Armored Core, a stalwart of the mech combat genre, has been off the radar for over ten years. FromSoftware, basking in the success of Elden Ring and Dark Souls, is making a comeback to the world of mechs, promising a revamped and revitalized approach to robotic warfare. The last mech game I delved into was Konami’s Zone Of The Enders space opera – a memory from 2003. The gaming world is overdue for a genuine mech revolution.
I had the opportunity to witness a non-interactive demo of Armored Core VI during the Summer Game Fest, where approximately 15 minutes of gameplay unfolded. The action took place on an early frosty stage brimming with towering industrial buildings and crammed warehouses. The intricate settings right away exhibit the capabilities of modern consoles to boost FromSoftware’s latest foray into mech games.
Given the 3D mobility of mechs, anticipate a variety of levels and structures designed to make use of this. Yasunori Ogura, the producer of ACVI, suggested that players could explore the entire level, flying “only as far as your boost system permits”. He hinted at numerous missions offering alternative routes and methods to accomplish goals. In the wintry level I viewed, he mentioned options such as soaring to the peak of a building to infiltrate a base or, as I witnessed, charging headfirst through the main entrance, guns at the ready.
At the core of Armored Core VI, you’ll find the customization of your mech. In addition to energy, defense, and speed modules, you have four weapon slots available: one for each arm and two on the back, such as multi-lock missiles. Armament options span from rifles and machine guns to light-saber-like blades and beyond.
Anyone familiar with an AC game will attest that the choices in mech design will be vital. Players could opt for a lighter, swift mech that can stay airborne longer, evade attacks, and potentially avoid significant damage. Alternatively, one could construct a robust, slow-moving robot armed with long-range firepower and potent melee weapons. Balancing the energy needs of your mech with the power generator component is also crucial.
Although you’ll be granted some freedom to explore these vast landscapes, the game follows a mission-based structure, akin to its predecessors. Each stage kicks off with a mission briefing, some backstory, and a summary of your objectives. For those interested in the narrative, Armored Core VI unfolds on the distant world of Rubicon 3. This planet harbors a potent and unstable energy source, responsible for a past cataclysmic event that “set the entire star system ablaze”.
If you anticipated a Souls-esque take on the Armored Core series, initial impressions from the demo and remarks from FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki may dampen your hopes. In a discussion with IGN, he confirmed that the studio would uphold what makes the Armored Core series “unique”, attributing it to the wide-ranging and in-depth mech customization. However, like Dark Souls, challenging battles against formidable mechs could be memorable highlights.
During the non-interactive demo, the player evaded a formidable mech hurling molten steel, boosting over it to expose a vulnerability. Players can stagger adversaries to inflict increased damage, another aspect to consider when choosing your mech’s configuration.
Despite being defeated by the fiery mech in the demo, the player had the chance to modify and upgrade their mech, optimizing it to challenge this particular boss. On this occasion, they opted for nimble legs and a rifle designed to deliver considerable stun damage. The gaming landscape has long been craving a fresh Armored Core title. We hope it proves to be worth the wait.
Armored Core VI is set for release on August 25th across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, and PC.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon
What is the main focus of the new game ‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’?
The main focus of ‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’ is to deliver a revamped and revitalized experience of robotic warfare. The game features fast-paced, customizable mech battles in diverse and intricate environments.
Who is the developer of ‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’?
‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’ is developed by FromSoftware, a game development company known for successful titles like Elden Ring and Dark Souls.
When was the last time a game from the Armored Core series was released?
The Armored Core series has been dormant for over a decade before the announcement of ‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’.
What is unique about the gameplay of ‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’?
The uniqueness of ‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’ lies in the broad and detailed mech customization, mission-based structure, and the ability for mechs to move in all three planes in dense and detailed environments.
What is the release date of ‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’?
‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’ is set to be released on August 25th on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, and PC.
More about Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon
- FromSoftware Official Website
- Armored Core Series on Wikipedia
- IGN’s interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki
- Summer Game Fest Official Website
