FromSoftware, the acclaimed studio behind Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Sekiro, returns to its mech action roots with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This 2023 release marks a significant departure from their recent Soulslike titles, offering a unique and engaging experience that showcases FromSoftware’s mastery of action game development.
Armored Core 6 thrives on its core gameplay loop: customize, deploy, and conquer. Players assemble their mechs, choosing from a vast array of parts for limbs, body, head, and weaponry, creating countless combinations. These customized creations are then deployed in bite-sized missions, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, providing a satisfying cycle of build-test-refine.
The game’s extensive customization system is initially daunting but quickly becomes a rewarding experience. Understanding the impact of each stat allows for specialized builds tailored to different playstyles and mission objectives. Experimenting with different configurations and witnessing their performance in combat is a constant source of enjoyment. Even when a build falls short, the ease of modification encourages further experimentation.
While the customization options are vast, some builds seem inherently more effective than others. The game encourages players to create mechs that fall into light or heavy categories. Heavy builds resemble tanks, prioritizing defense, while light builds are glass cannons, sacrificing durability for speed and firepower. However, certain encounters, particularly a late-Chapter 2 boss fight, seem to heavily favor specific builds, potentially frustrating players who prefer alternative playstyles.
As expected from FromSoftware, Armored Core 6 presents a considerable challenge. While perhaps not as punishing as their Soulslike titles, the game demands patience and strategic thinking. The trial-and-error nature of combat leads to immensely satisfying victories, creating moments of pure elation after overcoming difficult encounters.
The game’s mech-vs-mech battles are a highlight. These fast-paced engagements are prevalent throughout the story mode and feature prominently in the dedicated “Arena” mode, where players climb the ranks by defeating rival pilots. These battles provide inspiration for new mech designs, encouraging creativity and further customization.
While the gameplay shines, the narrative falls short. Unlike the nuanced environmental storytelling of FromSoftware’s Soulslike games, Armored Core 6 opts for a more direct approach with frequent dialogue. However, the interactions are primarily with disembodied voices, creating a disconnect between the player and the story. While the voice acting is commendable, the narrative often feels distant and less engaging.
Despite having no prior experience with the Armored Core series, Fires of Rubicon proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable experience. FromSoftware once again demonstrates its ability to craft thrilling and mechanically sound action games, even within a different genre. While not their best title to date, Armored Core 6 is undoubtedly worth playing, regardless of prior experience with the series.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. A digital review copy was provided by the publisher.
