FromSoftware makes a resounding return to the mecha genre with Armored Core 6

What truly stands out in this new iteration is its impeccable balance. The game embraces its roots while shedding the weight of dated contrivances. The action is fast, fierce, and fluid. Your mech, once tamed and customized, dances in the chaos of battle. Rockets blaze, swords slash, and plasma rounds light up the battlefield, encapsulating the very essence of mecha fantasy.

And yet, for all its cinematic splendor and mechanical brilliance, there's a poignant narrative lurking beneath. The story might appear clichéd or even disorienting to some, but its soul-its very essence-is rooted in the protagonist, Raven. Raven's tale isn't recounted in verbose monologues but whispered through the actions and reactions of those around him. There's a sense of weariness, a resignation to the relentless demands of war, which offers a reflective mirror to the player. It's not the studio's most polished tale, but its rawness and vulnerability arguably make it the most human.

Armored Core 6 doesn't shy away from acknowledging the inescapable realities of war. The cheese, the rhetoric and the dichotomies of assigning emotion then demanding detachment - these are deliberate choices, commentaries perhaps, on the convoluted nature of war itself.

But amidst this tumult, there's a central theme, one that's been the lifeblood of FromSoftware's creations: resilience. It's the undying spirit of perseverance, of evolving, adapting, and overcoming.

Whether it's navigating the treacherous realms of Soulsborne or piloting a deadly mech in Armored Core VI, the game's message remains consistent. Observe, adapt, practice, and emerge victorious. Not because the world expects it, but because, well, it looks damn good.

The general consensus appears unanimous: Armored Core VI has managed to carve a niche for itself as it pays homage to its predecessors. Sure, it's draped in the memories of the past, but it's not bound by them. It's a beacon, illuminating the path forward, showcasing the dazzling possibilities of mecha games.

As of the moment, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon holds an 87% rating from critics on Metacritic for the PlayStation 5 from 53 "Critic Reviews". The number doesn't fall off too far on the Xbox Series S/X (79%) and is the same on the PC (87%).

The scores aren't the highest, but it's not low either. But, it's more than enough to warrant the detour from Elden Ring, presumably pushing back Shadow of the Erdtree to next year to give FromSoftware time to work on the game's release. Whether or not Armored Core 6 will succeed and get a post-launch expansion remains to be seen. However, as a video game franchise resurrected, it's firing on all cylinders, bringing back the spotlight and redefining the very genre it belongs to.