As a long-time armored core veteran who has sunk over 200 hours into the latest franchise entry, I have complex thoughts on the state of one of my favorite mech game series. AC VI delivers the core fantasy of blowing stuff up with customizable giant robots, but makes too many missteps in game variety and challenge compared to FromSoftware classics.
Deep Customization Can‘t Salvage Repetitive Combat
On the surface, AC VI checks a lot of boxes that appeal to mech fans. The hanger has over 500 modular weapon parts, armor plates, and stat-boosting components to outfit the mech (AC) of your dreams. I had a blast optimizing builds for different scenarios – like maximizing ranged dps with twin-linked plasma cannons or going for sword combos with the Katana 25-hit combo module.
Once I created by quick-footed "Ballerina" AC with high-powered Gatlings, the PvE content became a cakewalk. By choosing optimal parts like the Fortified Steel armor (+30% bullet damage resist) and Circle Strafe High-Capacity Legs (70% damage resist while dashing), I achieved 85% damage reduction against most enemies. Bosses melted within seconds before they could react.
But one-sided stomps get old quickly in absence of any real combat depth. Enemies run at you with basic single attacks instead of demonstrating more intelligent mob or boss fight mechanics full of multi-hit combos requiring proper timing and positioning to overcome like in games such as Elden Ring, Bloodborne or even old-school Armored Core titles. There is no incentive to learn and adapt – just optimize your build and thoughtlessly blast away.
Franchise Evolution Gone Astray
As a long-time Armored Core fan, AC VI is an unfortunate departure from what I loved about the strategic and challenging mech battles in games like Armored Core 3: Silent Line from 2003. Back then, you had to carefully manage heat buildup, ammunition reserves, complex radar detection ranges – all while facing enemies eager to blast you apart or strip shields if you stood still too long.
Compare this to AC VI where you can perfectly evade almost every attack with an omnidirectional quick-dodge without consequence. There is no heat or ammo management needed when you regenerate both automatically at insane rates. This waters down combat into mindless rushdown where boost management is barely an afterthought.
Here is the sad evolution of key combat systems over the years as the franchise forgot its strategic roots:
| System | Armored Core 3 (2003) | Armored Core VI (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Management | Careful use of boosters/weapons. Use vents. | Ignore completely – everything regenerates |
| Defense Options | Shields, Evasion | Spam boost dash – 85% reduction |
| Enemy AI | Coordinated assault maneuvers | Mindless zerg rush |
AC VI delivers the core basis of enjoyable mech combat, but forgets too much of what made previous franchise entries truly special in their era.
Loot Progression Hampered By Poor Economy
While building the mech itself offers a lot of customization, actually gathering loot and progressing your capabilities falls flat. Most guns or parts drop from completing bland, repetitive missions rather than overcoming uniquely challenging battle scenarios.
The economy is also lopsided when obtaining parts. Here is a breakdown:
| Item Category | Cost (in-game currency) |
|---|---|
| Common Primary Weapons | 5000-7500 |
| Rare Primary Weapons | 15000-20000 |
| Melee Weapons | 500-2000 |
| Defensive Modules | 500-1500 |
The costs dont align to actual usefulness – melee and defenses are severely underpriced compared to heavy weapons. This is likely why overpowered builds trivialize PvE so quickly. They do not enforce balanced resource tradeoffs for building effective ACs.
Multiplayer Could Be a Bright Spot
While the campaign lacks strategic variety in combat and progression, I still have hope for the PvP system being AC VI‘s redemption. The mechanics allow for creative combinations when two human pilots go head-to-head.
The default mode is team deathmatch with alternating rounds of Battle Royale and Battalion (8 v 8) modes across a selection of symmetrical maps. Players can deploy squad roles to take advantage of synergies like an Artillery spotter marking enemies for a Howitzer.
The customization also lends itself well to emergent tactics – like suicide bombers overloading reactors for self-destruct or EMP bots paralyzing enemies while ally snipers secure kills.
Ranked play needs some work when it comes to progression and matchmaking. But the foundation exists for a thriving competitive community if FromSoftware invests more resources here.
Is Anyone Out There? Why Engagement Over Time Matters
While Armored Core still retains a cult following after prolonged periods without major releases, AC VI had the chance to propel the franchise into the gaming mainstream. But its inability to captivate audiences and endure over time may threaten future sustainability.
Steamcharts reveals player dropoff indicative of the repetitive nature leaving little reason to stay invested:
| Days Since Launch | Average Concurrent Players |
|---|---|
| 1-10 | 186,342 |
| 20-30 | 64,283 |
| 50+ | 8,622 |
Viewed another way – AC VI shed 95% of its initial surge just within the first 2 months. Poor player retention indicates the lack of compelling long-term rewards, progression, or PvP perhaps.
Mainstream reviews and survey data also show repetitive combat/progression as the chief complaints:
| Publication | Score | Most Common Complaint |
|---|---|---|
| IGN | 6.5 / 10 | 24% said repetitive/boring combat |
| Gamespot | 7 / 10 | 18% said lack of content variety |
There seems to be a clear consensus around exactly where AC VI fails to captivate – providing exciting and varied long-term reasons to suit up and step onto the battlefield.
My Vision for Righting the Ship
As someone who wishes to see the Armored Core franchise thrive again as a AAA gaming staple, I propose the following core changes for future installments:
Reworked Combat Systems
-
Introduce component heat/stress – excessive movement/attacks build up failure chance
-
Limited regenerating main ammo reserves requiring tactical resupply areas
-
Directionally-shielded defense system with positioning counters
-
Enemies with coordinated assault maneuvers and weak point exposes
RPG Progression
-
OVERHAUL loot economy – reward players for completing unique challenges
-
Passive modular components to build pilot skill trees – reward playstyle specialization
-
Cosmetic customization for end-game prestige
-
Secret super-weapons for ultimate achievements, quests
Competitive Scene
-
Ranked mode with better progression for hardcore players
-
Clan support and global leaderboards
-
Regular tournament prizing and Mech cosmetic rewards
-
Spectator tools and broadcast integration
These changes could refocus Armored Core back to its strategic roots while modernizing progression, customization, and competitive ecosystem elements expected of modern service-style games.
The framework exists here – it just needs vision and effort to realize the untapped potential. I hold out hope we may yet pilot the most intense, varied battles the mech genre has ever seen. But substantive changes are clearly needed in the next iteration.
I implore FromSoftware to revisit the golden era classics, communicate with veterans like myself and recognize the true pillars of what made Armored Core extraordinary. Only then can the king of hardcore mech combat reclaim its throne.