From Software entered the Western consciousness as a developer with its challenging medieval Souls series in the late 2000s and early 2010s. However, it had been quietly building a reputation with the Armored Core franchise for a decade prior.
Fires of Rubicon might be your first encounter with Armored Core’s mech combat, but it serves as a great introduction to the cult series. However, don’t expect any crossover with the formidable dark fantasy of Souls.
Set in a sci-fi universe, the game revolves around mega-corporations battling for an energy source called Coral on the planet Rubicon 3. Warfare takes place using giant robots, flying machines, and a wide range of weaponry. As a mech pilot, you are one among thousands of enemies chasing or protecting this elusive Coral.
The storyline strongly resembles a Metal Gear Solid plot, complete with MacGuffins, enigmatic handlers giving orders through comms, and a touch of pomposity. The initial landscapes on Rubicon 3 may not impress, consisting mainly of gloomy metal ruins and vast chambers that you revisit frequently. While your mech is equipped with an impressive arsenal, mastering the movement controls can be challenging due to the incredibly mobile jet boost.
However, as the opening missions progress, ACVI starts to shine. You’ll engage in assassinations and demolitions, gradually mastering the mech’s thrusters to zip around the battlefield, dodge incoming attacks, and leap great distances. Handling it can still feel like steering a skittish bowling ball on ice, especially in close combat.
Fortunately, ACVI introduces upgrades for your mech’s components that can be purchased with mission earnings. This customization not only brings greater freedom but also tighter control. You can choose to equip a shield instead of a second missile launcher or opt for a boost engine that recharges quickly but doesn’t last long. The options are vast, and ACVI allows you to switch between different builds rapidly at mission start or even mid-level.
As the game progresses, it ramps up the spectacle with enormous enemy ships and colossal spaces, smoothly incorporating verticality as ACVI’s signature feature. One mission, for instance, requires you to halt a massive walking machine in a Shadow of the Colossus-like manner, then climb its vast frame to literally poke its eye out.
The levels offer both thrilling and slightly frustrating experiences. While there are fewer difficulty spikes compared to Elden Ring, you won’t find online co-op to assist you in overcoming particularly tenacious opponents.
For me, ACVI lacks the enigmatic mysteries that From Software masterfully crafted in the Souls series. It’s a mech fighter with a vaguely interesting story, but its main focus is on combat and the myriad of possibilities offered by your mech’s modules against a variety of enemies.
If you’re a fan of robot brawls, you will enjoy your time with Fires of Rubicon. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t quite measure up to the Souls games with their intricate craftsmanship, intricate lore, and unique aesthetic.
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