AI Limit Review

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I find it quite satisfying to delve into Soulslike games, although some may not fully embody the genre’s potential. For me, Bloodborne still stands tall as the pinnacle, but even subpar entries are usually playable. Over the past decade, the overall quality of these games has improved significantly, making many reviews seem like a list of minor complaints in comparison to their overall value. AI Limit is an excellent representation of this trend: it’s a game that’s genuinely good, but unfortunately gets lost among the sea of other similarly good-but-not-exceptional games.

In AI Limit, you begin your journey in a sewer with no recollection of your past, navigating through an initial labyrinth to grasp the fundamental aspects of the game. The similarities to Dark Souls are striking, but here, crystals serve as souls, ‘mud’ takes the role of mana/magic, and branches replace bonfires. Rather than controlling a Chosen Undead, you control an android reminiscent of NieR’s protagonist. And yes, your character has several outfit options and showcases realistic, continuous butt jiggle physics throughout the gameplay.

You possess a flawless defensive technique that momentarily stuns and exposes enemies for counterattacks, a protective shield that deflects a certain amount of damage, a variety of spells encompassing everything from railgun lasers to lightning bolts to fireballs, an assortment of weapons ranging from massive two-handed swords to agile dual daggers, and the ability to customize your character with various equipment options to fit your preferred playstyle. Remarkably, all these attributes could also describe the game Dark Souls.

If my words might come across as patronizing, please know that isn’t my intention. In fact, more games like Souls, especially for me, is always a plus, even though the genre seems to be becoming somewhat overcrowded. I truly enjoy guiding my character through intricately designed corridors and taking down hordes of enemies in one-on-one or two-on-one battles, leading up to a massive boss that thrashes me for several tries before I finally crack the timing codes. This isn’t a jest; it genuinely brings joy to me – and if you find enjoyment in this too, AI Limit will undoubtedly appeal to you without question.

As a gamer, I’ve got to call it as I see it: This game isn’t straying far enough from the Dark Souls mold to make its own mark. But there are some cool concepts at play here, like the fact that you can’t parry and use a shield simultaneously, forcing you to switch tactics based on your playstyle. Your shield acts as a damage absorber that can be turned into a counterattack (or if you opt not to counter, each subsequent block will drain your stamina meter more aggressively, discouraging passive play). The unique aspect is that your shield, stamina, and magic meters are all interconnected, named Mud. So, magic-focused builds can’t just camp at max range and spam attacks; they need to get up close and personal for some melee action to recharge the Mud.

Apart from the initial impression, the overall experience seems somewhat repetitive. The character designs, monsters, and level layouts are generally decent, with only a few exceptions. However, despite the skillful design (such as the poison swamp), it lacks novelty, not necessarily in a positive sense. The narrative is fragmented through item explanations and brief scenes, but instead of being set in a classic fantasy realm, it’s situated in a post-apocalyptic future inhabited by robots and androids.

Ultimately, I encountered multiple technical hurdles during my gaming session. The initial attempt at AI Limit was cut short prematurely due to a glitch: a particular boss that teleported around the arena was killed on the exact frame it finished teleporting, and the battle music didn’t finish playing, nor did I receive any essential items for progression. Reloading the game or returning to a Branch didn’t resolve the issue, rendering that save file inoperable. Furthermore, terrain that was not visible caused my character to vibrate rapidly up and down in various levels, and on some occasions, my character would pass through the floor (though I couldn’t consistently replicate these glitches). It appears these bugs have been addressed in a recent update, but due to the issues I encountered, I was unable to finish the game.

AI Limit is an enjoyable game for me, particularly because of its futuristic post-apocalyptic setting and appealing visual style. I appreciate the feel of the game, both in navigation and combat. However, it’s a safe choice – it adheres closely to the Dark Souls formula without taking any risks or trying to stand out. For some players like me, this is perfectly satisfactory, but for others, it might seem repetitive. Whether it offers enough novelty to justify its cost (currently $35 USD) is a personal decision you’ll need to make. But remember, it won’t revolutionize your gaming experience.

8

Versions tested: PC. AI Limit is also available for PlayStation 5.

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2025-04-11 03:56