Summary
It’s no secret that FromSoftware is on a roll, and has been for the past few console generations. FromDemon’s Soulsin 2009 to last year’sArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, the studio has proven its ability to make mechanically sound, original, and influential games, seemingly improving its craft with each entry. AlthoughArmored Core 6didn’t enjoy the same popularityas a cultural behemoth likeElden Ring, it’s still indicative of FromSoftware’s commitment to innovation and quality, and it arguably does certain things better than the enduringSouls-style games.
An initial playthrough ofArmored Core 6doesn’t typically take too long. The game features just under sixty missions, but several of these can be cleared in a matter of minutes or even seconds. And, while the game will certainly test players' mettle at several points, its challenge isn’t at the same level as something from theDark Soulsseries. That said, if players want to experience everything thatArmored Core 6has to offer, multiple playthroughs are necessary, as FromSoftware has concealed a great deal of narrative and gameplay content behind new game plus.
Armored Core 6’s New Game Plus Is the Feature at Its Best
Armored Core 6’s New Game Plus Hides a Wealth of Valuable Content
If players want to see everythingArmored Core 6has to offer, it’s essential to do at least two new game plus runs. Like most FromSoftware games,Armored Core 6features multiple endings, but only two of them can be achieved during the first playthrough (not simultaneously, of course). To see the ‘true’ ending of the game, players will have to complete a NG++ run while meeting certain criteria. This ending includes an exclusive fight against ALLMIND, making it more than just a different cutscene or new lore insight. Additionally, NG++ features missions and other story beats that cannot be experienced in the first two playthroughs. This is also true for NG+.
Armored Core 6’s replay valueis further elevated by exclusive unlocks. There are several pieces of gear, some of which are quite powerful and unique, that can only be earned on a second or third playthrough of the game. With gear and weaponry playing such a significant role inArmored Core 6, this feature means that new playthroughs can feel remarkably different, even if the bulk of the content is ultimately the same.
TheDark Soulsgames also feature some gear that’s exclusive to NG+, but not to the same extent asArmored Core 6.
FromSoftware’s Future Projects Can Benefit from AC6’s Approach to Replay Value
It’s not hard to sinkhundreds of hours into a game likeElden Ring, and new game plus provides extra depth by encouraging players to experiment with different playstyles and narrative decisions. That said, FromSoftware’sSoulsgames don’t offer endings, quests, or other narrative content that are exclusive to subsequent playthroughs; new game plus inElden Ring,Sekiro,Bloodborne, and theDark Soulsgames is essentially just starting a new game with all equipment intact. Otherwise, it’s the same experience.
ButArmored Core 6proves that the feature can offer more than just a fresh start with end-game gear.Armored Core 6may be different from FromSoftware’sother games, and certain systems, like gear and item economy, wouldn’t translate well to something with theDark Soulsframework, but there’s no reason why its ambitious, novel approach to new game plus can’t be reprised. Even if it’s only an extra side quest or a slightly different ending, accessing fresh content through new game plus would buttress replayability, encourage subsequent playthroughs, and make for a more gratifying, varied, and novel experience overall.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
WHERE TO PLAY
Combining FromSoftware’s longstanding expertise in mech games with their signature action gameplay, ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON brings a brand-new action experience to the series.Dynamic, Omni-directional Battles Players will pilot their mech in fast-paced, omni-directional battles, taking advantage of massive stages and their mech’s mobility on land and in the air to ensure victory.Customized Parts for Individual Battle Styles Customize Armored Core parts to suit a large variety of playstyles. Selecting different parts not only changes the mech’s attacks, but also directly affects its movement and battle style, so each mission can be approached with a unique mech strategy.Thrilling Boss Battles Deploy a wide variety of offensive and defensive tactics at close and long range to take down powerful enemy bosses.
