Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is the first game in the storied mech franchise in 10 years. Since 2013's Verdict Day, developer From Software has reached extraordinary heights of mainstream success and critical acclaim. How does the storied developer's return to mech action fair?
Reviews so far are positive, citing a wide variety of customization options, searingly difficult battles that require you to rethink your strategy, and fast-paced movement and action. The game's branching storyline did get some criticism, with some reviewers calling it clichéd or confusing. GameSpot's Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon Review gave it a 8/10. Reviewer Richard Wakeling said, "It's a game for the die-hards but also represents the most approachable game in the series thus far--one that sees From Software return to its roots in triumphant fashion."
On our sister site Metacritic, Armored Core 6 is currently at 88 for the PS5 version, an aggregate score drawing from 47 reviews. It sits at 87 on PC, based on 26 reviews. On Xbox Series X|S, it trails a little behind with a score of 78, based on seven reviews.
Check out more reviews below:
- Game: Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4
- Developer: From Software
- Release Date: August 25, 2023
- Price: $60
GameSpot - 8/10
"Armored Core VI represents a new beginning for the long-running series. It still remains true to From Software's original vision, but the whole experience has been refined to welcome an audience that cut its teeth on the studio's most recent work. Its story is a letdown and there may be some early growing pains due to its lopsided approach, but these shortcomings quickly scurry to the back of your mind once you start weaving your fully customized mech between incoming attacks while unleashing a salvo of rocket fire, sword swipes, and plasma rounds." -- Richard Wakeling [Full review]
Destructoid - 9/10
"I was a bit skeptical that From Software would find a way to make Armored Core relevant again after a lengthy hiatus, but they figured it out. The spark of the series is still very much alive without giving up its soul and making it something else entirely, and a new generation will be able to appreciate why these games were so venerated. Just be ready to tinker a bit, and take some Ls." -- Chris Carter [Full review]
Inverse - 10/10
"Armored Core IV: Fires of Rubicon feels like you’ve been dropped into the center of an intense mecha anime. It’s one of the most superbly intuitive combat experiences I’ve ever seen in decades of playing video games. This is an unparalleled experience in terms of feel and responsiveness, fleshed out with deep and engrossing customization and a fittingly cryptic story that draws you deeper into its world and lore with each step." -- Hayes Madsen [Full review]
IGN - 8/10
"It certainly looks and feels the part of a modern mecha action game, with gorgeous graphics, a rock-solid 60fps frame rate that never falters, and an intuitive control scheme that dramatically reduces the learning curve we had to deal with in prior Armored Core games. At the same time, its bland mission briefings and a few elements of its design feel a bit stuck in their old ways. But Armored Core 6 scores direct hits in the spots it matters the most: specifically the highly customizable, intense, and frantic mecha battles." -- Mitchell Saltzman [Full review]
Eurogamer - 10/10
"Compared to the sort of multi-layered, twisty labyrinth of systems and storylines that has become From Software's stock in trade, it almost feels barebones. While I wasn't expecting a Mass Effect/Dragon Age or Fallout/Elder Scrolls situation, I was thinking that a little more Soulslike influence would have crept in and a small part of me was disappointed that it hadn't. Reader, that part of me was foolish and wrong. AC6 doesn't need Soulslike influences, because AC6 is hands down the best mech game I've ever played." -- Caelyn Ellis [Full review]
VG247 - 6/10
"Armored Core 6 is the essence of a soft reboot. It has the unenviable task of drawing newcomers to a niche, sometimes overly challenging series without changing too much of what made fans like it to begin with. The result is a mixed experience that, while it has some shining moments of brilliance, feels a bit loose and never plays to its strengths." -- Josh Broadwell [Full review]
Polygon - Unscored
"The rebooted Armored Core is not a sprawling adventure game à la Elden Ring or Bloodborne, nor does my experience with those games make me a capable mech pilot. Instead, Armored Core 6 is a reconsideration of a classic game series infused with a decade of studio growth, expertise in combat and level design, and the heightened expectations of FromSoftware fans. Armored Core 6 is a faster, more refined Armored Core experience that streamlines the mecha franchise in clever ways." -- Michael McWhertor [Full review]
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