Mechs a good impression.
Vertical catapults are also in place to launch players up great distances.
This verticality also lends itself to a variety of approaches to each mission, depending on the mech loadout.
The lighting system also impresses.
On to combat, then, the core of any FromSoftware game.
The studio had promised smooth controls and tactical battles, and both are present and correct.
Attacks range from machine guns to multi-lock missiles and explosive attacks.
Enemies can also, hilariously, be punched off ledges into oblivion.
Added complexity comes from the stagger system.
The same is true of enemies, though, with consecutive attacks from the player filling a stagger gauge.
It’s a refined system and a clear influence of more recent FromSoftware games.
Combat demands players learn attack patterns and approach battles tactically.
The hands-off demo ended with a boss battle against a giant lava-spouting tank with enormous rotating white hot blades.
This is also where assembly comes into play.
It looks fast, ferocious, fair, and a thoroughly modern Armored Core experience.
