(Never played AC V and Verdict Day, so I can’t say how they compare, I have however played AC IV and FA)
A beloved franchise getting a sequel after so many years does spark concern. After all, most of the time, it doesn’t end well. I can assure you do not have to worry about that with AC VI, at the end of the day this is From Software we are talking about.
It is the definitive mecha game, featuring everything one would expect from that title. You get fast-paced combat, that makes any encounter seem thrilling, a storyline with multiple paths, each one leaving you guilty you didn’t pick the other one, and the ability to customize every part of your craft to create whatever barely functional pile of scrap you desire. In addition, it’s incredibly pretty, with jaw-dropping landscapes that slightly make me wish this game was a walking simulator. Since it is from From Software, the difficulty is ramped up, but it's nowhere near the level of the Souls series.
Older fans of the series will note how different it is. I don’t see this as an issue, if you compare AC III, IV, and V you will notice similar major differences between them.
Overall, a big recommendation from me to anyone who wants a good mecha game or just a good action game in general.
Story
You play as a mercenary mech pilot by the name of 621, who gets dropped on the planet of Rubicon with the promise of riches if the elusive substance by the name of coral is found. The game is mission-based; you get a briefing before each one, then you get sent on whatever task you signed up for. In the beginning, most of your work will be from the megacorporations, but as the game progresses you will be given the choice to side with other factions.
The story is damn good. Tone wise it's less “Yay we saved the day” and more “It had to be done”. In the beginning, it allows you to get attached to the various characters and their quirky personalities, before reality sets in, and you realize most of them are not on your side. I felt guilty and sad while the credits rolled. I think that’s worthy of praise.
To get the “true” ending you have to replay AC VI three times, I believe it’s worth it.
Mechanics and gameplay
Far removed from what From Software has been known for the last few years, AC VI is a fast-paced omnidirectional action game. This isn’t one of those slow lumbering mecha games, your mech can fly in the air and quickly boost around, enabling it to change direction in an instant. The biggest deviation from the norm is the lack of a “dodge roll” that grants a brief window of invincibility, making taking no damage a much harder task. Combat becomes a balancing act of chipping away the enemy's health faster than they can yours. However, at times even with all the skill in the world, some fights seem impossible, that’s where the mech building and customization comes in.
Every time I got stuck at a boss or level, I went back and started experimenting with new weapons and gear. AC VI provides a massive number of parts to choose from, thus forming a large pool of optimal builds to use. A complaint I have seen numerous times is that there is just one overpowered build, only for me to look at it and see a completely different mech from my own overpowered mech.
The pacing is also done wonderfully. Each mission seems to be its own thing, having something that sets it apart from the rest. At times, you can even find cool weapons just lying around.
Indeed, the game is quite difficult, but as I mentioned above, how you’ve built your mech plays a big role in determining how hard of a time you will have.
Graphics/Artstyle
From Software are masters at creating incredible environments rich with detail and utilizing colour to the full extent. I applaud the developers for their art direction, and I wish more games were like this, instead of simply trying to be as photorealistic as possible.
Part of me does miss the colorless environments of AC IV and FA, but I understand that such themes are past their age.
Atmosphere/Immersion
Megalophobia the fear of large objects is utilized extensively. You only need to stop and look. Sometimes you will find a ladder or a door made for a normal-sized person, and they are tiny and hard to spot, they will be missed. Gigantic constructions serving an unascertainable purpose, always seem to be above you and no matter how high you go their peaks are even higher. This creates an atmosphere of utter insignificance. You are but a cog in a machine spanning an entire world.
Immersion is on point as well. The art direction and the consistent tone of the game are the major contributing factors.
Soundtrack
Hope you like synth, as that’s pretty much all you are going to get. Overall, I like the OST, it fits the game perfectly and there are some real bangers in there. Although I have to say that AC 4 and FA soundtracks were better. My favourite part is “Steel Haze (Rusted pride)”. Also, shoutout to the remix made by CthulhuSeeker of this song, it's honestly better than the original.
Final Thoughts
Rusty best buddy.
Also, I was wrong, no one remembers White Glint.
A beloved franchise getting a sequel after so many years does spark concern. After all, most of the time, it doesn’t end well. I can assure you do not have to worry about that with AC VI, at the end of the day this is From Software we are talking about.
It is the definitive mecha game, featuring everything one would expect from that title. You get fast-paced combat, that makes any encounter seem thrilling, a storyline with multiple paths, each one leaving you guilty you didn’t pick the other one, and the ability to customize every part of your craft to create whatever barely functional pile of scrap you desire. In addition, it’s incredibly pretty, with jaw-dropping landscapes that slightly make me wish this game was a walking simulator. Since it is from From Software, the difficulty is ramped up, but it's nowhere near the level of the Souls series.
Older fans of the series will note how different it is. I don’t see this as an issue, if you compare AC III, IV, and V you will notice similar major differences between them.
Overall, a big recommendation from me to anyone who wants a good mecha game or just a good action game in general.
Story
You play as a mercenary mech pilot by the name of 621, who gets dropped on the planet of Rubicon with the promise of riches if the elusive substance by the name of coral is found. The game is mission-based; you get a briefing before each one, then you get sent on whatever task you signed up for. In the beginning, most of your work will be from the megacorporations, but as the game progresses you will be given the choice to side with other factions.
The story is damn good. Tone wise it's less “Yay we saved the day” and more “It had to be done”. In the beginning, it allows you to get attached to the various characters and their quirky personalities, before reality sets in, and you realize most of them are not on your side. I felt guilty and sad while the credits rolled. I think that’s worthy of praise.
To get the “true” ending you have to replay AC VI three times, I believe it’s worth it.
Mechanics and gameplay
Far removed from what From Software has been known for the last few years, AC VI is a fast-paced omnidirectional action game. This isn’t one of those slow lumbering mecha games, your mech can fly in the air and quickly boost around, enabling it to change direction in an instant. The biggest deviation from the norm is the lack of a “dodge roll” that grants a brief window of invincibility, making taking no damage a much harder task. Combat becomes a balancing act of chipping away the enemy's health faster than they can yours. However, at times even with all the skill in the world, some fights seem impossible, that’s where the mech building and customization comes in.
Every time I got stuck at a boss or level, I went back and started experimenting with new weapons and gear. AC VI provides a massive number of parts to choose from, thus forming a large pool of optimal builds to use. A complaint I have seen numerous times is that there is just one overpowered build, only for me to look at it and see a completely different mech from my own overpowered mech.
The pacing is also done wonderfully. Each mission seems to be its own thing, having something that sets it apart from the rest. At times, you can even find cool weapons just lying around.
Indeed, the game is quite difficult, but as I mentioned above, how you’ve built your mech plays a big role in determining how hard of a time you will have.
Graphics/Artstyle
From Software are masters at creating incredible environments rich with detail and utilizing colour to the full extent. I applaud the developers for their art direction, and I wish more games were like this, instead of simply trying to be as photorealistic as possible.
Part of me does miss the colorless environments of AC IV and FA, but I understand that such themes are past their age.
Atmosphere/Immersion
Megalophobia the fear of large objects is utilized extensively. You only need to stop and look. Sometimes you will find a ladder or a door made for a normal-sized person, and they are tiny and hard to spot, they will be missed. Gigantic constructions serving an unascertainable purpose, always seem to be above you and no matter how high you go their peaks are even higher. This creates an atmosphere of utter insignificance. You are but a cog in a machine spanning an entire world.
Immersion is on point as well. The art direction and the consistent tone of the game are the major contributing factors.
Soundtrack
Hope you like synth, as that’s pretty much all you are going to get. Overall, I like the OST, it fits the game perfectly and there are some real bangers in there. Although I have to say that AC 4 and FA soundtracks were better. My favourite part is “Steel Haze (Rusted pride)”. Also, shoutout to the remix made by CthulhuSeeker of this song, it's honestly better than the original.
Final Thoughts
Rusty best buddy.
Also, I was wrong, no one remembers White Glint.