Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is officially set to launch on August 25, 2023, as the developers have now confirmed.
The news was announced alongside a new trailer showcasing some quick bites of in-game action, and a lengthy post on the PlayStation Blog with some additional gameplay details from the developers.
As with its predecessors, Armored Core 6 is a mission-based game with a big focus on mech customization - the devs have repeatedly asserted that it's not a Soulslike - but there are some big new gameplay tweaks over the originals.
You'll now have an ability called the Assault Boost to quickly close the gap and switch between ranged and melee action. Enemies now have a stagger gauge, so you're encouraged to keep up the pressure on enemies with continuous hits and powerful strikes in order to break the gauge and make them temporarily vulnerable.
One thing that will be familiar to Soulslike fans are the massive, challenging bosses. Game director Masaru Yamamura tells the PS Blog that you'll be facing foes like "huge combat helicopters, heavily armored mobile turrets, and unmanned heavy demolition machinery that’s programmed to indiscriminately crush intruders. Armored Core 6 will offer a number of explosive battle experiences that challenge players to fight against the odds and overcome these ginormous, more abnormal mechs."
The devs have also confirmed the return of Arena mode, letting you face an array of "specially customized mechs." There are also multiple endings in Armored Core 6, adding a bit more replay value.
If you're looking for more new games of 2023, you know where to click.
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