AI Limit is another entry into the Souls-like genre, albeit with a focus on narrative over punishing the player. The world is in ruins, the protagonist is attempting to find purpose, and there’s forces beyond your control that you must face at every turn. Very few Souls-likes tend to disregard character attributes, however, in AI Limit, the focus isn’t so much on parameters, but rather on strategy.
Mechanics:
Off the bat, there is only one attribute bar that accounts for almost every attribute. However, attacks, blocks, dashing, and dodging aren’t necessarily linked to the attribute bar, making the playstyle very different from other Souls-likes. However, the attribute bar, or what can be considered the “stamina” bar, still needs to be managed albeit in a different way than every other RPG.
In terms of pacing, AI Limit is on the faster side of Souls-likes, which there aren’t many of. Similar titles have combined speed with low defense and low attack power, AI Limit keeps that formula but also extends on it by not making the player feel vulnerable at any point. Despite not relying on attribute-building, the game still feels like an RPG without the bulk of grinding for leveling.
Lastly, what could be my favorite aspect of the game, is the ability to swap weapons. This opens up the experimentation part of every hack and slash game, and AI Limit offers plenty to choose from. Being able to adjust to combat to one’s liking is one of the joys of any genre, and this game certainly does well on that regard.
Gameplay:
Adding layers to the playstyle, AI Limit gives the player the option to use a shield, or parry attacks, but not both. Because every aspect relies on one attribute bar, slow, passive gameplay is not optimal at any point. Although ranged combat isn’t a factor that stands out in Souls-likes, ranged combat in this game is neither optimal nor interesting, which can affect playstyle for some.
At its core, AI Limit encourages the player to perform parries for optimal damage, or if the player prefers the shield, the reward is a counterattack. Having options to choose from is a core element of RPGs, however, when it comes to hack-and-slash, the option to choose between one thing or another gets lost when the fastest way to eliminate enemies is determined. Whether the player wants to adjust on the fly, or challenge themselves in the fly, the game offers the option to do so.
Graphics:
Being set in a futuristic dystopia, the environment of AI Limit brings similarities to the Drakengard/Nier universe. Moreso, the universe feels like its right in the same timeline as Code Vein. The surroundings aren’t exactly detailed when compared to games like Elden Ring or Lies of P, although there’s certainly a charm that separates the game from the rest. Overall, the game’s surroundings won’t take away from the game’s experience, nor will they add to it.
Perhaps the most defining trait of AI Limit is the character/enemy designs. Arrisa is the protagonist, a Blader, who is on a journey to unravel a grand mystery. Her design is rather simple, with her outfit being interchangeable, but lacks any visual intricacies when compared to other Souls-likes. The enemy design seems simple and on the abstract side in comparison to hack-and-slashers, which benefit in a genre that overaccentuates enemy design. Lastly, I thought some boss enemies looked like they were ripped straight out of the Final Fantasy universe, which somehow fit perfectly into this game.
What I found the most appealing were the weapons. The design for some of them is very dystopian, which fit perfectly with the surroundings, and contribute to how Arrisa looks in and out of combat. Unlike other Souls-likes oversaturating the player’s inventory, that isn’t the case in AI Limit, which I found refreshing and novel. Arrisa’s armor choices also blend the dystopian aesthetic along with the need for fashion as per every Souls-like. All in all, the cosmetics for both the character and the weapons work wonders for the game and the experience.
Conclusion:
Without a doubt, AI Limit falls on the fun side of similar games without sacrificing elements that make the Souls-like genre fun. Saying it’s an accessible game would be dismissive of the difficulty that’s found in similar hack-and-slash games, however depending on the player’s experience level, a certain amount of difficulty is unavoidable. Nonetheless, AI Limit performs amazingly, provides enough narrative to be taken seriously, and doesn’t deter away from what separate Souls-likes from other hack-and-slash games.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
