Raven Republic gets with the times to bring you original Armored Core content on live streaming and video. Check out this compilation of some casual match videos on our official YouTube channel.
You can also catch us live on our official Twitch channel.
In an effort to further organize the flow of information here at Raven Republic, we’d also like to let you know of the existence of our discussion platforms:
The full transcript is up on Gematsu, but a few choice excerpts stand out to us:
1. On why FromSoftware took so long to release another Armored Core title
Mori: “It’s been 10 years since the last title in the series was released. Can you explain to us why it has taken so long to develop this new title?”
Ogura: “There was never any intention to leave this large a gap. We’ve made a number of titles in the interim, and seen a lot of extremely talented developers grow into their roles. Many of us, including Mr. Miyazaki, our CEO, and myself as well, of course, have always wanted to create a new Armored Core title. So there was never really any question that one day we would return to the series. The only real obstacle standing between us and the development of a new title was that our company always had so many different titles on the go, and we had to make sure that our resources were appropriately distributed. And, unfortunately, it took quite a long time before we reached the situation that we were ready to begin.”
2. Miyazaki will not be the director of this title
Mori: “I see. You mentioned Mr. Miyazaki there, and I understand that he is not the director of this latest title. Can you tell us what his involvement has been?”
Ogura: “His title for this game is ‘Initial Game Director,’ which means he directed the initial phases of the game’s development. Obviously he didn’t do that alone, but he worked together with people like Kenneth Chan, co-director and producer of Fires of Rubicon, as well as a range of other developers, to establish the game’s foundation. This includes such elements as map design, action fundamentals, and other core elements at the game’s heart.”
3. Pushing for greater player freedom in terms of controls and customization (looking forward to seeing how open the game systems will be)
Mori: “What has been the major developmental focus for this Armored Core title?”
Ogura: “We were determined to take advantage of FromSoftware’s experience and know-how to really establish freedom for the player in terms of what can be done with game controls and the customization that lies at the series’ core. That was the key point we focused on. When you play the game, you will see how changing parts affects the action elements. The action and customization elements really do work together symbiotically, and I really think this is the most important thing. Defining the parameters that govern this relationship was absolutely key.”
4. AC VI will not be a direct sequel to previous titles
Mori: “Speaking of previous titles in the series, such as Armored Core V, for example, is there a connection between them and this latest title?”
Ogura: “In terms of actual storyline, there is no direct connection between V and this latest title, which means there is no need to have played previous titles in the series. However, the fundamental concept at the heart of the Armored Core series, involving the free assembly and customization of parts to create your own mech, remains very much a part of this title. We have prioritized this aspect of the series throughout the development process, and combined this system with the know-how and experience our teams have acquired in the development of FromSoftware’s other acclaimed titles to produce a brand-new Armored Core action game that we believe will satisfy our users.”
5. Online multiplayer confirmed (but of course):
Mori: “In terms of other issues fans have asked about, I wanted to discuss what kind of multiplayer elements the game has.”
Ogura: “As focus has been pleased on producing the most dynamic action possible, we have restricted story mode gameplay to single-player only, but as an online element, we are also planning the implementation of battles in an online arena. We plan to release more details concerning this in the coming days.”
6. Emblem sharing is back, and a new weathering system will be implemented:
Mori: “That sounds fascinating. Are there any other online features in the game?”
Ogura: “There is one particular feature I am often asked about, so I will mention it now. This title features so-called emblems, as was the case in prior series titles, which are like logos of sorts that you can use to mark your mech. For some time now, players have had the ability to freely create their own emblem, and from the previous title, these can be exchanged online with other players. This will be implemented this time as well, which means that in addition to the parameters of mechs that you can customize, the visual elements as well, in terms of coloring and weathering and the like, can also be freely customized, allowing you to truly create a unique mech that is all yours in performance and appearance.”
Overall, while we didn’t get anything truly new and groundbreaking, it’s still a positive sign that FromSoft is being very open like this to the AC fanbase. Seems like all is well in development.
With Elden Ring winning GOTY 2022 and FromSoftware’s reputation as a mover and shaker in the gaming world, the attention has suddenly shifted towards their upcoming Armored Core title. No doubt, people unfamiliar with the franchise are curious as to what it’s all about. Why would FromSoftware, the developer known for Soulsborne titles, go back to a clunker robot game? And with more than a dozen entries in the series, each generation serving as a soft reboot of the franchise, it’s a daunting task to pick where to start, right?
I’ll help you out. You should start with Armored Core 3.
As a result, in the last two weeks there’s been a flurry of activity, discussion, and new content for this once-dormant franchise. It’s great seeing a revitalized fanbase.
Case in point: this cool animation short made by RedEyeLobine in Unreal Engine 5, showcasing some Crest designs from the PS2 AC era. Check it out!
Dark Souls, From Software’s other possibly more mainstream non-giant-robot cash cow, was just released the other day. And it’s good. We’ll probably be losing sleep over this for the next few days (months), so we’re posting this just so you know what to blame if the front page seems deserted again.
You guys can join the Dark Souls discussion in the forum if you’re as enthusiastic about the game.
Blades and giant robots always seem to go hand in hand (despite the probable impracticality), and Armored Core V is no exception in the hyperbolic treatment of this fan-favorite cliché.
Niji of ACU, who was fortunate enough to be included in the closed beta test, reports that the basic blade in ACV nearly one-shots most ACs and that the range and sweep is just as devastating.
FromSoft’s own YouTube channel just got updated with the full version of the Armored Core V teaser clip that was shown last June 1st. This video done in exceptionally realistic CG tells quite a bit about the game’s premise, such as the uncovering of ancient machines to be used in an ongoing war.
Uploaded a few days before the Armored Core V video are clips from the also highly anticipated (and equally amazing) FromSoft game Dark Souls. You can check all these out at the FromSoft channel.
The Armored Core official site has just been updated with the schedule of yet another tease-fest that is the Armored Core V – The LIVE for REBOOT. This fourth installment of their Armored Core V streaming demo series promises to feature the game’s whole CG intro cinematic. And based on all previous Armored Core CG openings (except maybe Project Phantasma, which was pretty bad), this should be epic as well.
Expect the stream to go up on June 2nd at 7:00 PM (Japan time) through their usual Famitsu and Ustream channels.
