The giant robot action game from Namco Bandai and From Software, Armored Core V, recently received a formal release date and gamers looking to scratch the itch of intense mech-based combat can look forward to late March for their jollies.

You haven’t heard of Armored Core V? Let’s put that right with a host of screenshots and trailers to get us all up to speed!

First, the big news: Armored Core V will launch in North America on March 20th and in Europe and other parts of the world on March 23rd, across Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

According to Namco Bandai, Armored Core V will bring “the most intense and strategic mech battles yet to the veteran series” and is set to “revolutionise” the franchise.

Massive online multiplayer battles “designed around huge team-based skirmishes on a grand scale” are promised, while an offline mode (said to be “robust”) will also feature.

A “completely new atmosphere” is also on the cards…

“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.”

Sounds fantastic, but where are the moving images? Below:

Armored Core V - Announcement Trailer

Armored Core V - Gamescom 2011 Trailer

Armored Core V - Singleplayer Demo