AI Limit, the latest Soulslike from Sensegames Co., blends sci-fi and anime aesthetics with the brutal, rewarding gameplay the genre is known for.
Soulslike games have become a staple among popular action-adventure titles, consistently making their mark on storefronts across both console and PC platforms. AI Limit, the newest entry from China-based developer Sensegames Co., brings its own unique twist to the well-loved and often brutal formula. As the latest mutation of the genre, it promises to challenge players with its unforgiving mechanics and intricate design, standing out amid an ever-growing roster of similarly demanding games.
AI Limit is a fairly standard take on the Soulslike formula, one that doesn’t stray far from the gameplay loop established by titles like Bloodborne and Dark Souls. Despite feeling somewhat derivative, AI Limit executes its mechanics well. Thanks to its anime-inspired aesthetic, reminiscent of games like Code Vein, AI Limit feels relatively fresh compared to the more medieval dark fantasy takes on the genre.
The demo for AI Limit lasted for about 45 minutes, placing the player in a labyrinthine-like underground sewer. Like any good Souslike title, this linear but fairly expansive section consisted of interconnected rooms that often open up shortcuts and secret areas full of rare loot, such as weapons and level-up materials, making exploration a fun and familiar experience.
“Despite feeling somewhat derivative, AI Limit executes its mechanics well.”
During my time with the demo, I found three distinct weapons to try, consisting of a standard mid-sized sword, a double dagger-style blade, and a uchigatana-style katana, which easily was my favourite of the bunch, thanks to a slick animation and the ability to mow done, even some of the heftier enemies with ease.
Weapons felt reasonably unique, making the prospect of changing up your playstyle a worthwhile venture. Speaking of weapons, Arrisa, the player avatar, comes equipped with a sci-fi railgun ability, in addition to a shield and parry that unlocks as you progress through the opening hours of AI Limit. These secondary and defensive abilities feel similar to the gun mechanics found in Bloodborne but seem to offer a bit more flexibility, making them easier to rely on overall.
AI Limit’s aesthetics do a great job of carrying what would otherwise be a familiar Soulslike experience, blending hard sci-fi elements with dark fantasy. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Lies of P, but distinguished by its anime-inspired facade. In other words, AI Limit feels like a more competent take on a character action game, similar to Genshin Impact, though the focus goes beyond just aesthetics, despite it mainly being a one-to-one clone.
“AI Limit’s aesthetics do a great job of carrying what would otherwise be a familiar Soulslike experience, blending hard sci-fi elements with dark fantasy.”
AI Limit is slated to launch in 2024 for the PlayStation 5 and PC, so fans of Soulslike games won’t have long to wait. With its engaging sci-fi/anime-inspired aesthetic and fast-paced combat, it’s shaping up to be a solid addition to the genre. While it may not break new ground, it offers enough depth and variety to keep genre enthusiasts satisfied. Whether you’re in it for the weapon variety or the challenging gameplay, AI Limit promises a familiar but enjoyable experience for fans of action-adventure titles.
