Game Review

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

After more than 10 years, FromSoftware has revived the *Armored Core* series. Known for its *Souls* games, the studio returns to its mecha action roots, delivering a high-speed robot combat game with customization and intense battles. But is it worth playing?

The Story

Set on the colonized planet Rubicon 3, the story revolves around a powerful energy source called Coral. After a catastrophic event destroyed the planet, large corporations now battle for control over this valuable resource. You play as a mercenary, piloting a highly customizable mecha, working with factions, and uncovering secrets about your handler Walter’s true mission.

The story spans about 20 hours across five chapters with around 40 missions. Players will need to replay the game multiple times to access new missions, choices, and endings, making *Armored Core 6* highly replayable.

Gameplay

The gameplay is fast, fluid, and incredibly satisfying. Players can equip their mecha with four weapons—two for the hands and two for the shoulders. Combat involves flying, dodging, and managing energy, ammo, and health while taking on challenging enemies and bosses.

The controls are responsive, and every action feels polished. The game’s animations enhance immersion, from missile hatches opening to thrusters activating during high-speed boosts. Combat is challenging, especially during boss fights, but it’s equally rewarding.

Customization

Customizing your mecha is a core part of the game. Players can mix and match parts to build their ideal playstyle—whether it’s a fast and agile mecha or a heavily armored tank. Weapons, legs, generators, and even colors are fully customizable, offering endless possibilities.

The depth of customization means every playthrough can feel different, with new parts unlocking as you progress. The ability to personalize both function and appearance adds an extra layer of engagement.

Game Modes

*Armored Core 6* offers a story mode with missions, an Arena mode for one-on-one duels, and an online mode featuring 1v1 and 3v3 battles. The highlight, however, is the *New Game Plus* system, which introduces new missions, bosses, and endings with each replay. Completing the game three times unlocks significant story details and additional content.

Technical Performance

The game runs smoothly, supporting up to 120 FPS for a seamless experience. It’s free from significant bugs or crashes and makes excellent use of hardware capabilities. FromSoftware has delivered one of its most polished games to date.

Final Verdict

*Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon* is a phenomenal return for the series and a must-play for fans of mecha and action games. While challenging, it offers immense satisfaction and replay value. The deep customization, engaging gameplay, and polished experience make it one of the best games of the year.

Rating: 9.5/10