With rumors circulating around developer FromSoftware’s next game, player speculation may be put to rest at last after it seems that the studio’s next project will beArmored Core 6. Although not officially confirmed, the rumor thatFromSoftwarewill be stepping away from the fantasy focus of its recent games and return to its sci-fi shooter franchise has intrigued the gaming community.
Some fans might have been left wondering what a return to theArmored Corefranchise means, and what they might be able to expect from the game. Over the past few years, FromSoftware has been known for itspunishingly challengingSoulsseries, as well as games in a similar vein with unique settings likeBloodborneandSekiro: Shadows Die Twice.AlthoughArmored Coreis a long-running series in the studio’s history, it could seem like a departure from its usual fare if players haven’t playedArmored Corebefore. With 14 installments in the series to date, there is a lot to catch up on when it comes toArmored Core.
RELATED:What to Expect From Elden Ring in 2022
Introducing Armored Core
First released in 1997,Armored Coreis a third-person shooter mech game developed for PlayStation by FromSoftware. The “Armored Core” refers to the mech robots that feature centrally in the series, which can be controlled and used in combat against othermechs and enemies in a similar fashion to games likeTitanfall. In keeping with many other sci-fi stories, mega-corporations have risen to power after the destabilization of society. In the firstArmored Coregame, the vast majority of Earth’s population have been wiped out by an all-encompassing war and have been driven underground to survive.
InArmored Core 2, the fourth installment in the series, the story moves to Mars after humans have colonized the planet. Similar to its predecessors,Armored Core 2featured local multiplayerand a variety of missions where players control the titular combat mechs.Armored Core 3, the franchise’s sixth installment, served as a reboot and returns the action to a post-apocalyptic Earth. In the subsequent games, mankind moves back up to reclaim the surface, as the mechs become entangled in the tumultuous landscape of power struggles between corporations.
The core gameplay mechanics remained relatively unchanged over the course of the games, with players undertaking missions while piloting the mechs and earning money to customize them. Some of the titles featured Arena modes alongside the singleplayer gameplay, where players could battle it out against other mechs.Armored Core: Nine Breakerremoved story missions and focused purely on navigating the levels of theArena, a similar mode made popular with online games likeApex Legends. However, story missions returned inArmored Core: Last Ravenwhich followed on directly from the story established inArmored Core 3.
With the conclusion of the story arc established inArmored Core 3, Armored Core: Last Ravenwasfollowed byArmored Core 4which served as another reboot for the series. As well as a new storyline, new mechanics were introduced that allowed players to engage in online multiplayer, while series staples like piloting mechs and customization remained.Armored Core Vwas the last game that FromSoftware released in the series, and is the 14th installment and 5th main installment. It’s an indirect sequel to the previous two games, and returns to the classic gameplay mechanics of the series.
What’s Known About Armored Core 6 So Far
With all of the previousArmored Coregames featuring post-apocalyptic sci-fi settings with corporations vying for control, it seems like a safe bet thatArmored Core 6will follow a similar storyline. No doubt the core mechanics of piloting a mech that can be customized after earning credits through missions will return, butnot much else is known about FromSoftware’s upcomingArmored Coregame. After its runaway successes like theSoulsseries and the hugely anticipatedElden Ringcoming later this year, FromSoftware has built up a vast number of loyal fans who might be willing to giveArmored Core 6a try after its polarizing predecessor.
ResetEra member Red Liquorice posted a claim that they had completed a survey about a newArmored Coregame that featured descriptions, screenshots, and even gameplay footage of the mysterious new title. Allegedly, the game looks like it will follow the format established by the series' previous installments with third-person shooter gameplay with the addition of a blade and shield for close-quarters combat. Asoulslike take on the sci-fi shooter could be a refreshing step for theArmored Corefranchise, and would combine many of the elements that have made FromSoftware such a formidable talent in the development space over the last decade.
