Armored Core 6 Is A Sci-Fi Soulslike, According To Leaks

A consumer survey supposedly detailing Armored Core 6 has leaked, suggesting that the next entry in FromSoftware‘s mech combat franchise will borrow heavily from the soulsborne genre. The sci-fi series first launched in 1997, quickly becoming an important staple of the FromSoftware’s lineup of titles. While the last entry in the series released back in 2013, many fans feel that a soulslike Armored Core game from FromSoftware could be a logical follow-up to the studio’s upcoming epic Elden Ring.

In contrast to FromSoftware’s more recent projects, Armored Core is a third-person mecha shooter series that explores different futuristic settings. The franchise centers around Armored Cores, giant fighting robots which players can pilot to tackle a variety of different missions. Completing tasks rewards players with currency, which can then be used to upgrade and customize their mechs to prepare for future battles. Multiplayer modes are also featured in many Armored Core installments, allowing gamers to go head-to-head using their massive machines. While there has been no official news about the future of the Armored Core franchise, rumors of an Xbox-exclusive sci-fi game from FromSoftware could hint towards a revival of the developer’s classic franchise.

As reported by Video Games Chronicle, recent rumors suggest that FromSoftware is working on a new Armored Core game which will be reminiscent of the soulsborne genre. Resetera user Red Licorice claims that they received a consumer survey detailing the project and containing two short gameplay clips. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the new Armored Core entry is said to feature both third-person shooter mechanics and a close-range combat system. Three-dimensional movement around the massive sci-fi world of Bashtar is also described, and in-depth mech customization is said to return from the franchise’s previous installments. Red Licorice’s description of the short gameplay clips also sound reminiscent of soulsborne titles, one showcasing an intense boss fight and another featuring some overwhelming architecture.

While FromSoftware may have begun early work on the next Armored Core game, the developer’s next highly-anticipated title is still yet to release. The open-world action role-playing game Elden Ring was announced back in 2019, leading to a grueling wait for the title’s upcoming release on February 25, 2022. Hidetaka Miyazaki’s inspirations for Elden Ring include RuneQuest and The Lord of the Rings, which is reflected in the fantasy title’s massive scale and unique world-building. Elden Ring will return to FromSoftware’s fantasy roots, which could make room for a sci-fi project like Armored Core to follow it up.

With the massive success of FromSoftware‘s soulsborne structure, it should be no surprise that the studio will continue utilizing that format in future games. However, the return of Armored Core could put a truly unique sci-fi twist on the typically fantasy-focused genre. Letting gamers explore a desolate planet using a customized battle mech, Armored Core 6 could serve as the perfect successor to Elden Ring.

Source: Video Games Chronicle, Red Licorice/Resetera

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