The next chapter in Spike Chunsoft’s puzzle game franchise AI: The Somnium Files – AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative – is confirmed to be launching on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows 10 via Steam starting 24 June 2022. Marking this announcement, scenario writer Kotaro Uchikoshi also shared the below dump of new information on the game, particularly around its narrative and characters:
The themes of the new story.
Two is one. Two opposites is the main theme of the game. For example, Yin and Yang, man and woman, double helix… Love and hate could also be one of them. The title “AI” also means “love” in Japanese. Similar to the previous work, this game will involve various types of love. Familial love, love for the opposite sex, and love that is not bound by any framework. In addition, this work will dive into the opposite of love, hatred. A love-hate mystery that begins with half of a corpse. I hope you enjoy.
Having two protagonists in the game.
From the above-mentioned theme, it was decided in the early stages that the game would have dual protagonists, and Mizuki would be one of them… She was the most popular character from the previous title, and personally, I wanted to write about her growth…
Well, what about the other protagonist? Obviously, at first, I thought of Date, the protagonist of the previous game. However, if the story was about Date and Mizuki, the flavor lingering from the last title would become too strong, and it might be too hard for new players to follow… So, by interweaving an existing character and a new character, anyone can enter this fictional world.
Whether the hero from the first game Kaname Date will appear.
He will of course appear. Not as a minor appearance, but as a character who plays an important role… So, Date fans, never fear! This sequel will feature an even cooler (or less cool) Date, so please look forward to that.
A message for fans.
First, to the fans of AI1. Mizuki will have a huge role in this sequel. Iris, Ota, Mama, and Moma will of course reappear as well, and the energy of the previous title is still alive and well. If you liked AI1, then you’ll for sure be satisfied with the sequel. It was thanks to the fans that the sequel was able to be made. Thank you so much!
To fans of visual novels. This is a title that condenses the real thrill of visual novels. This game even has Somnium, where you can control the characters to navigate inside a dream (and other parts that we can’t say yet). The Somnium parts have powered up one level from the previous title! It’s extremely interesting, so absolutely check it out!
Lastly, to the Uchikoshi fans. Thank you for waiting. It’s a new work. This work, even compared to the previous title, has elements that will stimulate your critical thinking. Zero Escape fans will definitely love it. It is also a work I am proud of in the mystery adventure genre. One mystery calls for another mystery. You’re sure to get wound up in the storm of twists!
In addition to the various announcements around AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative, Spike Chunsoft also marked the occasion by releasing a new story trailer for the game.
