AI: The Somnium Files Reviews
AI: The Somnium Files is a sureal new murder mystery game by Kotaro Uchikoshi, and might just be his finest work yet.
AI: The Somnium Files features an excellent story which I can easily recommend to fans of the genre however some questionable game mechanics and hit and miss puzzle design hold it back slightly from being an experience I could recommend to everyone.
For those who enjoyed the storytelling of Zero Escape and other works by Kotaro Uchikoshi, AI: The Somnium Files is a no-brainer purchase, and might just be his most solid game yet.
AI: The Somnium Files is a must have for Zero Escape fans and an excellent starting point for those that still don't know Uchikoshi's work. AI tells an excellent story with great characters and uses a novel concept which is uncommon in nowadays games and should be more valued. It's a game recommended to those who like to solve complex mysteries.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Date may not be a great detective, but there’s no doubting that AI: The Somnium Files is a great detective game. It blends humour and human horror to deliver an engaging, mind-bending experience that’s a cut above most visual novels.
AI: The Somnium Files is another bizarre but interesting murder mystery from the mind of Kotaro Uchikoshi. It is a refreshing take on the genre that has memorable characters embroiled in a story with many twists and unique gameplay elements.
It's hard to go into what makes AI: Somnium Files so extraordinarily great without spoiling key elements, but it's truly a title that grips quickly and doesn't let go.
AI: The Somnium Files is a masterfully crafted narrative that makes the most out of the adventure genre. Choices that matter, and result in shocking outcomes, and the unpredictable story has a fleshed-out cast of characters. While the Switch version does have some technical short comings that can be overlooked, anyone looking for a genre-bending mystery will be sucked in to Kotaro Uchikoshi's latest and greatest opus.
AI: The Somnium Files is the perfect successor to the Zero Escape series and a must-buy for any fan of director Kotaro Uchikoshi.
Even with its flaws, AI: The Somnium Files is an exceptional game. As it became apparent that the final hours were drawing near, my biggest problem with the game was that I didn’t want it to end. It is a unique experience which you’ll remember for years to come, and its story highs are – as of yet – unrivaled by any other release this year.
AI: The Somnium Files is an extraordinary adventure game that has easily cemented its place as one of the year’s best games.
It brings an appreciably different approach through puzzles that manage to be more universal through the shunning of regular logic, with a strong cast and production that easily carry its story through to a very satisfying conclusion.
Many years have passed since I played the masterpiece that is Ever 17, and I'm still in awe of his ability to weave in so many strands, concepts, and plot twists and still create something that isn't just coherent, but also adrenaline-inducing and emotionally resonant. Every game is a team effort, but Uchikoshi's brilliance is what's made many of the visual novels he's directed and written become cult classics. AI: The Somnium Files isn't his best work, but it's entertaining from start to end and a game I'd recommend to anyone interested in visual novels, murder mysteries, or simply a great story.
I know people have been a little concerned with some of Kotaro Uchikoshi’s writing projects outside of the Zero Escape not living up to their expectations. But I can say without a doubt that Uchikoshi is back in top form here in AI: The Somnium Files. It’s a fantastic murder mystery title that will have you addicted from start to finish, and then diving back in to play the other routes. It certainly has me excited to see what he’s got in store for us in the upcoming Death March Club and the other future titles he’s involved in at Too Kyo games.
AI: The Somnium Files ended up being one of my favourite games of the year so far, so if it sounds up your street then I would suggest you give it a try. It’s also pretty good value, as I went through the game at a reasonable clip and it still took almost 24 hours to get to the true ending.
This is the best work by Kotaro Uchikoshi to date and, considering the quality of the previous ones, this statement says much about AI The Somnium files. If only the puzzles were less obtuse...
Review in Italian | Read full review
AIBA’s shining personality really helps in times of ominous footing. Boss’ guidance really sets a pace between her relationship with Date, and making sure he remember’s why he’s an officer in the first place. I love everything about AI: The Somnium Files. It’s story, it’s presentation, it’s sound design, and it’s characters. Spike Chunsoft and Numskull Games truly have themselves a Game of the Year contender on their hands.
AI: The Somnium Files has to be easily one of the best visual novels I've ever had the joy of playing, maybe even ranks as one of the best games I've played this year. With superb visuals, engaging gameplay, likeable characters, and a twist-filled story to rival that of M. Night Shyamalan, this is definitely not a visual novel to be slept on (sorry).
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.
Even with its dumb jokes and insubstantial puzzles, AI: The Somnium Files is an engrossing mystery that twists and turns in ever-exciting directions.