AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative Reviews

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative is ranked in the 95th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8.5 / 10.0
Jul 5, 2022

AI: The Somnium Files: NirvanA Initiative is a respectable sequel, capable of being enjoyed by those who haven't played the first title and highly recommended for science fiction or detective story enthusiasts, fans of Japanese animation or for those who appreciate all these themes at the same time.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jul 4, 2022

If you are a fan of Danganronpa, the Zero Escape series or any narrative thriller, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative is for you. If the first one left me a bit confused, the second game is better structured, captivating and very well written. Furthermore, you don't really need to play the previous game to jump into this one so enjoy and discover the many paths that will lead you to the conclusion of this amazing sci-fi story.

Review in French | Read full review

4.3 / 5.0
Jul 4, 2022

Overall, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative is a superior game compared to its predecessor in almost every aspect. While some of the puzzle segments are a bit long-winded and can be quite complicated, the experiences they provide alone are incredibly worth it, and the characters make the game so fun to play. Additionally, as the game has different routes, some mysteries and twists are intense and can be incredibly unexpected. As a result, I can't help but recommend the game to anyone looking for a refreshing murder mystery game that will both challenge and shock them, and to visual novel fans in general especially as the game can be experienced by new and returning players.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 3, 2022

While it's not Uchikoshi at its best, Ai The Somnium Files The Nirvana Initiative is still a Uchikoshi game, and, as such, it's a well written adventure/visual novel, with quirky characters and a plot with some twist and turns.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jun 29, 2022

AI: The Somnium Files - NirvanA Initiative is an excellent new entry in Switch's adventure games library and a sequence that's exactly what one should expect from a title written by Uchikoshi. Though there are some inconsistencies in the plot and clear over-the-top circumstances, the high quality is undeniable, going even deeper into the possibilities its predecessor hinted at.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jun 29, 2022

Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.

Read full review

PC Gamer
Top Critic
83 / 100
Jun 29, 2022

Come for the mystery, stay for the characters in this baggy but compelling visual novel sequel.

Read full review

Gamersky
Top Critic
8.4 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES nirvanA Intiative is a continuation of the Yue style and one of the best word games of the year.

Review in Chinese | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

nirvanA Initiative combines the best of AI: The Somnium Files’s presentation with the sharpest puzzles and best writing across Team Zero Escape’s catalogue.

Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Jun 27, 2022

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is an exceptional follow up and a must-play title for all fans of visual novels and murder mysteries. If you've played Danganronpa, Zero Escape or the original AI you'll absolutely love the superb blend of engrossing storytelling and two-part detective and puzzle gameplay on offer here. Stellar character designs and quality voice work round out this amazing experience not to be missed.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jun 27, 2022

AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative tells a satisfying tale with a great cast of characters, challenging puzzles, and a mystery that will keep players guessing with unique twists.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0
Jun 26, 2022

AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative isn’t a perfect game, but it offers one of the best mysteries I’ve ever seen in a game. Combine that with a wonderful cast and somnium sequences that blow away the original game, and you have a visual novel that is a must-play for anyone interested in the genre. AI: The Somnium Files was minor Uchikosi, but nirvanA Initiative stands among his best work.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jun 26, 2022

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative can throw a lot of information at you, and it will take some time to digest the tutorials and the events of the game. But once you manage to find your footing, you will be investigating an intriguing mystery that crosses different timelines with powerful tools. It’s a story that requires patience, understanding, and some outside-the-box thinking, but it pays off with a fantastic resolution when you reach the real conclusion.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jun 24, 2022

It’s not perfect, but it is memorable in a way that’ll have me playing its ending song on repeat for weeks. This game gave me such an adrenaline rush that I was able to pull my first all-nighter in months without an issue. If Special Agent Date’s powerup is a porno mag, this is mine.

Read full review

5 / 5.0
Jun 24, 2022

AI: The Somnium Files was a unique game that blended a wacky sense of humor with a dark murder mystery and unexpected twists, making it a tough act to follow. Nevertheless, its sequel rises to the challenge. The scale and scope of Nirvana Initiative are different, but the story, humor, characters, and gameplay additions all come together to make it a sequel worthy of the name. If you enjoyed the first game, you’ll likely enjoy AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative as well.

Read full review

9 / 10
Jun 24, 2022

All told, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES: nirvanA Initiative is a worthy sequel to the 2019 original. While some elements of the story don't always fit with the cast of characters, the core of the narrative keeps players invested throughout. The new somniums are very well designed in both pace and aesthetic, making them each feel unique. The additional hints and difficulty options are welcome, too, for those who want them. Virtual Reality sequences do well to add to the gameplay outside of somniums themselves, providing some great variety. This science fiction mystery thriller is certainly worth a look for fans of Zero Escape and visual novels in general.

Read full review

Polygon
Top Critic
Unscored
Jun 24, 2022

AI: The Somnium Files - Nirvana Initiative boasts a compelling story, along with some great plot twists that caught me completely off guard. Its investigations are intriguing, and its Somnium dungeons are both colorful and foreboding. Nirvana Initiative is an incredibly eccentric game, bursting with vibrant characters, mind-bending puzzles, and an abundance of strange sci-fi detours. And once it builds momentum, it doesn’t let up. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say I love it.

Read full review

10 / 10.0
Jun 24, 2022

The cast in AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is full of interesting and fleshed out characters that you’ll care about. Everyone’s motivations are deftly defined and everyone gets a moment to shine. AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is as perfect as a visual novel can get and receives our highest recommendation. Even ignoring its engrossing story, the gameplay alone is novel and explores concepts rarely seen in games.

Read full review

9 / 10
Jun 24, 2022

Not quite as good as its predecessor in some ways and notably better in others, AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is a must-play for fans anime-styled narrative games.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jun 24, 2022

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative stands as one of the new top exponents of the genre. Although not perfect, it undoubtedly stands out among the top works of Kotaro Uchikoshi and Team Zero Escape, but more importantly a first concrete attempt to modernize and open up a genre to the general public, fully successful.

Review in Italian | Read full review