AI: The Somnium Files Creator, Kotaro Uchikoshi, Shares Brief Thoughts on Both Games’ Somnium Worlds

Recently, Japanese outlet Dengeki interviewed AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative’s creator and scenario writer, Kotaro Uchikoshi, and the director, Akira Okada.

We previously provided translated coverage for this interview with mentions of the third game in the series as well as a possible story involving Date and Hitomi. However, another subject worth highlighting is Uchikoshi’s brief thoughts on each of the Somnia played throughout both games.

Our team’s Ryuji has translated these responses below, with notes for clarification at the bottom:

Interviewer: The worlds of Somnium show an unusual portrayal of a character’s emotional layers. Is there one you’re particularly proud of?

Uchikoshi: Of course, it’s all of them! Let me start with the first game…

• Date 1: A Somnium that really gives perspective on Aiba’s personality.
• Mizuki: A Somnium with lots of trial and error. The staff had to pour their all into this one, and I want you to see their efforts.
• Iris 1: Mystery on top of mystery. It just makes you wonder, “what’s going to happen next”?
• Ota: A very comedic and overall funny Somnium.
• Mayumi: A very touching Somnium where all of America cried.*
• Date 2: Another tear-jerking Somnium. I feel it’s the one the fans love the most.
• Certain Person**: A mysterious Somnium full of suspense.
• Certain Person**: A Somnium where you get to the truth of the story. Just what is happening!?
• Sejima: A Somnium where you can best see Iris’s under! [Taking a screenshot] is a must!
• Iris 2: This Somnium’s idea came from Iizuka-san, who was flying on a plane at the time.
• Iris 3: A Somnium with a very strong puzzle element. Can dreams…change reality?
• Hitomi: A Somnium that is mysterious, fantastic but also frightening.
• Certain Person**: The final Somnium, which I think you’ll find amazing.

Uchikoshi: While we’re at it, let’s list out the second game as well.

• Ryuki: Some of it is recommended to play standing on your head. The dialogue with Date is sure to make you smile.
• Chikara: It’s going to be a true “blast” from the beginning. Enjoy the inside of a crazy person’s head.
• Tokiko: Personally, the tranquil atmosphere is excellent, and this is my personal favorite.
• Komeji: A comedy with a melancholy atmosphere. It portrays the humanistic drama of a helpless man.
• Shoma: A Somnium with a strong emotional curve. I recommend bringing one…no…maybe two tissues.
• Amame: It’s a Somnium supposed to be fun, but it’s actually creepy, with an eerie feeling.
• Iris: A parody that takes a turn for the worse. It’s fun as a stand-alone game!
• Kizuna: A fairy-tale fantasy. A heartwarming dream world.
• Gen: Who would’ve expected such a culinary showdown! It’s a lot of fun, and it goes beyond the creator’s imagination.
• Masked Woman: Was AI ever a horror game? I heard it’s scarier than Resident Evil.
• Certain Person**: Returns to its roots as an escape game. It is also well made as a puzzle.
• Lien: A Somnium filled with someone’s love for a person. And one full of mysterious connections.
• Certain Person**: The last one. What will you think of the sad ending and the truth?

Translating notes:

*: He uses 全米. 米 refers to America, while 全 means “all.” So, in a literal meaning, it means “all America,” or in this context, “all of America.”

**: Some Somniuns are listed as Certain Person. This is because if their name was revealed, that would be a huge spoiler. Although the Dengeki article did put a spoiler warning, they opted to omit certain parts that would severely spoil it. However, I have noticed that these are in chronological order of appearance, so if you played the games, you might be able to figure out which one Uchikoshi is referring to here.

AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is currently available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative shows an event where the right half of a corpse was discovered, but the left half was never found until six years later. However, the body has shown no signs of decay, as though it’s only a day old. New special agent Mizuki and her AI partner Aiba are tasked to solve the Half Body serial killings. Kotaro Uchikoshi is confirmed to be the Scenario Writer.