For the success of Elder ring and building an almost ubiquitous reputation for creating dark fantasy worlds, FromSoftware made the Armored Core games. This action mech series combined third-person shooter mechanics with an emphasis on customizing mechs to the player’s combat needs. Over time, the series has faded into the annals of FromSoftware’s history, but that will soon change.
This summer FromSoftware returns to its roots and release Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon. As part of a hands-off preview at Summer Game Fest, producer Yasunori Ogura showed Polygon more of the game. During the demo, we got to see FromSoftware’s new mechs in action, learn more about the game’s machine customization options, and learn more about the developer’s take on the game. What we saw was a slick action fighting game that combines the nimble mobility of mechs with the precision of a typical FromSoftware game.
Armored core 6 is a mech action game that combines third party shooting with close range combat. Although Ogura has previously claimed that this game will not be just like that Elder ring with mechs, it will place the studio’s signature emphasis on overcoming tough combat. In his presentation, Ogura articulated three aspects that are essential to the game: 3D-level design with a sense of scale; assembly in combat design (customizing mechs); and experience a sense of accomplishment from overcoming difficulties.
Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco
“Our goal is to create a new mech action through the current FromSoftware, which takes away the fundamental fan aspect of the [Armored Core] series with the design philosophy of recent FromSoftware games,” said Ogura through a translator.
The producer showed off a mission that tasks players with capturing a facility called Grid 086. Before jumping into the world, the mission began with a brief overview of the map and objective. When the level started, we were greeted with a view of a towering and sprawling factory facility littered with enemy machines. Eventually, the camera settled on the mech the player controls.
While the mecha can move around, the faster way to navigate is by using its jetpacks. The huge gap between the mission launch point and a menacing structure quickly narrowed as the mecha slid across the jagged industrial terrain, flying over gaps and using a vertical catapult to hurl it through the air. Ogura described this boost mechanism as the “core” of the game’s action, both for combat and movement. The first battle started and we saw the player using the same jetpacks to run back and forth and up and down to dodge attacks and smoothly switch between close and medium range combat.
Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco
Players defeat enemies using an arsenal of short- and medium-range weapons such as multi-lock missiles, short-range energy blades, spray bullets, and more. A simple barrage of bullets may be enough to take out a small enemy, but more powerful opponents have impact meters that require the player to build and stagger damage, offering an even higher chance of taking damage.
The developers say they will Armored core 6 to be a challenging game, and players will have different tools at their disposal to overcome the challenges. One way to deal with a tough enemy is to use a search function to scan it and formulate a plan. Knowing where an opponent lies may not give you the advantage you need to win. When the player dies and returns to a checkpoint, a menu appears that offers the option to customize their mech to their liking.
“Players need to think about what weapon to use to stagger the enemy and what weapon to damage them with. Assembly is a place where they can experiment with their own unique coordinated effects,” said Ogura.
Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco
Ogura added that players can choose parts for the mechs’ arms and legs, as well as internal parts that affect weapons and strength. A total of four weapons can be equipped on each hand and shoulder, but Ogura focused specifically on the legs, saying that “the characteristics of the leg parts vary greatly depending on the type, and it changes the action in the game dramatically.”
As the demonstrator progressed through the level, we saw combat in both cavernous open spaces and tightly packed rooms covered in mangled and twisted machines. In the end, the player completed the mission by battling a giant “smart cleaner,” which essentially looked like a huge lava Roomba of Death.
Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon is slated to release on August 25 and is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC (via Steam), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.