Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon (AC6 here forth) was one of the highly anticipated games in 2023, especially for fans of the franchise and mecha games in general. Its appeal, besides the compelling gameplay, is the vast customization options players are presented. The latest installment was highly regarded by fans and the only thing that would complete the experience is some tangible representation of the machine you control in the game.
Kotobukiya produced model kits from the earlier games and they weren’t exactly the greatest, especially compared to modern releases. So, when Bandai Spirits announced that AC6 kits will be coming under the 30 Minutes Missions line, fans were delighted with the licensee change, and the customization the line is known for. And after several months, 30MM AC6 kits are finally revealed as part of their Q3 2024 new product presentation stream.
First, they prefaced the reveals with this statement:
Basically, these Armored Core kits will utilize the key concepts of the 30MM line, that being simple assembly and custom play, the latter reflecting the core mechanic of the games. Each part will have a common structure allowing multiple patterns of assembling the kit, just like how you can customize the Armored Cores in the game.
Scale-wise, these kits are technically non-scale, but they were made to size well with other 30MM kits, though I’m not entirely sure if standard 30MM customize parts are compatible with AC6 kits. Regardless, this is perfect for me as it fits well within the size/scale wheelhouse of my collection.
Before going further, I just wanted to have a quick disclaimer that I’m in no way an expert of the Armored Core franchise and most of the information I have here is based on quick research.
30MM CC-2000 ORBITER Nightfall
CC-2000 ORBITER is the default Core part installed on the player’s starter machine during the beginning of the game. Nightfall is the AC piloted by Raven using the parts seen above, which also uses ORBITER as the Core. The kit is 130mm tall and has a lot more sculpted detail when compared to other 30MM kits.
Much like your typical 30MM kit, hardpoints for custom parts and weapon sets are available to further personalize your kit. At the moment, a weapon set has been announced and we’ll look into it later.
Out of the box, you are provided additional parts for the BC SHADE EYE head unit to reproduce its visor flipping over during an assault boost. It also comes with the SONGBIRDS Grenade Cannon for the right back unit and the BML-G1/P32DUO-03 Dual Missile Launcher for the left back unit, although I don’t think the missile launcher opens to reveal sculpted missile details.
I’m also inclined to think those small red/pink spots will require painting. But I’m getting this kit regardless.
30MM RaD CC-2000 ORBITER Nightfall
September 2024 / ¥3,500
30MM NACHTREIHER/40E Steel Haze
The second kit revealed is the Steel Haze which uses NACHTREIHER/40E for its Core. Steel Haze is piloted by Rusty and based on what I’ve read, he’s quite a popular character. The Steel Haze is also aesthetically different from the Nightfall with its lanky proportions and somewhat more organic-looking aesthetic.
Steel Haze also comes with several weapons out of the box, the most notable being the Laser Slicer mounted on its left arm, and also comes with clear effect parts.
I’ve read online that Rusty gets an upgrade with the Steel Haze Ortus and while no other kits have been announced outside of these two and a weapon set, I’m optimistic that these AC6 will be quite popular and it would be a waste to not continue.
30MM Schneider NACHTREIHER/40E Steel Haze
September 2024 / ¥3,500
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Weapon Set 01
To kick-off customizing your 30MM AC6 kits, they’re also releasing the first weapon set as seen here. It mainly comes with the Laser Rifle and Laser Dagger, with the latter including effect parts. But the key aspect of this set, and potentially future weapon sets, is how each comes with parts to display them mounted either on the left or right side. They are really translating the whole mix and match aspect of the game into these kits, and I bet fans of the franchise would really like it.
30MM Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Weapon Set 01
September 2024 / ¥1,500
Just based on the reactions of people watching the 30 Minutes Label stream earlier, may are really excited with these AC6 kits, especially with folks being disappointed with the older Kotobukiya kits, not to mention they’re not cheaper either. So hopefully, Bandai Spirits will see this as a sign that they’ve possibly hit the jackpot after getting this license.
