AI: The Somnium Files

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 366 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 318 out of 366
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 366
  3. Negative: 30 out of 366
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  1. PepePt1
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Another excellent game by Kotaro Uchikoshi. Ever since I played the Zero Escape series and Ever17, I fell in love with the way this man tells stories and creates some of the most interesting and mind bending plots in the history of VNs and even games in general and AI: Somnium Files is no exception.

    It's not a perfect game however, thus why I'm giving it a 9 and not a 10(Changed to 10 because of the stupid review bombing); the game has a few pacing issues which almost feels like it's stalling the player for no reason other than giving out info dumps.

    The gameplay while also with it's flaws, is probably one of Spike Chunsoft's best attempts at making a new and weird gameplay style; the Somnium sections are over the top crazy, fun and will even make your heart race if you waste too much time out of your 6 minute limit.

    The characters are what drive the story, Date is your typical Zero Escape protagonist, he reminds me of Junpei (999) and Sigma (VLR), he's calm, collected, has a heart of gold and well... he's a pervert, what else can I say. My favorite character by far is Aiba, Date's AI partner, she's fun with a quirky sense of humor but helpful and serious when the task asks for it, and she loves her partner, her design is fantastic and really cute but I can definetely see some people ignoring her character to focus on how SHE'S BASICALLY NOT WEARING PANTS. Same thing for Iris, a internet idol that becomes one of the main plotpoints, she can be a little annoying at times with her super energetic personality but I couldn't stop liking her thanks to her well written backstory. Then there's Ota and Mizuki, Iris's friends; same thing applies to them, annoying at times but they are well written enough to make you like them. Also there's a lot of weird humour and sex jokes in the game, even more than in previous games, like how Aiba just weirdly dances or goes "Yay Yay!" at the sight of any bug or how Date wants to "massage the two things" on the Lemniscate's building receptionist... (her shoulders of course, you freaks)

    As for the story, I can say that it's written extremely well with barely any loose ends (not 0 tho...), the villain while a bit of a one note type of character is so smart and executes his plan in a way that makes sense and really makes you want to put him behind bars and when you do end everything, it feels extremely satisfying altought a little bittersweet.

    *SPOILERS FOR AI AND THE WHOLE ZERO ESCAPE SERIES*
    When I say the game has a few loose ends, I'm refering to the whole Date remembering everything when you travel using the flowchart. Obviously, this is a callback to the SHIFT ability that the Zero Escape protagonists had where they would travel between timelines and remember the events. When I noticed that the Flowchart had different endings and locks, my brain just started concocting this crazy plot on how this game is connected to Zero Escape and such and I just waited and waited for the game to explain what was going on here, and when I noticed, it was done and I was watching credits. Not gonna lie, this left me with very bittersweet emotions for an ending. *SPOILERS END*

    But even after those bittersweet feelings and weird pacing issues I can definetely say that Kotaro Uchikoshi did it again and managed to make one of the most interesting stories of the year and I can't wait to see more coming from him and his new team! Thank you so much, Uchikoshi-san!    … Expand
  2. WeedleSenpai
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Easily the best game released in 2019, if not the best game released in the past few years. An excellent find for any fans of the visual novel detective mystery genre. From the mind of the man who brought us the Zero Escape series, fans will see welcome returning elements such as the timeline flowchart, however it does depart from the zero escape formula at times, with pleasing results.Easily the best game released in 2019, if not the best game released in the past few years. An excellent find for any fans of the visual novel detective mystery genre. From the mind of the man who brought us the Zero Escape series, fans will see welcome returning elements such as the timeline flowchart, however it does depart from the zero escape formula at times, with pleasing results. This game is a lot more emotionally charged than zero escape titles ever were, focusing a lot on comedic dialogue, paralleled with some deep and often heart wrenching character development moments. Make no mistake, while this game does seem to focus on emotional impact there is no shortage of clever twists and turns in the narrative, as one would expect from the genre… Expand
  3. Phosics
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Great game and awesome twisted story.
    One of the best visual novel that exists.
  4. Serendras
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    A nice game about murder and dream world with some nice plot twists and different endings. It's close to other Spike Chunsoft games like Danganronpa and has a really fun atmosphere and interesting characters.
  5. yoho
    Apr 29, 2020
    10
    If you like anything with a good story, you will love it. Don't expect too much about interactivity and somnium scenes, as you will only have to follow predefined paths. But my! It's the fist visual novel I play and what a game !!! Even in movies, I've never seen a scenario which is so deep while still being coherent and understandable. Definitely deserves 10/10
  6. finalsama
    Oct 29, 2019
    10
    Very good story from start to finish, no complains whatsoever. if you like mystery or want to start Visual Novels, this is a great introduction game.
  7. Arma15
    Jun 9, 2020
    10
    As always, amazing story from spikechunsoft. Unpredictable as always, extremely twisted in every way. I loved it.
  8. Andrudis
    Sep 29, 2019
    10
    It's a Visual Novel, so there is not much about game-play naturally. It's more like watching interesting anime with you being somewhat involved in what will happen next and see everything from the first person (except cut-scenes).
    Excellent detective story with unpredictable turns. Deep distinctive characters. You naturally get this "just one more dialog/scene/chapter" and its hard to    It's a Visual Novel, so there is not much about game-play naturally. It's more like watching interesting anime with you being somewhat involved in what will happen next and see everything from the first person (except cut-scenes).
    Excellent detective story with unpredictable turns. Deep distinctive characters. You naturally get this "just one more dialog/scene/chapter" and its hard to stop once you get immersed into the story - and that happens extremely fast with each of story branches.
    There are really few games that can match that.
    Definitely can recommend it to anyone interested in highly enjoyable anime-like story experience.    … Expand
  9. katpjs
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best VN’s ever made! This story is interweaving and complex and features lovable characters throughout. It has multiple different endings that leave you guessing and filled with theories till the end. Highly recommend to any fan of good ole fashioned VN mysteries with incredibly good stories!
  10. Noughter
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    Just finished it and i really loved it. The gameplay might not have been as good as the Zero Escape games but it kind felt fresh and interesting. The story and the mystery behind the whole Investigation were amazing. But what made me really fell in love with the game was the characters. I grew really attached to them and also got emotional a few times. The game had some weird parts butJust finished it and i really loved it. The gameplay might not have been as good as the Zero Escape games but it kind felt fresh and interesting. The story and the mystery behind the whole Investigation were amazing. But what made me really fell in love with the game was the characters. I grew really attached to them and also got emotional a few times. The game had some weird parts but still i liked the humor. I might even go as far to say that it became one of my favourite works of Kotaro Uchikoshi after Ever17 and VLR… Expand
  11. mrfroglegs
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    a fantastic game. An excellent detective story, with some truly bizarre plot twists. I highly recommend it fully.
  12. MiraiMoon
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    AI: The Somnium Files is an incredibly intriguing mystery game. While Kotaro Uchikoshi's previous puzzle games (Zero Escape series) had fun puzzles, you can feel that he, Akira Okada, and the rest of the fantastic team have really honed their craft with AI, as the puzzle segments are easily some of my favourite in any video game. With amazing acting from both a cast of insanely talentedAI: The Somnium Files is an incredibly intriguing mystery game. While Kotaro Uchikoshi's previous puzzle games (Zero Escape series) had fun puzzles, you can feel that he, Akira Okada, and the rest of the fantastic team have really honed their craft with AI, as the puzzle segments are easily some of my favourite in any video game. With amazing acting from both a cast of insanely talented English and Japanese actors, and some of the best-written characters I've seen in gaming in a while (Mizuki in particular is a major stand-out!), AI was easily my favourite game of 2019.

    My sole complaint is how horny the men (especially the main protagonist) are in the game - it's a joke that's overused to the point of it being more annoying than entertaining.    … Expand
  13. ParkerDk
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    So good game.It's better than Zero Escape 999.And the The quality of the game performance has improved a lot.And I love aiset.She is sweet.
  14. lazycomplife
    Feb 13, 2020
    10
    Wonderful story with great writing & excellent characters. Kotaro Uchikoshi is the best video game writer, hands down.
  15. NenJutsu
    Sep 17, 2019
    10
    Uchikoshi has done it again. Created one of the most captivating and well written stories in gaming including bad sex jokes. Zero Escape was an instant cult classic and super narratives in gaming. Ai The Somnium Files is an amazing follow up .
  16. GraysonWayne
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    To start, this game is well directed with loads of good work done into characters and the comfortable flow of what they put into the gameplay style in terms of concept. Despite it being what most would call a visual novel, AI: The Somnium Files takes the concept of it to another level by putting in interactive segments that are full of humor, character, symbolism, and aesthetic while stillTo start, this game is well directed with loads of good work done into characters and the comfortable flow of what they put into the gameplay style in terms of concept. Despite it being what most would call a visual novel, AI: The Somnium Files takes the concept of it to another level by putting in interactive segments that are full of humor, character, symbolism, and aesthetic while still retaining it's full value of being a "Visual Novel" style story and character driven game that will throw you for loops with branching paths. Like many visual novels, it's a very laid back experience and it pulls off what it's supposed to do really well while somehow still having you on your feet with highly unique and dialogue centered interactions that you wouldn't want to miss.

    Gameplay: Consistent, Voluntary and Detail Oriented:
    In most parts of the game, you're playing a social first person dialogue oriented point and click interactive novel. For the people who like design and detail, the amount of interactions you can have within these areas and scenarios is done perfectly and done well enough to keep you interested into every single detail of every frame of the game. Plus, with me personally, I had fun with just the characters dialogue and the personalities alone.

    You can choose to blaze through the story like a regular visual novel, or you can choose to take in the small details in the environment and take in more of the personalities of the characters that I am sure many players would grow to enjoy. There are segments that are physically interactive in the third person as you roam the Somnium (deep sleep recess of the mind), and interact with items in the room that you move in while controlling Aiba, your AI False Eyeball Companion that literally lives in your head. Explore the Somnia, interact with items, and solve puzzles. It's quite simple and the developers did it well.

    The soundtrack is amazing. The characters are unique and amazing, and although there are some that are "cliche" in scenario, the way that they are interpreted and put into the story is well done. The physically interactive segments are a really good fun new touch to what one would expect from a Spike Chunsoft "Visual Novel". In all fairness, it's an interactive dialogue centered game that is a rare combination of being BOTH character (in terms of interactions and personality) and story driven. I am very happy I got this game. Definitely a must buy for anyone who is looking for a laid back yet highly enjoyable mystery solving aesthetically pleasing AND YET on your toes unique experience. Another amazingly directed game, and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves in my opinion.    … Expand
  17. Buitien123
    Sep 23, 2019
    10
    If you're a fan of Zero Escape series or point n click type of game, you should check this game out! It's a must play!
  18. Darigandevil
    Oct 7, 2019
    10
    A brilliant follow up to Zero Escape fleshed out with meaningful characters, bad (amazing) puns and ongoing jokes lasting throughout the game.
    The story was great and as is typical of Uchikoshi had a brilliant twist to wrap it all up amazingly. The production quality with full voiceacting throughout was excellent.
  19. Morriganfaye
    Dec 27, 2019
    10
    One of the best games I have played. I have been a gamer for 31 years. I play all genres and this was overall one of the best story telling, great voice acting (especially when the main character laughs at the ai when she does odd stuff) the stories are all different and you can choose so many paths. I normally don't like games with multiple endings but this one found a way to make youOne of the best games I have played. I have been a gamer for 31 years. I play all genres and this was overall one of the best story telling, great voice acting (especially when the main character laughs at the ai when she does odd stuff) the stories are all different and you can choose so many paths. I normally don't like games with multiple endings but this one found a way to make you want to do every possible one.… Expand
  20. Souther
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    It's an interesting game from a known creator that people should check out instead of talking trash about it without even playing the darn thing.
  21. valenti
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    Amazing game and easily one of the highlights of 2019. One of the best Visual Novels I've ever played.
  22. KiraV
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    IGNORE THE NEGATIVE RATINGS, the game got review-bombed here on metacritic. Speculation is that it was made by people on /pol/ upset that the game had literally two lines pro-LGBT. Game is absolutely fantastic, loved every second of it.
  23. SoupWS
    Feb 9, 2020
    10
    I **** loved this game. Stop the reviewbombing you immature cucks.
    Don't you have anything more productive to do with your pathetic lives?
  24. nintendana
    Feb 9, 2020
    10
    If you like murder mystery storylines, visual novels, and don't mind a hint of perverted cringe this game is fantastic. I enjoyed playing through each individual route and seeing how differently they played out, yet still involved all the characters. I was very pleased with the character design, it was fully voiced, and overall visually pleasing to look at. Great game!
  25. Jimb
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    Uchikoshi back at it with the amazing work. For the first of it's series, it has a lot of potential to grow into something even better in later installments.
  26. Sigerson317
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    Fantastic work as usual! Uchikoshi’s games are always enjoyable, and this is no exception!
  27. riceandpotato
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    Ai the somnium files is a wonderful game, I love the story and the character. It is really sad that there are review bomb of this game.
  28. Devinpd15
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    Another amazing work from Uchikoshi, this time displaying his outstanding narrative skills as always while also showing off an amazing character study.
  29. noteven_jupiter
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    I adore this game. I've been a long time fan of Uchikoshi for a long time, and this game was everything I could have hoped for. If you love wacky murder mysteries, found family, funny tit-man jokes, and lovable characters, this is definitely for you.
  30. Cloudmark
    Feb 10, 2020
    10
    One of my favorite creators! The genius behind the Zero Escape Trilogy has made another amazing ip and compelling narrative. Amazing story with wonderful twists and turns to keep you guessing. Lovable characters that will tug at your heartstrings. I highly recommend checking this game out.
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best PS4 Game of 2019
40
#40 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Cubed3
    Jan 7, 2022
    50
    When the story hits some of its high points, AI: The Somnium Files is really good, and feels like the same kind of high 999 gave… but it is largely crippled by just how slow and repetitious it all is. Random slapstick and outright unrealistic scenes draws players out very quickly from the attempt at being a serious plot. It goes nowhere fast, and the whiplash between attempts at humour and serious moments are too ham-fisted. The overall plot could easily be cut by more than half, and the overall experience would be better for it.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Oct 22, 2019
    90
    Superbly voice acted, and with great-looking animation and environments, AI: The Somnium Files is a decadent production giving you one of the best videogame detective mysteries this generation. [Issue#168, p.78]
  3. GameGrin
    Oct 17, 2019
    90
    A murder mystery that is masterfully told to keep your eyes on the screen until the very end. The visuals are lacking when it comes to the environments, but you quickly forget about them when you discover what plot twist is introduced next.
    Read full review
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