Armored Core 6: FromSoftware's Secret Involvement
FromSoftware’s involvement with Armored Core dates back to the first game in the Mecha series, and the Souls developer has a very specific secret about Armored Core 6 related to the mecha designers. We already know that the Souls-like game will feature a return for the mecha-based action game, but if you’re familiar with the anime industry, you might recognize the name of one of the guest designers.
In a 1997 interview, Shoji Kawamori discusses his approach to designing the mecha parts for Armored Core. The famed figure within the anime industry is perhaps best known for his work on Macross, but he’s also contributed to other shows. Armored Core is where Kawamori’s name first appeared in the credits, and he’s credited in eight Armored Core games.
“For each core, I designed a lot of unique parts so that players would have many meaningful choices,” Kawamori says. “For example, a core with an aesthetic that’s like a tank and a dynamic core.” Kawamori also discusses limitations due to the PlayStation’s polygon display capabilities, but he still sought to create unique cores.
While Kawamori’s influence on the series’ visual style is obvious, it’s unclear if he returned for Armored Core 6. PC Gamer asks FromSoftware about Kawamori’s involvement, with the response being that the information will be revealed later. The author speculates that Kawamori may have contributed to AC6 as a guest designer, much like George R.R. Martin’s involvement with Elden Ring.
“Given Kawamori’s name is considered an integral part of Armored Core’s identity,” PC Gamer says, “it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine his involvement in Armored Core 6, even if it’s as a guest designer. After all, FromSoftware’s collaboration with George R.R. Martin for Elden Ring is another notable example of their external partnerships.”
PC Gamer also mentions that Elden Ring was FromSoftware’s largest game and highlights the lore written by Martin, so there’s certainly a comparison that can be made.
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