Just bought this game a few days ago, and havn't played a single AC before. Was wondering if anybody could gimme a few tips here and there. Having a ton of trouble even with just the first couple of missions.

The first few tips would be to work on evasion skills, figer out how everything works in the garage, and take a break for 5 min if you get fustrated because you are unable to focus properly if you are angry. Also curtain combinations of weapons mixed with curtain combat styles may have a more positive result than what you are doing.

In ACSIS mode, use "Test AC" when you're designing.

This lets you experiment with the controls and get used to how things work.

I recommend not using the basic controls (the default) because you lose a lot of movement functionality by doing so.

My recommendation is to start out with Rosenthal/Omer Science and use a double blade and double chain gun NEXT.
Also, make the settings to where the triggers or L2/R2 and the bumpers or L1/R1 control the shooting and boosting, respectively; use the "B" control setup, and then changing around the shooting and boosting controls.

Use control option B. I think it is the best, but I STILL haven't quite gotten the hang of firing the right arm gun and QBing at the same time...

Double blades is fairly pointless. Yes, if you come up short with the first one then you can use the second, but I find it a waste. Just use one of the pre-made schematics until you get the feel of the game.

u have to get used to designing nexts for different purposes because not all next types work for the mission, once you get better u can narrow down to suit your particular style, find what you are good at and make it better, learn how to translate the details in the garage. Quick boosting is the most needed skill to master otherwise you will end up a slow moving coffin that more experienced pilots will cover up with their own bullets.

Don't play online til u S rank everything, its easy, hell play it on reg 1.15 then go online, get your *** kicked and adjust only way to learn.

Feh, your puny NEXTS cannot stand up to Tabula Rasa! And I even have the dual back mounted cannons that the Noblesse Oblige uses! It's that good.