AI LIMIT Review Summary

Fluid, responsive, satisfying combat: The combat system is fluid, responsive, and satisfying, with improvements made since the demo. The game offers a variety of weapons and move sets, and the parry mechanic is particularly praised for being effective and enjoyable. The absence of a stamina bar on basic attacks allows for a more aggressive and fast-paced playstyle.

Accessible, enjoyable Soulslike experience: Many reviewers note the game's strong Soulslike feel, drawing comparisons to titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Code Vein. However, the game is also considered more accessible and easier to pick up than many other Soulslike games, making it suitable for newcomers to the genre. Bonfires are well-placed and the difficulty is manageable.

Excellent, rewarding level design: The game features excellent level and map design that rewards exploration with meaningful shortcuts and interconnected paths. Reviewers praise the intricate layouts, hidden areas, and overall sense of discovery, drawing comparisons to classic Soulslike games. The world design and graphics are also frequently lauded for their appealing art style and attention to detail.

Good weapon variety, customization: The game offers a wide variety of weapons, skills, and character customization options, allowing players to tailor their builds to different playstyles. Many reviewers compare the game favorably to Code Vein, citing the increased weapon variety and improved map design as key strengths.

Responsive developers, quick bug fixes: The developers have been responsive to player feedback, quickly addressing bugs and performance issues with timely patches and updates. Many reviewers note significant improvements in optimization and controls compared to the demo version, indicating a commitment to polishing the game post-release.

Numerous game-breaking launch bugs: The game suffered from numerous bugs at launch, including game-breaking issues like freezing after boss fights, black screens, and corrupted save files. While some bugs were quickly addressed with patches, the initial state of the game was widely criticized and led to negative reviews. This indicates a lack of sufficient testing before release.

Frustrating and malicious enemy placement: Enemy placement is often frustrating and malicious, with enemies hidden in unexpected locations, excessive use of ranged enemies, and unfair ambushes. Additionally, enemies can sometimes attack through walls, and the lock-on system is unreliable, further contributing to a negative combat experience.

Poor optimization, frame rate drops: The game suffers from optimization issues, leading to frequent frame rate drops and stuttering, even on relatively powerful hardware. These performance problems negatively impact the gameplay experience, especially during combat.

Black screen issues after updates: Several players reported encountering a black screen issue, particularly after updates, which prevented them from launching or playing the game. Verifying the integrity of game files or reinstalling the game was sometimes necessary to resolve this issue.

Unappealing art style/character models: The game's art style, graphics, and character models are often described as lacking, generic, or unappealing. The main character's design is criticized, and the limited character customization options are disappointing for some players.

Stamina replaced by 'sync rate': The game replaces stamina with a 'synchronization rate' or energy meter. This meter fuels attacks, skills, and defensive maneuvers, encouraging aggressive play to replenish it. Managing this meter is crucial, as a low rate can leave the player vulnerable, while a high rate boosts damage.

Parrying is key, potentially overpowered: The game emphasizes parrying as a core mechanic, often more effective than dodging. Mastering the parry system can significantly reduce the game's difficulty, potentially trivializing some encounters. Shields are also effective, but parrying is often highlighted as the superior defensive option.

Interconnected, familiar map design: The game features interconnected map design with shortcuts and hidden areas, encouraging exploration. While some reviewers praise the map design, others find it standard or confusing in later stages. The level design incorporates familiar elements like doors locked from the other side and shortcuts.

Anime Soulslike, easier difficulty: The game is frequently described as a Soulslike, often drawing comparisons to Code Vein due to its anime aesthetic. However, some reviewers find it more forgiving than typical Soulslikes, potentially serving as an entry-level title in the genre.

Exploration with hidden shortcuts: The game incorporates familiar mechanics like rolling into crates for new routes and items, enemies behind doorways, and ladders becoming accessible after defeating specific enemies. Exploration elements complement the combat system, with hidden shortcuts, rare loot, and dangerous traps encouraging thorough exploration of each area.

Steam Deck performance is mixed: The game includes a Steam Deck graphics preset, and performance is generally around 40 FPS. However, some players feel that performance on Steam Deck and other handheld devices could be better and request options for lower resolutions or different FSR 3 options to improve performance. The game lacks cloud save support, which is inconvenient for Steam Deck users.

Multiple patches released post-launch: The developers released multiple patches shortly after launch to address various issues. This indicates a proactive approach to fixing problems and improving the game experience.

VSync issues: tearing, unstable framerate: Enabling both VSync and frame locking can cause screen tearing. Enabling VSync alone may improve screen tearing but can lead to unstable frame rates and stuttering.

Russian, DLAA, FSR support: The game includes support for the Russian language, DLAA, and FSR. This expands the game's accessibility and graphical options.

Interface disappearing, save corruption: Some players have experienced a bug where the game interface disappears after reaching the first bonfire and restarting the game, resulting in save file corruption and the need to restart. This is a potentially serious issue that can impact player progress.

Worth it, but needs polish: Many reviews express mixed feelings, balancing enjoyment with concerns about bugs and optimization. The game is often considered "worth it" at its current price, especially relative to AAA titles, but many suggest waiting for fixes or sales. Some reviewers are giving positive reviews to support the developers, hoping for future improvements.

Good Soulslike, accessible entry: The game is frequently recommended for fans of the Soulslike genre, especially those seeking an accessible entry point or a "Code Vein" alternative. Its engaging gameplay and balanced complexity make it a worthwhile purchase, particularly at its price point. Some reviewers suggest it's easier than Miyazaki's Souls games.

Positive reviews to counter negatives: Some reviewers are giving positive reviews to balance out the negative ones. This shows signs of review bombing and should be taken with a grain of salt. The positive reviews may not be entirely genuine.

Hope for future content: Many reviewers express optimism about the game's future and hope for a sequel or DLC. This indicates that, despite any current flaws, players see potential in the game and want to see it expanded upon. This also shows that the game has made a positive impression and has a dedicated player base.

Support domestic/small studio: Some reviewers are motivated to support the game because it is a domestic (Chinese) product or comes from a small studio. This support is often coupled with a hope that domestic game development will continue to improve. This sentiment is a cultural reference and may not apply to all audiences.

Anime-style Soulslike in wasteland: The game is frequently described as a Soulslike with an anime aesthetic, drawing comparisons to titles like Code Vein, Bloodborne, and Sekiro. The setting is often post-apocalyptic, with a story that unfolds through environmental details and cryptic clues, similar to the Souls series.

Small studio, limited budget: The game is the first title from a small development team with limited resources, developed over about a year. Reviewers acknowledge the game's budget constraints, particularly in graphics and animations, but commend the team's effort in delivering a complete experience.

Pre-order bonuses location unclear: Players reported confusion regarding pre-order bonuses, with some struggling to locate them in-game. The bonuses are typically found near the first bonfire or a merchant in the starting area, often in a conspicuous container.

Supporting domestic game development: Many reviewers express support for the game as a domestic (Chinese) production, acknowledging the challenges faced by local developers in the buy-to-play single-player market. Some reviewers admit to giving the game a slightly higher score to encourage further development of domestic games, while also noting that some players have high expectations due to other domestic games.

Deluxe Edition contents, value: The Deluxe Edition includes cosmetic outfits and an art book, but some reviewers noted that the outfits are not exclusive and can be obtained in-game. Some players purchased the Deluxe version to support the developers.