Armored Core 6, the latest installment in the iconic mech series by FromSoftware, marks a significant departure from the studio’s recent Soulsborne titles like Bloodborne and Dark Souls. The game’s development benefited from FromSoftware’s increased resources and experience, especially compared to when Miyazaki directed Armored Core 4.
The game’s director, Masaru Yamamura, who previously worked on Sekiro, aimed to capture the essence of intense mecha battles with dynamic and aggressive enemy encounters, akin to FromSoftware’s signature boss battles.
FromSoft’s Growth Over The Years of Success
Yamamura’s influence, seen in Sekiro‘s combat, brings a fresh perspective to Armored Core 6‘s gameplay, balancing intensity and strategy. The duo of Miyazaki and Yamamura explained in an interview with IGN the different approaches they took with Armored Core 6.
Miyazaki’s journey from Armored Core 4 to Elden Ring reflects FromSoftware’s growth. Armored Core 6‘s focus on mech customization and intense boss battles signifies a return to the series’ core concepts.
Armored Core 6 benefits from FromSoftware’s wealth of experience and resources, allowing for more refined gameplay and stunning visuals. With a focus on single-player action and a mission-based structure, Armored Core 6 retains the series’ essence while incorporating modern game development practices.
When asked what the game benefited the most with FromSoft’s increased resources, Yamamura said:
I’d say, to give some specific examples, obviously the visuals – the level of expression we’re able to achieve with our current studio and our current resources really lets us convey the visuals we want…. There are a lot of areas that we’re able to apply these resources and modern thinking as well.
One key area where Armored Core 6 excels is in its boss battles. These encounters are intense and dynamic, requiring players to read and react to enemy moves while making strategic decisions about their mech’s assembly.
The Differences in Armored Core 6 From Traditional Soulsborne Games
The game’s customization mechanics also set it apart. Armored Core 6 offers a deep and rewarding customization system for mechs, allowing players to tailor their machines to their playstyle. This gives players the freedom to experiment and find the perfect setup for their missions. Miyazaki highlights this feature being what sets the game apart from a title like Elden Ring.
Another notable difference from the Soulsborne games is Armored Core 6‘s approach to difficulty. While still challenging, the game’s difficulty curve is more balanced, with varying levels of challenge depending on the mission and enemy encounters. This approach allows players to customize their experience, choosing the level of challenge that suits them best.
Armored Core 6 also differs from the Soulsborne games in its level design and exploration. The game features a mission-based structure, with each mission set in its own dedicated area. This means less emphasis on exploration and more focus on the mission at hand.
Hidetaka Miyazaki‘s work on Armored Core 6 demonstrates his ability to innovate and push the boundaries of game design. By leveraging FromSoftware’s vast resources and experience, Miyazaki has created a game that stands out from the Soulsborne series while maintaining the studio’s signature style and quality.
