The video game industry has been using basic AI technology for many years. However, the advancements in AI technology achieved over the past few years are a game-changer for the industry, enabling developers to create more realistic and sophisticated games. AI is essentially bringing games to life in many ways. For example, it enables enemies to learn your playstyle and adapt. Moreover, it powers interactive NPCs that can react to the ongoings around them instead of posing as cardboard cutouts.
Hundreds of video games across diverse genres incorporate AI technology to some degree with varying results. Here is an overview of ten of the best AI games.
10. F.E.A.R.
F.E.A.R. is one of the earliest examples of the power of AI in video games, considering that it has been around for about two decades. AI controls enemies, enabling them to pull off coordinated attacks and communicate responsively. As such, enemies can actively attack players in groups, adapt to their surroundings, and perform flanking maneuvers through teamwork. It is also worth noting that this action-horror game follows an intriguing story for an engaging gaming experience.
9. FIFA Series
FIFA 19 | Official Reveal Trailer with UEFA Champions League
FIFA soccer games use AI technology to enable strategic decision-making and give the characters realistic player behavior, creating dynamic game scenarios. Moreover, AI adds unpredictability to matches, giving each match a unique playing experience. Notably, AI also helps to create realistic visuals and audio, making the matches more immersive and engaging.
8. Dota 2
Dota 2 is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games where players can choose from hundreds of heroes for epic fights and adventures. Notably, the heroes are powered by advanced AI and complex decision-making algorithms, enabling them to make strategic use of their abilities. As a result, top AI bots are smart enough to challenge professional esports players.
Interestingly, Dota 2 is so big and engaging that it has a life of its own. The game's world and narratives are continually evolving, driven by frequent updates and community engagement. Each patch can introduce new heroes, items, balance changes, and even entirely new game modes, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.
7. No Man’s Sky
No Man's Sky Gameplay Trailer | E3 2014 | PS4
No Man’s Sky is a good example of how AI can generate vast virtual worlds. It uses AI and incorporates procedural generation algorithms to generate space, planets, and ecosystems, including creatures. Moreover, everything in the virtually endless universe is dynamic and ever-expanding, providing a versatile gaming experience.
The game takes you on an epic voyage across space to the center of the galaxy. Your goal is to find an irresistible pulse that can help you learn the true nature of the cosmos. You can play as a fighter, giving you a chance to fight pirates and hostile creatures. Alternatively, you can also play as an explorer or trader.
6. AI Dungeon
AI Dungeon offers endless opportunities for roleplaying and interactive fiction enthusiasts. It is developed by OpenAI, the AI technology company behind ChatGPT. It is an incredibly versatile Dungeon game that fits diverse niches, science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. Players can choose any genre and setting and then start typing.
Interestingly, the game uses GPT-2 language models to generate dynamic narratives personalized to suit your approach, enabling it to continue any story you craft coherently and logically. Moreover, the stories are open-ended and don’t have a pre-determined end, enabling you to keep going.
5. Hitman Series
HITMAN World of Assassination - Launch Trailer
The popular action series Hitman gets some of its mojo from the power of interactive AI technology. The guards, targets, and crowds in the game are AI-powered, enabling them to respond to your moves in logical ways. Moreover, the guards and targets can learn and adapt, making every encounter unique. Moreover, AI makes the game incredibly flexible, enabling you to exercise your creativity as you experiment with different approaches.
4. Forza Horizon Series
Forza Horizon 5 Official Announce Trailer
Forza Horizon is one of the most popular motorsports racing games, thanks partly to its AI-powered opponents. The game’s AI system learns from players’ diverse racing styles and transfers the skills to the AI opponents, making every race feel challenging and unique.
The series is also popular for its rich content, including hundreds of real-world car models and tracks. Moreover, the game features sharp graphics for striking visuals, while the AI technology makes the racing physics feel real. In addition to racing, players can also have fun building their racecars with over 800 performance upgrades.
3. The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II – E3 2018 Gameplay Reveal Trailer | PS4
The Last of Us Part II features AI-powered enemies that exhibit realistic behavior and can adapt to your tactics. The enemies exhibit a level of intelligence that allows them to learn as they go, making beating them more challenging and keeping encounters fresh and interesting.
In addition to fighting formidable enemies, the game also tells a compelling narrative that makes it feel engaging. Moreover, the sharp graphics and stunning visuals make it feel immersive.
2. Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite | Campaign Gameplay Trailer
Theoretically, Master Chief uses an AI construct called Cortana to help him with logistics on the battlefield. This AI concept comes to life in Halo Infinite, by helping players with logistical issues. For example, it analyzes and weighs decisions in real time, cycles through various weapons, and helps customize your combat strategy to suit different enemies and situations.
Halo Infinite’s AI technology makes it easier to fight the ruthless enemies in your way. Interestingly, you can add a campaign AI to your creations using Halo’s legendary Forge content creation tool.
1. Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation Gameplay Trailer - Transmission
Alien: Isolation is a survival-horror game that uses an alien powered by AI to hunt you down in unpredictable ways. Moreover, the AI also powers the dynamic world and the terrified populace to make it feel more realistic.
This survival-horror game is quite grueling, as the alien hunting you are ruthless, and the atmosphere creates a sense of constant dread. Unfortunately, you are underprepared and must scavenge and improvise resources to survive. Notably, the game is based on an intriguing story and a mystery that unfolds as you go for an engaging playing experience.
So, what’s your take on our selection and review of the ten best AI games? Let us know over on our socials here or in the comments below.