I've been playing Armored Core off and on since the AC4 era on PS3 and was very excited when AC6 was announced. I've played through the game a couple of times on PS5 and double-dipped on PC when it went on sale. If that's not enough of a recommendation to start, then let me get into it.
Initially, I was a little disappointed in AC6's emphasis on souls-like boss fights. I figured some element of that was inevitable, considering FROM's stratospheric rise in popularity since Dark Souls 1 came out. On the one hand, I don't mind that the game was difficult and expected you to tinker with your build to get through its challenges. However, I do think there was maybe one or two early bosses in the campaign that are trivially easy to deal with once you've expanded your access to different parts but can be really frustrating at the start of the game.
Balteus and a couple other bosses felt a bit like the same general premise as the Capra Demon in Dark Souls 1 - they aren't directly difficult in and of themselves, but are difficult because of their location in the campaign relative to the tools the player has at heir disposal (and/or because of the location you fight them).
However, I think this is the best the storytelling has ever been in an Armored Core game. FROM's ability to write weird, offputting little freaks is on full display here and I think the voice acting is excellent. As you learn more about the world and the true intentions of those around you, you find yourself re-evaluating the things they'd said previously (or on a second playthrough, you notice intonations and details you'd glossed over before). It's masterful work. Well worth replaying the game.
The Armored Core games have never lacked for Cool-Feeling Mechs, but I need to note how good everything feels to use and how awesome it feels to master some weapon systems. Some late campaign weapons are also just really neat and fun to tinker with and build around.
I think if you're already a fan of Armored Core, you probably have your own opinions about this game. Maybe, like me, you swung back and forth about whether this was what you wanted or not. If you're a fan of FROM's more recent output, I think you'll probably find things here to enjoy, but it's a very different structure and approach. It might take a bit of getting used to, but I'd say it's worth the effort.
