Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon - Steel Haze | Reacting To Video Game Music!

[@Razor921]

Oh man I've waited for this... so fun fact, the composer for the second track, Shoi Miyazawa, actually joined FromSoft because he was a huge fan of Kota Hoshino's music for AC and his dream was to work on the series. He had to wait over a decade to finally get to work on it, but then delivered some of the best tracks the series has ever seen. To the point where Hoshino personally praised his work. I have way too much VGM trivia in my head.

[@edgecalibur777]

Can't wait when he actually gets to reacts to Takes Me Anywhere

[@solomon9655]

I love Steel Haze because it sounds like the song that should play whenever you break the sound barrier. The vocals feel like they're being choked out under extreme G-Forces while the instruments sound distorted like they're behind you and are constantly trying to catch up.

[@acceptablecasualty5319]

That's absolutely on-point

[@王征服]

"I won't stop! Only I can fly high enough!"

[@jayb7775]

"Those are humans right?" One of the themes in AC6 is that the pilots are "augmented" humans, in varying generations of advancement. Perfectly represented by the vocals.

[@Anteatereatingants]

could be the Fires of Rubicon itself to

[@captain02rex]

@@Anteatereatingants that would fit "Cries of Coral" more i guess

[@OFJehutyV2]

4:22 - nice job picking up that Rusted Pride sounding both dreadful and hopeful, with an overall air of ‘ominous’. Like prior Armored Core games and other Fromsoft games, AC6 has multiple routes/endings. Rusted Pride plays in the penultimate mission on two of the routes and the themes of both those missions can definitely be separately described as ‘dreadful’ and ‘hopeful’. I also had no idea I had requested this song. lol.

[@Ekusu11]

Your profile picture and name made me want to listen to Beyond the Bounds xD

[@BlueAsterismSolstice]

I'm qualified to talk about this. This is the main theme on a character called Rusty, his AC craft is Steel Haze because it's fast. The first song, Rusted Pride, was in game at the grand reveal of his purpose and true alignment, the Liberation Front. We play the newly dubbed character Raven, and our standing was either his last great obstacle to surpass or his greatest ally to bring his people's lives their freedom over the war about their home. In turn analogies on the player as well as freedom such as flight and flying high are represented in both his word choices and in lyrics. Prior to his reveal we bested him, our best friend, already in an unfortunate turn. So the song is the mark of a redemption period for him in his newer and better craft, the Ortus which means Sunrise. This becomes further poetic when the player learns their borrowed identity came from a craft called Nightfall.

[@krisisgod666]

For these songs, all I can say is “Buddy”. Take that how you will👍🏻

[@cyanyde4950]

same can be said in Ace Combat when fans hear "hey buddy."

[@skuddstevens]

Armored Core VI was my personal game of the year for 2023. Absolutely phenomenal game, 100% worth a playthrough if you have the opportunity. The music in this game does such a good job of setting the right mood for every scenario, every big set piece, and this song in particular is a huge one. Love it.

[@CthulhuSeeker]

lets goooooo🔥🔥🔥

[@NotZealot]

@@CthulhuSeeker cthuluseeker spotted!!

[@Zelisius]

"I won't miss"

[@GrimNought]

he dont miss

[@acceptablecasualty5319]

Wrong Mission

[@Noizzed]

​@@acceptablecasualty5319 Sure but that's Rusty's signature line, in the same way this song is.

[@acceptablecasualty5319]

@@Noizzed I thought it was "Hey, Buddy"

[@cyanyde4950]

@@acceptablecasualty5319 "Hey, Buddy." is definitely his signature line, "I won't miss." is just one of his many hype inducing one liners.

[@snbwz]

“I WON’T MISS.”

[@jonathontritto1990]

MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE TRACK EVER IM SO HAPPY YOU LISTENED TO IT

[@MHToro]

"Like a mixture of dreadful and hopeful, that doesn't make sense" The irony of Jesse getting the vibe for both scenarios this plays during correct while lacking the context for how different those two scenarios are.

[@JessesAuditorium]

lmao sorry for that edit, yt didn't like U2. If you're curious about the comparison, it's 3:39 of kzbin.info/www/bejne/paOrnHePg6uqe8k

[@Malficious]

"I've got your back, buddy. hope you've got mine" Armored core VI was my personal game of the year in 2023, it was so phenomenal. The soundtrack was absolutely fantastic as well.

[@_..Osh.._]

"mixture of dreadful and hopeful" is a perfect summary of the vibe for this part of the game

[@Alan-nf5pu]

Ok so im about to nerd out so hard but basically steel haze rusted pride is the ost of the character rusty (whos personal armored core is called steel haze), in armored core 6 the story revolves around the planet rubicon in which there are two main forces, on one side there are corporations that exploit the planet for its special fuel called coral, and the rubicon liberation front that is basically a group of rebels that tries to liberate the planet from the exploitation of the corporations, rusty our guy is a mercenary that acts as a double agent for the liberation front by faking being one of the allies of the corporations, throughout the game rusty is one of the few pilots that acts somewhat friendly to the protagonist, tho he is constantly worried about the protagonist being a potential threat to rubicon, the song rusted pride can be heard in two different missions both in two different endings, the first one being the liberator of rubicon ending in which you side with the liberation front and rusty joins you in a battle to protect the planet, its a pretty hype moment in which you both act together to protect the planet, the other instance in which you can hear the song is in the "bad ending" of the game in which the protagonist decides to burn the coral so no one can access it meaning to destroy the hole planet, in that ending you can hear the song because rusty himself decides to fight you in a pretty emotion packed boss battle against your ex brother in arms, both instances end in rustys demise, either by your own hand or the corporations, its an amazing song that represents the ideals and hopes for a better future rusty has, its just so god damn cool.

[@internetstranger_]

Chase the clouds from over Rubicon, only I can fly high enough!

[@darklliter]

Hells yeah! Armored Core 6! Always really different from their other music, but personally my favorite songs!

[@Mint0n1n]

Something that dawned on me hearing the original version of the song is the vocals kind of sound like creaking metal. Makes me like it even more.

[@RoyalCrustle]

I really gotta do a second playthrough of AC6. I LOVED this game when it came out. Wanna climb that wall withy buddy Rusty again. And I NEED the model kit of Steel Haze.

[@MultiYoYoshi]

Oh yeah, one of my favorite songs of all time! As to the question in the video what genre the second song somewhat is, I'd say what maybe comes a bit close is noise rock, shoegaze and maybe some industrial rock. Similar to the SMTV battle themes, which have a similar sound and I've also heard some people describe as noise rock and shoegaze, with this "wall of sound" those drums and constant guitars create. Though the music is still overall unique in its own right

[@ajver19]

The second version is from a bonus mini album that released a little while after the game. It's all new versions of songs from both AC6 and past games, sort of a celebration of Armored Core being back.

[@firstnamelastname1015]

Would absolutely love to see you react to Cinders from the bonus disk 3. It's an amazing piece that combines a beautiful violin melody with electronics and strong percussion. It's an absolute tragedy that it doesn't play ingame, but it's still part of the OST.

[@huffee]

rusty my beloved.

[@SuperHexer123]

Absolutely adore AC6 and Rusty my beloved, Rusted Pride is actually a song that plays at the end of really important level if you pick a certain route and Rusty who is basically the OTHER main character of the game. Gameplay wise the AC series fluctuate on how they play, but a lot of people have said that 6 was closer to some of Fromsofts other games as it did borrow some aspects from them (good or bad it depends on who you ask). it can either range from slow and kind of clunky, to absolutely insane zipping around like 4A with 6 I'd say closer to the middle, but leaning more towards faster with some nice QoL. I really do enjoy this song even if the context is extremely depressing and its definitely one of the standouts of the OST since (while I do love 6's ost) they went with a more toned down soundscape over the bombastic frequency tracks of the old games. The official soundtrack CD's actually have some exclusive special remix tracks that fall closer in line with frequency's works and a part of me wishes they were used like the remix of rusted pride here.

[@FaustusGraticus]

"Why does this song have 2 versions?" Jesse, you may be pleased to know that there are actually 3 variations ! They are STEEL HAZE, Rusted Pride & Rusted Pride (Where Truths Meet). My personal favorite is actually the original, it takes me back to when it plays in-game. In those moments, it's your buddy and you.

[@chewbacachunks8644]

This game, and franchise is peak gaming. Many of the more main characters in AC 6 are actually written incredibly well. Some of my favorite characters FromSoftware has ever written. That and the gameplay is great. If you are ever in the mood to listen to more AC music. There are a few albums featuring newer arrangements of older AC music. The albums are by the in house band at FromSoftware called FreQuency. Comprised of members from the Fromsoft sound team and Kota Hoshino. Yuka Kitamura worked on it as well I think, most people would know her work from Dark Souls 3. I listen to these albums religiously, great music.

[@Silverman160Zero]

YO! I didn't think you'd hear them. Their amazing songs.

[@otamatonefan8996]

This song is made so much better when hearing the lyrics, and even more so when knowing the context of the story here. "over the skyyy.... And the mouuunntain.... Rusted Priiide.... On the ouuutside...." *chorus* (then repeats the first lyrics through most of the level) (Fighting the boss of that level) "I can flyyyyy!!!! I fly hiiiigh!!!! Watch the suuunriiiise, iiiinto Daaawwn.... Watch the raaaiiin.... Lost to wiiiind.... Watch the suuunriiiise, iiiinto daaawwn.... I fly hiiiigh!!!! I fly hiiiigh!!!!...."

[@Klefth]

Rusted Pride happens when manly tears are shed, Jesse. When manly tears are shed. It comes with this immense feeling of hype, yet you can't keep that tear in as you do this sick ass high speed giant robot dance to the death. God, AC6 is such a fucking videogame. This makes me want to play that game again.

[@Iridescent_Astraea]

If ya wanna explore a lil more, freQuency is the in house band that has done a lot of past AC soundtracks, and they have a good array of both bangers and more atmospheric stuff

[@CarlosAlola]

Man, armored core 6 saved me from the sadness, its my favorite game

[@Amuro1X]

"Only I can fly high enough."

[@edwinpritom6336]

I feel like Rusted Pride (Where Truths Meet) was the definitive version the composer finalized after hearing all the remixes made for Rusted Pride. I get a lot of CthulhuSeeker from it, with some other remixes mixed in.

[@darklliter]

Steel Haze is the theme/mech of your buddy in the game. Depending on your choices, he may be your greatest ally, or foe that decides to stand in your way.

[@Le_Canker]

The reason it's both hopeful and dreadful is because this theme plays during the most triunphant alliance or most heart wrenching betrayal. It a very important theme, since its tied to a very prominent character.

[@roninsghost108]

Rusted Pride and When truths meet are banger tunes in theyre own rights. This song is the theme of one of the best AI controlled pilots in the games lore, and in game. Steel Haze is the name of both of this characters AC, although the version that plays with this theme is called "Ortus" which means "Sunrise" and plays at a moment in the story endings where the sun is rising. The game itself is 100% worth a playthrough although you wont hesr any of the disc 3 songs unless your on pc and use a mod to allow them into the game. All the songs on disc 3 are worth a listen to as well

[@ricoanderson6626]

Without spoilers, Rusted Pride is the theme for letting someone down that respects you, but is forced to fight you. With the respect of fighting a formidable opponent, they go beyond their normal limits for the good of their people that rest on their shoulders.

[@Fiwi6]

Alternatively, it's the triumphant anthem of a revolution and celebration of finally being able to fight alongside someone again

[@naudio1806]

where truth meets gives me such a mental image of someone burning up in atmosphere but still going

[@chagen316]

disk 3 entire is amazing, the answer being remade was one of my favorite on that disk

[@derp_the_sherp7508]

Where all my Buddy's at?

[@Noizzed]

Rough and Decent should be next! Time for some jazzy tunes!

[@Alan-nf5pu]

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD HOW THE HELL DID I MISS THIS OH MY GOD AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@NocnaGlizda]

It was only when ACVI came out that I discovered this music. Amazing and unique. Those vocals so stretched out along with the rest of the sounds. Not bad. Whole ost for this game is amazing. “So Who needs you buddy?" Quote from the game.

[@nickghlac2671]

Interesting that you made a comparison to U2 since it was mentioned in an interview that it was one of the bands that inspired kota hoshino.

[@GoldenKaos]

Good timing, beat this game only a few days ago

[@EndlessInfinity1]

4:29 "It's like a mixture of dreadful and hopeful. That doesn't make sense." Oh, but it does. There are two storyline paths you can take and this song plays at the same point in each but the story context is as different as sides of a coin. Perfect words to describe it though... it isn't a good or evil storyline but with respect to the character whose theme this is, perhaps "heroic" or "tragic". I humbly request Contact with you (extended) from disc 3 as imo it's the original dialed to 11

[@GoldenKaos]

Also, I do think that this song should be judged by the context of its surrounding soundtrack, because it is significantly more upbeat and hopeful than the other tracks around it, so the contrast really makes it stand out within its own OST.

[@DireNecro]

hope the Patreon backer's got "Takes Me Anywhere" lined up next

[@NiktrickSpade]

Armored Core VI is great! You should give it a try. While not exactly like Elden Ring and the Dark Souls games, it has its own identity and it's really fun once you get into its loop. It's really great to hear some more AC on your channel!

[@Stinger20638]

the underlying "voices" you are hearing, in Rusted Pride, are either truck brakes or some form of screeching metal. Now, with that said, these are to simulate a wolf howling because in the game, Rusty--the character that this OST belongs to--has an emblem on his AC that is a muzzled wolf, that then switched to a wolf without a muzzle. This means that he has now freed himself from his chains. As such, you are finally seeing who he really is, through his theme song. A free wolf protecting his pack--The Rubiconians.

[@rieJW]

If there’s any game anyone should play it’s AC6, it’s so incredibly fun

[@MrArda11]

Lets gooooooooo

[@Tonku12]

"...I won't stop!!"

[@namuen]

You've now listened to the theme of the most gigachad of gigachads.

[@blooming1312]

waaait demon haunt bg theme goes crazy

[@FenrirGrey]

Armored Metal.

[@joshuamatias8887]

AIBO!!!

[@acceptablecasualty5319]

WATCH THAT SUN RIIIIISE

[@Zaque-TV]

I need to get around to this game. One day after a steam sale lol

[@Suguya]

Since no one recommended yet Any music from the most recent FFXIV raids "It's Showtime!" "Bee my Honey" "Burning Souls" "Give it All/A risky bet" :)

[@TheFundam]

I'd listen to Where Truths meet from the soundtrack, if you want a clearer experience of the lyrics.

[@zetahiryu4220]

dreadfull yet hopefull fits AC6 in general realy well i personaly think

[@dagonofthedepths]

Kind of getting into spoilers but Steel Haze Rusted Pride plays when the final heroic moment of V.IV Rusty happens in the story (V.IV Rusty is the pilot of the Armored Core Steel Haze). Rusty is really the hope of the people living on Rubicion-3 and whenever this song plays, he dies at the end. Stand in a cold place Let me know My steel core Peels away All my blood Let me rise Rusted pride Let me rise Ooh Ooh Ooh Ooh High and dry I fly high Watch the sun rise In the dawn Rust away Lost to the wind Watch the sun rise In the dawn I fly high I fly high But yeah AC 6 is one of the best Armored Core games out there imo but no it's fundamentally different. Enough if you go in expecting Elden Ring you'll have a bad time. Still depressing though so there is that.

[@GingerSid]

Rusty my buddy..

[@goosemanVEVO]

Armored Core 6's sountrack is very dissonant with the vocals drowning in ambient electronic and industrial noises. Its representative of the lack of humanity and value of individual human lives in the setting to me.

[@Flopdoodle]

AC6 really didn't have that much of a soundtrack, it was mostly just ambience and atmosphere. No real boppers like the previous games, think Silent Line, Panther, Cosmos, Mechanized Memories, these are easy to name but they are among several standout tracks from their standalone titles. AC6 isn't really like that at all, what we get is fine but it is lacking that signature AC soundtrack. So when Steel Haze and Rusted Pride hits it comes as a bit of whiplash, in a good way, it's kind of a return to form for a fleeting moment.

[@apophis7712]

@Flopdoodle I can name you a bunch to listen to for yourself Rough and Decent Cries of Coral High Pressure The Man who Passed the Torch Silent Encounter Steel Haze Contact with You ALLMIND

[@apexzora4423]

Watch the suuuuuuun riiiise

[@R-XI_Sulla]

Why are there 2 Another there is Steel haze has 3 versions The original Were you team up with rusty to fight something big Rusted Pride Either you become the enemy of the world or the savior Were truths meet Is an "add on"

[@JohnDoe-sx1ko]

Love to see AC6 finally showing up here, but your mods are taking asleep at the wheel because the second song doesn't actually play in the game. It's from a remix album released after the game was released.

[@SashaandStorm]

Possible spoilers for those who have not played ACVI: The most prominent sequence in the game where this plays is when a major character erupts with the full weight of his determination in a desperate last stand to save his people. Your judgement of its tone as a dissonant concoction of dread and hope is right on the mark.

[@NGMK]

Sigh... time to watch Depression Core 6 again...

[@bigross7899]

An important facet of AC6's story is that the protagonist, Raven, is NOT the hero of the story. A separate character named Rusty has that role. This song is the character theme of said Hero. It plays whether Raven sides with Rusty against the genuine villain of the story, or when Raven fights him, having sided against EVERYONE. It's hopeful because he's the hero, it's dreadful because he knows Raven is better than he is.

[@A_Certain_Anime_Degenerate]

Lyrics for first song, if you interested: I can fly I fly high Watching sun run Into down Lost in rain Lost in wind Watching sun run Into down I fly high I fly high

[@freakaz1239]

Slight correction, it's Watching sunrise Into dawn

[@Shad0wReaper133]

Man, of all the songs they could have chosen to share, they chose one of the most overrated tracks in the game. This and Stargazer are some of the worst songs in the game. And to even extend further than that, all the bonus disc songs are awful remixes of better original tracks from the series.

[@namuen]

Hate to say it but Rubicon still needs me. So buddy, who needs you?

[@chewbacachunks8644]

Hard disagree. As a long time fan of Ac who grew up with all the games. Disc 3 are basically all bangers. I love the original tracks, but I also love the new arrangements. I love pretty much all of the new remixes and arrangements they have put out over the years on the other AC albums. The FreQuency albums are some of my favorite.

[@Shad0wReaper133]

@@namuen There is no place for me other than the battlefield, to live as I please, and die a senseless death.

[@Kaerucon]

IKR should've chosen "ambience 2" and "ambience 7" instead!