Jun 2022
Welcome to the weird, wacky world of 'AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative', where half-bodies and full-blown brain teasers are just part of the Tuesday morning entertainment. This game is a sequel to a cult classic, diving deeper into the mysteries of the human psyche, or as I like to call it, 'Why did I eat two bags of chips at 3 AM last night?'
You play as detectives Mizuki Date and Kuruto Ryuki, accompanied by their AI pals, Aiba and Tama—who are, let me remind you, much better at solving crimes than any human partner I've seen. Set in the futuristic yet oddly familiar Tokyo, the duo investigates a series of grisly murders dubbed the 'Half Body' killings. I mean, nothing screams 'casual day in the office' quite like interrogating a suspect in their dreams. The gameplay revolves around 'Psyncing,' where you literally dive into people’s unconscious minds to uncover secrets. And yes, there are puzzles. Lots and lots of puzzles—probably enough to convince anyone that they should have paid more attention in math class. Think ‘escape room’ but with more existential crises and less confetti.
Visually, the game looks like a hyper-stylized anime brought to life, and I mean 'hyper'—as in it will slap you across the face with vibrant colors and striking character designs. Yūsuke Kozaki’s character designs combined with the Unity engine creates an aesthetic that feels like an art school's fever dream. The cutscenes? Pure eye candy. Just try not to drool on your Switch while your mom asks if you're still playing video games. Spoiler alert: yes, yes you are.
In conclusion, 'AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative' is a dizzying cocktail of mystery, humor, and sometimes disturbing imagery that leaves you wanting more, like that one friend who insists on ordering dessert for the table. It successfully expands on its predecessor, but let’s be real, if you’re not into visual novels or abstract puzzle-solving, find another way to spend your time—preferably one that doesn’t involve half a body. Overall, this game earns a solid 8.5 out of 10. Perfect for fans of the genre, and an adventurous pick for those brave enough to plunge into the dreamscape. Just remember, no one wants to be the person who spoils the ending!
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