You Won't Have to Play Other Armored Core Games to Understand the Story in Amored Core 6

A sit-down interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki and Masaru Yamamura has confirmed players will not need to play previousArmored coregames to follow the story in the recently unveiledArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, due in 2023. First shown at the 2022 Game Awards with a riveting cinematic trailer, this interview represents the first significant log of information onFromSoftware’s newest title,which will serve as a resurgence of the long-runningArmored Corefranchise.

BeforeDark Soulsmade FromSoftware a household name and the Soulsborne genre was born, the company made slightly less popular titles, still well-regarded but decidedly more obscure. Starting with the nuanced yet flawedKing’s Fieldtrilogy in 1994, in 1997 FromSoftware decided on a departure from their dark fantasy roots, releasingArmored Corefor the original Playstation. A third-person mech shooter with an emphasis on customization,Armored Coregarnered a groundswell of fan support and positive critical reception, spawning a handful of sequels and spinoffs. The most recent title in theArmored Coreseries is 2013’sArmored Core: Verdict Day,which was lauded by fans of the series for being a familiar retread while being somewhat panned by critics for the same reason.

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With decades of lore baked into over 15 separate titles, at first glance, it may seem imposing for gamers looking to makeArmored Core 6their first foray into the franchise. In an interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki and Masaru Yamamura from IGN, those fears have been alleviated. Asked if this new entry would be a continuation of the story, Yamamura responds with, “We’d like to think of this as a completely fresh new story.” He continues to say, “This is a brand-new setting and a brand-new story for players to enjoy.” While there will surely be some references and Easter eggs from previous games in the series, it looks like the long-running franchise won’t be required to play to get a grasp on the narrative andgameplay ofArmored Core 6.

Hidetaka Miyazaki, who marked his directorial debut withArmored Core 4for the Playstation 2, will be taking abackseat role for the newArmored Core.Masaru Yamamura, who was the lead game designer onSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, is heading the title. Serving as both a massive departure from its recent string of successes and a return to its roots, FromSoftware has been clear that thisArmored Corewill not be just a Soulsborne mech game.

Expectations are in the stratosphere forArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.Whether the game will live up to the hype is yet to be seen, butFromSoftware and its unparalleled track recordcertainly have the benefit of the doubt. Fans of FromSoftware and its soon-to-be-resurrected franchise are elated over the game’s potential, and for good reason.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconlaunches in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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