AI: The Somnium Files

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,710 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • humor
AI: The Somnium Files Game Cover
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.
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"AI: The Somnium Files" is a sci-fi detective adventure game where you solve cases by exploring the dreams of suspects. As detective Kaname Date, you'll uncover a series of murders linked to an urban legend and use advanced technology to dive into the subconscious. With a blend of investigation, puzzles, and narrative choices, unravel the mysteries of this thrilling neo-noir world.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,710 reviews
story1,061 positive mentions
grinding34 negative mentions
  • Engaging and compelling story with numerous twists and turns that keep players guessing until the end.
  • Well-developed characters that players can grow attached to, with strong voice acting and humor throughout.
  • Unique gameplay mechanics involving 'Somniums' that allow players to explore characters' subconscious and solve puzzles.
  • Inconsistent tone with frequent shifts between serious moments and juvenile humor, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • Some puzzles rely on trial and error rather than logical deduction, leading to frustration during gameplay.
  • Overuse of sexual innuendos and jokes that may alienate some players and feel out of place in a murder mystery context.
  • story2,790 mentions

    The story of "AI: The Somnium Files" is widely praised for its intricate plot, engaging characters, and unexpected twists, reminiscent of the acclaimed "Zero Escape" series. Players appreciate the blend of humor and serious themes, although some find the tonal shifts jarring and the pacing uneven at times. Overall, the narrative is compelling, with a strong emphasis on character development and a satisfying conclusion that ties together various story branches, making it a must-play for fans of story-driven games.

    • “The intricate plot weaves together elements of mystery, science fiction, and psychological thriller, making it a truly immersive experience.”
    • “The story is a fun mix of serious emotional moments and goofy hijinks.”
    • “The story was great; it had me speculating pretty much throughout the whole game.”
    • “By the end, I disliked almost every character; the story had some payoff, but not to the degree of the Zero Escape games. Ultimately, getting there was the worst experience I've had with this studio.”
    • “The flaws are very noticeable; the logic tying up the events of the story can be faulty and contrived at times. The tone can wildly change between serious and cartoony during a single scene, causing whiplash.”
    • “The story is filled with contrivances; characters make absurd decisions simply because the plot demands it, and there are moments where the main character's AI partner appears to be perfectly omniscient whenever the story requires it.”
  • gameplay675 mentions

    The gameplay of "AI: The Somnium Files" is primarily a blend of visual novel elements and point-and-click mechanics, featuring investigation segments and unique dream sequences known as "somniums." While the narrative and character development are praised, many players find the gameplay to be repetitive, overly reliant on trial-and-error, and at times frustrating due to its time constraints and lack of logical puzzles. Overall, the game is recommended for its engaging story and characters, but those seeking intricate gameplay may be disappointed.

    • “AI: The Somnium Files is a game that masterfully intertwines an intriguing narrative with unique gameplay, creating an experience that is both a visual novel and a psychological puzzle.”
    • “The gameplay of AI: The Somnium Files is what you would expect from a visual novel, featuring a point-and-click mechanic that allows you to inspect different objects and talk to every person you want.”
    • “Despite being a kind of visual novel, it remains engaging through its varying gameplay styles: fully-voiced visual novel sections, explorable 'somnium'/puzzle sections, interrogations, and replayable branching story segments.”
    • “The gameplay sections have strong relevance to the plot and are also a prominent storytelling device that is frequently utilized.”
    • “The gameplay is limited: searching the different scenes for dialogue prompts is tedious and boring for few satisfying moments, and the somnium puzzles are bad.”
    • “The gameplay itself got old fast; the somnium puzzles seemed random and more 'trial and error' based than an actual puzzle.”
  • humor668 mentions

    The humor in "Ai: The Somnium Files" is a mixed bag, with many players finding it genuinely funny and engaging, while others feel it leans too heavily on juvenile and sexual jokes that can become repetitive. The game balances dark themes with absurd humor, often using witty dialogue and character interactions to lighten the mood, though some tonal shifts may feel jarring. Overall, the humor resonates well with fans of the genre, particularly those familiar with the developer's previous works, but may not appeal to everyone due to its reliance on anime tropes and crude humor.

    • “Even if the story doesn't hook you, the humor and wit between the characters is more than enough to carry the game.”
    • “The dialogue of this game is hilarious, and watching Kaname Date interact with all the other characters was a genuine treat.”
    • “The humor in this game is extremely Japanese, with loads of puns and wordplay and a lot of pervy jokes that feel like they're from another era.”
    • “The jokes in the game are more often unfunny than funny; comedy is subjective, but still.”
    • “The humor is typically unfunny (with some exceptions).”
    • “Overall, it's a good game, but it has a ton of forced, cringy, and unfunny sexual jokes that ruin it a bit.”
  • music311 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the overall atmosphere and emotional depth of the story. Many players highlighted standout tracks like "Invincible Rainbow Arrow," which, despite being somewhat polarizing, became a memorable part of the experience. Overall, the soundtrack is praised for its variety, fitting the tone of different scenes, and is often described as top-notch, making it a significant aspect of the game's appeal.

    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere, heightening moments of tension and providing an emotional backdrop during quieter segments.”
    • “The music is fantastic and really adds to a lot of scenes, especially the more emotional ones.”
    • “The music is incredibly atmospheric and pulls you into what the game wants you to feel so easily.”
    • “The ending is unironically the 'I feel a song coming on... hit it!' meme, bro, like what the f***.”
    • “The music is lackluster.”
    • “The lowest point of the game is probably the song (one of the main characters is an internet idol who sings), which is played about four too many times and pretty painful to listen to...”
  • emotional252 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Ai: The Somnium Files" is characterized by a rollercoaster of feelings, blending humor with serious and heartfelt moments. Players report experiencing a wide range of emotions, from laughter to tears, often feeling deeply connected to the characters and their stories. While some found the tonal shifts jarring, many praised the game's ability to deliver impactful emotional scenes amidst its quirky and absurd narrative elements.

    • “The game really does know when it's time to get serious though, for maximum suspense, drama, and emotional impact.”
    • “I cried multiple times during this game, but I cry at a lot of media like a little baby, like a baby wussy baby boy, so no guarantee you'll cry too but it's got seriously bomb emotional moments.”
    • “This game is an emotional rollercoaster and it had me crying at the end.”
  • graphics247 mentions

    The graphics of "AI: The Somnium Files" have received mixed reviews, with many praising the anime-inspired art style and character designs as visually appealing and original. However, some players noted that the graphics can feel dated or unpolished, particularly in terms of animations and environmental details, leading to occasional graphical glitches and crashes. Overall, while the visuals are generally considered a step up from previous titles by the developer, they may not meet the expectations of those seeking cutting-edge graphics.

    • “Visually, the game is an appealing blend of anime styles and 3D graphics, with character designs that stand out for their originality.”
    • “The art and graphics are also noteworthy, with detailed character designs and vibrant backgrounds that bring the game's world to life.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning from the very first frame.”
    • “Graphics-wise, it doesn't feel like much of a modern title, but it is an older title from a company that is known for simpler engines.”
    • “The graphics are mildly unpolished, even given the art style they were going for.”
    • “Unfortunately, the visuals are a bit lacking when it comes to environments, but I can guarantee that the story more than makes up for that.”
  • character development69 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its depth and maturity, with individual routes exploring serious themes and allowing players to form genuine connections with the characters. The humor and dialogue enhance the experience, although some characters may initially seem annoying, they often reveal significant growth as the story progresses. Overall, the combination of engaging writing, distinctive character designs, and intricate plot twists contributes to a compelling character-driven narrative.

    • “Of all the visual novels that I have read, this game has some of the funniest character banter without completely sacrificing the element of genuine character development and serious moments.”
    • “There's plenty of character development in their individual routes, which touch on some fairly serious and sensitive topics in a very mature and delicate manner.”
    • “The character development and the overarching story are phenomenal and all come together so nicely; I would even go as far as saying that I enjoyed playing the Somnium Files much more than I did Danganronpa.”
    • “You visit the same 10 locations 100 times, inspect the same objects 100 times, speak to the same handful of characters over and over, the plot and character development moves at a snail's pace, and it all just feels like a slog.”
    • “Now, this whole sexual innuendos and jokes is a bit fun but some hours into the game is predictable and with what I previously said it kinda makes the game creators seem like they were 13-year-old horny kids having fun with a game with a nice plot which ended having mediocre history-line and sub-par character development.”
    • “Ai: The Somnium Files had an interesting premise, but the script and character development were pretty terrible.”
  • atmosphere63 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive quality, enhanced by a fitting soundtrack that heightens tension and emotional moments. Reviewers note a strong sense of suspense and intrigue, with the visual and sound design effectively contributing to the overall mood, whether it be creepy, somber, or lighthearted. However, some critiques highlight inconsistencies in tone, where comedic elements can disrupt the otherwise serious atmosphere, detracting from the narrative's impact.

    • “From the outset, the game captivates with its immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere, heightening moments of tension and providing an emotional backdrop during quieter segments.”
    • “The atmosphere is great; when it wants to be creepy, it is genuinely creepy, and when the mood is somber, you can really feel the emotions.”
    • “To include something like that in the initial encounter with a game's only actual gameplay, as you're trying to establish an atmosphere of murder and intrigue and make the audience care about your characters, sends a clear message that none of those storytelling elements matter to you.”
    • “The problem is that the game builds atmosphere really well, but then tosses it out entirely with a jarring and nonsensical joke segment that entirely defuses any tension from the scene, then jumps back into serious mode as though you're supposed to act as if someone who uses the power of porn to defeat a small army is reasonably afraid of one or two people with knives.”
    • “The game wants to be a murder mystery with a dark and serious tone, but then jumps into sections of cartoonish, wacky hijinks that completely spoil that atmosphere.”
  • optimization38 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly during specific sequences that can lead to crashes and freezes, especially on PC and Switch. While some users experienced smooth gameplay on modest setups, others noted that high-resource textures and certain levels were poorly optimized, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these technical shortcomings, the game's strong writing and voice acting have been praised, suggesting that it still offers an engaging experience for many players.

    • “Everything runs smoothly even on a 'modest' setup (such as one based on a GTX 1060).”
    • “Through the whole game, I didn't experience any hiccups or slowdowns or noticeable performance issues.”
    • “With a novel puzzle-solving mechanic and impressive voice performances, this game is a dream come true.”
    • “The only thing I could mark down is the performance issues on certain psync levels which required a bit of troubleshooting.”
    • “There's these psyche sequences that are so horribly optimized and filled with high resource textures that look like garbage, but cause the game to lock up.”
    • “Performance issue: annoyingly, the game crashed regularly during the somnium scans in my playthrough.”
  • grinding37 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often describing gameplay elements such as puzzles and dialogue choices as frustratingly trial-and-error based. While some appreciate the story and character development, many feel that the need to replay scenarios and the lack of intuitive mechanics contribute to a sense of monotony. Despite the potential for engaging content, the execution leaves players feeling drained and longing for a more streamlined experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “But honestly, the game itself was tedious.”
    • “The gameplay is limited: searching the different scenes for dialogue prompts is tedious and boring for few satisfying moments, and the somnium puzzles are bad.”
    • “Puzzles are nonsensical, which occasionally leads to either tedious trial and error or lucky guesses that rob you of any feeling of accomplishment.”
  • stability35 mentions

    The game suffers from significant stability issues, particularly during somnium sequences, where players frequently experience freezes and crashes, especially on Windows 7. While some users report that adjusting graphics settings can mitigate these problems, many still encounter persistent bugs and visual glitches that detract from the overall experience. Despite these technical flaws, the engaging storytelling and character interactions keep players invested, though frequent saving is recommended to avoid losing progress.

    • “Game-wise, I only had 2 instances of bugs where clothes/assets for a character were not loaded in. This was resolved by loading a save or restarting the game, meaning aside from these 2 graphical bugs, this game is bug-free for me, which is nice.”
    • “The game runs smoothly with minimal issues, providing a stable experience overall.”
    • “I appreciate the stability of the game; I haven't encountered any major crashes or performance drops.”
    • “The only real negative I have about the game is the constant crashes and freezes I was experiencing during the psync part of certain routes.”
    • “A more serious problem is the many freezes in somnium sequences that require you to kill the game with Task Manager.”
    • “Although the novel felt extremely enjoyable to me at first, after trying to unlock a specific route, the game freezes every time the player tries to pass the somnium, which makes it so irritating because there hasn't been a solution found yet.”
  • replayability14 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while it features branching paths and multiple endings that encourage exploration of different storylines, some players feel it lacks significant replay value due to its mostly linear structure. However, many appreciate the engaging narrative and varied gameplay styles, which make revisiting the game enjoyable for those who want to uncover all its secrets. Overall, it offers a decent amount of replayability, especially for completionists and fans of the genre.

    • “The branching paths and multiple endings allow for a lot more replayability to see everything the game has to offer, and the completionist achievements aren't hard to get.”
    • “Amazing cast of characters with a great storyline and many endings as the game is meant to be replayable until you get the true culprit.”
    • “Super interesting and engaging story, a lot of replay value with the different routes, fun gameplay, interesting characters with multi-faceted personalities, the paths you choose in somnium matter.”
    • “Not much replay value, however.”
    • “While this is a mostly linear game with no replay value, it's an amazing story that goes in a sorts of directions.”
    • “- no replayability, since the entire game must be played to be completed and there is next to no side-routes.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users feeling that it falls short of expectations set by its initial promise and advertisements. While it may not be perfect, those familiar with the creator's style might find it more acceptable.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

78% average critic score

Buy AI: The Somnium Files

Play time

23hMedian play time
23hAverage play time
23hMain story
30hCompletionist
7-31hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 23 analyzed playthroughs

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