Unveiling the Terrifying Evolution: Armored Core 6 Reinvents a Classic Feature to Haunting Perfection

Highlights

During the recent San Diego Comic-Con 2023, a captivating new trailer for Armored Core 6 was unveiled, focusing on the intricate narrative and establishing the protagonist's enthralling journey.

The return of the Human Plus concept in Armored Core 6 raises inquiries about the player character's identity and the bleak and dystopian nature of the game's world.

After much anticipation, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon's marketing campaign is finally picking up speed, with just one more month until its release. Many enthusiasts are still waiting for unedited mission gameplay and information regarding the Arena and multiplayer features, which were promised in this comprehensive mecha package. Numerous events have already scheduled demo kiosks to showcase Armored Core 6, so the community's inquiries should be addressed at a rapid pace.

Human Plus Was Old Armored Core's Dystopian Take On Easy Mode

In the midst of all the excitement, San Diego Comic-Con 2023 has showcased an impressive Armored Core booth that includes a stunning life-sized machine replica. Coinciding with this grand display, an eagerly anticipated new trailer has been released. While the trailer does not offer any additional gameplay, it captivatingly delves into the intriguing storyline of Armored Core 6.

This cinematic trailer provides a glimpse into what a thrilling mission might entail, while also presenting the initial encounter between the player character and their guide, Walter, in what appears to be the first cutscene. Unveiling the revival of an old concept that previously explored the franchise's darker elements, the circumstances surrounding this meeting are among the most intense in the Armored Core series.

Prepare to be immersed in the Armored Core universe as you witness the breathtaking details unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con 2023!

In the original Armored Core game, resource management was a crucial aspect for Ravens, even more so than for modern Souls players. Every action came with a cost, whether it was purchasing parts, sustaining damage, or firing certain weapons. Neglecting these expenses could lead to a worsening debt situation. Eventually, the Raven would be compelled to enroll in the Human Plus program. This decision kicked off a fresh campaign, accompanied by significant enhancements and unique abilities that would otherwise be unavailable. In essence, this program functioned as an easy mode, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the game. Furthermore, by incorporating both Human Plus and save transfers, Armored Core generations allowed players to maintain their progress across multiple titles.

Armored Core 6 Reinforces Its Tone Through Human Plus

Despite its helpfulness, Human Plus comes with unsettling aspects. Firstly, the technology is experimental, invasive, and often not comprehended by contemporary humans, causing potential harm to both their mind and body. It is alarming to note that several confirmed Human Plus pilots have developed psychosis, with one even issuing a dying warning to players about the possibility of sharing the same fate. While Human Plus is no longer present in the third Armored Core generation, the fourth generation lore reveals that all NEXT pilots undergo a neural connection equivalent to Human Plus in order to connect with their mechs. Even on its brightest days, Armored Core portrays a grim reality, and Human Plus serves as a striking reminder of the lengths humanity is willing to go for power.

Unfortunately, Fires of Rubicon has reintroduced a concept similar to Human Plus, leaving players with no way to avoid it this time. Unit 621, the presumed player character, is a body wrapped in wires and connected to the head of a mech. Nearby, there are several circular lights reminiscent of those seen in the Armored Core 1 Human Plus cutscene. The only indication of life is the brain activity displayed on a tablet held by a nearby surgeon, and a machine above Unit 621 activates when Walter "wakes them up." Given that Walter refers to Unit 621 as "it," it suggests that the player character may be nothing more than an organic piloting AI.

These questions arise: how did the player arrive there? Were all the numbered pilots in the trailer subjected to the same dehumanization? However, the answers must be postponed. At present, it is evident how Walter earned his "infamous" reputation, indicating that Armored Core 6 may be FromSoftware's most desolate game yet. The exploration of the extent of players' control in this condition and the feasibility of a rebellion when all they have is their mechanized suit will undoubtedly make Armored Core 6 intriguing.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is slated for release on August 25 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.