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.
Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco Entertainment have revealed a fresh wave of details for The Blood of Dawnwalker, confirming its release on September 3, 2026.
The upcoming dark fantasy open-world action RPG is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with pre-orders now live across digital storefronts and retail. The announcement came alongside the game’s “Road to Launch” event, which packed in new gameplay footage, story reveals, and system requirements.
Story, gameplay, and a deeper look at Vale Sangora
A new story trailer introduces key characters surrounding protagonist Coen, a Dawnwalker caught between humanity and vampirism. Set in the fictional Vale Sangora in the Carpathian Mountains, the game leans heavily into choice-driven storytelling, where allies, enemies, and outcomes shift depending on player decisions.
Rebel Wolves also showcased over 10 minutes of gameplay captured from a recent PC build. The footage highlights narrative-driven exploration, where uncovering secrets and completing activities can unlock abilities or alter how events unfold. The core idea is simple: every action carries consequences, shaping both the story and the state of the world.
Developers including Piotr Kucharski, Daria Bury-Zawada, Maciej Wiśniewski, and Dorota Rutkowska also broke down key systems and design philosophies in a new dev diary.
Motion capture, editions, and system requirements revealed
A behind-the-scenes segment featured former UFC champion Jan Błachowicz, who contributed motion capture work for Bakir, one of the game’s antagonists. His involvement adds a layer of realism to combat, with a focus on weight and impact in every strike.
Rebel Wolves also detailed multiple editions of the game. Alongside the standard digital version and retail Day One Edition, players can opt for the Eclipse Edition, which includes bonuses like a world compendium, soundtrack, and comic book. A Collector’s Edition will also be available in limited quantities.
Official PC system requirements were likewise shared during the event, giving players a clearer idea of what hardware they’ll need to run the game.
A dark fantasy journey shaped by choice
Set in 14th-century Europe during a time of war and plague, The Blood of Dawnwalker follows Coen’s struggle against Brencis, a powerful vampire lord ruling over Vale Sangora. As a Dawnwalker, Coen walks a fine line between two worlds, gaining unique abilities while dealing with the cost that comes with them.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game emphasizes player agency, blending open-world exploration with branching narrative paths. Whether forming alliances or facing off against enemies, every decision feeds back into how the story unfolds.
The Blood of Dawnwalker launches September 3 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is making its way to more players, and you can jump in right now.
Square Enix has released a free playable demo for the acclaimed RPG on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Better yet, your progress carries over to the full game when it launches on June 3, 2026.
The demo includes Chapters 1 and 2, giving players a substantial slice of the experience right from the start.
A look at the opening chapters
Chapter 1 revisits one of the most pivotal moments in the story — the Nibelheim incident. You take control of a younger Cloud alongside Sephiroth as they investigate a mysterious outbreak of monsters. It’s a story beat longtime fans will recognize, but still hits hard with its modern presentation.
Chapter 2 opens things up. Cloud and the crew step into the Grasslands, where the game starts to flex its scale. Expect a mix of combat encounters, exploration, side activities, and even the in-game card battler Queen’s Blood.
Combat blends real-time action with command-based strategy, now enhanced with Synergy Abilities. The demo also introduces “Streamlined Progression” options like unlimited HP/MP and faster ability unlocks, letting players focus more on the story if they choose.
Pre-orders and physical bonuses
Pre-orders are now open across platforms, with a 20% discount available until June 10, 2026.
Digital editions come with in-game bonuses like Summoning Materia, armor sets, and accessories. Meanwhile, early buyers of the Nintendo Switch 2 physical edition get a little extra — a collectible Magic: The Gathering–Final Fantasy Zack Fair card featuring variant art by Tetsuya Nomura, available while supplies last.
Preparing for the final chapter
Set beyond Midgar, Rebirth follows Cloud and his allies — including Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII — as they pursue Sephiroth across a wider world. New companions like Yuffie and Cait Sith join the journey, adding more personality and dynamics to the party.
Already released on PlayStation 5 and PC, the game has racked up over 125 perfect review scores and more than 40 Game of the Year awards. With its arrival on Switch 2 and Xbox, the remake trilogy is now nearly fully playable across modern platforms.
That puts more players in position for what’s next: the third and final installment, which is currently in development.
Gaming
Level Infinite launches Gangstar Mirage City exclusively in PH
A blend of high-speed street racing, exploration, more
Level Infinite has launched a brand new mobile title exclusively available in the Philippines: Gangstar Mirage City.
Players can enjoy a blend of freedom, action, and dynamic gameplay in the free-to-play multiplayer open-world mobile game.
It is set in a near-future metropolis of Rooklyn, where thrilling action, player choice, and unpredictable moments collide.
Mirage City is the latest chapter in Gameloft’s renowned Gangstar franchise, with more than 250 million registered users.
It brings an expansive open-world gameplay to mobile, powered by high-fidelity graphics and detailed environments tailored for mobile play.
At its core, Mirage City is about freedom. As such, players can alternate between story-driven content and free-form exploration. They can navigate the city, build an empire, and define a personal journey.
There’s high-speed street racing, explosive encounters, and dynamic city events. Moreover, there is deep customization across vehicles, properties, and lifestyle, plus a wide range of activities in-game.
Being a Philippines-exclusive, title, the open-world RPG supports Tagalog text as well to bring the experience closer to its audience.
For now, the game is available for download via Google Play for Android devices.
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