The 002-B[1] is a seemingly autonomous[2] prototype NEXT designed by Rayleonard. Its most notable features are a pair of large triangular shoulder-mounted booster units, and a large Kojima blade. Both NEXT researcher Fiona Jarnefeldt and journalist Friedman Ray note that it looks similar to the 00-ARETHA, a NEXT prototype from before the National Dismantlement War.[3][2]
During Pax Economica, Global Armaments has numerous forces including Lynx Unite Mons and Anatolia's Mercenary attack Levanteer Facility to destroy the prototypes while the project was still in the developmental stages; Unite Mons is killed whereas the latter defeats three.[3][2] Two models later unsuccessfully defend Rayleonard's headquarters, Exavil from Anatolia's Mercenary at the end of the Lynx War.[4]
Specifications / Behaviour[]
002-B is armed with a pair of unique experimental weapons—namely, a combination burst laser/Kojima rifle and a Kojima blade, integrated into its frame as weapon arms. 002-B will either attempt to get into a close-range gunfight with the player using its Kojima rifle, or activate the PA rectifiers in its shoulders—granting it a brief period of invincibility as it charges up its Kojima blade—and then lunge at the player with Over Boost while pelting them with laser fire. Upon taking fatal damage, 002-B will attempt to ram into the player using its main boosters, and self-destruct on impact.[5]
In terms of mobility, the 002-B lacks a Quick Boost function, although it demonstrates the ability to outrun even a 03-AALIYAH using conventional boosters.
Gameplay[]
Armored Core 4[]
The 002-B is seen first in "The Womb," where the player infiltrates the Levanteer Facility and eliminates three of the prototypes. Afterwards, "Bitter Obligation" has several 002-B units defending Exavil. They will dart around firing at the player, drawing their blades if the player comes close enough.
Armored Core: For Answer[]
Four units accompany Old King in his attack on the Cradle system in "Defend Cradle 03." They also appear in the mission "Take Back Cradle 21" on Hard Mode.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- The initial concept for the 002-B was meant to be an Akvavit creation, and had a different appearance. The concept was later changed so that the it was a Rayleonard creation instead, with that concept becoming the 002-B seen in the game.[1]
- Its name is a reference to "To be, or not to be" from Hamlet.
References[]
Speculation[]
The following information is "gray area" content — it may not be completely factual, and/or falls under YMMV territory.
- Omer's TYPE-LAHIRE from AC:fa bears several similarities to the 002-B (especially the head). Since many of Rayleonard's engineers ended up working for Omer after the fall of the former company, it is entirely possible that they took their data on the 002-B with them, using it as the basis for the LAHIRE.