After their runaway success with Elden Ring, lauded as one of the best games of 2022, FromSoftware is shifting gears and returning to its Armored Core franchise with a groundbreaking new installment – Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Unlike previous Dark Souls-type games, Armored Core 6 offers a refreshingly fast-paced and highly challenging gameplay, setting a new paradigm for the studio. In addition, the game’s release has generated remarkable excitement among gaming enthusiasts and has been trending across multiple platforms.
A New Chapter in the Armored Core Franchise
Armored Core 6 marks the first mainline entry in the franchise since the 2013 release of Armored Core: Verdict Day. Though it diverges from the slower, more methodical approach characteristic of the Dark Souls franchise, the new game is profoundly influenced by its predecessors. While some aspects feel familiar, it offers a completely different level of design with a menu-based interface.
The Game That Shouldn’t Be Missed
FromSoftware’s new release brings an engaging fast-paced experience that contrasts with the studio’s recent games. The dynamic movement of mechs and an array of powerful weapons combine to deliver satisfying gameplay. The game’s setting is the planet Rubicon 3, a world transformed by the discovery of a new energy source, Coral. The extraction of this energy inadvertently caused an apocalyptic event, the Fires of Ibis, and the narrative unfolding around the ensuing struggle to control Coral amongst various factions.
The in-game story is enriched by captivating English voice acting, and the characters add an extra layer of intrigue. A notable character is the sternly voiced interstellar handler, Walter, who guides the player throughout the game.
Impressive Gameplay and Design
Director Masaru Yamamura emphasized the team’s effort to create an action game that showcases stunts unique to mech-driven gameplay. Yamamura highlighted that this approach has helped shape a more dynamic design, including high-paced traversal and combat scenarios in a three-dimensional space. This departure from the Dark Souls-style games brings a new sense of adrenaline to Armored Core 6.
From Software has crafted formidable bosses that keep players engaged and offer a rewarding sense of achievement upon victory. Unlike the traditional approach of creating terrifying monsters by mixing and meshing human body parts, the studio has made machinery appear daunting, effectively enhancing the game’s intensity.
The user interface and menu design in Armored Core 6 are straightforward, a conscious choice to provide the necessary information to players in the most concise way. Players can easily navigate through different options such as customizing their mechs or selecting their next missions.
Pre-launch Excitement and Anticipation
The release of a 12-minute Gameplay Preview has amplified the excitement for the upcoming Xbox release on August 25th, 2023. The video amassed over a million views in less than 24 hours and propelled the game into the top 20 on the Steam Top Sellers List. Twitter users also contributed to the hype by making the game trend on the platform. For those interested, the game is available for pre-order on the Xbox Store at £54.99 / $59.99.
The anticipation surrounding Armored Core 6 is also echoed by Push Square, our sister site, in their hands-on preview. They applauded the enjoyable in-the-moment gameplay, weapons, and aerial freedom unique to this FromSoftware title. As the late August release date approaches, the anticipation for Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon continues to mount.
In conclusion, Armored Core 6 marks a pivotal moment for FromSoftware, an opportunity to redefine its brand while delivering a thrilling and challenging gaming experience. With the immense pre-launch excitement, it’s clear that this latest installment is set to take the gaming world by storm.