How Armored Core 6’s AH12 HC Breaks a FromSoftware Tradition

Armored Core 6 was released this week, reviving the vehicle-combat series after a decade-long absence. Boasting a wide range of gameplay improvements, as well as a few player-friendly additions, the title offers a unique experience among developer FromSoftware’s modern lineup. Before its release, FromSoftware repeatedly confirmed that Armored Core 6 is not a Soulslike. Despite this, fans were quick to identify the genre’s influence on the title. In no area is this influence more apparent than in Armored Core 6‘s tutorial, where players are forced to confront the AH12 HC Helicopter. A tough tutorial boss is nothing new from FromSoftware, but Armored Core 6’s AH12 HC breaks a longstanding tradition, raising the stakes for its tutorial boss fight and plunging players head-first into the game’s challenging combat.