FromSoftware Scores a Direct Hit with Armored Core VI

I've only played FromSoftware games as far back as Demon's Souls. Armored Core VI: The Fires of Rubicon (AC6) seemed like a pass. I never played Armored Core. FromSoftware didn't have the reputation back when they were releasing those. How would the learnings of FromSoftware's Souls games apply to a mech action game? There are no dodge-rolled i-frames. Boosting across vast expanses of nothing against industrial sci-fi skyboxes looked dull. The live-action trailer featuring Kyle Urban is the kind of corny cringe I hate to love, but didn't do the marketing any favors.

My significant other gifted me a copy. I am so very thankful they did.

The game's introductory boss allowed me past after a couple of fights (it felt like luck at the time). The reward was a couple of boring missions and a series of tutorials to kill trash. It was rote. I almost gave up. Because it was a gift I persevered, and I discovered AC6's secret. Dueling where you have to balance attack and defense to avoid stagger and punishment. This engaging combat is against the backdrop of a compelling narrative. Sekiro! AC6 finally clicked.

I like the samurai/ninja aesthetic and the simplicity of a stock sword. An arsenal of guns, missile launches, and other weapons with which to overwhelm nimble mechs is an enticing alternative. There is no stealth in AC6 and few opportunities if any to disengage. Instead compensating are many ways to outfit you core (mech) for speed or durability as the mission, and your opponents' loadouts, demand.

AC6 is mechanized infantry and giant robots fighting in barren environments. The Souls games weave story into setting and context. A well acted audio narrative drama drives an entertaining story. Characters that you will cheer and revile talk at you before, during, and after missions. Anime tradition and tropes are abundant in AC6. Twists and turns in the plot lead to a satisfying conclusion in one play-through.

Why stop there? Branching options provide for 2 other very different endings. The relationships with the various characters alter in delightful and surprising ways. I laughed. I cried. I dropped my controller in shock and surprise. New Game(NG)+ and NG++ play-throughs bring value more than they ever have in other FromSoftware releases.

Further increasing my appreciation for AC6, I was able to see all 3 endings with less than 34 hrs. of playtime. Here, AC6 didn't overstay its welcome, in stark contrast to FromSoftware's last game.

Where but I was content to go 7+s into Sekiro NGs, I may be ready to stop in AC6. This would put AC6 in the company of Dark Souls 2 & 3, FromSoftware games where I've not gotten all the achievements. You may replay each mission in AC6 for a score, up to S rank. The earned rank is a mix of damage taken, ammo expended, enemies destroyed, and time to completion. Different missions weigh those criteria at unknown priority. All missions would have to score at S rank to get all the unlockable parts and weapons. I don't have the patience or time to develop the skill to achieve that with the amount of games that are out now.

I'm thrilled I got the chance to see the breadth of AC6's offerings even if I don't replay the game to get perfect scores. The fantastic combat, moments that send shivers down my spine, and a fulfilling sense of accomplishment piloted AC6 well past my expectations, a standout game in a season of standout games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Sea of Stars. I'm ready for what FromSoftware has next, and I'm excited for more Armored Core.