In an ocean of Soulslike games nowadays, AI Limit stands out as one taking the unconventional yet interesting anime-ish route, just like Code Vein did back in 2019, but with a much stronger DS2 vibe. It has everything most Soulslike-game players actually want from a game: challenging combat, cool outfits, and weapons, annoying bosses, and, most importantly, crisp greatsword animations. We could just call it a day for our AI Limit review and give it a perfect score, but we haven't even scratched the surface.
AI Limit Review - A Massive Maze You'll Want to Explore
If you dig a bit deeper, you'll find one of the best-designed worlds in any Soulslike you've ever played. To explore it in its entirety, you'll need to weave your way through hordes of enemies with very questionable hitboxes, if I might add, and parkour your way through dozens, if not hundreds, of map sections, all connected into one massive maze to solve.
One thing you might not like if you're a hardcore player is that AI Limit takes your hand in a way and guides you through the story, making sure you don't challenge any of the OP end-game bosses before you're truly ready for it. However, that kind of cozy feel might actually be good if you're new to the genre and need a bit of hand-holding.
AI Limit's Combat Is Challenging (Maybe a Bit Too Much for the Casual Player)
Now, even though there is hand-holding regarding progression and map navigation in AI Limit, there is almost none when it comes to fighting enemies, which can be both a curse and a blessing, depending entirely on your skill and patience levels.
Most bosses are brutal, and if you constantly greed for that one extra attack, you'll be throwing your keyboard out your window sooner than you think. The same is true for any default mob as well, and that's why just rolling your way through them is the optimal strategy more often than not. However, some special mobs drop rare gear, so be sure to clear out those.
Also, regarding the roll/dodge mechanic in AI Limit, there are two things that might annoy the average player and have made a bit of a dent in our review score.
First, the keybind for sprint and roll is the same, with sprint activating if you hold it. That imposes a bit of an input lag on rolls as the game also has to wait while you're holding the key, and the roll really starts executing when the key goes up. So, you better get used to tapping those buttons fast if you haven't already.
Another issue is that the roll is different with a locked target and without. The invulnerability frames seem the same, but the non-lock roll just provides more mobility. The lock roll, on the other hand, makes hitting flying and fast-moving/small hitbox enemies easier. It all just makes you constantly toggle the camera lock on and off throughout the fight, which isn't something most casual players will like.
RPG Elements in AI Limit Are for the True DS & Bloodborne Fans
Like combat, the RPG elements in AI Limit are also very similar to DS and Bloodborne, though they have a more modern UI that is in line with the setting of the game. Flasks (Life Dew), bonfires (Branches), stats, and whatnot are so intuitive that any Soulslike player will be able to jump into AI Limit and get the hang of it without a single tooltip.
Speaking of the setting and the RPG elements, it's all very futuristic, postapocalyptic, dark, fantasy-filled, and, above all, unique. We won't spoil much, but you'll quickly realize as you play that almost everyone you meet isn't who they seem to be. However, the game really doesn't want to hide that till the end and keep the suspense for some reason.
AI Limit's Optimization & Graphics Are Amazing
Regarding the technical elements such as graphics and optimization, the AI Limit developers have actually done an insanely good job. It reminds me of MGSV and Lies of P in that department, and that's high praise coming from me, who spends a solid amount of time in each game trying to hit that perfect balance between visuals and FPS.
AI Limit Final Review Verdict
So, to conclude our AI Limit review: it's a Soulslike anime meets dark futuristic fantasy banger with a massive and beautiful world to explore and almost infinite replayability for anyone who likes a challenge.
However, it also has some combat quirks that you won't mind if you just git good. If you like any of the above things, it's definitely worth trying. Also, check out the AI Limit section here on our website to find all the guides we made to make your grind that much easier.
* A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review.
Published: Mar 26, 2025 07:38 am