AI: The Somnium Files
Even with its dumb jokes and insubstantial “puzzles,” AI: The Somnium Files is a deeply engrossing mystery that twists and turns in ever-exciting directions.
As a developer and publisher , Spike Chunsoft has bring about some of the most original and intriguing adventure game in late story - andAI : The Somnium Filesis another one to add to that list . write and directed by Kotaro Uchikoshi , who is also responsible forthe acclaimedZero Escapeseries , The Somnium Filesis a similarly under - the - radar discharge that certainly deserves more recognition . While the plot appear to be just another murder mystery at first blush , it apace upend any expectations or predictions thanks to its expert tempo , deceptively recondite character reference , and Uchikoshi ’s characteristic plot of land twirl . The puzzles are more down to chance than accomplishment and many of the gag do n’t shore , but anyone willing to research the plot ’s branching storylines will uncover a fascinating and even poignant narrative .
AI : The Somnium Filestakes stead inTokyoin a not - too - distant future , as the player takes on the role of Special Agent Kaname Date of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police . Despite fall back his memory and his eye six years ago , Date is one of only a fistful of secret agent known as " Psynchers " - mass trained to pass through a dormancy suspect ’s dreams ( or " Somnium " ) and interpret relevant information . One rainy night , Date is called out to a murder scene at an desolate entertainment park . The dupe turns out to be Shoko Nadami , an sometime acquaintance of his .
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Shoko ’s trunk bears some interrupt law of similarity to a series of unsolved murder from six years ago : multiple stab wounds , get out eye pulled out , and the cadaver displayed for all to see . As engagement investigates the prospect , he discovers that someone is still hiding there : Mizuki , Shoko ’s own girl . She ’s dig a bloody ice plectrum in fear , and she ’s so traumatized that she ca n’t speak . particular date immediately takes her in and link himself into her Somnium … and what he find there charge him down a spiraling , interpersonal path of guilty conscience , Lie , and secret .
Beyond that , it ’s almost a challenge in itself to discuss the game ’s expansive , rambling plot of land without plunder one of its myriad surprises . Much like theZero Escapeseries before it , The Somnium Filesfeatures an only nonlinear tale structure with legion unlike road and endings , each revealing more about the central closed book . The truth can only be found by piecing together the details in every individual route and ending , and doing so becomes more and more gripping as the game goes on . A convenient flowchart allows you to devolve to any point in the story at any time and unlock raw routes in whichever edict you opt . Just when it seems like a given storyline has sire too far off from the investigation to be relevant , it hooks you with a startling revelation and pulls you right back into the principal mystery .
Of course , this fascinating tale would be nothing without its amazingly eclectic cast of characters . As Date encounters new role over the course of his probe , they each look to be a figure of speech at first - like the annoyingly well - informed but tight - lipped otaku or the bubbly but manipulative net idol . But like most other elements of the game , these quality are more than what they seem . Their personalities evolve and their motivation transfer in response to their amour in the pillowcase , and their histories are flesh out as Date talk to their ally and family . Almost every graphic symbol has a deeper side to discover as their story and relationships amplify , resulting in go fib of love and friendship , physical and genial illness , and betrayal and conspiracy .
The Somnium Filesalso has exceptionally gamey production values for an adventure secret plan , peculiarly one that is mostly made up of take dialogue alternative and read text box seat . All areas are supply in full 3-D and can be smoothly and promptly investigated without the motivation for desexualize angles . The eye - catching and detailed character designs are courtesy of Yusuke Kozaki , famed for his work ontheNo More Heroesseriesand themodernFire Emblemtitles . Character portrait are also amply animated with a full of life diversity of expressions , usher that this game really goes the spare mile for optic lineament .
As engaging as the game ’s overall narrative is , the actual puzzle are decidedly less interesting . When Date is n’t pursuing leads or interviewing attestant , he ’ll be need to subconsciously plunk into the minds of sleeping suspect at sure points in the timeline . These attempts to swear an alibi or get young info are on purpose absurd mystifier segments ground on ambition logical system . In accuracy , these Somnium puzzles ca n’t really be phone puzzler at all ; they ’re mostly a visitation - and - error process of running around and perform ridiculous interactions with random aim until something happen . They may be thematically relevant , but without any consistency in puzzle design , they simply do n’t challenge the musician in any way .
Another big thing aboutThe Somnium Filesis its predilection for humor . It limit a comical and ego - aware tint for itself early on , with a decipherable desire to impart some levity to its non-white and serious subject matter . Most of the time , however , it does n’t come through . Too many of the gags fare off as stupid , from its litany of sophomoric sexual activity jokes to its lame word connexion pun . Maybe the word puns would be suspect if they did n’t have to be translated into English , but the game is also inculcate with numberless references to other media . These frequent nod to everything fromDirty HarrytoYuri on Iceare generally better do by than the other jokes , but the secret plan ’s mostly outdated humor still feels like more of a drawback overall .
From the minds of the Zucker brothers and Jim Abrahams, the 1980 satire film Airplane! parodies the 1957 disaster movie Zero Hour! and the 1970s Airport franchise. It kickstarted Leslie Nielsen’s comedy career and tested the comedic skills of Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Robert Stack, Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Lorna Patterson.
It ’s not the most substantial adventure game in term of puzzles or clowning , butAI : The Somnium Fileshas it where it count : the story and characters . Whether or not you ’re experienced with Kotaro Uchikoshi ’s work or Spike Chunsoft ’s story , this plot offers a lot to anyone who wants to dig into a ample , surreal narration with a wealthiness of twist and turn . Such a well - produced recession claim like this merit all the attention it can get .
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AI : The Somnium Filesis available now on Steam , PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch for $ 59.99 . A Switch code was provided to Screen Rant for the purpose of this recapitulation .
From the brain of the Zucker buddy and Jim Abrahams , the 1980 satire flick Airplane ! parodies the 1957 disaster movie Zero Hour ! and the 1970s Airport franchise . It kickstarted Leslie Nielsen ’s clowning career and tested the comedic skills of Robert Hays , Julie Hagerty , Robert Stack , Peter Graves , Lloyd Bridges , Kareem Abdul - Jabbar , and Lorna Patterson .
