Armored Core 6 review: Should you get in the robot?

World-famous developer FromSoftware released a brand-new game last week: Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Known for critically acclaimed fantasy-based titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, its new masterpiece jets into the opposite direction with giant robots and a futuristic setting. Gamers ask, “Is it a hit or miss?”

Most video game enthusiasts know Dark Souls, even if they aren’t fond of it. After all, its trilogy and open-world spinoff, Elden Ring, earned numerous awards and overwhelming praise worldwide. However, those expecting AC6 to be similar will be disappointed. On the other hand, it’s a breath of fresh air for those who want a different gaming experience.

This article will discuss the positives and negatives of Armored Core 6 and explain how its mechanics work. I haven’t played the multiplayer mode yet, so I will focus on AC6’s single-player aspect.

What are the pros of Armored Core VI?

The latest installment features an anonymous protagonist like its predecessors. You play as the Augmented Human C4-621, nicknamed 621, who pilots a giant robot called an Armored Core.

He accepts missions from his mysterious handler, Walter, which involve operating his AC against enemy robots. That part is simple, but the customization offers more variety.

You decide on your robot’s parts to prepare it for battle. You have numerous options, including legs, arms, torso, and head. Also, you pick what weapons you’ll bring to the fray.

Will you create a hulking behemoth that fires heavy artillery nonstop? Perhaps you’ll create a speedy bot that zips around landing hits because enemies can react?

You can’t equip everything you like simultaneously, as you must balance energy consumption (EN) and weight to keep your robot running smoothly. As a result, building mechs requires careful planning, too.

No matter your preferences, the game will force you to change your robot’s build for various situations. For example, you may need homing missiles to hit multiple flying enemies.

You can freely customize your robot’s paint job and decals, though. As a result, many have modeled their ACs after famous anime and movie robots.

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Armored Core 6 also has a forgiving checkpoint system, meaning you can restart most encounters from the beginning. More importantly, you can change your mecha build each time you lose.

This feature creates a gameplay loop encouraging you to experiment with different robot parts and armaments. It’s fun to plan loadouts for each enemy!

Of course, AC6 has FromSoft’s well-known emphasis on skill in its games, so you can’t win with better equipment alone. You must dodge and strike at the right times to achieve victory.

What are the cons of Armored Core 6?

Photo Credit: eurogamer.net

Three types of people won’t like Armored Core 6: those who expect it to be like FromSoftware’s previous titles, those who want an engaging story, and those who dislike difficulty.

As mentioned, FromSoftware became famous for the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring. Consequently, some believed AC6 would become a futuristic version of these games.

Armored Core VI did not turn out like these world-renowned titles. It did not let you explore the fictional planet Rubicon as a series of interconnected maps or a unified one.

You visit the game’s setting in contained mission environments. Unless you’re looking for hidden mecha parts, you may not bother exploring every nook and cranny of the game world.

AC6 also isn’t for you if you want a plot with compelling characters. You won’t find interesting folks like the stalwart knight Siegmeyer or the enigmatic empyrean Ranni.

Your character complies with every order immediately, without asking for more details or rejecting them. Consequently, it seems the plot happens around you because you have no choice in how it proceeds.

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It doesn’t help that mission briefings look like PowerPoint presentations accompanied by disembodied narration. Lastly, don’t get Armored Core 6 if you don’t like challenging gameplay.

Like other FromSoft titles, you will lose multiple times. Some missions have special enemies or bosses that can end your game if you’re unprepared or unfocused.

As mentioned, AC6 encourages you to change mecha builds to improve your odds. Unfortunately, that might frustrate those who want their games to advance with minimal fuss.

Conclusion

The Armored Core games were a few of FromSoft’s first, which didn’t get worldwide attention until recently. Nowadays, AC6 attracts millions of new fans.

Game publisher Bandai Namco believed the game would succeed because people view FromSoftware as a “guarantee of quality.” Fortunately, Armored Core VI kept them engaged due to its extensive customization and full-throttle gameplay.

If you’re up for a challenge or a fresh gaming experience, perhaps you should get in the robot and enter Rubicon. Learn more about the latest digital trends at Inquirer Tech.