Armored Core 6 Review (PC)

Armored Core 6 is the first entry in the series in a decade and marks its entry into the mainstream. While the franchise wasn't exactly niche before, it didn't approach the notoriety gained by FromSoftware's Souls games. However, it finally got its chance to shine by building on the overwhelming hype of Elden Ring. Suddenly, players who wouldn't have looked twice at a customization-focused mecha combat game were ready to jump into the cockpit of an AC.

Armored Core 6 Review: Bringing a classic back to life

Fortunately, FromSoftware recognized a ten-year gap between the games, which meant that Armored Core 6 would have to reboot the franchise. This constitutes a clear break with previously established traditions. You no longer fight at all on Earth. AC6 takes place on the planet Rubicon 3, where humanity has discovered a substance called Coral. Coral was believed to be a source of unlimited energy that would herald a glorious future for humanity.

Unfortunately, a massive cataclysm occurred, dubbed the Ibis Fires, during which Rubicon 3 was engulfed in flames, and all coral was presumed lost in the event. Armored Core 6 starts 50 years later, and Coral has once again been detected on Rubicon 3. As a result, a “gold rush” is underway, and all orders of mercenaries, corporate armies and groups of The interests are trying to claim what belongs to them. could be the last of the Corail. You play as a mercenary, C4-621, and begin the game by illegally descending on the planet, which has been quarantined under the command of your master, the enigmatic Walter. On your first foray onto the battlefield, you steal a downed mercenary's license and take on the iconic nickname “Raven.”

Fighting your way through the ruins of Rubicon is more reminiscent of Armored Core 5 than previous entries in the series. The heavy robots of the original are long gone, replaced by fast, maneuverable robots that zip across the battlefield. Combat is fast and fierce, and your and the enemy's Armor Points (AP) can be destroyed in moments. Like other FromSoftware games, the emphasis here is on loadouts and positioning. Those who picked up AC6 because of their fondness for Elden Ring will immediately recognize this formula and enjoy the challenge it brings.

Longtime fans of the series will be happy to see a few must-haves returning. You will find many options to personalize your air conditioning with icons and paint it with all kinds of designs and materials. You will also have the chance to face the most powerful pilots in the game in the arena and become the king of the ring.

Unfortunately, Armored Core 6 doesn't do much to go beyond what we saw in AC5. Some new mechanics, such as base expansions, are abilities that can temporarily generate additional offensive or defensive power. Additionally, combat now focuses more on a stagger system rather than simply chipping away at AP until an opponent dies. However, for the most part, AC6 plays very similarly to its two predecessors.

The multiplayer also leaves something to be desired. Armored Core 6 offers two modes. You can either face off one-on-one or team up in a three-on-three fight. Compare that to Verdict Day, which featured deathmatches, free-for-all and objective-based modes, and a global war between three factions, which let you capture territories on a map, and it's a little disappointing.

I understand that FromSoftware probably didn't want to shake things up too much after the series had been gone for a decade, and AC 6 is an incredible game. However, I hope the developers take more risks with the next entry in the series.