2023’s Armored Core 6 was a bona fide return to form for FromSoftware’s longest-running franchise, and ignited an unprecedented level of excitement amongst fans of the mecha-action series, leading to the game being one of FromSoftware’s most successful releases ever.
However, speculation arose regarding the game’s potential resemblance to the studio’s popular Soulsborne titles. However, FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has dispelled those notions and elucidated further on the underlying design philosophy behind the latest Armored Core entry.
Hidetaka Miyazaki Wanted Armored Core 6 To Be Unique
Speaking with IGN, Miyazaki stressed that Armored Core 6 was not designed to mirror the gameplay style of the Soulsborne series:
No, we’ve not been making a conscious effort to try to direct it towards more Soulsborne type gameplay. First of all, let me just make that clear.
Instead, the development team focused on reinvigorating the core concepts that made Armored Core special – deep mech customization and a high degree of pilot control over their mech. “We wanted to take those two core concepts and reexamine those in our modern environment,” remarked Hidetaka Miyazaki.
Miyazaki stated that freedom in mech customization is a defining aspect of Armored Core, and that players will get to delve into a deep assembly system in Armored Core 6, meticulously selecting and configuring individual parts to tailor their mech’s performance to their preferred playstyle.
FromSoftware Understood The Tenets Of The Series
The freedom to customize extends to the very core of the mech, allowing players to fine-tune its movement, firepower, and overall functionality. These choices will not only impact gameplay but also contribute to the visual style of their mechs, creating a strong sense of ownership and personalization.
While Armored Core 6 retains its core identity as a mecha-action title, FromSoftware hasn’t simply rehashed past concepts. Miyazaki emphasized that the knowledge gained from the studio’s recent ventures has been applied to enhance the traditional mech assembly and customization aspects of the game.
Miyazaki also spoke more about the practical benefits of customization, describing it as a form of world-building. The extensive customization options offer players an opportunity to not only optimize their mech for combat, but also express their creativity with a unique visual identity.
Armored Core 6 did incredible justice to the series’ legacy, offering a deep and rewarding mech customization experience alongside a return to the series’ signature high-octane combat.
However, those who aren’t fans of Soulsborne gameplay need not fret, as FromSoftware has remembered what makes Armored Core great – relentless, action-packed gameplay and extensive customization.
