Highlights
- Armored Core 6 is the latest entry in the classic vehicular-combat sim series, praised for its combat and customization options.
- The game introduces new features like the Impact mechanic that allows for staggered enemies and checkpoints that change the trial-and-error gameplay.
- Armored Core 6 also introduces Repair Kits that allow players to heal their AP in combat, making it FromSoftware's most forgiving title yet.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is the latest entry in developer FromSoftware's classic vehicular-combat sim, reviving the series after a nearly decade-long absence. The title has received mostly positive reviews, with many citing Armored Core 6's combat and customization as its greatest strengths. FromSoftware has enjoyed a modern heyday, thanks to its tough-as-nails RPG properties giving rise to the Soulsborne genre. While Armored Core 6 is not Soulslike by nature, it maintains the developer's commitment to challenging players. The title tasks players with overcoming truly brutal mission parameters, as well as a variety of daunting boss battles from the moment they enter its tutorial. Despite this, Armored Core 6 features some key new additions that help to make the title FromSoftware’s most forgiving game yet.
Armored Core 6 arrives nearly a decade after the series' most recent entry, Armored Core: Verdict Day. Boasting improved gameplay mechanics, controls, and customization options, the title manages to evolve the fan-favorite franchise for a modern audience, while staying true to its origins. Armored Core 6 features some brand-new features that make players' approach to combat even more strategic. One of these additions, the Impact mechanic, allows for enemy and player ACs to become staggered by consecutive hits, opening them up for massive damage. However, the title's most significant changes come in Armored Core 6's approach to FromSoftware's classic trial-and-error gameplay, as it allows fans to rebound from failure in a variety of new ways.
Armored Core 6's Checkpoints Change its Trial-and-Error Formula
FromSoftware's modern properties reward players for their ability to learn and adapt, with the Souls series, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Bloodborne revered for their tough-as-nails learning curves. 2022's Elden Ring saw a subtle shift in approach, opening the door for a wider range of players to experience FromSoftware's now-classic formula. However, Armored Core 6 features one key change from all prior FromSoftware titles that completely shifts how players strategize their approach.
Each of Armored Core 6's Missions features various checkpoints, which allow the player to reload their present objective, rather than return to the beginning of the level. Additionally, players are able to change their entire Assembly, outfitting their AC with weapons and parts that best suit the conflict in which they have just been defeated. This crucial new addition completely changes how players approach Armored Core 6, as they are now able to take FromSoftware's trial-and-error formula and implement it without fear of losing their progression. Fans have an unlimited amount of attempts to best a difficult foe, and each death fully replenishes their AP and ammo.
Armored Core 6 Introduces Repair Kits to the Series
In addition to its checkpoint system, Armored Core 6 introduces a unique feature to the vehicle-combat series that allows for quick recoveries. Upon entering a mission, ACs are outfitted with three repair kits with which they can heal their AP in combat. While players cannot obtain additional Repair Kits by progressing through the Story Mode, they can increase their effectiveness. After unlocking OS upgrades, players can increase each Repair Kit's total healing to 6,000 AP per kit.
While Armored Core 6 is sure to pose a challenge to even the most seasoned of fans, its newest features make it FromSoftware's most forgiving title yet. When dying in combat or reloading a checkpoint, Armored Core 6 allows players to change up their assembly, refill their ammo, and restock their Repair Kits, placing them in the best position possible to overcome obstacles. The title still requires fans to adapt to FromSoftware's classic trial-and-error gameplay, and fans who find themselves without the parts and weapons necessary to succeed will still need to restart Missions from the beginning. Despite their forgiving aspects, Armored Core 6's Missions are no easy task, and fans of both the series' previous entries and FromSoftware's other properties can rest assured that the title will still put their abilities through the gauntlet.
Armored Core 6 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
