FromSoftware, Inc. "With cooperative missions, a persistent online world battling for territories and epic team battles, ARMORED CORE V is the complete action shooter package."

The all new Operator Mode gives one player a leadership role by being able to supply his Armored Core teammates with enemy positions, movements and details.

"A quick trigger finger and razor-sharp reflexes won’t always turn the tide of battle in ARMORED CORE V," said Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing, NAMCO BANDAI Games America. "The Operator adds a new layer of strategy orchestrating his team of Armored Cores to victory by finding the enemy’s weaknesses."

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. also confirmed today that ARMORED CORE fans pre-ordering the title from GameStop stores across North America, as well as GameStop.com, will gain exclusive access to the ‘HEAVY ASSAULT PACK’ while supplies last. The pack will include additional weapons and parts that will help give players a competitive advantage on day one in the innovative and sophisticated online multiplayer battles of ARMORED CORE V.

ARMORED CORE V will be available throughout North America on March 20, 2012.