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.
Discussion (1 reply)
Join Discussion →For years I been wondering if FromSoftware would ever return to this IP. I didn't think that would happen ever since their Souls-like games took off. Armored Core was the series that introduced the company to me. I don't play Souls-like games so whenever I see that company's name I still think "Armored Core." When I saw this trailer during The Game Awards (which I never ever f*cking watch, but this time I was streaming it through Steam cuz I wanted to win a 512GB Steam Deck, which I did NOT win), I saw mechs and robots and sh1t, and I was like "NO F*CKING WAY it's AC, probably some new IP, maybe something that is a 'spiritual successor' or some sh1t." So when I actually did see the "Armored Core" name, my mind was blown. Very unexpected and surprising. I was like WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT and my eyes were as big as dinner plates. I'm glad they didn't forget their roots, even if they ignored them for many years. Really glad they went back to Armored Core. Hope this game turns out decent. I didn't even know Armored Core 5 came out on 7th-gen systems. I thought the series had been dormant much longer than that.