Review: Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon

Armored Core has been a legacy franchise since time in memoriam. Since the trailer for Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon we have been eagerly awaiting the latest installment in the series. Coming fresh off the renowned success that was and still is Elden Ring, FromSoft along with Bandai Namco have attempted to strike gold again. FromSoft, known for notoriously difficult yet well-polished games definitely attempt to sink their essence and pedigree into their latest release.

 This adventure follows augmented Pilot 621 as you attempt to earn your stripes as a mercenary on the mining planet of Rubicon. Through the frozen tundras, barren deserts, and militarized mining facilities you’ll follow the trials as you take on various missions, arena challenges, and attempt to unravel some of the mysteries of Rubicon as well as its most precious resource “coral.” The story is incredibly light, lacking any real narrative cutscenes or visual storytelling at all. Most of your progression is noted by way of radio transmission and PowerPoint-style mission briefings. The opening sequences do very little to establish any real “Why” other than the base pursuit of cold hard cash and a willingness to smash the landscape to get it.

That being said, FromSoft did exactly what they’re best at. They created diverse and unique levels, frantic and kinetic gameplay, and challenging game design that hurts so good that smashed PS5 controllers have already trended on Twitter. Pair that with almost limitless customization of your AC mech and a diversity in playstyle preference based on weapons and mech class and you’ll end up with a new experience every time you play through the game. With the inclusion of new game+ all of this adds up to exactly what you want to spend your money on…. near-limitless hours of fun.

The gameplay can range from literal tank characters to nimble melee-based mechs that break the sound barrier in order to outmaneuver and obliterate the many enemies. You’ll find yourself lulled into an unearned sense of security in the first chapter slashing your way through low-level NPCs and minibosses, but you’re reminded the first time you encounter a proper boss battle just who exactly made this game. You’ll find yourself in the same old problem-solving mentality of memorizing hitboxes and looking for the right combination of dodge mechanics and landing blows to finally feel like someone your parents can be proud of. 

Overall, this game is beautiful to look at and feels incredible to play. It’s difficult to justify giving a perfect score to a game that feeds you your story by way of static dreary mission briefings. Otherwise, I can’t find anything to complain about with this game. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who can tolerate sensory overload and feels confident enough to tackle a FromSoft boss without sending their PS5 controller into the drywall at Mach Jesus. 

We are going to give this game 1.5 Turds out of 5

**As always if there is any confusion about our rating Scale, see the “about” section of our site.**