Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon Gameplay Preview and Impressions
Jun. 14, 2023Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon Gameplay Preview and Impressions
In this Armored Core 6 preview, we’re going to be talking about new gameplay details for the mech Souls game that’s being developed by From Software,releasing on August 25th, and coming to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam.
Just a couple of days ago, we were fortunate enough to attend a presentation being put on by From Software and Bandai Namco, where the producer of the game, Yasunori Ogura, showed us the ins and outs of Armored Core VI.
If you didn’t know, Armored Core is a staple franchise for From Software and one of their first franchises, first being published in 1997 at the studio’s inception.
Armored Core VIaims to take this franchise and reboot it in a sense, and it seems to me, having seen this presentation and watched the gameplay, that there are a lot of Souls-like mechanics that you will see in this gameplay if you look closely enough.
So, for starters, let’s take a look at one of the big focuses of Armored Core VI, and this is the use of three-dimensional space as a mech. Your player is piloting a mech in this game, so being able to move up and down vertically and travel in these huge spaces, which is only possible because you’re driving a mech, is a huge focus of this game.
Designing these huge three-dimensional spaces for each mission is a significant part of this game, allowing players to take on objectives in different ways and giving them enough room to maneuver around. It makes players feel like they’re in a mech and can pilot it around, and they’re not just confined to a limited space. This is one big aspect of the level design.
The other part of this is the interior spaces of each level. After you’ve explored the exterior and got into the later parts of a mission, you’re going to be inside more confined spaces, and verticality plays a lesser degree in this space. It’s more on the same level playing field, not completely vertical like in the larger spaces of the game. This is where you really get to see the combat that From Software is known for, where players decide when to use their shield when to boost left or right when to attack.
What’s really interesting about the combat in Armored Core VI is that there is an impact gauge above the enemy. When it’s completely full, the enemy will stagger, similar to the posture system from Sekiro. So, players are not only dealing damage to the enemy but also trying to stagger them to open them up for direct hits that deal increased damage. However, players should also be cautious as they have their own impact gauge and can be staggered if they take too much damage too quickly.
There is also a boost bar at the bottom of the screen, which functions similarly to a stamina gauge. It determines how often players can boost, dash left or right, or move vertically in the larger spaces of the game. Managing this boost resource or energy resource is similar to managing stamina in games like the Souls series or Elden Ring.
Inside the internal spaces, players will have objectives they can scan through walls to locate enemies and use the element of surprise to take on enemies that are unaware. They need to hack through doors to access certain places, and there will be boss fights as well.
Boss fights are expected to play a huge role in this game, and players are expected to die. Just like in the Souls series or Elden Ring, players will have to learn from their mistakes, study attack patterns, and adapt their strategies accordingly.
One of the things we absolutely love about mech games in general, particularly Armored Core, is the freedom to customize your mech according to your preferences. If you want to play a certain style, you are free to do so. For instance, you can change the legs on your mech, opting for tank-like legs, quad legs, or reverse legs, each significantly altering your gameplay experience.
Rolling around instead of flying drastically changes how you approach levels. The freedom to customize your equipment and stats further influences your playstyle in Armored Core. The focus on the parts you use dictates your approach. Not only can you change the legs, but you can also modify the head, core, arms, and internal parts, allowing for endless combinations and personalization.
In addition to body part customization, Armored Core VI offers a wide range of weapons, both ranged and melee. From machine guns and assault rifles to laser daggers and missile launchers, the options are diverse.
Furthermore, different types of boosters and generators affect thrust mechanics and machine performance. The complexity of options and finding the perfect combination is a significant aspect of the game. Expect build guides and mech guides to help you discover effective combinations that work well together.
One remarkable feature of Armored Core VI is the ability to change your mech’s loadout and assembly between missions. Even when you die, you can adjust your loadout and retry a boss or checkpoint with a different strategy. This dynamic element sets Armored Core VI apart from other games where changes can only be made at the beginning or between missions, eliminating the frustration of replaying entire missions due to improper setups or unsuccessful strategies.
The freedom to customize and adapt in Armored Core VI is a thrilling element of the game. Discovering the perfect configuration for your mech and the ability to adjust loadouts between missions or after deaths adds an extra layer of enjoyment and strategic depth to Armored Core VI.
There are supply points located around the maps that serve as checkpoints for players and replenish ammunition. These supply points also provide repair kits, which function similarly to Estus Flasks with a limited quantity that can heal the player until reaching the next checkpoint.
Balancing damage taken and the availability of ammunition becomes crucial in progressing to the next checkpoint. The amount of damage sustained should not impede reaching the next checkpoint.
Careful attention must also be given to ammunition usage, as depleting all rocket rounds before reaching halfway to the next checkpoint will pose challenges. Players need to consider the number of shots fired, the damage incurred, and the time spent to effectively eliminate enemies in Armored Core VI.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that Armored Core VI is primarily single-player, but it features online PvP, allowing players to engage in battles with each other. This inclusion of online PvP adds an intriguing aspect, particularly for fans of PvP and FromSoftware titles.
We fondly remember our own experiences of enjoying online PvP in Chromehounds, another mech game developed by FromSoftware, where you could tinker with their mech, participate in battles, and witness the outcomes. Although the exact player counts for simultaneous online play was not disclosed, we’re sure this will be revealed quite soon.
The showcased gameplay and information highlight the distinct FromSoftware style present in the game. From well-crafted level designs to intense boss fights and responsive combat mechanics, the game exhibits the familiar elements associated with FromSoftware titles. The player’s character feels responsive and aligned with their intentions, creating a sense of personal responsibility when mistakes occur.
Even if someone is not typically inclined towards mech games but enjoys FromSoftware titles like Elden Ring or Dark Souls, Armored Core VI might still hold appeal due to the presence of these important elements, which may not be immediately apparent.
So what do you guys think of the new information and the new gameplay footage? Are you guys excited for Armor Core 6?
I’m super excited to play this game. We can just see so much of From Software in this game. Every time we look at the gameplay and it just gets us more and more excited than you know. August 25th is just a couple of months away.
Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Auberon
Writer at Fextralife. I really like vanilla ice cream.
