A unique blend of first-person shooting and tower defense is heading to Steam on , with the release of AI.VI. Developed by Out of Time, and indie.io, the game casts players as a veteran war robot unexpectedly reactivated to combat a hostile corporate takeover.
The premise centers around P.A.S.C.A.L. Gigacorporation, an intergalactic entity focused on maximizing profits through aggressive acquisitions. Their methods involve what the developers describe as an “entirely voluntary merger under duress,” executed by a relentless army of combat robots. The setting is the desert moon of Sohot, initially targeted as a simple acquisition, until the corporation encountered AI.VI.
Players assume the role of this titular war robot, pulled from a quiet retirement spent mining batteries. Equipped with a “pickbow” – a weapon combining picking and bow functionality – and supported by a small group of “revolutionary workerbots,” the player’s mission is to dismantle P.A.S.C.A.L.’s forces and reclaim the moon. The gameplay loop revolves around strategically deploying defenses and engaging in direct combat, utilizing a combination of melee attacks, ranged weaponry, and environmental traps.
The developers emphasize a flexible approach to combat. Players aren’t locked into a single strategy; they can choose to focus on close-quarters destruction with crushing melee attacks, utilize a diverse arsenal of ranged weapons described as ranging from “outlandish to ludicrous,” or construct elaborate defensive structures to dismantle incoming robotic waves. The game’s core mechanic involves turning enemy robots into “mountains of scrap.”
Adding a layer of tactical depth, AI.VI incorporates the four classical elements – fire, ice, acid, and electricity – into its combat system. Exploiting enemy weaknesses is crucial, as different robot types respond uniquely to each element. A strategy effective against one robot may be entirely useless against another, encouraging players to experiment and adapt.
Beyond weapon and defense selection, AI.VI features a progression system with both permanent and temporary upgrades. Permanent upgrades offer expanded tactical options, while temporary power-ups found within each level provide short-term boosts, such as increased damage, enhanced shields, invulnerability, or even the ability to access the “final thoughts” of defeated robots. This last feature adds a darkly humorous element to the game’s narrative.
The game’s design philosophy appears to prioritize player agency and creative problem-solving. The developers highlight the ability to “corner the galactic used parts market,” suggesting a resource management component tied to dismantling enemy robots. This implies that salvaged components can be used to further enhance the player’s arsenal and defenses, creating a self-sustaining cycle of destruction and improvement.
While the game blends genres, the core experience is rooted in the satisfaction of dismantling robotic enemies in inventive ways. The developers’ description of the gameplay – “selecting weapons, building defenses, [and making them] pay” – suggests a focus on impactful, visceral combat combined with strategic planning. The emphasis on turning enemies into scrap reinforces the game’s anti-corporate theme and provides a tangible reward for successful engagements.
The release of AI.VI on Steam represents a potentially interesting addition to the indie game landscape. The combination of FPS and tower defense mechanics, coupled with a satirical narrative focused on corporate greed, could appeal to players seeking a unique and engaging experience. The game’s emphasis on player choice and tactical flexibility suggests a depth that extends beyond its initial premise.
