AI: The Somnium Files

 Switch
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 603 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 527 out of 603
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 603
  3. Negative: 56 out of 603
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  1. Amurter19
    Feb 12, 2020
    10
    This game is equal parts a charming and silly adventure to find the truth, and grizzly murder spree where no one can be trusted. Animation and graphics are huge step up from previous Uchikoshi games, and probably most VN's. English cast is also amazing.

    Wait for a sale if you need to, but please do check it out.
  2. Chika
    Feb 12, 2020
    9
    To get straight to the point: I love this game. Sure, it's not perfect (especially with minor performance issues on Switch), but that's the one way that sums up how I feel about it. I love this game, and very much so.

    I've been a fan of Zero Escape for years, so Uchikoshi's new work does not disappoint. Expect wild twist and turns and a game world that just sucks you in. I know I    To get straight to the point: I love this game. Sure, it's not perfect (especially with minor performance issues on Switch), but that's the one way that sums up how I feel about it. I love this game, and very much so.

    I've been a fan of Zero Escape for years, so Uchikoshi's new work does not disappoint. Expect wild twist and turns and a game world that just sucks you in. I know I definitely lost sleep over it, in a good way. I couldn't put it down once I got into it, and I'm sitting here two months after I beat it being completely unable to still stop thinking about it. The mystery keeps you captivated and I'm enamored with so many of the characters. I'm sure it's a game that I'll keep very dear to my heart for years to come.    … Expand
  3. TriotheHoly
    Feb 12, 2020
    9
    Great game, a weird experience, has me crying by the end. I really enjoyed the mystery, and felt like I had enough information to solve it before the game explained it.
  4. zkyevolved
    Feb 12, 2020
    8
    The game is really good. I think sometimes it's a bit slow, but I was quite surprised about how much I enjoyed it! Thanks developers!
  5. kaki_100
    Feb 12, 2020
    10
    A real good open-ending story game except loading time length. You can experience many different minor cultural factors while enjoy the various sides of charming characters and funny memes. Oh this is really a meme festival LOL
  6. WolfStark
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    It took me roughly 35 hours to beat AI: The Somnium Files and it happened with tears in my eyes. And I mean that in a positive way. I see it as an evolution in terms of VNs. Not one without flaws but definitely a step forward.

    I wasn't too sure how this game turned out, before playing it myself. The ARG and viral marketing with A-Set aka Tesa and her Youtube channel as well as Twitter    It took me roughly 35 hours to beat AI: The Somnium Files and it happened with tears in my eyes. And I mean that in a positive way. I see it as an evolution in terms of VNs. Not one without flaws but definitely a step forward.

    I wasn't too sure how this game turned out, before playing it myself. The ARG and viral marketing with A-Set aka Tesa and her Youtube channel as well as Twitter pages where excellent, yet there wasn't much information about the actual main character Date and his partner Aiba. So I dived into the game without any expectations. Where Kotaro Uchikoshis last game, the finale of the Zero Escape Saga "Zero Time Dilemma" felt rather depressing and left me unsatisfied with many questions unanswered, AI made it pretty clear that it is different on many levels.

    This time around we aren't trapped in a deadly game, instead we investigate a murder case. The victim being an old friend of us and the mother of a child, we took to us a few years ago. We are Date Kaname, a man who lost his memory six years ago and our companion is our left eye - Aiba. An artifical intelligence with her own personality, who helps us in our investigations. The interactions between the two are pure gold, not just well written but also fun. Both characters are fast to grow on ones heart. AI is a rollercoaster of feelings but light hearted in it's core, despite the sometimes gruesome murders.

    Gameplaywise it's similar to Zero Escape. AI alternates between sections where we talk with other characters and where we can take a look at everything in our locations like in a classic adventure and the Somnium section where we dive in someones dream to get closer to the truth. There we are controlling Aiba under a 6 minute time limit and interact with the environment to unlock the different mental locks of a person. I.e. The interactions cost time but often give a bonus like "1/10" which reduces the time used for the next interaction by 1/10. So activating a light switch that would usually take 10 seconds from our 6 minute time limit would now just take 1 second.
    The Somniums are all rather different, sometimes they are pretty creative, sometimes dull, sometimes you excactely know what to do, sometimes it's trial and error. The error though can be a lot of fun.

    So what did I mean by evolution? Virtues Last Reward was the first time that an Uchikoshi-game used 3D but it didn't changed anything. The VN was still as stiff and static as before, making it appear as if the decision was just to save money. It became better with Zero Time Dilemma but with AI it is not just looking decent, it also contributes to the game. Walking around in the Somnium, having cutscenes and action sequences with different angles and most importantly, being able to look around during the talking sections. The characters are sitting or standing, moving around and changing their expression depending on what is said. Sure, it's not new having different expressions but it's pretty fun talking to a character and suddenly you can see another one changing to a shocked expression and gesturing innocently.

    The game is incredibly fluid, looking around clicking on things, talking, fasting forward or taking a different route (which are really different and don't feature annoying repetition). AI is setting a bar here in comfort.

    Of course there are flaws though:
    - the graphics and animation are just adequate, even though the characters look pretty good
    - I had some crashes, not too bad since the auto save is pretty good but still, shouldn't happen
    - there are some instances so over the top where less would have been more
    - where Zero Escape had a very interesting twist and explanation for the different routes, AI is lacking that
    - sometimes trial and error in the Somniums and a time limit, that also limits the time to interact in the dream worlds

    Personally I didn't mind the flaws really. Yes the game does not feature such extreme twists like the past Uchikoshi works but for over thirty hours I still had a ton of questions. The english dub is really, REALLY good (!), the whole concept of investigating in dream worlds is cool, the writing is great and the characters fantastic, I can recommend AI: The Somnium Files with all my heart to anyone who likes Visual Novels.    … Expand
  7. garden0127
    Feb 12, 2020
    10
    it is a game full of the style of Kotaro Uchikoshi. it is a pretty wonderful games with puzzle elements. if you like the series of Zero Escape, you will like this game.
  8. Supergeneric
    Feb 12, 2020
    9
    The game starts off a little slowly, but it is well worth the wait. The characters are expertly developed throughout the story and the twist will have you reaching for each next chapter. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys visual novels or high stakes puzzle solving. I only wish that the game would have more puzzles throughout, but I understand the focus on storytelling. Overall, itThe game starts off a little slowly, but it is well worth the wait. The characters are expertly developed throughout the story and the twist will have you reaching for each next chapter. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys visual novels or high stakes puzzle solving. I only wish that the game would have more puzzles throughout, but I understand the focus on storytelling. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. 9/10… Expand
  9. En_Bonj
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    One of the better games of the year, especially if you like strong narratives like Zero Escape and Danganronpa. I didnt think Ukisoki would be able to make something as special as his last few games but he hit it out of the park with some special characters I will remember for a long time.
  10. daijo
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    If you're a fan of Uchikoshi's previous work, you won't be disappointed. It's a different style of storytelling and vastly slower paced than his previous games, but the characters are extremely well developed and branching storylines continue to converge and resolve in meaningful and satisfying ways.

    Fantastic ending and definitely worthy of a 10.
  11. MadScientisto
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Really good game, intriguing gameplay with compelling characters and story. As usual with Uchikoshi, the humor resonated a lot with me.

    P.S Hope you're happy bomb reviewers, the people that actually played the game easily outnumbers you.
  12. Lotusdrop
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Its Wonderfull! The Characters were all fascinating and the routes were very interesting!
  13. ArtifexQ
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Fantastic game with an engaging story that keeps you guessing. Follows the classic Uchikoshi story telling style of completing a number of different branches before unlocking the true path to the ending.
  14. MJJean
    Feb 11, 2020
    9
    An amazing game with memorable characters, **** twists, awful sex jokes that come up way too often, horrible singing, weird ass mechanics, bizzare interactions, and the strangest metabombing story ever. I loved every minute of it. I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for so many amazing games, Uchikoshi.
  15. Akacry
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    I really really enjoyed this game! It really was fun and beautiful, it can be slow at points because of reviewing of past events but that’s something that comes from a visual novel like game. The puzzles are fun and the story is really interesting! I’ve never experienced a game that made toy go back and forth between two routs to get the best and worst ending. Please please look at theI really really enjoyed this game! It really was fun and beautiful, it can be slow at points because of reviewing of past events but that’s something that comes from a visual novel like game. The puzzles are fun and the story is really interesting! I’ve never experienced a game that made toy go back and forth between two routs to get the best and worst ending. Please please look at the critic reviews and not the numbers, the game was just reviewed bomb and I found this out right after I beat the game so I had to come and let you know that most of those negative reviews are fake!… Expand
  16. kinoest
    Feb 11, 2020
    9
    I played this game on release and really enjoyed it, it was by far one of the most engaging visual novel type of games I've played in years, and after I played it I went on a long binge of replaying some other games it reminded me of. This game really is genre defining. I recently heard that someone was review bombing the scores so I figured now was the perfect time to go come back andI played this game on release and really enjoyed it, it was by far one of the most engaging visual novel type of games I've played in years, and after I played it I went on a long binge of replaying some other games it reminded me of. This game really is genre defining. I recently heard that someone was review bombing the scores so I figured now was the perfect time to go come back and give it my review.… Expand
  17. andresitobboy
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    very nicee perra..esta de puta madre y ojala gane un oscar y logre armar todos os cubos de rubik de tony fisher y de oscar y le reviente la puta madre a lilou en el bc one y todo eso ..los quiero
  18. Marluxion
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Excellent game, improves on the zero escape formula. Memorable cast of characters and excellent writing.
  19. Skittycat
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Really like the character and stories. The plot is amazing, well written and unexpected, just like the casual Kotaro Uchikoshi. Sensei usually focus on plot but not too much of the interaction of characters but in this game I can feel that his game did improve.
  20. stimkyrat
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    I was gonna copy and paste bible verses and replace any parts about God with Uchikoshi but that's not something I could achieve so instead I'll give that beautiful son of a gun all my love and support with positive reviews to balance the rating out and just generally being an avid fan of his works
  21. ZhongjianAJIATE
    Feb 11, 2020
    9
    Way much better than my expectation, one of the best script-based games in the past at least 5 years.
  22. BaseballRats
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Aight positive review bomb time This game is phenomenal. I'd have to sit down for at least three hours to sing all my praises for it. The writing is very well paced, all the characters are amazing in their own crackhead ways, and the mystery is captivating. Date and Aiba's relationship is hilarious, there is never a dull moment between the two whether the scene is serious or **** MizukiAight positive review bomb time This game is phenomenal. I'd have to sit down for at least three hours to sing all my praises for it. The writing is very well paced, all the characters are amazing in their own crackhead ways, and the mystery is captivating. Date and Aiba's relationship is hilarious, there is never a dull moment between the two whether the scene is serious or **** Mizuki and Date work so well as a "found family" and Mizuki END is so sweet it's tooth rotting. Pewter? Outstanding, finally a big brain character that isn't all science lingo and can't crack a joke. Even Shoko, who is absolutely horrible as a person, is a good character that serves her purpose. Mizuki's trauma is presented very well and it's obvious that heavy research was done to make sure nothing was being misrepresented. It would be a crime to not give a passing mention to the LGBT representation from Mama, Pewter, Renju, Date, and Kagami.

    Every route has its charms and even with one route being the cause of my nightmares for two days, I can't say there's anything negative about it. I can confidently say the Annihilation Route scared me **** and I was not prepared for any of it. As the name suggests it isn't the happiest by any stretch of the imagination but it delivers in every department. The soundtrack in Iris' somnium properly freaks you out, you get very clear insight to the past Cyclops Killings, and so much of the story starts coming together.

    Fans of the Zero Escape series and other Uchikoshi works (such as myself) will definitely like this absolute masterpiece and will understand just how underappreciated it is, much like all of Uchikoshi's games. Not to sound like elitist garbage but they're just too ahead of their time. I know for certain people will look back at ZE and AITSF and think "how did we miss such incredible games?" I know the review bombing came from some bitter Ota kinnie who's too far up his own ass to understand Iris' treatment in the game and is blinded by his loyalty to a fictional idol and not Reddit's speculation of hate on the LGBT speech Mizuki gives in Marble (which drove me to tears) but regardless of the situation, AI: The Somnium Files does not deserve any hate, from pathetic Ota kinnies or not. At this point, I'm pretty sure Uchikoshi could predict the future and wrote Ota **** around that sad lump of **** because there are too many similarities between the two. I'm not kidding, he's smart enough to put together the plotlines for the ZE trilogy and AITSF with minimal plotholes, who's to say he didn't base SHIFTing off his real life experiences? Is Kotaru Uchikoshi the second coming of God? I certainly wouldn't deny it.    … Expand
  23. Rezenar
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Normally I never play games like this, but the developers and writers of this game have definitely won me over. Will there be a sequel? I hope so! When I finished the game, I was left with so many questions related to the other psyncers aside from Kaname Date, but other than that, this game has won me over
  24. Jacob-Z
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    The game tells a great story, and I think people who give very low scores just signed up a brand new account to express their anti-LGBT attitude.
  25. Tomotomi
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Ai: The Somnium Files is an incredibly gripping and hilarious murder mystery story about love and family that explores lots of interesting concepts. There are characters that have more than meets the eye to them, shocking plot twists, and fun puzzles to solve. If you've played any of the Zero Escape games then you probably already know what I'm talking about. I could not stop playing onceAi: The Somnium Files is an incredibly gripping and hilarious murder mystery story about love and family that explores lots of interesting concepts. There are characters that have more than meets the eye to them, shocking plot twists, and fun puzzles to solve. If you've played any of the Zero Escape games then you probably already know what I'm talking about. I could not stop playing once I started it and all in all I think it's a very satisfying self contained experience. 10/10 I loved every second of it.… Expand
  26. Offums
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    A fantastic game! The storyline is well-developed, the characters are well-rounded, the gameplay is easy to pick up. The controls feel intuitive and the puzzles are challenging. The story is well-placed, but easily replayable if one becomes lost. The game handles sensitive topics well, and it satisfies the horror buff in me.
  27. Lolaf
    Feb 11, 2020
    9
    A mixture of the strong story telling sensibilities of the Zero Escape series and some good old silly humor this game is great for fans of Visual Novels or slightly fantastical mysteries. The story and majority of the cast are well written and incredibly likeable, and the game's use of a narrative map makes following different routes easy and requires only minimal replaying of specificA mixture of the strong story telling sensibilities of the Zero Escape series and some good old silly humor this game is great for fans of Visual Novels or slightly fantastical mysteries. The story and majority of the cast are well written and incredibly likeable, and the game's use of a narrative map makes following different routes easy and requires only minimal replaying of specific scenes, which is a big step up from the way most route based games handle their various endings. My only complaint is that while the main character Kaname Date is very likeable in his own way he does often ruin the mood with out of place sexual humor, may not bother some but it happened a bit too much for me. Otherwise the rest of the cast is phenomenal and loveable in their own quirky ways. I'd recommend this game for fans of the Director Kotaro Uchikoshi or if you're looking for a good dark mystery that knows when to use levity.… Expand
  28. spacedaydreamer
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    An incredibly heartfelt experience that manages to be both one of the funnest games i've ever played, as well as one of the tensest murder mysteries i've experienced. it's easily one of the best games I've ever played, and if you like murder mysteries and some light sci-fi then you owe it to yourself to check it out.
  29. SimplyGabby
    Feb 11, 2020
    9
    AI: The Somnium Files (pronounced like "eye", not "A. I.") is a treasure - while the puzzles can be on the simple side, the characterization and storytelling present in this game is something truly special. I found myself genuinely caring and enjoying the little moments between Date and Aiba, Ota, Mizuki, and Tesa; don't be afraid to mess up or try things that seem wrong in the SomniumAI: The Somnium Files (pronounced like "eye", not "A. I.") is a treasure - while the puzzles can be on the simple side, the characterization and storytelling present in this game is something truly special. I found myself genuinely caring and enjoying the little moments between Date and Aiba, Ota, Mizuki, and Tesa; don't be afraid to mess up or try things that seem wrong in the Somnium segments, that's where the best dialogue is!

    Shoutouts to all the hard workers in the ENG voice cast as well, this is probably one of the best acted games I've ever played. GOTY for me in 2019 without a doubt.    … Expand
  30. decksid4
    Feb 11, 2020
    10
    Absolute favorite. Charming, engaging, visually and thematically interesting, with a great cast and story.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Switch Game of 2019
10
#10 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 25, 2021
    83
    AI: The Somnium Files is another brilliant adventure from Kotaro Uchikoshi, that deepens its narrative structure at the price of loosening a bit of its puzzle design. All in all, it's a compelling interactive story that deserves to be played.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 30, 2020
    85
    After a comparatively slow couple of hours at the start, AI: The Somnium Files takes off and never slows down. [Issue #44 – January/February 2020, p. 74]
  3. GamingTrend
    Dec 31, 2019
    90
    With an endearing, violent, and engaging story, AI: The Somnium Files is an adventure game that fans of the visual novel genre should not miss. With a novel puzzle-solving mechanic and impressive voice performances, this game is a dream come true.
    Read full review
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