AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative

When it comes to anime-inspired video games, there is quite the choice out there to choose from. Those who enjoy ambitious, engaging storylines can find these types of games to be filled with the character and charisma they were looking for. One release that might pique your interest would be AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative, a title developed by Spike Chunsoft Co.

Is this a game that you could enjoy? Or is this sequel to the original simply more of the same?

Interactive crime thriller in a confusing world

The first thing to note is that AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative is not a game in the traditional sense. It is more of a visual novel, akin to something like some of the recent Vampire: The Masquerade games. This is more an interactive experience where you tag along for the journey, make some choices, and deal with some limited – if enjoyable – gameplay.

The whole premise is quite simple – you take on the role of Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki respectively. Alongside their partners, AI programs Aiba and Tama, you need to work together to handle and bring an end to a series of inhumane killings that have taken place. Much like its predecessor, this is built on theatre, exciting writing, and climax-driven storylines. The whole things come together very well, though many who are new to the world this resides within could naturally find the whole thing a little confusing.

Visual crime solving works a charm – again (8/10)

We were huge fans of the original AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES, and this sequel definitely builds on everything we enjoyed about the original. The art is crisp, the characters are easy to love, and there is much to like about its general style and layout. The storyline is easy enough to follow once you grip the basics, and you get to enjoy the plot unfolding at a pretty authentic pace.

You will find that the plot unravels at a pace that makes it easy to keep up with, and the storyline – involving the strange Nirvana Initiative – is gripping and enjoyable. Sure, it might not be the most interactive of visual novels, but you get to take over enough to enjoy the experience and feel relatively immersed.

The whole thing about AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative is that it simply tells you an exciting story. It tackles topics and ideas that you might not normally see in a visual novel, too. The whole thing can be a touch grim and heavy at times, but the general story that it tells is hugely enjoyable for all of the right reasons.

Pros

• Highly engaging plot that unravels at a normal, enjoyable pace
• Intriguing characters and storybuilding keeps you involved until the end
• Complex storylines that actually feel like they fit the narrative of the game

Cons

• Not the longest visual novel, or the most interactive you might find