AI: The Somnium Files
AI: The Somnium Files (/aɪ/ ⓘ EYE) is a 2019 visual novel adventure video game developed and published by Spike Chunsoft. Set in near-future Tokyo, the story follows Kaname Date, a detective who investigates a string of serial killings by entering suspects' memories to extract information. Gameplay is split into two sections: first-person visual novel segments and third-person exploration. The plot progresses via branching routes, leading to multiple endings depending on choices made by the player.
| AI: The Somnium Files | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Spike Chunsoft |
| Publisher(s) | Spike Chunsoft |
| Director(s) | Kotaro Uchikoshi |
| Producer(s) | Yasuhiro Iizuka |
| Designer(s) | Akira Okada |
| Programmer(s) | Yasushi Takashina |
| Artist(s) | Yūsuke Kozaki |
| Writer(s) | Kotaro Uchikoshi |
| Composer(s) | Keisuke Ito |
| Engine | Unity |
| Platform(s) |
|
| Release | Switch, PS4, WindowsXbox One
|
| Genre(s) | Adventure, visual novel |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
The game was written and directed by Zero Escape creator Kotaro Uchikoshi. In contrast to his previous work, Uchikoshi wanted the game to reach a broader audience, and developed it with adventure game fans in mind. Gameplay was simplified, dialogue was reduced, and Yūsuke Kozaki was brought on as lead character designer due to his reputation as a manga artist. The game was first teased in 2017 under the working title Project: Psync, and was formally announced at the 2018 Anime Expo. It released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows in September 2019, and Xbox One in September 2021.
AI: The Somnium Files was positively received, with praise for its story, art direction, and characters, while some criticized the game's tone and trial-and-error puzzle mechanics. A sequel, AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative, was released in 2022.