Right now, interest in theArmored Coreseries is at an all-time high. The mech-piloting franchise exploded back onto the scene at the 2022 Game Awards, being revealed asDark SoulsandElden RingdeveloperFromSoftware’s next project. While that pedigree alone has put a lot of hype behindArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, many more viewers were confused by the game’s appearance. TheArmored Corefranchise only had a cult following in North America, and has been absent for almost a decade. It isn’t unreasonable to never have even heard ofArmored CorebeforeAC6’s leaks or announcement.
At any rate, a newArmored Coreis on the way, and many fresh eyes have fallen on the franchise. FromSoftware is a powerful name in the gaming industry right now, withElden Ringtaking home plenty of awards. Even if a mecha game isn’t going to drive the same interest and sales as a new Souls-like, people are going to want to get their hands on it regardless. With this line of thinking, it’s not hard to imagine that prospective buyers will want to prepare themselves with earlierACgames. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done, and there are a lot of factors to consider when one wishes to play olderArmored Coretitles in modern times.
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The Cost of Entering Armored Core Now
Discussing the worth of pastArmored Coregames can’t be done without first covering the literal cost of acquiring them. Almost everyArmored Coredid not see many physical English copies printed, so prices were already high beforeArmored Core 6was announced. Now, prospective fans would be hard-pressed to find these games on sale for less than 100 US dollars.Some prices can even stretch beyond $200, which isn’t worth paying when one just wants to check if the franchise is for them. Owning the right old console for a given title is also a prerequisite. The only silver lining here is thatArmored Core: Verdict Daycan be purchased digitally on the Xbox 360 for around $20.
With no re-releases of anyArmored Coreon modern platforms, this situation will remain for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, the excitement behindArmored Core 6can prompt some remasters or ports. In the meantime, players can take solace in the fact that almost everyArmored Coregame was released on older PlayStation hardware, all of which have emulators. The experience may not always be console-perfect, but everything besidesArmored Core 5andVerdict Dayshould be stable on a gaming PC. Netplay is in development for some emulators, so players interested inArmored CorePvP can also get an early taste in certain games.
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Which Armored Core Games Are Essential
If one is willing to emulate or invest inArmored Core, then one should choose their investments wisely. Fortunately, it’s easy to recommend good starting points. Those willing to go back to a slower PS1 game with unwieldy controls could try the original PS1Armored Core. It immediately established most of the series' hallmarks, and should quickly demonstrate why no other mecha game on the market is quite likeArmored Core. Every numberedACalso makes for a solid place to start, withVerdict Day’s strict superiority to5being the only exception. Those looking for some of the best that classicArmored Corecan offer may want to tryArmored Core 3andSilent Line: Armored Core, the latter of which can import the former’s save data.
The first title to switch from the original archaic control scheme to dual analog controls wasArmored Core: Last Raven, which is held in high regard by many fans. It was alsoDark Soulsdirector Hidetaka Miyazaki’s first project at FromSoftware, with hisdirectorial debut beingArmored Core 4andFor Answer.Last Ravenis meant to be the hardest entry in the series, so newcomers should hold off until they’re able to appreciate the game’s branching story and tight balance. Those looking for different styles ofArmored Coregameplay can tryAC4,For Answer, orVerdict Day. WhileVerdict Daymay not share the fourth generation’s blazing-fast boosting, it does share a penchant for giant boss encounters, a feature that may return inArmored Core 6.
Will Past Armored Core Games Be Relevant to AC6?
Those later games might be worth prioritizing, asArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconcould draw the most gameplay elements from them. The Primal Armor forcefield introduced inArmored Core 4has already been seen inAC6’s trailer, and its Steam page mentions high 3D maneuverability that brings to mind the primarily airborne fourth generation. However, theskill ceiling inArmored Core 4andFor Answeris even higher than normalArmored Core, and FromSoftware may not want that in a franchise reboot.AC5andVerdict Dayare comparatively known for exaggerating the series' clunkiness, so a faster mech from a PS2Armored Coremight representAC6best.
That’s not to say players need to experience oldArmored Coretitles to get into the upcoming game. After all, with releases on most modern platforms, this will be the most accessibleArmored Coretitle by virtue of availability. Familiarizing oneself with the legacy systems and design trends is always useful for a FromSoftware title, but much likeElden Ring,AC6will try to teach players through experience. There are supposed to be no story connections to prior games, and the gameplay style could change significantly once again. Ultimately, it’s up to interested players how much they want to invest inArmored CorebeforeArmored Core 6comes out.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconwill be released in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
