In 2004, a young talent by the name of Masaru Yamamura joined FromSoftware, a studio known for its iconic Armored Core series. After working on the Armored Core games for several years, Yamamura went on to contribute to the success of Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls. While he wasn’t involved in the subsequent Armored Core games, FromSoftware has now given him the opportunity to lead the development of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, marking his directorial debut and showcasing his potential as one of the studio’s premier directors.
If you’ve never played an Armored Core game before, you’re not alone. The series never gained the same level of global popularity as Dark Souls, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something special here for newcomers. However, be prepared to exercise a lot of patience. Armored Core VI is an uncompromising game that may leave you frustrated until you fully grasp Yamamura’s approach to combat. Even I had to die multiple times to defeat the first boss and it took hours before I felt comfortable with the interlocking weapon, piloting, and mech assembly systems.
One of the things that makes Armored Core VI intimidating is the sheer complexity of the game. The mechs, known as Armored Cores, can carry up to four weapons and have the ability to fire each weapon independently. With dozens of different weapon archetypes, each with its own tactical considerations, it is crucial to thoughtfully utilize and consider each weapon during combat. Additionally, movement is paramount in the game. Armored Cores have different boosts available, allowing them to navigate the battlefield, evade attacks, and cover a lot of ground quickly. Mastering movement and knowing when to take to the air are essential skills to survive.
Combat in AC6 is not limited to lateral movement and requires players to think vertically. Enemies can perform wide, horizontal sweeping attacks that cannot be avoided through lateral movement, making it crucial to gain the high ground. The game’s emphasis on spacing and quick reactions adds to the learning curve, especially for newcomers to the series.
The customization options in Armored Core VI are extensive and offer room for creativity. With hundreds of options to choose from, players can build their mechs using parts that offer different stat boosts and unique movement abilities. The variety of options allows players to tailor their mechs to suit their preferred playstyle, whether it’s aerial combat or ground-based tank-like movements.
Despite its complexity, Armored Core VI is one of FromSoftware’s more accessible games. After overcoming the initial challenge of the first boss, subsequent missions become smaller in scale and feature less formidable enemies, allowing for gradual skill development. The game also provides helpful training missions that explain the game’s mechanics and reward players with useful mech parts. Additionally, the game has done away with previous hardcore elements, such as in-game debt, allowing players to freely experiment with different loadouts without the fear of being punished economically.
The mission structure of AC6 also contributes to its accessibility. The inclusion of checkpoints ensures that players don’t lose significant progress upon death, and the ability to modify a mech between deaths without restarting a mission allows for strategic adjustments and experimentation. These features make the game less frustrating and encourage players to strategize in different ways.
Despite its strengths, Armored Core VI also has its frustrations. Boss battles can feel overly difficult in comparison to regular enemies, and the controls can feel inadequate for the demands of the game, especially when using a “double trigger” build. The default control scheme assigns all of a mech’s weapons to the triggers and bumper buttons, while the right analog stick controls the camera and a button is assigned for dashing. Although the game includes a target assist mode, it’s not perfect for fighting multiple enemies simultaneously.
In conclusion, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon offers a challenging and rewarding experience for both newcomers to the series and longtime fans. While it may take some time to fully grasp the combat mechanics and customization options, the accessibility features and gradual skill progression make it a worthwhile endeavor. Masaru Yamamura’s directorial debut showcases his talent and gives players hope for the future of the Armored Core franchise.