Anyone who likes powerful mech grimaces should have been very happy when Armored Core VI: Fire of Rubicon was announced at the Game Awards. On the other hand, if you’re worried that the new offshoot of the series has too many Soulslike elements, we can put your mind at rest. At least something.
The Armored Core series never really caught on in western climes. In this country, the series from Dark Souls and Elden Ring Studio From Software is considered too clumsy, not accessible and also simply too brittle. Maybe that’s why it has been idle since 2012, but fans of big Mechs got a real highlight at the Game Awards 2022, Armored Core VI: Fire of Rubicon has been officially announced
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So far, the developers have kept a low profile with information about the gameplay, but now the studio boss Hidetaka Miyazaki has at least addressed a concrete influence. After the huge success that From Software has had with its Souls likes, many fans fear that the new Armored Core could also rely on similar mechanics. Here Miyazaki at least partially gives the all-clear.
Armored Core VI: Fire of Rubicon will not emulate Dark Souls, Elden Ring, or Bloodborne. But it should definitely contain elements of Soulsbornes. But only those that really fit the game and the fans like.
Miyazaki is supported in these statements by game director Masaru Yamamura. Like other From Software titles, Armored Core VI: Fire of Rubicon will have a clear focus on the story and single player experience, although online components will be included. Unsurprisingly, some big bosses are planned to act as the highlight of the campaign. According to Yamamura, the fights are fast and brutal, with a mixture of melee and ranged combat.
In contrast to From Software’s action role-playing games, Armored Core VI: Fire of Rubicon will probably be less open-world. Rather, the descriptions sound like linear levels, which leave enough room to explore. Of course, you can also customize your mech in many ways.
That sounds all well and good so far, but Miyazaki and Yamamura skilfully avoided the typical Souls-like elements in their explanations. Because even if the game itself is mission-based, mechanics can be built in, such as enemies respawning after your death or you losing experience points. Ultimately, time will tell how much Dark Souls really is in Armored Core VI: Fire of Rubicon.