The Soulslike Genre is Flourishing, but While Titles Like Stellar Blade and Lords of the Fallen Strive to Bring New Ideas, AI Limit Follows a More Traditional Path.
This is the debut title from SenseGames, a studio based in China, and it embodies the Soulslike formula, serving as both a strong point and a focal aspect of this game after its release on March 27.
According to Many Gamers, the Quality of AI Limit is Only at a Basic Level, Yet Satisfactory.
Although AI Limit does not offer unique gameplay mechanics, it still provides a distinctive experience that hardcore Souls players will appreciate. Players will take on the role of Arrisa, an artificial human known as a Blader, with the mission to restore the world after monsters called Necros have devastated civilization. To accomplish this, she needs to seek out and repair Branches—checkpoints that function similarly to Bonfires in Dark Souls. While the narrative does not break new ground and the environmental design is not groundbreaking, fans of Dark Souls or Bloodborne will still find familiar and engaging elements.
The combat mechanics of AI Limit encourage a playstyle that focuses on aggressive, continuous attacks, reminiscent of Bloodborne. Although players cannot regain health by attacking enemies, the game does not feature a stamina bar, allowing players to attack continuously until they are cornered or need to find ways to evade. However, after every lengthy combo, the character will experience a moment of vulnerability. This is a key difference from other Soulslike games, as the vulnerability requires players to manage their stamina carefully. Initially, this may be challenging, but as players become accustomed to it, they will learn how to effectively utilize their attacks to optimize their aggressive playstyle while avoiding damage. Furthermore, AI Limit does not incorporate traditional blocking mechanics but instead uses a parry system. When mastered, players can stun opponents with a well-timed parry and unleash powerful counterattacks, potentially turning the tide in combat.
One of the most significant differences of AI Limit compared to other games in the same genre is the Sync Rate system. This system replaces the stamina mechanics found in Dark Souls and affects the character’s strength as well as special abilities. The Sync Rate bar is capped at 100, and to maintain strength, players need to keep this level as high as possible. Special attacks and spells will decrease Sync Rate, causing the character to take more damage. This creates a system of risk-reward, especially during boss battles.
While drawing inspiration from the atmospheres of Bloodborne, Dark Souls, and Stellar Blade, it has yet to reach the peak of those epic experiences. AI Limit offers a more subdued sensation, serving as a refreshing product for the Soulslike genre. However, if you are looking for a game with anime-style aesthetics, the Soulslike challenge and combat system filled with rewards still make AI Limit a worthy consideration for gamers.
