Since Armored Core V's announcement, From Software has stressed the game's team play component. Players form teams and defend their territory from invading teams.

But you don't have to be a team player. You can play as a freelance mercenary if you like, assisting other teams. From refers to this as the "Mercenary System."

[end_p text="Continue reading about the Mercenary System, Story Missions and co-op play" /]

Armored Core V is coming to both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Mercenaries could come in demand when a team is lacking members. Teams can pay mercenaries a price to build up their forces. (It's unclear if you'll be able to actually set your own price or if it's determined in some other way.)

You can be both a team player and a loner. The game allows you to temporarily play as a mercenary even if you're already positioned on a team.

In addition to the Mercenary coverage, Famitsu (via Sokuho @ Hokanko) has details on the game's story missions. These missions are meant to be dramatic, complete with event scenes. The missions run twenty to sixty minutes in length. During the course of the missions, you'll have to conquer enemy "Garage Points," where you can call upon support helicopters for supplies and ammo replacement.

The game also includes "Order Missions." These are meant to be short and simple missions. They feature different characters and organizations from the story. You'll find over 70 of these missions.

All missions can be played in online co-op. You can select your online counterparts from your team members, or you can hire mercenaries to join in.