Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have announced Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon, a new entry in the long-dormant mech franchise that promises to re-imagine the acclaimed series, which hasn’t seen an installment since Armored Core: Verdict Day, a standalone expansion to Armored Core V that released on September 24, 2013, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.
“ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON will offer a game experience based on the mech game know-how FromSoftware cultivated over 25 years of developing games in the series, but now introducing groundbreaking gameplay found in the developer’s recent action games,” Bandai Namco explained in a press release.
“The new ARMORED CORE title will combine these elements into thrilling action that only mechas can provide. The game promises to be a unique entry in the mech action game genre.”
“In ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON, players will be able to freely move through massive three-dimensional environments with rapid maneuverability while experiencing visceral vehicular combat, the publisher added.
“Signature to FromSoftware’s carefully crafted game design, the game will feature challenging and memorable battles along with a fulfilling progression system and deep gameplay, all of it now powered by assembling mechs and going into combat with massive bosses. Players will recognize the sense of satisfaction and achievement when they overcome a difficult situation and relish momentary victory, and perhaps a boost to their standing, before encountering the next challenge.”
Armored Core is a franchise that requires little introduction to older PlayStation fans, with the original entry launching in 1997 for Sony’s first console and garnering acclaim for its game mechanics and story.
Over 20 Armored Core games have been released since, and while it’s unclear what led to the franchise going dormant in 2013, Bandai Namco and FromSoftware’s Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon announcement would suggest that it is officially back.
Armored Core was supposed to receive an OVA in the form of Fort Tower Song, but that was canceled after the studio behind it, View Works, was shut down.
Kotobukiya, a Japanese company that specializes in figures and plastic models, offered model kits for Armored Core in the past, and it may do the same for the upcoming installment.