Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon Review

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon’s stellar customization options feed into its excellent mecha combat, and the result is challenging combat puzzles that kept my attention all the way through its 15-hour campaign and beyond. It’s let down by a dull story, but lands direct hits where it counts.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon review by Mitchell Saltzman on PlayStation 5. Also available on PlayStation 4, Xbox, and PC.
#IGN

[@MukiMuki688]

For those who have never played Armored Core. Rule #1: there is no "best" loadout, there will always be different loadouts that work on certain missions and not on others.

[@TheCrewExpendable]

Rule #2 is have fun! If you like your Patches themed "kicking off a cliff only" build even though its not optimal but its fun, that's ok!

[@nihilisticpoet]

Misinformation. The director specifically stated that EVERY build can work, you just might have it easier or have to work for it. They don't restrict mission success to one or few builds only.

[@shaqtaku]

ok

[@HattaTHEZulZILLA86]

Indeed. If you think Tank builds ALWAYS wins in PvP, you'd be WRONG. You CLEARLY haven't played against a Japanese AC player yet...

[@FulcrumK]

Thx

[@rafaelqueirozz]

This year releases are fire, so many highly anticipated games actually delivering quality, and not disappointment.

[@bomberman9296]

Even better lord of the rings gollum game

[@sye119]

other than diablo 4...

[@Slayer1235ish]

​@@bomberman9296what's your point?

[@IINareik]

@@bomberman9296 That was last year

[@nissan3609]

MW3

[@bigpapapage7165]

Newcomers to the series - you’re in for a treat. Remember to change it up with your load outs and have some fun!

[@louis3723]

Thank you sir! I'm definitely going in as a rookie

[@KwadDamyj]

Thanks you for the well wishes. If you're on PS4/5, see you on the battlefield!

[@jasonchiang251]

are you kidding me? ac5 was dogshit. Hopefully this one is better

[@TheBigEmstos]

This looks boring as hell

[@neroexe6872]

thanks for the tip , definitely gonna love this game

[@SicSemperBeats]

For a change, this IGN reviewer is actually speaking like he's accustomed to the genre they're reviewing. He obviously is aware of the typical AC loop and certain aspects of old games. Maybe the world is healing...

[@ELDENLORD89]

He’s done basically all the reviews for all the souls likes including Elden Ring. And he also does all the fighting games reviews (SF6). He’s IGN’s best reviewer.

[@cameronhillman7794]

He also used to work for gamefront and did a bunch of souls playthroughs

[@consecrated2718]

This gamefront walk through is brought to you by Best Buy! @@cameronhillman7794

[@bobross8585]

That's literally how they decide who reviews what dude. Are you dense? You could easily say that he is actually biased towards the game because of that and is giving it a better score than it actually deserves too. Should we do that?

[@_BlackenedSun]

He is afraid to really speak his mind because fromsoft fan are rabid dogs

[@kikiphallin]

Also, considering the regional pricing, this games is accordingly priced here in latin america, compared to a lot of other AAA releases. This is an incredible package with excellent value.

[@ronthorn3]

True, it’s one of the very few AAA games, if not like the only releases that comes at $60 not $70. Fromsoft always being boss.

[@oppressorb7196]

​@@ronthorn3hm.. On my Amazon it costs 69.99 (Day 1 Edition)

[@theobvu]

FromSoft prices are always similar. Elden Ring being 59$ was insane considering its one of best if not best games ever. for me its the best

[@oppressorb7196]

@@theobvu it's the best ever. Agreed. Almost no way to ever top Elden Ring

[@MouseR985]

@@oppressorb7196 not even top 3 in the souls series

[@ghostking433]

This will be my first ever armored core game. Looks amazing!!

[@seyvianlaw2672]

Same

[@davicossamuel1911]

Same

[@EmpReb]

It’s mecha Ace Combat if you know of Ace combat but insane mech customization

[@leonr1985]

That's what kids say during their first

[@kinnetikira]

Same and I’m a gundam fan

[@mindofmatt_2240]

Look at all the Armored Core newbies 😊 it warms my heart people are going to experience this franchise for the first time.

[@aceking9372]

Almost like watching a baby’s first steps…

[@kinnetikira]

Hoping to love it, will preload tonight!

[@PervySage723]

​@@kinnetikiraim getting it too for the first time, im hoping im not let down

[@emiami458]

Looks pretty meh to me 😊

[@WASTHATABULLET]

​@@emiami458like your attempt at a low blow lol kinda sad. You are entitled to like what you do and are entitled to your opinion but that smiley face at the end tells me it was the way the OPs comment was worded that got to you huh😂😅

[@Redmercy]

Cannot wait to play this. Fromsoft is one of the best studios out there

[@garrettbass3253]

Aren’t you the league fuy

[@Jakco808]

Apples are red

[@thotslayer9493]

based

[@Swillo]

Nobody was saying this before souls games, but it is great that this very long time seasoned developer is finally getting some acknowledgement. Just hope they get to do more games besides souls games moving forward.

[@TheHollowFace]

Damn you fell off

[@Adrianhernandez-ex8cj]

This is my first armored core im really excited

[@Alexander-or7vr]

Are you going to muck everywhere?

[@subotopic]

Me aswell!

[@Joe_BTC]

chromehounds smoked this by far

[@spikey556]

"get in the robot" and that bright purple and green colour scheme really tells they had the right person reviewing this game

[@NaldzHobbySide]

haha 😁👌

[@NutnFancy21]

Whats the reference?

[@gianmatteocorda9355]

​@@NutnFancy21Evangelion.

[@_Juntao]

This will be my first AC game I’ve ever played. I’m intrigued that each mission is different from the previous, so the experimenting of certain mech builds are going to be interesting. Flying to New Zealand for this tomorrow 😂

[@jeojofabad5949]

welcome to AC

[@210LG]

Aye welcome to AC! Hope you enjoy!

[@MrDrdiaz81084]

Welcome, Raven.

[@leonr1985]

Don't bother its nothing special

[@Evanz111]

You never played Black Flag? You’re missing out~ 🏴‍☠️

[@raindrain1]

Everything I've heard about the storytelling makes me think of "Ace Combat on the ground" and I'm all for it 🎉

[@aeson6294]

Yeah, that's very accurate assessment. I'm super hyped. From Software has grown a lot in the 10 years since AC5.

[@mss3183]

You can’t fly in this game .. like Zone of The Enders … ???

[@raindrain1]

@@mss3183 You can sort of fly around, but that's not the point.

[@JoeSki42]

Ace Combat meets Gran Turismo meets Gundam.

[@Loquacious_Jackson]

Shut up nerd

[@user-zw7qe1ex3c]

this game armored my core

[@Alltimefox]

This game makes me honor its core

[@jihigh482]

So corny Delete it while there's still time

[@Skegfromcraigslist]

Every core has its armor. It’s always armored before the core….

[@iExploder]

My lock is hard for this game.

[@jimmymurphy898]

Hahahahahahahahohohohohoho

[@PsychoSynoptic]

Make sure to play all missions in the story. Every part is usually locked behind all the missions. Game falcon or whatsit did a video and apparently there is even hidding parts in those same missions so don't be afraid to explore. these maps are bigger than they have ever been

[@EvilAce360]

No theyve missed plenty of times

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

A reminder that this game has a lot of replay value due to the decisions made throughout the campaign, as well as the unlockables of New Game +.

[@hafirenggayuda]

Also there's PvP and probably PvE modes.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Yup!@@hafirenggayuda

[@Erks89]

seems very short for 15 hours though

[@305backup]

​@@Erks89my man elden ring could be beaten in shorter time than that.

[@TheForeignGamer]

​​@@Erks8915 hours, on "average", to complete the main story. Countless more if you choose to play the other modes, attempt harder difficulties, try out NG+, perhaps even go for all the achievements/trophies. If all you play games for is a single run of the story mode, you're intentionally missing out on the full experience and artificially reducing the value of those games for yourself.

[@Hayes1998]

I’ve never played an Armor Core game before but I’m excited to try this. Customizing your own mech sounds badass plus Fromm software is one of the most trustworthy developers out there

[@devondavis5119]

Looks very interesting can't wait 🔥🔥

[@PlaySA]

First game I've preordered in a LONG damn time. Like probably about five years. Fromsoft has earned that trust

[@sudacagamer]

cool, here`s a medal

[@jorgemandez210]

Facts 🔥💯

[@yurtthesilentgod1225]

First gane I've pre ordered since dark souls 3 in 2016

[@marcamusprime9513]

​@@sudacagamerI also heard that KZbin is going to start handing them out soon

[@mmmmburgerz9442]

Game stop will too at this ratw

[@moman007]

NG+ sounds amazing in this!

[@jamesoakley4570]

AC has always had great NG plus. always adding new things. it's a shame Elden Ring didn't do this like in the other DS game.

[@CarrotM15]

@@jamesoakley4570 The only souls game with some NG+ changes is DS2. But yeah, shame it's the only one.

[@Legendalvin]

Not only the combat but also the story telling ? This game is so Ace Combat , let's go !

[@zyonhithekel2397]

Right??? So much so that it got me wondering about Ace Combat 8, i need it!

[@Tobythecatrocks]

"sOAcE CoMbAt" 🤓

[@SeanHiruki]

Armored Core has always been like that

[@Edo_Ginting]

AC fans getting into AC, lesgoooo

[@edgarb.6187]

:)

[@Alltimefox]

If you guys are wondering how much the game cost, it’s 60 U.S dollars not 70 dollars, unless you want the deluxe edition.

[@naughtygirl6505]

Just like elden ring.

[@denberz711]

its 80

[@leonr1985]

So?

[@denberz711]

so what boy?@@leonr1985

[@cZero475]

S$70

[@FriesischeKuh]

Looks like fun. Reminds me of playing Armored Core 2 with my best friend as kids. Starting to show my age lol

[@jaydeebow6431]

Never tried any AC game but did love Squares Front Mission games from back in the day so might try this later.

[@svv9133]

Front mission is amazing

[@halfaddict]

AC is what Front Mission Evolved drew is inspiration from for sure

[@gjkrisa]

7:00 being able to switch your lock type is pretty awesome it’s something I’d imagine we would be able to do in real life if we had the technology.

[@opposed2logic]

we already have lock on tracking technology in place in for example modern mbts (main battle tank). if you select a target, and that target is moving, it will automatically rotate the tower to make sure the cannon remains on target so when you fire you hit. we have the same tech in autonomous platforms too, like Phalanx CIWT etc, the autocannons you see mounted on for example aircraft carriers. They will automatically track incoming projectiles to shoot them down. gunpods on helicopters have lock on tracking support, where you can lock the gun on a target and it will remain pointed at it no matter how the helicopter or that target moves. bomb cameras on fighter jets have the same type of cameras, designate an area on the ground (or a vehicle) and the camera remains locked on that position, it often has its own IR laser to laze a target for use with laser guided bombs etc.

[@TheGundamsword]

The mission briefings is how its always been. It's great how it is. That's the point. You're a mercenary. It's all business.

[@HighLanderPonyYT]

Cope

[@KBreezy_]

@@HighLanderPonyYTcope with what? He’s just stating facts

[@azi2g]

​@@HighLanderPonyYTit's okay if you don't like it however it's not coping to like something thematically fitting.

[@clams377]

That was my thought. It’s also very fromsoft that all of the lore is hidden beneath the surface. Our character is just a lens in to that world. Typical fromsoft ambiguous storytelling.

[@mikemidwood9661]

"The gameplay is terrific, but they should've invested more resources into story and presentational elements that don't matter." Yup its an IGN review.

[@Raven5431]

Does this version have limiter release? And is there co op? My first time playing was with masters of the arena. Allways went fast and nible energy efficient to the point of never needing to touch the ground, only switching to tank models when necessary.

[@professorsosa880]

It's nice to have AC back. Gonna get it day 1

[@janlemus4556]

Didn’t have to flex so hard at 4:25 but I’m here for it

[@extremelyboredtatsumaki.495]

So glad the protagonist DOES NOT talk and is a blank slate. 🙏 Fromsoft games excel with a self-insert character, not an annoying quip machine like certain other games that repeat a voice line anytime you do ANYTHING. “Phew, glad THAT’S over.”

[@user-if2ov8ec1x]

新しいゲームプレイをありがとう!!英語が完璧に理解できればいいのですが…… 発売はもう目の前です！！ 楽しみで仕方ない！！

[@zidan40o0]

yes, very intriguing points you present there.

[@Hellock_222]

[@redrandom716]

Rule #1: Have fun and don't forget to stay hydrated

[@globru26]

Hopefully this means we might get a new King's Field game if they're going back to older titles

[@jaybeam1466]

FromSoft never misses. GOAT devs.

[@aarondelozier4546]

is the music at 3:34 actual music from the game? this is gonna be sick

[@darkcharizard52]

9:15 lmao. Love the color coordination with this AC

[@mr.b89]

AT field is weakening!!

[@lightyagami8377]

A Buy for me. Fromsoftware never disappoints

[@JasonStephens7]

Never played one of these games before but I’m down for this one. Looks great!

[@AV-xm5ln]

Nah

[@hidetaka_miyazaki10]

@@AV-xm5ln wdym nah?

[@hoofhearted4]

so hyped for this game! probably my most hyped game this year next to Remnant 2.

[@ginogarcia8730]

Checked you out in a Blockbuster one time, been loving the Armored Core series ever since - let's go!!!!!!!

[@eileentheecroww9829]

Thumbs up if you are first time playing armored core like me 👍

[@PabloPinya]

To save your time, They gave the game an 8 out of 10 guys.

[@stevephillips9695]

Thanks dude

[@parse4842]

And thats okay

[@Kaizan27]

No @@parse4842

[@jeffchiu2786]

First Time? IG8🤣

[@garienza]

Did the game make him feel like a giant robot or a comatosed vegetable piloting a Giant robot?

[@zemo32]

Yo, this reviewer is awesome! Keep up the great work man.

[@BarBar3ar]

Can you save loadouts?

[@aleverettes2789]

They gave it an 8, that's the mech bias That boring magic cod game with 3 weapons, 15 hour campaign, an uninspired cod story, no replayability whatsoever got 8 as well

[@10XSeiga]

😂 facts

[@st.altair4936]

Very balanced review. Definitely playing this.

[@Actualchristianity]

The time is nigh, ravens.

[@Sonic_Kirbo]

He didn’t really mention the boss fights at all kinda odd.

[@stormtalksgames]

I'm so excited to play my first Armored Core game!!! Friday can't come soon enough

[@Slayer1235ish]

Excited for you. Have fun making your dream robots.

[@leonr1985]

Of course you are if you're a 12 yr old kid

[@deemp6773]

@@leonr1985 go to bed

[@leonr1985]

Remember not to pee in your dreams kiddo@@deemp6773

[@AIM0STHERE]

This will be my 3rd armored core game but haven’t played in so many years might as well be new to the game again lol. Already downloaded and ready to go after work

[@Spikero2]

What's the song in the middle of the review? It doesn't sound like it's from the game.

[@kurtdewittphoto]

Growing up on the slow-paced Mechwarrior 2, I never got into the Armored Core series, however, this looks pretty sweet . Probably pick it up on a deep sale though.

[@mikejackson5658]

The game is amazing IMO. One of my all time favorite franchises and so far it has not disappointed

[@xmst5]

A little missleading only stating "60 FPS" without mentioning it being capable of going up to 120 FPS

[@bigdoopy]

3:24 nice little nod to unit 01 ;)

[@Rievoldt]

I've never played an Armored Core game but it looks amazing. I've always had a build-a-mech itch to scratch

[@jaycore016]

Attention new pilots: This is not a ‘SOULS LIKE’ game… Enjoy 😉

[@Denois95]

This was an amazing year for gaming

[@projectmidnight6195]

Operation rusty nail still one of my favorite old school AC missions

[@Chronos30]

this will be my first AC and I'm very excited

[@spinyslasher6586]

Don't get how the sotrytelling is 'bland'. I've just gotten all 3 endings and this was some of the most well told story I've seen in any mech action game.

[@thegamersconclave8709]

I'm so excited to rebuild the Blue Sentinel, look for me out there!!!

[@jzi4]

From software is becoming the king of AAA gaming..... Fun games that release 100% finished, no microtransactions, isn't afraid to go against the norm, and focusing on smooth challenging gameplay..... Mouth breathers complaining about AC6 need to stick to candy crush so the rest of the industry can finally evolve.

[@TiagoRodrigues-oz4qs]

My boy iron pineapple was not wrong.

[@EpicLebaneseNerd]

anyone gonna point out he colored his mech as an EVA unit ?

[@Dracobyte]

Welcome (or welcome back) to the Armored Core community Ravens!

[@ACameronUK]

Cool Vangelis/Blade Runner soundtrack vibes from the music ☺️

[@mariorossi9300]

Is this game OLED friendly? Meaning can you disable all fixed GUI elements?

[@clams377]

I’m actually finding the simplistic plot refreshing. It feels like an old game with a new skin and new features.

[@varius456]

Its always nice to play a game like this after doing nothing but playing rdr2-esque large games or even elden ring. Its nice playing a game thats not afraid to just be a Game for once. Even so its an awesome all around experience worth every penny

[@Sorrowdusk]

🤷🏾‍♂️ What do they want if not Mission Briefings and radio chatter? 🤔 Do they want us to collect lore items? Do they want us to pop out of the mecha and talk to recurring characters in person?

[@ark14700]

As an Ace Combat fan, the briefings are the cake and the cherry on to, they're so cool

[@davidrehn7909]

​@@ark14700I was looking for this comment. No one complains with Ace Combat

[@lourensels262]

From Inferno v2 in nexus to Silant run in ac4 to Bullet rain in ac 5. Cant wait to see how they will look in Ac6 and to see who is going to sucseed them

[@timelostadept]

Words, learn how to use them

[@michaelfuller7065]

Wonder if 9 ball will return.

[@lollmemmSm0keweed]

Wow, an actual videogame, not some movie simulator

[@kiberme]

"EXPLOSIVE combat" *Pink Optimus Prime flies over enemies shooting from two rifles from both hands*

[@thornea7015]

Why are such test videos still uploaded only up to 1080p?

[@VoiceNerd]

"Bland storytelling by radio chatter?" Have you ever played Bioshock?

[@maazasad4618]

Pre-ordered it. IGN gave it an 8!. I was hoping for a higher score. It's my 1st AC game. Hope it's worth it.

[@Coronaboii88]

Already preordered. Can’t wait!

[@bobsnow1620]

So does this have a coop mode or is it just pvp multiplayer only?

[@thegrimmreefer21]

No Co-op.

[@toxicshot4528]

this gonna be my first AC

[@ricepony33]

Wish you could play as Johnny 5 from Short Circuit

[@raphaeldias5502]

All the story from dark souls/bloodborne/elden ring comes from items, why people are complaining about mission briefing?

[@SweatyHatMan]

That FOV is brutal though. Wish you coule zoom out more.

[@abe7043]

Is k & m controll better?

[@derrickhaggard]

I'm getting this game eventually

[@jonascastejon5888]

Me too, when it's cheaper.

[@Dracobyte]

Welcome (or welcome back) to the Armored Core community Ravens and other mech fans! This is our moment to make the genre more popular.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Yeah!

[@starbwoybling]

Oh the memories. Can’t wait to get my hands on this. Hey big cuz your mech daddy is back.

[@jabbadabbajew6035]

Fromsoft. The company that puts quality before anything else, regardless of what the suits and snakes say.

[@randyali]

havent played AC since PS1...looking fwd to this one

[@NatureBoi80]

same here

[@ps5andstuffhere]

How do you beat first boss?

[@user-of2sj8iq5i]

Be aggressive, try and stay under it. Use your assault boost or whatever it’s called to help close the gap. Also the sword tears it apart once it’s guard is broke.

[@vibezzz7211]

So happy to get another armored core now if we can just get another front mission game and my childhood would be complete

[@nashnajmi5453]

I've played every single armored core game. Happy with this one.

[@NightriderX2]

With AC 4 Answer being the benchmark for the Armored Core series, these reviews seem to move the benchmark even further.

[@juanisaias8308]

That tank gameplay looks so fun

[@MacCready_]

Anyone know what the best load out might be?

[@RobertSmith-tu7rl]

not how this game works my friend gotta be strategic

[@MILDMONSTER1234]

@@RobertSmith-tu7rl nah let’s be real fromsoft is terrible at weapon balance lol

[@RobertSmith-tu7rl]

@@MILDMONSTER1234 facts

[@Denny-ix9sx]

Everything that you described sounds like the same old armored core standard format that we all know and played in every AC game prior to this one. Hopefully in the next game they will do things like better balanced standard part weights, speed, defense, energy consumption and output?

[@emiryusufaydin5331]

this looks like more fun,better quality, and more modern version of daemon x machina. can't wait to get it!

[@judeeaston4220]

eva -01 reference at 9:16 ?

[@toughguy1125]

LOL, IRON PINEAPPLE CALLED IT ON THE NOSE. 8 is underselling this mechsterpiece.

[@Umbojug]

8 is the perfect score for this game

[@ryuuotaku35]

I’m all for it.