Now That Stellar Blade is Out, Let’s Turn Our Attention To Aikode

Now that Stellar Blade is released and in the wild, I want to turn our attention to another promising title for action RPG enthusiasts. Aikode, developed by ACE, seems to have a similar approach to design but with a focus on delivering a more open and even verticle experience to players that highlights long combo execution and combat brilliance. Unlike the somewhat linear narrative focus of Stellar Blade, Aikode gives players an expansive and interactive adventure crafted by player choices that resonate more deeply with the game environment and outcomes.

Exploring New Worlds: Setting the Scene in Aikode

Aikode is set on Earth billions of years after a calamity has left humanity’s advanced civilizations in ruins. Players assume the role of a girl tasked with taking on the many perils of this new world, which oscillates between pristine natural beauty and the remnants of technological prowess. Explorable environments include cyberpunk metropolises, steampunk towns, and a recreation of Tokyo. Aikode promises an immersive experience as players can explore these diverse settings on foot, motorcycle, or with personal wings, adding varied layers of exploration and interaction.

Mastering Combat: Weapons and Warfare in Aikode

Aside from exploration, Aikode’s combat system has some robust systems, such as a weapon that shifts between gun, sword, and scythe modes, each providing unique tactical advantages and necessitating mastery over intricate mechanics to progress. As previously shared, Stellar Blade features a single weapon,  so there could be more variety found in Aikode’s approach to combat. The game boasts colossal bosses and various enemies who are designed to be highly challenging, relying heavily on player skill. The depth of combat is matched by the game’s expansive customization options, which allow players to tailor their character’s appearance and arsenal extensively, enhancing the personal connection to the gameplay. Yes, there are plenty of costumes to wear. In fact, the developer has already confirmed over 100 will be available.

Beyond the Battlefield: Life in Aikode

Outside of combat, Aikode features some pretty ambitious RPG systems. During downtime, players can spend moments cooking and fishing (yes, there’s a fishing mini-game, thank god), hang out at the arcade, or simply decorate and maintain their in-game homes. I’m curious how this will affect the game’s progression or pacing, but it seems the developer is designing it in a way that gives you variety in how you invest yourself while playing. The slice-of-life experience contrasts with the overarching adventure, but this could be what entices even non-action fans to the party. The relationship system further deepens the game’s immersive quality, with hundreds of NPCs displaying daily changing behaviors that influence how players interact with the world around them.

Further, I should mention that Aikode aims to deliver a complex narrative that unfolds through player interaction and exploration. The storyline hints at existential themes, exploring a world caught in a cyclical pattern of destruction and rebirth. There’s a lot to unpack there, but I feel like this is going to be what really keeps the player’s attention. There have been numerous action games with cute protagonists over the years, but the ones that have stuck around with us are the experiences that give players a narrative to talk about and feel attached to.

Unraveling the Mysteries: Narrative and Exploration

While Stellar Blade has set a high bar for the genre, Aikode is poised to offer a unique blend of exploration, combat, and personal storytelling, and hey, it’s not exclusive to PS5, so if you’re not able to play Stellar Blade, this may be the project you want to follow.

Please comment below and let us know what you think about Aikode. It is being developed for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam.