FromSoftware's next game won't be like Dark Souls

Ghost from the machine

FromSoftware's games might have different mechanics and kinks, but they all share the same door-opening animation, among other telltale studio signatures. That's a trend that will apparently end with Armored Core 6, the next game from the Japanese developer behind Elden Ring.

Much like other games in the series, Armored Core VI will be a third-person action game where you build and pilot an agile mech. You might be exploring an apocalyptic landscape, but don't expect it to be like Sekiro or Bloodborne. 

One thing the developer will bring over from its Soulsborne games, however, is the brilliant boss battles. 

“Boss battles are the highlight of the game in this title,” game director Masaru Yamamura told IGN. “The essence of the battles, in which the player reads the enemy's moves and then plays games with them, is of course provided, as is typical of FromSoftware. 

"In this title, both the enemy and your own machine are aggressive and violent in their attacks. We are developing the game so that players can enjoy the dynamic and intense boss battles that only mechas can offer, along with the unique aspects of AC, such as how to assemble the right parts to take on the strongest enemies.”

Elsewhere in the interview, FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki says the team has "not been making a conscious effort to try to direct it towards more Soulsborne type gameplay". 

So it'll be a proper Armored Core game that won't alienate the fans of that series, even though FromSoftware is rebooting the story with this entry. 

According to the developers, there will be a big push in terms of visuals, thanks to the studio's success with its recent slate of games. More resources on the team means that more can be spent on ensuring every rivet in your mech looks sufficiently worn. 

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon launches in 2023.