Great game, with well judged difficultly, strong customisation and satisfying combat.Its a relatively short game that opens up a little through repeated new game+ runs and brings more to the story.Personally, I was done after one run and the first few reread chapers and while thoroughly enjoyable didn't feel I'd be getting much from the experience to continue as the combat loop doesn't really change.Ps5 performance is flawless, no matter how much action was on screen.Well worth your time, but not a 10/10 classic for the ages.

Armoured Core VI is my first Armoured Core game - attracted to the FromSoftware label and fond memories of Zone of Enders 2 back in the PS2 games, I decided to take a punt on this - and what a ride you are in for - I think Mission 5 was when my jaw dropped - think of some of the bosses from Nier and you get the idea...First off, this game has no bugs - no massive downloads, no season passes, DLC, storefront, microtransactions, always-online requirement, live-service bs - so automatically a big thumbs up here. In fact, the in game store-front for building your mechs is one of the most fun places to be in the game! Here you will add up to four weapons (mapped to each of the shoulder triggers), customize all the 'limbs' - play around with logos and colours (I can just see 343/EA/Bioware charging you $5 for the colour blue), its all tremendous fun.Key things to consider here:- This is a 'mission' based game, its not open-world. From the menu you select a mission and dive straight in thanks to the fast loading speeds. Missions can range from 1min to 10mins on average (bosses nonwithstanding), this is perfect for people who like their fun in short, sharp bursts!- This is a hard game - note the review complaining about the first helicopter boss, boy - they are in for a surprise later if they found that tough with Balteus! Don't pick this up if you are afraid of a challenge, you can spec your mech towards a speed build - relying on reflexes to jet around, or a power build - maybe even with tank treads or even four massive legs! Nothing wrong with a middle ground either. The first boss is a tough one (as you use a set build), dodge like mad using the square button, pummel with rockets before hitting with a melee when they 'stagger' - you can do it!- Checkpoints can be few and far between, but levels are typically so short this is rarely a major set-back.- Combat feels so good! So fast, like a ballet almost as you waltz from enemy to enemy, pulverising everything before you. Its a real power fantasy (until you hit a boss!). All builds are viable, be it ranged explosions, melee close quarters or duel SMG's backed up by massive artillery guns - have fun, mess around with the builds!+ Story its fine. I mean, I'm not sure how much I am following buts its kinda interesting. More importantly, it doesn't overstay its welcome.+ Lock-on is an issue - with the fast paced nature of combat the lock-on feature is essential, but it's only a soft lock so enemies that dart behind you automatically get 'unlocked' - can be very irritating.Pro Tip - If in doubt, dual shotguns or dual laser rifles will almost always settle the matter.

From Software has established itself as the best gaming company in my eyes.They not only have given birth to a whole new genre of games, they have also shown the diversity they can bring in other domains.The value for money here is unmatched. While most companies would put core mechanics behind a paywall, from software gives you the full game for a fixed price. Meaning no in-game store menus or random cash grabs popping up on the screen taking you out of the experience. This is how it should be no exceptions, no excuses. When I pay for a game full price i expect to get a full experience with no interventions. In game stores are a massive distraction from the full game and we shouldn't have to deal with a freaking paywall after paying full price.While the graphics aren't anything to drool over, the art direction, combat, customisation and core gameplay mechanics along thrilling boss battles are what sells from software games every single time, and they have absolutely delivered in every front.The overall missions are pretty short but there are quite a few exceptions where they can drag for a lot longer, especially if you get to some of the harder bosses it could even take hours to beat some of them.No unskippable cutscenes either or unbearable dialogue throughout the whole playthrough. Once you are in game, the action has started. You don't have to wait for hours to get to finally play the game. Afterall, we've paid for a game not an interactive movie.Overall i couldn't be happier with how the game turned out, i hope from software will continue taking this path and not become corrupt like activision blizzard has.All there is left now is to wait for Elden Ring DLC.

Devo ammettere che ero indeciso se giocare o meno Armored core 6, in quanto novizio della saga e con alle spalle solo soulslike di FromSoftware. Mi ritrovo oggi ad averlo completato con un buon quantitativo di ore e posso affermare con relativa serenità che è stata una buona scelta acquistarlo. Lo consiglio tranquillamente un po' a tutti a patto che siate disposti a rischiare un po' in quanto esperienza ludica di nicchia.

I have played and completed many From Software games but never an Armored Core game. This game demonstrates the talent of the studio by offering a great game outside of the Soulsborne genre.The game has 3 main components, the campaign (story), arena's (PvE, 1v1 AC battles) and PvP.First the campaign and its story, From Software have never been known for their story or cutscenes being the biggest part of the experience, in fact many play their games with no idea of the main story. Armored Core 6 has more of a story than many previous games, mostly through radio messages and briefings between missions. The story is fine but most certainly not the greatest strength of this game.As always the greatest strength is gameplay, with the wide range of Mech customisation, you can adjust your play style each mission or even mid mission in some cases. There is no downside to changing your build unlike a Soulsborne title which could be punishing if you change build type or play style after selection. In fact the games bosses are designed to encourage experimenting to find the best build for that enemy. Once again the boss encounters are excellent in their design and you will have a wonderful sense of achievement when you beat them. This varied approached from the Soulsborne template is commendable.The performance and fidelity are excellent, load times are nice and short and I experienced no crashes or noticable drops in frame rate, this appears to be have been well optimsed prior to release with no bugs.The game has mulitple endings and diverging narrative paths to encourage replayability, all unlocks continue into new game plus. The first playthrough of the campaign, training and areans take about 20 hours.A final note on difficulty, From Software games have no difficulty settings and are known for being more challenging games. Unfortunately unlike many previous titles, the very first mission starts with a challenging encounter at the end which forces players to learn fast or die over and over again. This could be a barrier to some players progression but for all those that persist, you will enjoy a really well made and enjoyable game, with some amazing battles, wonderful customisation and a value for money title.