Returning to a beloved franchise that had its last mainline entry back in 2012, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is FromSoftware’s attempt to recalibrate the series. Without completely recircuiting the formula that makes this mech-fighting action game, what we’re offered is a fusion of quality and control from the studio’s most recent Souls-like successes. Armored Core VI is text-book precision in configuring gripping combat gameplay, not without a few imperfections.

Corporate conflict on Rubicon 3

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is an intricate web of mystery, politics, and power struggles set against the backdrop of the enigmatic world of Rubicon. As you, “C4-621” otherwise known as “Rb23 Raven”, awaken above ISB2262 Rubicon 3, you are thrust into a dense narrative, immediately encountering the harsh reality of this conflict-ridden universe. The game’s storytelling is rich, offering layers upon layers of corporate intrigue that keep you invested from the get-go.

The world-building in Fires of Rubicon is impressive. The introduction of Coral as a central resource that causes the conflict, drives the story forward and unveils mysteries. This substance is significant to the factions for numerous reasons, all trying to wield it for personal profit or purpose. As the key plot device, it becomes apparent that the desire for Coral transcends simple material gain and the story becomes even more engaging.

However, while the world-building is captivating, there are moments when the narrative can become convoluted. The abundance of factions, corporations, and characters introduced might overwhelm players initially. They quickly come and go, many characters aren’t more than a voice talking to you, and post-mission notifications with key details can’t be replayed. While the depth adds to the story, it can suffer if some of the detail is missed or overlooked in the intricacy.

Rubicon is a testament to the developers’ attention to detail. Starting in the region of Belius, with its decaying cities and altered landscapes, it paints a vivid picture of the world’s turbulent history. Each Chapter will introduce new spaces and regions and quickly you’ll notice the similarities in the environments. Being a mech game about the future, there are lots of large factories, military bases, and steel structures in assorted colour filters and weather. While there certainly is variety and plenty of detail, not every mission is going to feel fresh to sightsee.

Cybernetic action and strategy

Much like other FromSoftware titles, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon emphasises observation and learning. Instead of mindlessly repeating the same tactic, you must keenly study enemy behaviour, adapt your strategy, and use your observations to your advantage. It’s evident this game stays faithful to the series and the thoughtful approach to difficulty encourages strategic thinking – possibly more than Dark Souls or Elden Ring.

This is because of the standout three-dimensional combat. Your mech’s ability to move not just horizontally but also vertically and in all directions adds a dynamic layer to battles. Omnidirectional movement is essential for mastering combat. The vertical dimension requires extreme focus in bullet hell encounters with huge bosses like Balteus from the end of Chapter 1 or the Sea Spider in Chapter 2. Both these bosses and more also have changing phases and forms that introduce new attacks, movement and defences that will flip your approach on its head and require you to master their patterns as accurately as possible. All the big fights are unique and stand on their own as memorable encounters.

I’ve got a job for you, 621…

Armored Core VI, at its core, presents a duality of gameplay: the combat missions and the art of assembly. Each mission begins with a briefing that covers what your objective is, along with information on threats or the combat zone you’ll be operating in.

Missions can vary in length. They can be noticeably short and centred on eliminating a specific enemy, while others are longer and include multiple checkpoints. There is always a mix in each chapter, but the pacing can feel disjointed when one mission might take half an hour to defeat and another is a quick two-minute smash-and-grab. Replaying jobs in Mission Replay mode earns you rankings, graded from S to D based on performance. Achieving higher ranks enhances your payout, reflecting your efficiency and skill. Strive for excellence and reap better rewards.

Assembling the ultimate Armored Core

Now let’s touch on the Assembly. Adaptation is key – from initial assembly to battling and back again, these intertwined elements are the core of Armored Core. Your first encounter will always be a learning experience: observe and analyse. Building a balanced build is critical for scouting out the enemies ahead, as specialising too much might hinder you. Then, you’re encouraged to experiment with different parts to adapt and succeed.

Precision in engineering

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon delivers a captivating fusion of striking visual effects and an immersive soundscape that elevates the experience. The game’s art direction embodies the futuristic world dominated by mechs and industry, resulting in a highly polished and detailed presentation. We also had no technical issues playing on a PC with an Nvidia 3080 graphics card and controller.

The visual effects demonstrate outstanding attention to detail. The mechs, core components, and environments are detailed, showcasing a balance between advanced technology and gritty industrial aesthetics. The animations of the ACs’ movements, weapon firing, and damage effects are skilfully executed, as expected from the quality of FromSoftware, contributing to the immersive sense of being in the cockpit of a powerful machine.

The sound design immerses players into the battle zones of Rubicon. The roar of AC engines, the clashing of metal, and the reverberation of weapon fire create an authentic sense of piloting these colossal machines. Each character is distinctively voiced and you don’t often see them in-game besides a call sign and name. It’s amazing how well they are performed to convey the personalities and underlying unease or distrust you may conceive with certain associates.

The music, composed by Kota Hoshino and Shoi Miyazawa, seamlessly transitions between adrenaline-pumping tracks during battles to more atmospheric pieces during missions. The main theme “Fires of Rubicon,” a collaborative effort between Kota Hoshino and Takashi Onodera, captures the game’s essence and sets the tone for the epic conflicts within the game’s universe.