From the beginning of FromSoftware’s history in 1994, it has made two series in parallel. The first was its medieval fantasy games, starting withKing’s Field. A line of spiritual sequels went on to includeShadow Tower,Evergrace,Eternal Ring, and eventuallyDemon’s Souls. The other line of games FromSoftware was known for is its mecha games, which used to be its most popular product.Armored Corecame first in 1997, and remains FromSoftware’s largest franchise with over 10 entries to its name. Other mech-centric games likeMetal Wolf ChaosandMobile Suit Gundam Unicornbuilt off the tested framework ofArmored Core.
However, since 2014’sDark Souls 2,Armored Coreand the rest of FromSoftware’s mecha games have disappeared. FromSoftware confirmed in 2016 that anArmored Coretitle was in development, and President Hidetaka Miyazaki suggested it was still in the works two years later, but nothing has come yet. Devolver Digital localizedMetal Wolf Chaos XDin 2019, butArmored Corefans were left in the background as FromSoftware’sSouls-likes flourished. Now thatElden Ringis on the verge of releasing, it seems like a new era is dawning. Rumors based on a leaked survey and screenshots suggest a newArmored Coreis deep into development, and might be merging parts of FromSoftware’s fantasy games with its sci-fi legacy.
RELATED:FromSoftware’s Armored Core Franchise Explained
Thematic Parallels Between Armored Core and Dark Souls
Armored Coreand theDarkSoulstitles share a few key themes and setting elements. One of the biggest is the use of post-apocalyptic settings, which the nextArmored Coreis set to maintain. A destroyed world lets games focus on the action, as seen via the lack of normal citizens in many FromSoftware games. In the case of the nextArmored Core, its survey’s description states a potent energy source called Melange caused a catastrophe on planet Bashtar that engulfed the surrounding star systems. The substance was thought lost, but decades later the Melange reaction was confirmed again. This is what bringsArmored Core’s usual cast of corrupt governments, mega-corporations, cultists, AI, and mercenaries into conflict.
Armored Corehas several other parallels toSoulsgames. For one, the player character starts as a nobody who has to fight through all the strong foes that stand in their way. For another, certain characters and mechs reappear across games, particularly the optional boss Nine Ball, and some things like Lucky Patches and the Moonlight Blade are shared withSoulsgames.
The biggest thematic similarity betweenACandDark Souls, however, is the cyclic nature of their stories.Armored Coretends to tell the same people-versus-corporations plot repeatedly, andArmored Core: Verdict Dayacknowledges this similarly toDark Souls 2and3. The upcomingArmored Coremay not have a novel story, but borrowing some ofDark Souls' environmental storytellingcould put it ahead of its predecessors.
RELATED:The Best Action RPGs To Play If You Like Dark Souls
Gameplay Features That Armored Core Could Take From Dark Souls
Armored CoreandDark Soulsshare a focus on build customization, withDark SoulsinheritingArmored Core’soverwhelming amount of weaponry and equipment. Both franchises are tough but fair, providing an experience that feels rare in modern games. Both franchises also focus on tactical gameplay, with each entry speeding things up. LaterArmored Coretitles may have gone too far in this respect, so the next one should take a page out ofDark Souls’ playbook and make combat more deliberate with higher stakes.
It seems the newArmored Coreis already using some elements fromDark Souls. Melee weapons have always been a part ofAC, but the rumored game may have melee builds involving swords and shields. This is a huge departure fromArmored Core’s norm, and will no doubt add a huge strategic element to single- and multiplayer. It may also motivate a moreSouls-like approach to boss design. In addition to standard mechs with smart pilots and high-grade equipment, some bosses and common enemies could have unique moves. Attacking an iron giant with a sword is certainly not an uncommon sight inDark Souls, andArmored Corecould capture the same spirit.
Armored Core’s Identity Needs to Stay
Even with a more deliberate pace,Armored Coreshould still have speed and mobility. The ability to fly and boost dash are iconic parts of the franchise, and the nextACmust be designed with that in mind. Similarly, long-range weapons should be as viable as ever, even with the addition of more melee options.Armored Core’s massive number of weapons have proved their worth and made different builds viable, so hopefully the range balancing issues that plague some ofFromSoftware’s fantasy gamesdo not carry over toAC.
Armored Corealso can’t shareDark Souls’ level design.Armored Coreis at its best when missions are segregated and there are breaks in-between. SinceArmored Coreplayers will usually speed through environments, there’s no reason to put too much detail into them, especially if it clutters fights. In addition, downtime is necessary to ensure that players can tweak their build.Armored CoreandDark Soulsmay share a focus on builds, but the act of managing stats and functionality in aSoulsgame isn’t nearly as important as agonizing over part interactions inAC.
Finally, thanks to its mission design,Armored Core’s multiplayer should stay in its dedicated modes. As important asPvP is in FromSoftware games, invasions aren’t always as practical as matchmaking.Armored Corecan take many great lessons away fromDark Souls, but it needs to remainArmored Core.
A newArmored Coreis rumored to be in development.
MORE:Mecha Madness: The 10 Best Video Games For Fans Of Mechs & Giant Robots
