Franchises often peak during their second outing. These sequels are not only an opportunity to improve on what worked during the first round, but also serve as an opportunity to be even more ambitious and attract new talent for a new perspective on the project. AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative is another example of a series refining its core and achieving greater success, as designer Akira Okada has stepped up to direct the sequel to the 2019 cult classic, while original director Kotaro Uchikoshi has returned to write. an incredible script that has all his characteristic touches. .
It’s worth noting that while the initial detective story doesn’t need to be played as it tells its own stand-alone story and case that isn’t related to the first game, returning fans will get much more from Spike Chunsoft’s adventure game. The eccentric cast of characters, at least those who survived the first game, return in a big way and it’s an interesting fan service for series veterans to see how their futures have unfolded. The game also adds some character backstories that help explain some questions raised in the first title, so playing is recommended. AI: The Somnium Files before the sequel to make the most of it Nirvana Initiative (plus, it’s cool).
The first game’s protagonist, lovable perverted secret agent Date, takes a supporting role here as his adopted daughter Mizuki and budding disciple Ryuki take on the playable roles. While Date’s adventure focused on a bunch of grisly murders where people had their left eye gouged out, the sequel features an even more grisly case, as multiple halves of bodies have been discovered, spliced exactly down the middle. at the molecular level. The “half-body” case is resolved over the course of two timelines six years apart, leading to one of the wildest storylines in video game history.
Uchikoshi games have a habit of having tremendous twists, alternate paths, distinctive characters, and lots of youthful humor. All of those boxes are checked here as Uchikoshi writes an incredible script that features a brilliant and well-constructed reveal, one that plays on the player’s own assumptions as the story continues. Just like the rest of his games, everything, as mind-boggling as it sounds, eventually falls into place and ends up being one heck of a ride. Coming up with these kinds of wacky ideas is already impressive, but pulling them together in a way like this is doubly impressive. Nirvana Initiative is brilliant in its subversion of the normal flow of the genre’s story and cements the architect behind the zero exhaust series as the best game writer.
And although writing was also one of the strengths of 2019 The Somnium Archives, its multiple unique puzzle sections were a bit lacking. These parts took place in the subconscious thoughts of detainees called Somnium (which are not entirely unlike the dream sequences in Christopher Nolan’s 2010 film). Beginning), were quite difficult due to their time limit and the trial and error nature it took to break said character’s mental blocks. Without a tutorial, these sections could take multiple tries as they punish careless actions. Fortunately, this time around there are additional difficulty settings that allow players to indulge in the silly wrong actions and go at a less stressful pace. These additional options really open up the puzzle areas and make them a definite highlight rather than a burden.
Okada is also more confident with his game design this time around, as evidenced by the more inventive sections of Somnium. A highlight is a parody of pokemon go, which has the player engaging in RPG-like battles and recruiting party members, while another is a chef cooking show that focuses on its participant’s insecurities. The game is packed with as many surprises as the script itself, making this detective story a delight to read from start to finish over the roughly 25 hours it takes to complete.
Fans of older conspiracy theories and urban legends will find much to like inside Nirvana Initiative as its story revolves around secret societies, real life history, and the theory that the world is a simulation. He uses those outside ideas topped off with a great deal of pseudoscience to create his unique narrative and fuel his ability to continually dish out surprises. Not afraid to break the fourth wall in a ridiculous and serious way, AI: The Somnium Files is a thematically consistent rollercoaster ride that will leave players thinking about its cast of characters and explored themes long after the credits roll (with a wonderful musical number and dance routine, of course).
There are always high expectations in a game written by Uchikoshi, but AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative lives up to the incredible potential of the original by delivering an unforgettable experience. With stellar puzzles that will test your deductive reasoning and a story that will leave you constantly in awe of both its revelations and the utter ridiculousness of its universe, this is one of the best video game stories ever created and it’s as polished as the narratives seen. . in zero exhaust Y jugs; gate.
SCORE: 10/10
Like ComingSoon review policy explains, a score of 10 is equivalent to a “masterpiece”. This is the rare release that transcends the genre and must be experienced by all fans of the medium.