AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Story Rich, Adventure
Play modes: singleplayer
Release Date: 24-6-2022
Developer: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Our verdict
7/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 1
- Playtime: 25–35 h
AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative is the sequel to Kotaro Uchikoshi's sci-fi detective adventure. The right half of a corpse was found six years ago; now the left half turns up, perfectly fresh. Special agents Mizuki and Ryuki investigate across two timelines, questioning suspects in 3D scenes and diving into dreams in timed Somnium puzzles, where odd actions unlock a person's secrets. It suits solo players who finished the first game.
Steam reviews are mostly positive (about 86% of 1,885). Fans enjoy the new leads, especially Ryuki and his AI partner Tama, the trademark silly humour and the returning cast. Several remind readers to play the first game first.
The negative reviews are from fans too: they found it weaker than the original, with Ryuki and Tama sidelined and a twist some call outright silly. Many missed playing as the first game's hero, Kaname Date. Expect 25 to 35 hours. Buy it if you loved the first game and want more of its world; newcomers should start with the original.
Pros
- Somnium dream puzzles where strange actions reveal secrets
- Case split across two timelines six years apart
- Ryuki and AI partner Tama are a fun new duo
Cons
- Needs the first AI: The Somnium Files to make sense
- Main twist divides fans, some call it silly
- Weaker than the first game for many players
About
Six years ago, the right half of a corpse was discovered. The left half was never found…until six years later, completely fresh with no signs of decay. Now, Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki, along with their AI partners Aiba and Tama, are tasked to solve the bizarre Half Body serial killings while unveiling the mysterious plot known only as the Nirvana Initiative…
