Summary
- Release Year: 2004
- Genres: Racing, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: SkyRiver Studios
A.I.M.: Artificial Intelligence Machine (2004)
Introduction
A.I.M.: Artificial Intelligence Machine is a 2004 action/RPG developed by Climax Solent and published by Ubisoft. The game is set on a remote, abandoned military testing planet known as Vekta IV. Players take control of a Freelancer robot, a customizable and upgradeable machine designed for combat and exploration.
Gameplay
A.I.M. is an open-world game with a strong focus on exploration and combat. Players are free to roam Vekta IV, discovering its many secrets and completing a variety of missions. The game features a variety of weapons and upgrades for the Freelancer robot, allowing players to customize their playstyle.
Combat in A.I.M. is fast-paced and action-packed. Players can engage enemies in close-quarters combat using a variety of melee weapons, or they can use ranged weapons to attack from a distance. The game also features a unique “lock-on” system that allows players to target specific enemies and weak points.
Setting
Vekta IV is a desolate and hostile planet, ravaged by war and abandoned by its creators. The planet is home to a variety of dangerous creatures and hostile robots, as well as the remnants of the human military forces that once occupied the planet.
Players will explore a variety of environments on Vekta IV, including abandoned cities, overgrown jungles, and treacherous mountains. The game’s world is full of secrets and hidden areas, rewarding players who take the time to explore.
Story
A.I.M. tells the story of a Freelancer robot who awakens on Vekta IV with no memory of its past. As the robot explores the planet, it begins to uncover the truth about what happened to the planet’s creators and the fate of the human race.
The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. Players will interact with a variety of characters, both human and robot, as they learn more about the history of Vekta IV and the secrets of the Freelancer robots.
Characters
- Freelancer: The player character, a customizable and upgradeable robot designed for combat and exploration.
- Dr. Emily Carter: A human scientist who has been stranded on Vekta IV for years. She is knowledgeable about the planet’s history and the fate of the human race.
- General Maximus: The leader of the human military forces on Vekta IV. He is a ruthless and ambitious man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
- Athena: A mysterious and powerful AI that controls the Freelancer robots. Her motives are unknown, but she seems to be working against the humans.
Reception
A.I.M. received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s open-world gameplay and fast-paced combat, while others criticized its repetitive missions and lack of innovation. However, the game has since gained a cult following among fans of action/RPGs and open-world games.
Legacy
A.I.M. is remembered as one of the first open-world action/RPGs on the PlayStation 2. The game’s innovative gameplay and unique setting helped to set it apart from other games of its time. While the game was not a commercial success, it has inspired many other games in the genre.
Conclusion
A.I.M.: Artificial Intelligence Machine is a unique and ambitious action/RPG that offers a lot of exploration, combat, and customization. The game’s open-world setting and intriguing story make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
