There was no new trailer for Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon at any of the summertime video game announcement live streams. But the upcoming game from FromSoftware did have something to show, behind closed doors to select members of the media and content creators, at Summer Game Fest 2023.
The preview was a hands-off presentation, but it showcases a gameplay walkthrough of how a mission plays out, and how the AC navigates the world, as well as a little peek at Assembly mode, where you kit out your giant mecha with an array of different parts and weapons.
The map size for the showcased mission is huge, with the Xbox Wire post noting that there will be multiple ways to enter the facility. And unlike past AC games, the level design here really got some major love with so many little details spotted.
Looking through the new b-roll footage released, like the ones posted by Armored Core Legacy here, there’s an inherent smoothness to the way the AC is handled. PC Gamer’s preview piece compares the combat flow to Sekiro, which lines up with previous details of ACVI’s combat.
But the most fascinating part of the preview, especially for AC fans, is a quick look at Assembly mode. Apparently, missions now have checkpoints and you can return to Assembly mode should your AC be destroyed, so you can immediately rework your mecha to complete the mission. Here are some notable details:
- 4 weapon slots like past AC games (right arm, left arm, back unit R, back unit L)
- 4 body slots – head, core, arms, legs (no asymmetric arms)
- Booster, FCS (Fire Control System which affects lock-on), generator plus expansion slot returns and customisable
- Stats display is simpler and more intuitive (numbers don’t feel the whole screen, at least in this display)
- Manufacture brands: Arquebus, Furlong Dynamics, VCPL, Schneider, RaD
- AC can be painted (painting and emblem menu not shown here)
Armored Core VI will be out on August 25 for the PS4, PS5, PC (Steam), Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.