From the beginning of FromSoftware's history in 1994, it has made two series in parallel. The first was its medieval fantasy games, starting with King's Field. A line of spiritual sequels went on to include Shadow Tower, Evergrace, Eternal Ring, and eventually Demon's Souls. The other line of games FromSoftware was known for is its mecha games, which used to be its most popular product. Armored Core came first in 1997, and remains FromSoftware's largest franchise with over 10 entries to its name. Other mech-centric games like Metal Wolf Chaos and Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn built off the tested framework of Armored Core.
However, since 2014’s Dark Souls 2, Armored Core and the rest of FromSoftware’s mecha games have disappeared. FromSoftware confirmed in 2016 that an Armored Core title was in development, and President Hidetaka Miyazaki suggested it was still in the works two years later, but nothing has come yet. Devolver Digital localized Metal Wolf Chaos XD in 2019, but Armored Core fans were left in the background as FromSoftware's Souls-likes flourished. Now that Elden Ring is on the verge of releasing, it seems like a new era is dawning. Rumors based on a leaked survey and screenshots suggest a new Armored Core is deep into development, and might be merging parts of FromSoftware’s fantasy games with its sci-fi legacy.
Thematic Parallels Between Armored Core and Dark Souls
Armored Core and the Dark Souls titles share a few key themes and setting elements. One of the biggest is the use of post-apocalyptic settings, which the next Armored Core is set to maintain. A destroyed world lets games focus on the action, as seen via the lack of normal citizens in many FromSoftware games. In the case of the next Armored Core, its survey’s description states a potent energy source called Melange caused a catastrophe on planet Bashtar that engulfed the surrounding star systems. The substance was thought lost, but decades later the Melange reaction was confirmed again. This is what brings Armored Core’s usual cast of corrupt governments, mega-corporations, cultists, AI, and mercenaries into conflict.
Armored Core has several other parallels to Souls games. For one, the player character starts as a nobody who has to fight through all the strong foes that stand in their way. For another, certain characters and mechs reappear across games, particularly the optional boss Nine Ball, and some things like Lucky Patches and the Moonlight Blade are shared with Souls games.
The biggest thematic similarity between AC and Dark Souls, however, is the cyclic nature of their stories. Armored Core tends to tell the same people-versus-corporations plot repeatedly, and Armored Core: Verdict Day acknowledges this similarly to Dark Souls 2 and 3. The upcoming Armored Core may not have a novel story, but borrowing some of Dark Souls' environmental storytelling could put it ahead of its predecessors.
Gameplay Features That Armored Core Could Take From Dark Souls
Armored Core and Dark Souls share a focus on build customization, with Dark Souls inheriting Armored Core’s overwhelming amount of weaponry and equipment. Both franchises are tough but fair, providing an experience that feels rare in modern games. Both franchises also focus on tactical gameplay, with each entry speeding things up. Later Armored Core titles may have gone too far in this respect, so the next one should take a page out of Dark Souls’ playbook and make combat more deliberate with higher stakes.
It seems the new Armored Core is already using some elements from Dark Souls. Melee weapons have always been a part of AC, but the rumored game may have melee builds involving swords and shields. This is a huge departure from Armored Core’s norm, and will no doubt add a huge strategic element to single- and multiplayer. It may also motivate a more Souls-like approach to boss design. In addition to standard mechs with smart pilots and high-grade equipment, some bosses and common enemies could have unique moves. Attacking an iron giant with a sword is certainly not an uncommon sight in Dark Souls, and Armored Core could capture the same spirit.
Armored Core’s Identity Needs to Stay
Even with a more deliberate pace, Armored Core should still have speed and mobility. The ability to fly and boost dash are iconic parts of the franchise, and the next AC must be designed with that in mind. Similarly, long-range weapons should be as viable as ever, even with the addition of more melee options. Armored Core’s massive number of weapons have proved their worth and made different builds viable, so hopefully the range balancing issues that plague some of FromSoftware’s fantasy games do not carry over to AC.
Armored Core also can’t share Dark Souls’ level design. Armored Core is at its best when missions are segregated and there are breaks in-between. Since Armored Core players will usually speed through environments, there’s no reason to put too much detail into them, especially if it clutters fights. In addition, downtime is necessary to ensure that players can tweak their build. Armored Core and Dark Souls may share a focus on builds, but the act of managing stats and functionality in a Souls game isn’t nearly as important as agonizing over part interactions in AC.
Finally, thanks to its mission design, Armored Core’s multiplayer should stay in its dedicated modes. As important as PvP is in FromSoftware games, invasions aren’t always as practical as matchmaking. Armored Core can take many great lessons away from Dark Souls, but it needs to remain Armored Core.
A new Armored Core is rumored to be in development.
