AI Limit Review: A Familiar Yet Functional Soulslike

AI Limit, developed by SenseGames, is a Soulslike action RPG that attempts to carve its niche in an increasingly crowded genre. Released as part of the China Hero Project and exclusive to PlayStation, the game draws heavily from its predecessors, such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Code Vein. While it introduces some unique mechanics, it struggles to stand out amidst the titans of the genre.

Story and Setting

The narrative of AI Limit is set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious substance known as “Mud.” You play as Arissa, an artificial human called a Blader, who awakens in the sewers of Havenswell with no memory of her past. Your mission is to uncover the truth about the world’s downfall and restore balance. Along the way, you encounter NPCs, environmental storytelling, and cryptic notes that piece together the lore.

While the premise is intriguing, it treads familiar ground. The juxtaposition of ruined urban landscapes and pristine upper-city areas is visually striking but lacks originality. The world design, though atmospheric, feels like a patchwork of ideas borrowed from other games. Havenswell’s verticality and looping level design are commendable, but the environments often feel lifeless and repetitive.

Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, AI Limit adheres to the tried-and-true formula of Soulslike games. Combat is deliberate and challenging, with a focus on timing, positioning, and resource management. The game introduces a unique “Sync Rate” mechanic, which replaces the traditional stamina bar. Sync Rate increases as you land attacks and decreases when you take damage or use spells. This system encourages aggressive playstyles, reminiscent of Bloodborne, but with its own twist.

The absence of a stamina bar allows for unlimited dodging and attacking, which feels liberating but also removes some of the tension that defines the genre. The Sync Rate mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as it powers your spells and shields, forcing you to balance offence and defence.

Weapons and armour play a significant role in shaping your playstyle. Each weapon type offers distinct movesets, from heavy-hitting greatswords to nimble daggers. Armour not only provides protection but also influences your abilities, adding depth to character customization. However, the lack of a character creator limits personalization, making Arissa feel less like “your” character and more like a predefined protagonist.

Combat and Boss Fights

Combat in AI Limit is satisfying, albeit derivative. The controls are responsive, and the animations are smooth, making every encounter feel impactful. The game’s difficulty is balanced, with enemies and bosses that challenge your skills without feeling unfair. Boss fights, while visually impressive, often fall into predictable patterns, lacking the creativity and unpredictability seen in games like Elden Ring or Sekiro.

The enemy design is serviceable but uninspired. Most foes are variations of humanoid or robotic creatures, and their behaviour can feel repetitive. The bosses, though larger and more menacing, rarely deviate from the standard “dodge and counter” formula. That said, the game does reward experimentation with different weapons and strategies, keeping combat engaging.

Visuals and Audio

Visually, AI Limit adopts an anime-inspired art style similar to Code Vein. The character models are detailed, and the animations are fluid, but the environments often lack texture and richness. The early sections of the game, set in the sewers, are particularly drab, but the visuals improve as you progress to more open and varied areas.

The soundtrack complements the game’s tone, with haunting melodies and intense battle themes. However, the voice acting and dialogue can feel stilted, detracting from the immersion. The sound design, while competent, doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

AI Limit is a competent Soulslike that delivers a solid, if unremarkable, experience. It borrows heavily from its predecessors, offering a familiar gameplay loop with a few unique twists. While it doesn’t reach the heights of genre-defining titles, it provides enough challenge and enjoyment for fans of the genre.

For newcomers, AI Limit serves as an accessible entry point into the world of Soulslikes. For veterans, it’s a decent diversion but unlikely to leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a game that pushes the boundaries of the genre, this isn’t it. But if you’re in the mood for a familiar challenge with a touch of innovation, AI Limit is worth a try.

AI Limit Trailer

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The code was provided by the distributor.

I reviewed it, and then it was edited by my partner.