No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: The Somnium Files Reviews
Despite the pervasive perversion from Kaname Date himself, the puzzles were fun and the story was wild enough to get me to forgive and forget in the name of a killer visual novel.
Set directly after the events of his first adventure, Kaname Date has yet another mystery to solve.
No Sleep for Kaname is a good spin-off for existing AI: The Somnium Files fans. While the Somnium segments haven't evolved much since their introduction in the first game, the new escape puzzle games are a welcome addition to the series. Despite a new writer taking the helm for this entry, the writing is tonally consistent and the characters are as charming as ever.
No Sleep For Kaname Date might not move forward the narrative of this franchise in a major way, but it does provide a really entertaining and engaging side story to AI: The Somnium Files that fans of anything from the mind of Kotaro Uchikoshi will absolutely adore.
All in all, No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is a fun return to the world of AI: The Somnium Files. I wish it were longer and had a little more substance. But it’s not too expensive and it sure is entertaining to play, so check it out if you’re already a fan.
Even though it is much shorter and less ambitious than the other titles in the series, “No Sleep for Kaname Date” is a good time, albeit with the stipulation that it should not be the introduction to the series for anyone and strictly for the fans of special agent Date and his misadventures.
To get the most out of No Sleep For Kaname Date, as a spin-off and an interquel, you need to align your expectations in advance. What it sacrifices for in the typical mind-bending mystery, it makes up for with excellent comedy writing.
No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is a wonderfully effective mashup of puzzle-based gaming styles held together by fun characters and a chaotic story. A knowledge of the series is useful, but this entry served as my introduction, and I still had a blast.
I'm so glad Kaname Date is back. No Sleep for Kaname Date is such an enjoyable romp through the familiar world that refines the formula, confidently adding escape sequences that fit so naturally into the gameplay loop you'd think that they've always been there. While the story and mystery don't completely hold up throughout, the character interactions and pure personality of the cast more than make up for it. For AITSF fans, it's an absolute must-play. For newcomers to the series, it's a compelling reason to dive into the series from the start.
A good excuse to see Date and the gang again, even if it could be under better circumstances.
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files is a fun experience with tons of wacky times with Kaname Date. It also has some great storytelling.
Conspiracy abounds in this charming Somnium side story replete with perplexing puzzles.
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An oustanding new entry in the beloved series, now in Nintendo Switch 2
Obviously the simplest solution to get some Uchikoshi-helmed escape games would be if the Zero Escape trilogy were cleaned up a bit and brought out on modern Nintendo hardware. But in lieu of that, No Sleep for Kaname Date will probably keep you up for a bit as you try and puzzle through some of the nastier puzzles.
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files is a kind of filler release, and that’s okay. Not every game needs to be something that overs tens of hours of highly emotional plot and deep gameplay, and the first two AI: The Somnium Files games have already established an intelligent pedigree for the series.
No Sleep for Kaname Date is a side-game that does not provide a lot new in terms of gameplay, instead acting as an additional, enjoyable bonus story for existing fans. As long as a player goes into this not expecting the next chapter in the AI: The Somnium Files story, but an addendum to the first two games, then they’ll have a good time hanging out with Date and Aiba once again.
No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES isn't one of the best games in the series but the escape room segments are handled exceptionally well and I had great fun hanging out with the familiar characters. 🐰
No Sleep for Kaname Date is a low stakes spin off that can't reach the heights of its mainline bretheren
Review in Italian | Read full review
No Sleep for Kaname Date: From AI The Somnium Files is a delightful treat for fans, packed with the series’ signature wit, memorable characters, and great Somnium and escape room designs that shine on the Nintendo Switch 2. Rejoining Date, Iris, and Aiba feels like catching up with old friends, while newcomers like Hina and Akemi add fresh spark. The soundtrack, capped by a catchy final track, elevates every moment. Yet, the narrative lacks the depth and impact of mainline entries, feeling like a fun but fleeting side quest. Overly helpful hints sap the challenge from Somniums and puzzles, and the Switch 2’s cumbersome Mouse Mode frustrates. Newcomers will find the lack of onboarding daunting, while veterans might wish for a weightier tale. It’s a cozy detour that captures the series’ charm but falls short of greatness, making it a worthwhile but non-essential addition.