The Puzzle of Combat
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is a return to form for FromSoftware, offering a modern take on the classic mecha action game. The game features gorgeous graphics, a smooth 60fps frame rate, and an intuitive control scheme that makes it easy to pick up for newcomers. However, the game’s storytelling feels outdated, relying on radio conversations and PowerPoint-style mission briefings. Despite the lackluster narrative, Armored Core 6 shines in its highly customizable, intense, and frantic mecha battles.
Mitchell’s Ranking of From Soft Games – That He’s Played
FromSoftware is known for their challenging and rewarding games, and Armored Core 6 is no exception. Here’s a quick ranking of FromSoftware games that Mitchell has played, from least favorite to most favorite:
- Dark Souls II
- Demon’s Souls (2009)
- Dark Souls III
- Dark Souls
- Bloodborne
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Elden Ring
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Get in the Robot
Armored Core 6 offers a deep level of customization for your mech, allowing players to experiment with different builds and playstyles. Before each mission, players can equip their mech with four weapons, a unique head, body, legs, generator, booster, and Fire Control System. Each part has its own weight, defensive value, AP (health), and Attitude Stability, which affects how quickly the mech gets staggered from consecutive hits. The game does a great job of guiding players through the customization process, making it easy to create a mech that suits their playstyle.
What’s The Best Armored Core Generation?
Armored Core 6 marks a return to the classic mecha action game, but it’s not the first time FromSoftware has developed this genre. With its focus on customization and intense combat, the game stands out among the Armored Core franchise. Which generation of Armored Core is your favorite?
- Armored Core
- Armored Core 2
- Armored Core 3
- Armored Core 4
- Armored Core 5
- The Spin-Offs
The game features a variety of missions that encourage players to experiment with different mech builds. One mission might require a fast and agile scout, while another might require a heavy and durable fortress. Each mission feels unique and fresh, with a satisfying combat puzzle to solve.
While failure is part of the process in Armored Core 6, the generous checkpoint system and the ability to change your mech’s assembly after death allow for quick iteration and learning. However, the inability to access the shop after death is a frustrating omission, forcing players to restart the mission if they need to purchase a specific part.
Get in the Robot
Armored Core 6 features intuitive controls, making it easy for players to get into the action. The right and left triggers fire arm weapons, bumpers fire shoulder weapons, X jumps, square dodges, circle toggles boosters, left stick click sprints, and right stick click changes lock-on mode. The game also features a hard lock-on system that has been met with mixed reactions from long-time fans. While some argue that it lowers the skill ceiling, the lock-on system in Armored Core 6 is well-balanced, allowing players to choose between manual targeting and target assist to suit their playstyle.
Combat in Armored Core 6 feels incredibly satisfying, thanks to the wide assortment of weapons and the intense action. The game features a variety of weapons, from charged linear rifles to dual shotguns, all of which feel impactful and satisfying to use. The game’s fast-paced, chaotic combat can feel downright anime-like at times, with plenty of missiles flying back and forth.
In addition to the regular missions, Armored Core 6 features an arena mode that allows players to test their skills against increasingly difficult named ACs, each with unique loadouts and assemblies. Completing arena fights unlocks currency that can be used to strengthen your mech and further customize your playstyle. For those looking for online competition, the game features both 1-on-1 and 3-on-3 online matches. While the netcode was not extensively tested during the review period, the few matches played were smooth and fun.
For those who enjoy cosmetic customization, Armored Core 6 provides a wealth of options, allowing players to paint their mechs, apply decals, and even create their own custom decals to share with the world.
Beating the campaign unlocks a New Game+ mode that allows players to take their unlocked parts through the story missions again, with additional challenges, new story branching points, and even a whole new set of arena matches. With multiple endings and a wealth of content, Armored Core 6 offers plenty of replayability for those who want to master the game.
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