Armored Core 6: Fast-Paced Mech Combat with Customization
FromSoftware’s Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are some of the most iconic action games of this generation, but the Japanese studio has a history of making excellent mech games, too. The studio’s earliest Armored Core games were PlayStation exclusives, and while we’ve seen a few more entries on Xbox One, FromSoftware has always resisted bringing an Armored Core game to PC. That is, until now.
Armored Core 6 is exactly what I hoped it would be. It’s a fast-paced, empowering mech combat game that gives players tons of customization options. The game takes place in a grimy, dystopian future where corporations are the de facto governments and citizens live in fear of the mechs patrolling the streets. In this world, you work as a mercenary for these uncaring corporations, completing missions that range from destroying enemy mechs to kidnapping VIPs.
The missions in Armored Core 6 are short — typically lasting under 10 minutes — and that’s a good thing. It keeps the pacing snappy and provides a constant stream of satisfying rewards. As you destroy enemies, you’re constantly earning currency to spend on upgrades and new weapons. I found myself frequently going back to the safe house to spend my earnings, and that kept me coming back to the game in short bursts.
FromSoftware makes some very smart mechanical choices that keep Armored Core 6’s combat fresh throughout. The lock-on system is a great example. It combines elements of older and newer mechanics to provide a satisfying middle-ground between free-form movement and more traditional targeting. By default, you can steer your mech in any direction, but your attacks will only target the closest enemy.
If you’re attached to the old-school style of lock-on, you can enable Target Assist, which keeps the camera centered on a single enemy but sacrifices aiming precision. It’s a great middle ground that I used throughout my playthrough. I’m a bit of a purist though, and I also enjoyed experimenting with the “hard lock” option, which gives you complete control over your aiming without letting the camera stray from your target. It’s a great combination that works well with the stagger system, too.
By repeatedly hitting enemies, you’ll build up a stagger meter that eventually stuns them. This not only keeps you from taking damage but also exposes them to more of your damage-dealing capabilities. I found myself regularly switching between the three lock-on options depending on the enemy I was fighting and my personal playstyle.
Armored Core 6 also introduces OS Tuning, which is essentially a customization option that goes beyond swapping out parts. OS Tuning allows you to unlock meta upgrades for your mech that change the way it fights. For example, I used a build that unlocked the ability to fire off multiple shots while sprinting, which made me feel much more mobile in the heat of battle.
The game’s mission-based design, short bursts of intense gameplay, and extensive customization make Armored Core 6 a quintessential Armored Core experience. There’s a lot to learn, too, and that’s not a bad thing. FromSoftware does a great job of walking players through the initial mechanics without overwhelming them with too much information. The game also does a great job of introducing new mechanics gradually. For example, I didn’t realize that targeting specific body parts was a thing until I was well into the game, and it felt like a natural part of my customization options.
I’ve only spent a few hours with Armored Core 6 so far, but I’m already looking forward to replaying it with my new knowledge. This is a great entry point to the series and something I’d highly recommend to anyone who enjoys fast-paced, customizable gameplay. The game is set to release on August 25, giving you plenty of time to get your mech ready to roll out.
