In the time since the last Armored Core was released in 2013, developer FromSoftware has exploded in popularity thanks to the success of Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and similarly styled titles. As a studio that is now known for games that require precise timing and feature challenging combat, FromSoftware has become more of a household name in the video game world and is seemingly on the upswing. So, with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon set to release later this year, one might expect that the studio’s other franchise might start to lean a little closer to Souls.

For people that have never played an Armored Core game, there is a greater curiosity in the mech-based franchise than ever before and admittedly, a little uncertainty about what experience is on the way later this year. However, after seeing Armored Core 6 at a hands-off preview during Summer Game Fest, the sequel seems just as intriguing as Souls did way back when and is poised to bring a ton of new fans into the fold.

While it might be interesting to look at Armored Core 6 through the lens of a Souls fan, that conversation is better saved for when the game eventually releases. Without actually playing the game, it’s hard to say where the similarities might lie in terms of the precision and the controls, but from just looking at it there are some elements that are shared between the two brands. Crucially, though, the title doesn't show any sign of abandoning its franchise's identity, even if there are some modern additions.

The preview featured a single mission that saw the playable mech running through a series of tight corridors and more open spaces, turning enemy robots and mechs into piles of scrap along the way. Combat in Armored Core 6 has a lot of freedom in terms of movement and approach. The player can move quickly to strafe around an enemy by using the mech’s thrusters or boost into the air and deal damage from above. As barrages of gun and missile fire target the player, they will need to use all of the movement tools available to them to avoid taking damage themselves.

In terms of weaponry, we saw that the playable mech had a basic turret gun, a shoulder-mounted missile array, and a quick-use shield that could soak up some damage in a pinch. As the demoist was strafing around targets and launching up into the air, they were simultaneously sending out groups of missiles and taking shots using the turret when possible.

Combat appears almost balletic in the way the mech dances across the screen, moving to any safe space available. Getting in close ensures more effective attacks but also makes dodging harder. Where some games in the genre make the mech seem cumbersome, Armored Core 6 highlighted the agility of these machines. And for those looking for something a little more satisfying in terms of ripping enemies to pieces, there is a melee, laser-sword-looking attack that seems very cool.

Although the preview focused on one type of mech for a large portion of the gameplay, FromSoftware did show that players can switch out their mechs to different styles depending on the situation. There are checkpoints in missions, so if players fail they can go back to the drawing board, or rather the customization screen. Bulkier mechs might not get the job done against a mech with a large metal shield blocking its front, but a smaller, quicker mech might work. However, the trade-off is that the thinner and faster mech doesn’t have as large of a health pool and can get staggered quicker, opening it up to devastating damage from enemies.

Luckily, the player can do the same to their opponents by dealing consistent damage. One meter on each enemy will show its overall health and another represents stagger buildup, which when full will “disable” the mech for a second or two and open it up to a devastating attack like that melee slash.

Customization is not just about utility either; players will have a ton of ways to make their mech design stand out. There were so many different components that players could swap out that it was a little hard to keep track, but the message was clear: mech lovers will be in heaven when it comes to tricking out their machines.

The preview was too brief to talk about overall level design – the one on offer was standard factory fare – or the narrative elements. For this initial look, the focus was on highlighting how the sequel’s combat works by making it seem approachable but still complex. It concluded with just a tease of a boss battle, where a massive machine with two flat arms could crush the player’s mech like a sideways waffle machine. Just from looking at it, the boss seemed to pose a different kind of challenge, and its design was impressive.

As with the Souls games, FromSoftware wants Armored Core 6 players to feel accomplishment in overcoming tough challenges. Whether or not that will translate to the finished product is unclear but if the goal was to explain what Armored Core is going for this time around and assure fans this isn’t reverting to Dark Souls with mechs, then mission accomplished. On top of that, though, FromSoftware made a strong case for a game that will be yet another hit from its studio.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon releases August 25, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.