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Armored Core VI review: Tough-as-nails intro to the mecha genre

Get in the robot, Shinji

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Last year, Elden Ring did wonders for FromSoftware. Formerly known as a niche developer of incredibly difficult games, the studio is now a household name for the RPG genre. Now, buoyed by the popularity of last year’s game, the studio is reaching deep into its bag of old franchises and resurrecting Armored Core, a series that hasn’t seen the light of day since the PlayStation 3. Years since touching the franchise, FromSoftware is back to form with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.

Before we touch the new mecha game, let’s go back to what made Elden Ring so popular. Unlike the punishing Dark Souls series, Elden Ring offered accessibility to players new to the studio’s difficulty spikes. The game was still hard, of course, but players, once they hit a wall, had the option of finding other things to do and levelling up. Players could have also experimented with stronger builds, rather than endlessly trying with the same kits.

More accessible than Elden Ring

Now, I’d argue that Armored Core VI is much more accessible than Elden Ring. Whereas the latter places skill and build on equal footing, Armored Core VI puts the premium on creating the perfect build. To be clear, it’s still possible to win tough fights with weaker builds through sheer skill. However, the game encourages players to experiment with different builds to appropriately tackle a specific battle. The right build can make a world of difference.

Plus, it’s risk-free. If you bought a mecha part that you don’t eventually like, the game allows you to sell it again for 100 percent of its value. Those sold items will remain in the shop forever, too. Basically, if your net worth can afford the build you’re envisioning, there’s no risk of selling off parts and losing the ability to revert back. The game even allows you to change builds whenever you die.

Unfortunately, having such a relaxed system will naturally lead to meta builds — that is, popular builds publicly considered as the “best” way to beat the game. For example, whenever I was stuck in some sections, the internet would always suggest a combination of double shotguns and double grenade cannons. While the pure damage from that build is apparent, I found myself sticking to my own preferred parts most of the time. Meta builds aren’t the only solution to game, but they are there. That said, if you’re looking for true experimentation, stay away from the internet.

Boss battle after boss battle

Another thing that makes Armored Core VI much more accessible is how linear the game is. Unlike the open-world nature of Elden Ring, Armored Core VI is brutally direct. It doesn’t even have a hub world. When you open the game, you enter a main menu stylized as a garage. Here, players can embark on missions and customize their mecha.

On the one hand, players don’t have a lot of options when they hit a wall. You’ll have no choice but to tackle the problem head-on. On the other hand, the lack of options also makes for a tighter game. It took me only around 16 hours to beat my first playthrough — a far cry from what FromSoftware is notoriously known for.

That’s not to say that the game is easy, though. While it’s a breeze compared to the developer’s harder games, some sections are downright grueling. However, what kept me playing was how fluid the combat is. Despite the emphasis on builds, there’s an innate satisfaction in figuring out the rhythm to a difficult battle: when to dodge, when to tank damage, when to unleash your biggest move. Dueling against a boss can really open opportunities for those epic moments that a mecha battle can generate.

A lot of the combat focuses on those major boss fights marking the middle or the end of a level. Unfortunately, enemy design outside of those bosses leaves something to be desired. Though the game has minor encounters outside of a boss fight, they are remarkably easy. At best, these enemies are just cannon fodder for you to test out builds. At worst, they are a health tax, chipping away at your mecha before a boss battle.

Short and sweet but not really

As I mentioned above, it only took me 16 hours to beat the first playthrough. For a full-priced game today, is a shorter playthrough time worth the money?

As with every FromSoftware game, Armored Core VI has multiple endings, necessitating multiple playthroughs to completely finish the game. The first playthrough makes this clear by offering decision missions which disappear if other missions are done. Hunting for those different endings isn’t a requirement, and a lot of players call it a day once that first playthrough ends. However, the mecha game does something that other modern FromSoftware games does not.

Instead of just giving players the opportunity to gun for other endings and decisions, Armored Core VI locks a chunk of content behind New Game Plus. The second and third playthroughs feature new missions and altered ones from the first playthrough. Players will fight harder bosses and trickier decisions.

One can certainly argue that locking content behind multiple playthroughs is a cheap way to extend the game. However, there is some satisfaction in bringing stronger mechas into fights that formerly gave us trouble. Plus, multiple playthrough is almost a requirement now for a lot of FromSoftware fans. I’d say that Armored Core’s approach just adds more incentive to something that a lot of fans are going to do anyway.

Armored Core VI is not enough to dethrone Elden Ring as a potential game of the year. However, the game’s accessibility and fluid combat are enough to introduce the mecha genre to a new batch of gamers. Outside of comparing the title to other FromSoftware games, Armored Core VI is still a great game for both new and veteran fans of the mecha genre.

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AMD FSR Upscaling 4.1 now available for Radeon RX 7000 Series

Update drops earlier than expected, powering more than 300 supported games

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June 24, 2026

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PC and handheld gamers can officially skip the wait, as AMD has launched its FSR 4.1 upscaling technology for Radeon RX 7000 series (RDNA 3) GPUs.

Computing and Graphics Group Senior Vice President and GM Jack Huynh made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter). This development brings machine learning powered gaming to millions of players across more than 300 games.

By downloading the latest AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.6.2 driver, users can unlock the new AI upscaling suite on existing RX 7000 series desktop graphics cards.

(The driver can be downloaded here.)

The update drastically sharpens image reconstruction, delivers far superior temporal stability, and keeps motion ghosting to an absolute minimum. That’s across a massive library of supported titles.

Beyond optimized frame rates out of the gate for those two blockbusters, the release packs vital architecture stability improvements and bug fixes for the broader Radeon ecosystem.

Huynh added that AMD is actively engineering lightweight machine learning models to expand FSR 4.1 optimizations to a wider base of gamers. More details are to come.

Moreover, the driver for the FSR 4.1 upscaling technology will deliver day-one support for two highly anticipated releases: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations.

if you are wielding an RDNA 3 desktop rig or an RDNA 3-powered handheld, like the ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion GO, simply open up the AMD Software suite, get the update, and test the new AI tech.

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GTA VI: New images unveiled as pre-order details, price finally announced

Highly-anticipated title to launch on November 19 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S

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June 24, 2026

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Grand Theft Auto VI finally has a price. The highly-anticipated upcoming installment in the series is set to launch on November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Pre-orders will begin on midnight, June 25. Available versions are the Standard Edition at US$ 79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at US$ 99.99.

The Ultimate Edition amplifies the single player experience with an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and action threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story.

Here are some newly-released exclusive images:

Alongside the Standard and Ultimate Editions, all Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders and purchases before November 20 will also get the Vintage Vice City Pack.

This is a collection of items that flash back to when the neon burned brightest:

Players who pre-order digital versions of GTA VI will be able to begin pre-loading on November 12. This is to ensure they are able to play at launch on November 19.

The physical version, which contains a download code inside the box, will be available starting November 12 as well to support pre-loading.

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ASUS brings 2026 ROG Zephyrus Duo, G16, and G14 to the Philippines

New Zephyrus laptops arrive

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June 24, 2026

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ASUS Republic of Gamers has announced the Philippine availability and pricing of its 2026 ROG Zephyrus lineup.

Headlining the range is the new ROG Zephyrus Duo, joined by refreshed versions of the Zephyrus G16 and Zephyrus G14. The latest models feature Intel Core Ultra processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs, upgraded cooling systems, and ROG Nebula HDR OLED displays.

The lineup is available through authorized retailers starting June 24, 2026.

ROG Zephyrus Duo introduces dual-screen gaming

The 2026 ROG Zephyrus Duo (GX651AX) is billed as the world’s first 16-inch dual-screen gaming laptop.

It features two 16-inch 16:10 touch displays with 120Hz refresh rates. Together, they provide up to 32 inches of combined screen space for multitasking, content creation, streaming, and gaming.

The primary display is a 3K ROG Nebula HDR OLED panel with up to 1,100 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision HDR support, and 100 percent DCI-P3 color coverage.

A new 320-degree kickstand hinge enables multiple usage modes, including Laptop Mode, Dual-Screen Mode, Book Mode, Tent Mode, and Sharing Mode. ASUS ScreenXpert software manages display layouts and transitions between modes.

Powering the device are an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, 64GB LPDDR5X memory, and 2TB SSD storage.

ROG Zephyrus Duo price in the Philippines

ROG Zephyrus Duo GX651AX-SR071WSM (RTX 5090, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — PhP 559,995

The laptop comes bundled with an ASUS Pen 3.0, ROG Universal Backpack, ROG Gladius III Gaming Mouse, and ASUS warranty package.

ROG Zephyrus G16 gets RTX 5090 option

The refreshed ROG Zephyrus G16 (GU606) retains its slim aluminum chassis, measuring 1.49cm thick and weighing 1.85kg.

Configurations include up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU with up to 160W TGP. ASUS says the laptop supports NVIDIA DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation technologies.

The 16-inch display uses a 2.5K ROG Nebula HDR OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR True Black certification, and NVIDIA G-SYNC support.

Battery life is rated at up to 22 hours of video playback, while ROG Intelligent Cooling combines Tri-Fan Technology, liquid metal, and expanded ventilation for sustained performance.

ROG Zephyrus G16 prices in the Philippines

  • ROG Zephyrus G16 GU606AR-TB061WSM (RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — PhP 289,995
  • ROG Zephyrus G16 GU606AX-TB084WSM (RTX 5090, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — PhP 429,995

Both variants include an ROG Exclusive Sleeve and ROG Strix Impact Gaming Mouse.

ROG Zephyrus G14 focuses on portability

The ROG Zephyrus G14 (GU405) continues to target gamers who want a more compact machine.

It measures 1.59cm thin and weighs 1.5kg. Despite its size, ASUS equips the laptop with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with up to 130W TGP.

The device sports a 14-inch 3K ROG Nebula HDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-SYNC support, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certification.

ASUS also redesigned the thermal system with thicker heat pipes, additional copper fins, and improved ventilation to boost cooling performance.

ROG Zephyrus G14 prices in the Philippines

  • ROG Zephyrus G14 GU405AP-SY057WSM (RTX 5070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — PhP 224,995
  • ROG Zephyrus G14 GU405AW-SY069WSM (RTX 5080, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — PhP 324,995

Each model ships with an ROG Exclusive Sleeve and ROG Strix Impact Gaming Mouse.

Warranty and launch promos

All 2026 ROG Zephyrus laptops sold locally come with ASUS’ No. 1 Quality & Service Program. This includes a three-year international and local warranty, one-year accidental damage protection, and Premium Care support.

Buyers also receive a gaming mouse, three months of PC Game Pass, an Office 2024 lifetime license, one year of Microsoft 365 Basic with 100GB cloud storage, and up to 700GB of ASUS Cloud Storage.

Meanwhile, the new ROG Slash Collection 4.0 accessories, including the Slash Backpack 4.0 and Slash Sling Bag 4.0, will arrive in select ROG stores starting July 2026.

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