Spike Chunsoft plans on celebrating the worldwide release of its upcoming visual novel detective game, AI: The Somnium Files, this fall season. The project will feature a storyline crafted by the experienced game director and writer Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape series), as well as character designs by Yusuke Kozaki (NO MORE HEROES, Fire Emblem series).
Earlier this year, the team also released a gameplay trailer revealing major characters and some of the overarching plot. Take a look below.
Since we last covered the project in 2018, more of the story has been shared. In a futuristic Tokyo, homicide detective Kaname Date is hunting down a mysterious serial killer. The Internet idol, Iris Sagan, has been found at an abandoned amusement park, stabbed multiple times and her left eye damaged. When officers arrive, they discover a young girl nearby, holding the weapon possibly used in the attack. Is she responsible, or is she an innocent? Players will need to assist Detective Date, making use of his special Artifical Intelligence (AI) eye that gives him a second perspective on crime scenes. Dive into the memories of your suspects and witnesses to aid you in your investigation. Can you find out the truth?
Earlier this month, Kotaro Uchikoshi participated in an interview discussing AI: The Somnium Files and its multiple branching pathways. He stated that “there’s a lot of multiple ways you can go through the game and each path reveals a little more information, but by going through the, what I’ll call the ‘Ultimate Ending”, will allow the player to see how everything comes together as it reveals itself.” So, if you want the full story, a couple of playthroughs may be in order.
The game is now available for pre-order with two possible packages, the Special Agent Edition and Standard Edition. The first package, Special Agent Edition, will be available for console pre-orders. Those who reserve this collection will receive:
- An Outer Box, featuring original artwork by character designer Yusuke Kozaki (PS4 or Switch)
- Thoughts REMaiN Below Artbook with over 30 pages of sketches and concept art
- REVERIES IN THE RaiN Soundtrack with 39 tracks, including A-set’s debut single “Invincible Rainbow Arrow”
- A-set #1 Fan Stickers
- A-set Acrylic Stand (estimated 6 inches tall)
- Day One Edition of AI: The Somnium Files, with 2 exclusive vinyl stickers
For those who wish to purchase the Standard Edition, the package will include the Day One Edition of the game along with 2 exclusive vinyl stickers. Pre-orders for Special Edition and Standard Edition can be made from Amazon.com.
You can check out the 2019 GDC trailer for the game below.
AI: The Somnium Files will launch this fall on the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and the Steam Store. The visual novel will be released on September 17th for North American players, and a few days later for European audiences, on September 20th. For more information, visit the AI: The Somnium File page on the official Spike Chunsoft website or Steam Store. And be on the lookout for more updates posted to the team’s Twitter and Facebook page.