I approached AI LIMIT determined to uncover every hidden detail. Developed by Sense Games and published by CE-Asia, this post-apocalyptic ARPG tells a futuristic story of hope in a world of ruin. I began my journey as Arrisa—a Blader with immortality—in Havenswell, a city on the edge of collapse. With the game’s release on March 27, 2025, I was eager to see how it would compare to today’s top soulslike titles.
Overall Impressions
AI LIMIT quickly impressed me with its smooth, fast combat. Inspired by games like Bloodborne, NieR: Automata, and Code Vein, it mixes those ideas into something that feels both classic and fresh. I especially liked how the game replaced the typical stamina system with a “sync bar.” This bar controls attacks and defense, pushing players to stay aggressive and keep the pressure on. Still, not everything worked. Some parts of the story felt weak or copied, and later enemy designs looked reused and lacked spark.
Gameplay Mechanics
Combat is where AI LIMIT shines. The sync bar mechanic makes every action matter. Attacking, casting spells, or using weapon skills drains the meter, while landing melee hits recharges it. This system creates a back-and-forth flow in fights. Weapon animations stay smooth, even in busy moments, and hitboxes feel accurate—a win compared to many other soulslikes.
Exploring Havenswell was just as rewarding. Hidden paths, collectibles, and secret spots filled the world. The game doesn’t guide you much, but I liked that. Bonfire-like “Branches” let you fast travel to places you’ve already been, perfect for completionists. I found side areas packed with loot and story bits that made the world feel deeper. NPC quests slowly built up the game’s backstory and the ties between characters.
That said, not all parts hit the mark. Later sections reused enemies without much change. While combat helped cover this up, I still wanted more variety. Also, on the Steam Deck, I noticed framerate drops below 30 fps during intense scenes. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a reminder that the game could use some extra polish.
Story and Characters
The story follows Arrisa’s search for hope in a dying world. The plot unfolds through scattered notes, cryptic talk, and visual clues. I liked how this lets players uncover the lore at their own pace. But the main story stumbles near the end. It tries hard to match the storytelling of games like Dark Souls but doesn’t quite succeed. Arrisa’s journey ends without fully answering the questions it raises.
Still, the side characters and their quests stood out. They added layers to the world and made Havenswell feel alive. Some voice performances pulled me in, but others missed the mark—especially Arrisa’s, which lacked the emotional weight her role needed. Oddly, some lesser characters had better delivery, helping balance the overall tone.
Visuals and Graphics
AI LIMIT adopts a cel-shaded, anime-inspired art style. The visuals lend the game a melancholic, almost abandoned atmosphere that perfectly complements its post-apocalyptic theme. Rich vistas and ruined urban landscapes, steeped in decay and mystery, create a memorable aesthetic. The game’s linear level design initially recalls the structure of Dark Souls 3 but gradually opens up to reveal improved complexity mid-to-end game. The artistic choices here are rewarding to explore. I appreciated the intricacy found in the design of armor outfits and weapon details, which serve as both functional elements and cosmetic rewards for loyal players.
While the art is commendable, optimization issues remain on lower-end platforms. The Steam Deck preset supports medium settings at 720p with visible framerate dips in busier scenes. Developers might consider refining these presets further. Nonetheless, the beauty of Havenswell and its ruined streets far outweigh technical shortcomings. The game world feels painstakingly curated, and every visual element works together to reinforce the tone.
Sound and Music
The soundscape in AI LIMIT presents an intriguing dichotomy. Ambient sounds fill the environment, providing a grounded and immersive experience that rarely distracts from the action. However, the absence of a distinct, memorable soundtrack is a significant drawback. In many ways, the music in other soulslikes becomes a character in its own right, and AI LIMIT’s minimal approach leaves one longing for richer layers in its auditory presentation. The voice acting, as mentioned earlier, is uneven. Some lines elevate the narrative, while others feel forced or poorly cast. I hold hope that future patches might refine these issues, as several players have already reported improvements following early updates.
Difficulty and Replayability
AI LIMIT offers a balanced level of challenge. The combat generally feels accessible for soulslike veterans yet remains inviting for newcomers to the genre. During my multiple play sessions, I encountered both moments of pure exhilaration and brief rushes of panic, especially when facing dual tall adversaries. This balance is a controlled yet dynamic approach that kept the gameplay experience continuously engaging. Boss fights arrive with nostalgic telegraphed moves, reminiscent of early Dark Souls encounters. Their design, while not overly brutal, forces one to focus and adapt quickly—a testament to both the innovation and homage taken by the developers.
Replayability is enhanced by thorough world exploration and multiple skill customization options. The ability to swap four main abilities—frenetic dodge, defensive shield, potent parry, and berserker mode—offers varied tactical approaches for future playthroughs. Collectibles, hidden side quests, and unique equipment combinations further appeal to completists. That said, the narrative and enemy design could benefit from additional variation to elevate repeated explorations.
Closing Thoughts
AI LIMIT stands as a commendable entry in the soulslike genre despite its imperfections. Its fluid combat system and intricate world design encourage thorough exploration and experimentation, aligning perfectly with a completionist’s ethos. Visuals and level design create memorable atmospheres, even if some narrative elements and sound design lag behind. I have long admired games that invite players to seek every secret and unlock every achievement. AI LIMIT satisfies that desire with its hidden corridors, rewarding lore fragments, and dependable combat rhythm. There exists a slight gap between its brilliant gameplay mechanics and the underdeveloped narrative climax. However, minor technical optimizations and post-launch patches continue to improve the overall experience.
I have spent many hours combing every corner of Havenswell and still find new challenges and secrets. For enthusiasts who value detailed world-building, optimized controls, and experimental combat systems, AI LIMIT earns a solid recommendation. Though the title does not fully reach the heights of bigger budget competitors, it captivates enough to earn my respect—and my completionist nod.
Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
