The Legacy and Future of Armored Core 6

The Legacy of Armored Core

The Armored Core series by FromSoftware has cultivated a dedicated cult following over the past 25 years. As a mech combat game centered around customizing your own mechanized avatar, it carved out a unique gameplay style that no other franchise has replicated. Now, as FromSoftware rolls out critical success after critical success, fans eagerly await a return to the sci-fi universe they know and love.

Origins

Armored Core released in 1997 on the original PlayStation. The premise involved working as a "Raven," a mercenary mech pilot for hire. Players could take on missions and use the money earned to buy new parts and fine-tune their war machine. While the visuals look dated now, the emphasis on customization and strategic combat built a niche fanbase.

Sequels and Spinoffs

FromSoftware continued to nurture Armored Core fans, releasing over a dozen sequels and expansions. They kept innovating on the formula by adding online multiplayer, more intricate narrative campaigns, and new combat mechanics like the ability to dual-wield weapons. The Playstation Portable saw spin-off titles expand into the mech action subgenre as well.

The Golden Age

Most AC fans view the early 2000s as a defining peak for the franchise. Titles like Armored Core 2 introduced symbolic characters that gave context to missions. Meanwhile, Silent Line in 2003 built out the universe with mysterious organizations pulling the strings from the shadows. The PS2 era cemented Armored Core as the thinking man's mech action game before the genre drifted toward simplified experiences.

The Gap Years

FromSoftware largely moved on from Armored Core after the middling reception of 2012's Armored Core V. They had shifted priorities toward the Soulsborne style of punishing action RPGs. New IPs like Bloodborne and Sekiro pleasing both gamers and critics while demonstrating FromSoftware's creative range.

Yet every few years, murmurs about reviving Armored Core persist. In 2022, supposed leaks indicated that Armored Core 6 entered early development as a PS5 exclusive. While unconfirmed, fans cling to hope that their beloved franchise earns a second life in the modern gaming landscape.

What to Expect in Armored Core 6

Any hypothetical Armored Core 6 faces high expectations. Not only must it modernize aging mechanics, but also recapture what made the series special. Here are some likely features based on FromSoftware's tendancies:

Strategic Customization

The heart of Armored Core remains building a battle robot from an array of interchangeable parts and weapons. Expect deep customization enabled by new console horsepower. Also anticipate unique gear tied to NPC quest lines or hidden areas that encourage replayability.

World Building Lore

FromSoftware excels at environmental storytelling through ruins, item descriptions, and vague dialog. The Armored Core universe already contains corporate conspiracies and political conflicts between factions. Leaks suggest the setting involves colonized Mars as humanity flees a ravaged Earth.

Fluid Combat

Clunky old mission designs requires an overhaul. Smooth, responsive controls would enable dodging, quick boosts, and mid-air attacks for frenetic engagements. Boss battles could also take cues from Soulsborne titles by emphasizing timing and memorizing patterns.

Online Integration

Previous Armored Core games featured competitive and cooperative online modes. Expect AC6 to expand options for custom matches and possibly even allow combining campaign progression between friends' single player worlds.

The Next Evolution

Armored Core 6 likely remains years away from even a teaser trailer. However, the wait allows anticipation to build. When FromSoftware eventually unveils their reimagining of the storied franchise, the reception may surprise cynics. Their track record of excellence combined with a ravenous fanbase primes the project for success.

FAQs

What is the Armored Core series?

Armored Core is a mech combat video game franchise developed by FromSoftware. First released in 1997, the core gameplay involves customizing your own giant robot battle avatar by swapping interchangeable parts and weapons.

How many Armored Core games exist?

FromSoftware has developed over 15 titles under the Armored Core brand since 1997 across various PlayStation platforms. The most recent major installment was Armored Core V in 2012.

Why does Armored Core 6 matter?

After a decade without a new entry, fans eagerly anticipate a modern revival that takes advantage of new console power to deliver smooth mech battles. Armored Core defined the strategic robot action genre.

What will Armored Core 6 feature?

Based on FromSoftware's track record, expect in-depth robot customization, mysterious universe lore, tough-but-fair battles, and integration with online multiplayer. It will likely prioritize strategic combat over simplistic action.