The Japanese video game studio FromSoftware has gained significant popularity among players in recent years. Its success began in 2012 with the release of Dark Souls, a game that not only captivated the audience but also introduced a new genre called “soulslike,” which had a lasting impact on the gaming industry.

Since the launch of Dark Souls, FromSoftware has carved out a special place in the hearts of players due to its unique focus on challenging difficulty, environmental storytelling, and immersive atmosphere. These elements have become the hallmarks of “soulslike” games that have followed in the footsteps of the Dark Souls series.

This genre has had a significant influence on the gaming industry, inspiring other developers to create titles with a similar emphasis on difficulty, interconnected level design, and more subtle narratives. “Soulslike” games often require strategic skills, patience, and thorough exploration by players to progress through a challenging world.

Since the release of Dark Souls in 2012, FromSoftware has continued to release a series of successful games that have upheld its reputation. These include titles such as Dark Souls 2, Dark Souls 3, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring. These games have been widely praised for their quality and have proven consistent in their ability to captivate players.

Moreover, both Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring garnered significant recognition by winning the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards in 2019 and 2022, respectively. This string of successes has further solidified FromSoftware’s position as one of the leading studios in the gaming industry.

This week marks the release of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, the latest installment in the mecha video game series that hadn’t seen a new title in a decade. While this franchise had been niche in the past and hadn’t achieved widespread popularity, FromSoftware’s current prestige has generated high expectations for this game, making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

A notable feature is that the story of this game is standalone, establishing a new timeline in the saga. This means that it’s not necessary to have played the previous titles to fully enjoy it. Essentially, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is presented as a third-person shooter focused on mecha combat, offering players an exciting and unique gaming experience.

The plot of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon unfolds on the planet Rubicon, where a unique substance known as coral with great energy value is discovered. Humanity’s efforts to control this resource result in the near-total devastation of the planet and the depletion of the coral. After a long period, signs are found that remnants of coral still exist on the planet, reigniting the interest of various factions across the galaxy in securing this valuable resource.

We’ll embody a mecha pilot, known as AC (Armored Core), taking on the role of autonomous mercenaries. Various private companies, aiming to locate the coral, choose to employ us in diverse tasks ranging from exploration and collection to military confrontations. As we progress in the storyline, we’ll build a continuously improving reputation through our successes, which will attract more interest from the companies and groups present in the abandoned world. The narrative will become more intricate as situations arise that I prefer not to spoil, as there are numerous mysteries yet to be uncovered.

In contrast to the structure of Dark Souls, the plot follows a more defined and comprehensible line in a broader sense. While it might not be the most standout aspect of the game, it presents a high-quality narrative that sustains interest throughout the journey. At certain points, we’ll face crossroads that demand careful consideration and the crafting of solid strategies to determine which mission to undertake and which not, as the choice can influence the story’s development and, therefore, the game’s outcome.

Combat forms the central core and pinnacle of this extraordinary proposal. The battles are intense and, at the same time, manage to convey the authentic experience of controlling a colossal mecha. The perception conveyed by the weapons and their destructive capacity develops exceptionally, with a wide range of explosions and a notable diversity of options for customization.

We have the ability to modify all sections of our AC to optimize it for our play style or, alternatively, to exploit our adversary’s vulnerabilities to the maximum. There are various categories of mechas to choose from when configuring our limbs. We can opt for options like bipedal, inverse joint, quadruped, or tank.

Another central aspect is the enemies, especially the bosses. The game doesn’t allow you to become enamored with a single way of playing, as rivals force us to change our strategy due to their own mechanics. There’s a wide array of weapons with different types of ammunition, so choosing the right one is an important step towards victory.

Perhaps an opponent becomes more vulnerable if we adopt a fast-paced movement approach or if we persist in staying at a specific altitude, whether on the ground or in the air. Explosive ammunition might not have the desired effect, so we might need to review and alter our set of weapons. The opportunities for adaptation are broad, and the adjustment of our mecha to each circumstance becomes an essential component.

Here, a highly intriguing element is presented, one that differs from what we generally find in other FromSoftware games. Throughout the missions, various checkpoints are located, which means that in case of failure, we can resume from those points, and it also allows us to reconfigure the parts of our AC. Consequently, in several missions, we may end up with a different set of weaponry than what we initially brought.

Additionally, most of the parts and weapons are acquired through purchase in a shop accessible from our own garage. Everything obtained has a market value equivalent to the selling price. This dynamic ensures that we never make an ill-advised choice or that we ultimately have the ability to alter our configurations almost limitlessly.

The confrontations with the bosses of each segment, as well as the rival mechas that cross our path, are impressive and, in my opinion, rank among the most original and enjoyable adversaries I’ve encountered in the realm of video games. This game achieves an extraordinary level of immersion that compels you to move from side to side in your seat, creating the sensation of genuinely being inside a giant mecha.

As is characteristic of FromSoftware’s creations, the game presents a level of difficulty that demands active involvement from players. Acquiring skills in battling bosses can only be achieved by facing them repeatedly. However, while a constant challenge prevails, I noticed that moments of greater difficulty reach significant levels only at certain specific points.

It’s relevant to note that in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, there isn’t an extensive interconnected map; instead, it takes a more conventional approach by offering a base from which to choose missions. The scenarios consist of large delimited areas that function as arenas, providing a gratifying movement experience while lacking a substantial exploration component.

Conclusion

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon stands as a cherished addition to the beloved gaming series crafted by FromSoftware. Its careful attention after an almost decade-long hiatus showcases the dedication of its creators. While departing from the well-known Souls genre, the game ingeniously incorporates distinct elements, exemplifying the development team’s prowess. With its initial difficulty, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon consistently motivates players to surmount challenging trials through perseverance and problem-solving, making it a captivating and rewarding experience.