Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, the latest installment in the long-running mecha action game series by FromSoftware, has achieved remarkable success in both Japan and the global market. The game, which was released on August 25, 2023, has topped the Japanese sales charts and dominated Steam as one of the most popular games of the year.
A Decade-Long Wait for Fans
Armored Core VI is the first new entry in the series since 2013’s Armored Core: Verdict Day, which was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Fans of the franchise have been eagerly waiting for a new game that would take advantage of the current generation of consoles and PC hardware. FromSoftware, the developer behind acclaimed titles such as Dark Souls, Sekiro, and Elden Ring, has delivered a game that combines their signature action gameplay with their longstanding expertise in mech games.
The game is set on the planet Rubicon 3, where a mysterious and volatile energy source called Coral has been discovered. Coral was once thought to have been destroyed in a cataclysmic event that engulfed the planet and its surrounding stars in flames. However, it has resurfaced and attracted the attention of various corporations that seek to harness its power. Players take on the role of a mercenary who pilots a customizable mech called an armored core, and engages in fast-paced and thrilling battles against other mechs and enemies.
A New Experience for the Series
Armored Core VI introduces several new features and improvements to the series that make it a fresh and exciting experience for both newcomers and veterans. One of the most notable changes is the omni-directional combat system, which allows players to freely move around the 3D stages with smooth and responsive controls. Players can use different types of boosts to quickly dodge, dash, or fly in any direction, creating dynamic and strategic combat scenarios.
Another new feature is the target assist mechanic, which is inspired by another classic mech game series, Virtual On. This mechanic allows players to lock on to multiple targets at once and fire homing missiles or lasers at them. This adds another layer of depth and challenge to the combat, as players have to balance their energy consumption and manage their weapons effectively.
The game also offers a high level of customization for the armored cores, as players can choose from hundreds of parts and weapons to create their own unique mech. Each part has its own stats and effects that affect the performance and appearance of the armored core. Players can also customize their pilot’s appearance, voice, and skills, as well as their handler’s personality and dialogue.
A Huge Success in Japan and Steam
Armored Core VI has received positive reviews from critics and players alike, praising its stunning graphics, exhilarating gameplay, deep customization, and varied missions. The game has also sold very well in Japan, where it debuted at number one on the sales charts with over 150,000 copies sold in its first week. This is an impressive feat for a niche genre that is not very popular in Japan.
The game has also performed exceptionally well on Steam, where it has become one of the most played games of 2023. According to SteamDB, Armored Core VI had over 156,000 concurrent players in its debut weekend, making it the fifth biggest launch of 2023 and FromSoftware’s second-biggest launch ever, behind only Elden Ring. The game has also received overwhelmingly positive user reviews on Steam, with many players expressing their satisfaction with the game’s quality and content.Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a mecha masterpiece that conquers Japan and Steam with its superb gameplay and presentation. It is a game that fans of the series have been waiting for, and a game that newcomers can enjoy as well. It is a game that deserves to be played by anyone who loves action games and giant robots.
