Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

A new action game based on the concept of the ARMORED CORE series that uses the knowledge gained from FromSoftware's recent action game development. PC version reviewed.Armored Core VI heralds a bright future for the return of Armored Core.

85%Game Brain Score

story, graphics

gameplay, grinding

0% User Score Based on 0 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 38 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $17.87

Buy NowGet on Steam€59.99

About

By combining FromSoftware’s longstanding expertise in mech games and their signature robust gameplay, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon will be a new action experience.

Genres & Tags

Action

Play Modes

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon screenshot

Audience ScoreBased on 38 reviews

story9 positive mentions

grinding3 negative mentions

Armored Core VI features exhilarating combat and a high degree of mech customization, making it a thrilling experience for players.
The game boasts stunning visuals and a compelling soundtrack, enhancing the overall atmosphere and engagement.
It serves as an excellent return to form for the franchise, successfully blending modern design philosophies with classic gameplay elements.

The story can feel underdeveloped and takes time to engage, leaving some players wanting more narrative depth.
Difficulty spikes in boss battles may frustrate newcomers and lead to a steep learning curve.
Some gameplay mechanics, such as camera control and mission pacing, can be inconsistent and detract from the overall experience.

story
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
60%
10%
The story in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is described as a mixed bag; while it presents intriguing themes and multiple endings, many players find it underdeveloped and occasionally dull. The narrative takes time to engage, often overshadowed by the game's intense action and extensive customization options. Despite its shortcomings, the story is noted for its potential and connection to the series' core themes, making it a noteworthy aspect of the overall experience.
- “Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon admirably weds satisfying combat with extensive mech customization, with short missions letting you quickly experiment with new ideas and builds.”
- “Exhilarating combat, engrossing mech customization, surprisingly affecting story.”
- “Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a next-generation action game of mechs, industry, and technology within a rich story.”
- “The story feels like a missed opportunity as it presents interesting threads before dropping them.”
- “It's let down by a dull story, but lands direct hits where it counts.”
- “While it's still relentlessly challenging and the story can be a bit drab, Fires of Rubicon is yet another success for FromSoftware with its satisfying and fast-paced combat.”
gameplay
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
33%
33%
The gameplay in this title is characterized by a mix of challenging mechanics that may frustrate some players, particularly with its "die, repeat" structure, while others will appreciate its familiarity if they are fans of previous entries in the series. The polished gameplay is complemented by stunning visuals, a gripping soundtrack, and exceptional boss battles, although some minor balancing tweaks are suggested. Overall, it offers a fresh story and a satisfying level of customization, making it a compelling experience despite occasional control complexities.
- “On the flip side, the gameplay and mechanics are familiar enough that you’ll feel instantly at home here if you played AC5 or Verdict Day.”
- “It’s a dystopian world with a brutally gorgeous aesthetic and refined gameplay elevated by exceptional boss battles.”
- “Excellent gameplay; fresh, new story; great level of customization; smooth difficulty curve.”
- “The 'die, repeat, die again' gameplay isn’t for everyone; this game causes a great amount of swearing.”
- “Some minor gameplay mechanics could use balancing tweaks.”
- “Some occasional gameplay and story mishaps, along with complicated controls, don't hold back Armored Core VI from being both an absolute blast to play and an extremely welcome return from this long-dormant franchise.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics in Armored Core VI are widely praised for their superlative quality, featuring a brutally gorgeous aesthetic that enhances the game's dystopian world. Players appreciate the exceptional visual design and polished gameplay, which are complemented by a gripping soundtrack and impressive boss battles, making for a visually stunning experience overall.
- “Years and several soulslike games later, FromSoftware revisits another of its iconic franchises and mostly soars with awesome visuals and combat.”
- “It’s a dystopian world with a brutally gorgeous aesthetic and refined gameplay elevated by exceptional boss battles.”
- “Excellent design, upheld by gorgeous visuals and a gripping soundtrack.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is consistently praised for its gorgeous and gripping quality, with a fantastic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the sound design as outstanding, complementing the game's visuals and gameplay, making it a standout feature that contributes to its immersive atmosphere.
- “Absolutely gorgeous from top to bottom, fantastic soundtrack from Kota Hoshino.”
- “Great graphics and soundtrack.”
- “Excellent design, upheld by gorgeous visuals and a gripping soundtrack.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, the optimization of the game is praised for its exceptional performance on consoles, particularly the PS5, and a polished experience with consistent performance. Players appreciate the fast-paced combat and comprehensive customization options, although some feel it may not reach the classic status of previous FromSoftware titles. The game is visually stunning and offers a rewarding experience, despite some minor shortcomings.
- “The high level of customization and polished, consistent performance make for a fast-paced, omnidirectional action experience that is both intriguing and rewarding.”
- “The exceptional performance on console, combined with comprehensive and rewarding customization, creates a tight and compelling combat experience.”
- “Many modern conveniences and streamlining enhance the gameplay, resulting in a polished experience that keeps players engaged.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by an intense and engaging combat experience that can be physically demanding, complemented by a perfectly crafted dreary ambiance. Additionally, the customization options enhance the overall immersion, allowing players to tailor their experience further.
- “The pitch-perfect dreary atmosphere immerses you completely in the game world.”
- “The atmosphere is so engaging that it draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
- “The combination of intense combat and the haunting atmosphere creates an unforgettable experience.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly due to the necessity of replaying missions, which can detract from the overall enjoyment and progression.
- “Having to replay missions feels excessively grindy.”
- “The constant need to grind for resources makes the game feel tedious.”
- “The repetitive nature of grinding detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players appreciate the game for its abundant content, which significantly enhances its replayability, encouraging them to return for multiple playthroughs.
- “There's plenty of content and high replayability.”
- “The game offers a variety of choices that make each playthrough feel unique.”
- “With multiple endings and different character paths, I find myself coming back for more.”