Ai: The Somnium Files - Nirvana Initiative Review - Noisy Pixel

[@orbitalkao3984]

If they end with a singing montage I'll probably love it.

[@Greatdragon999]

Spoiler alert! They do!

[@ronaldjeklan3438]

Do

[@DieselJT]

Wow. A 10 out of 10! I can't wait to pick up my preorder for the collectors edition on Switch!

[@SOFIA_RETA]

Spoiler tag would’ve been nice :P

[@AuraXp_]

Same!

[@crazyforanimez]

Do I need play the older game first or just star this one ?

[@DieselJT]

@@crazyforanimez I think you can just Start this one if you wanted to. But you would probably enjoy it more of you played the 1st game too.

[@MikeLitoris3333]

@@crazyforanimez i suggest you play the first one first, they are both similar and depends on yourself which one you will enjoy more, because even if it doesn't spoil directly it will ruin some tension moments from the first.

[@indecisiveponderer643]

A thematic follow-up to an entry from the infinity series and ZTD you say? God I wonder just how batshit crazy Uchi has gone with this

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Haha caught your attention with that ;)

[@sorendipitous]

Pleeeeease be R11 omg

[@_Lis25]

@@sorendipitousI didn't play R11, in which sense it should be R11?

[@HunchbackOfNotreJon]

I don't think that can really be explained, it would be a lot of spoilers and the impactt can't be conveyed. Remember11 and ZTD would make the most sense to follow up on, they're both effectively unfinished.

[@sorendipitous]

@@HunchbackOfNotreJon Lmao, R11 is hardly unfinished

[@xavito4337]

Loved the first one, can't wait for this one!

[@NoisyPixelNews]

yes! I'm eager to play it too - Azario

[@videogames471]

Noisy Pixel is a huge party of why I played the original AI two years ago and this this review has me hyped.

[@kindred3147]

great review im currently finishing the first one. Can’t wait for my switch CE to arrive this week

[@visualnovelheaven9359]

Takumi Nakazawa helped write the scenario for this one (Remember 11, I/O, Root Double etc.), so definitely going to be good : )

[@StarStabbedMoon]

Remember 11 is criminally underrated imo

[@Evanz111]

Wait the first was your favourite game of 2019? Damn! Sekiro, Outer Wilds, Fire Emblem Three Houses and Disco Elysium all came out in 2019, it was a heavy hitting year!

[@Evanz111]

(I know a lot of these games can’t be compared, it’s just very high praise is all, looking forward to it!)

[@zigma7x281]

And still... AI: The Somnium Files is better

[@Jeff-fo3ck]

He did say that mystery games is his favorite genre

[@Evanz111]

@@Jeff-fo3ck Disco Elysium and Outer Wilds are both mystery though which was the surprising part!

[@raulm.3524]

Outer wilds is Boring as heck

[@JabamiLain]

I've got a theory that while Ryiuki's timeline is set after "True route", Mizuki's is set after either her own route or Anhilation's, but everybody in Mizuki's scenario has got the memories of Ryiuki's, experiencing them as if they happened six years ago on her reality.

[@michelecatani9295]

Thanks a lot for the review! I totally loved the first game and I pre-ordered asap this one... there's only a downside... I'm from Italy, here the game has been delayed until 7th of July... can't really wait to play it! I was worried by the replacement of Date as the protagonist but it seems that I'll love Nirvana nonetheless!

[@Wackywohoopizzaman97]

puoi sempre comprarlo in digitale e lo hai direttamente il 24

[@michelecatani9295]

@@Wackywohoopizzaman97 hai perfettamente ragione ma non volevo fare la doppia copia, preferisco dovendo scegliere averlo fisico, al limite lo prendo digitale quando va in sconto

[@dixiekongfan1]

I love the first game and will buy this on day 1 All i hope is that the gameplay/dream sections aren't as random. There was no login on it and made it hard to figure out what to do next

[@pacer1705]

I am looking forward to how the story will justify's Date's presence in this video game sequel.

[@riolukid1080]

yeah I am tempted to get both this and fire emblem this friday so this will be interesting

[@TanteiFox]

Do you think it is as funny as the first game? My only concern with the sequel is missing the banter that Aiba and Date had and whether there is an aspect that replaces that.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

They create a few new relationships here that will surprise you

[@raulm.3524]

This is my concern as well I don't want to be disappointed and so I haven't picked tge game yet. I'll miss Date way too much

[@michaeloconnor1281]

I'll be buying my copy soon. Maybe the week after release got a few other commitments first, but I'll certainly be getting it! Loved the 1st!

[@DerTomatenToaster]

A thematic follow up to WHICH Infinity game though? (Please be Never7 - well, realistically it's going to be either of the dual protagonist ones)

[@NoisyPixelNews]

God, now I want to play Never 7

[@DerTomatenToaster]

@@NoisyPixelNews I mean, realistically it's probably one of his worst games... but thematically, I find it to be one of the most interesting. Would be amazing to see some of that in an actually good game :')

[@ryanfisher7885]

did they fix the bug from the previous game when going above 100 fps in somnium?

[@nikua_]

for the person who finished the game; did you use the code you got in the epilogue?

[@Mikiiiiiiiiiip]

yes

[@IamYasha10]

This was one of my favorite games played during the pandemic as well as FE 3 houses ( FE 3 hopes is also coming a few days from now). I can't wait to play this sequel and relive all my favorite characters from the original. So glad to see it has really good reviews.

[@alex-sh5ed]

I JUST CAN'T WAIT!!!

[@nintoforgi]

I only just played this, having put it off for a long while bc I didn't enjoy the first all that much, mostly not really enjoying Date as a main character/the Somniums as investigative gameplay. I couldn't shake the curiosity to try the second though and I'm glad I did. It's by far my favorite of Uchikoshi's games, actually among my handful of favorite games of the past five years period. Really rad stuff, an extremely dramatic improvement in every regard for my money.

[@matthewlasalvia7026]

This is in my top 10 list this year!

[@champdancer19]

So glad I got the collector's edition of this game! Definitely gonna move the this to the top of the backlog.

[@hapahapahappy]

I actually really don't like this sequel. I didn't really like the characters in this one as much as I did in the first one. The ending also just felt really cliche and cringy. And then the dancing outro. Don't get me wrong, I loved the way they ended it in the first one with everyone dancing together with a cheesy song, too. But with Nirvana Initiative, it just didn't hit the same and felt like it dragged on for way too long (probably because I didn't really like the characters). Also why tf was Mame not dancing with them?? I get that she was doing time for her crime but it's not like they had to make it uber realistic, they could've had Shoma's dad be there too. Like who gives a fuck, it's supposed to be a cheesy dance where everyone from the story comes together like actors do at the end of a play. Also, I really didn't like the song they used for it. I didn't really like how they split the story between Ryuki and Mizuki, it made it feel kind of messy. I get that it mirrors the whole "two halves of a whole" theme they had going on, which is cool, but it just didn't work well imo. The story itself started out strong and felt like it could've been great but felt kind of meh by the end. Again, almost all of the new characters felt bland and annoying. Off the top of my head, Bibi, Gen and were the worst/most generic. Also, I ended up really missing playing as Date and Aiba. It just felt like there was so much charm and comedy and emotional depth present in the first game with Date and Aiba that was missing from Ryuki+Tama/Mizuki+Aiba's interactions. The best thing about the game though was that the voice acting for every character was just as fantastic as it was in the first game. Overall, it really surprised me how much the quality dropped in the sequel. I was for sure expecting it to be amazing just like the original but it really disappointed me. I was amazed to see that this one has amazing reviews like the first one. I just really don't get it. The first one is leagues better, in my opinion.

[@Dominik-K]

Wow now that's a stellar Rating!

[@Zneiero]

So far 7 of 10, Aiba sequences with Mitsuki are the best parts but the Zero-style villain is very cliche. Not to mention more senseless Zero Escape passwords than the original A.I.

[@WorthlessWinner]

Glad to see some Ota in this even if he's not a main character >_

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

He has less screentime, but he's still pretty based

[@raiyansayeed1738]

Btw, does Nirvana Initiative specify which route from the first game it follows???

[@seid82]

I’ve honestly never even heard of this! I gotta check it out now. 10 out of 10…

[@useless1]

I would recommend the first game as well, that one too was a 10/10 too, crazy good story and plot twists.

[@seid82]

@@useless1 what was the name of the first one?

[@useless1]

@@seid82 "AI: The Somnium Files"

[@DCFatCat]

Always need that slow and steady buildup to the explosive climax.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

can't get enough

[@DjimonMoz]

I don't think it's a 10 but it's still a great game. I consider it an overall improvement over the first one, especially the Somniums. Holy shit, the somniums. They are SO MUCH better than the first game it's not even funny. I actually had FUN doing the somniums this time around. Also, Tama is mommy.

[@AlphaOblivion7]

Great review, I really enjoyed the game and completely agree

[@segagirladventurespico]

Im new to this series do i have to play any of the previous games in this series?

[@jasonl.7170]

Oh you dont have to play the first game. The second game has a anti spoiler mode if you play it first. Though i definitely recommend the first

[@segagirladventurespico]

@@jasonl.7170 ok so the 1st one is very good 😀 thank u so much 😀

[@jasonl.7170]

@@segagirladventurespico your welcome

[@NathanaelRibeiro]

Great review, I loved the first game glad this one is great too. Now I'm just waiting for it to release on switch here in europe 👍

[@mariokarter13]

"Limit your hype" "This is a 10, also Game of the Year contender."

[@zennni_dbz2535]

What’s the name of the previous title I want to play it before this one

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Pretty much the same name without the Nirvana part

[@zennni_dbz2535]

@@NoisyPixelNews thxs

[@flamehiro]

Great review! I give a 9 for me

[@oddishu]

Do I need to play the first game? I’m just now barely learning about Spike Chunsoft

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

You don't need to, because they are seperate stories. But also the first one is REALLY GOOD, and it's often on sale for cheaper, so big reccommend.

[@TheNrat]

What the heck is a spoiler toggle

[@NoisyPixelNews]

it doesn't spoil the events of the first game so you can go back and play it

[@petit-pedestre2334]

Do we still see A-set quite a bit or is she just a background character now? Can't get enough of her! Also, is there still a flowchart with different routes or is it linear?

[@NoisyPixelNews]

This one is more linear, but you’re going to like it since the story uses that to its advantage

[@petit-pedestre2334]

@@NoisyPixelNews I prefer more linear, so that's fine with me! Thank you for the quick answer! And finally, what did you think about the music?

[@NoisyPixelNews]

I’ll ask Jacob to respond. I think he fell asleep - Azario

[@wood1066]

I loved the first game and it's nice hearing this lives up to that, but I got to ask does this game still have multiple routes like the first or is it just one route this time around?

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

There are multiple routes, how are you going to do just one route with an Uchikoshi game??

[@ubermoc]

i wish there was a non perv mode in games.

[@johneversonpe8137]

Just watched this review and saw both AI somnium got a 10. Can we get a list of games you gave a 10?

[@Bakersdozen41]

This is all new to me, looking for interesting games for my grown sons. So, this looks cool, is there a movie made of the characters etc?

[@Charliezard412]

The first game was really good but I felt like it was slow at times. I hope that i don't feel like that with this one. That 10/10 did give me some expectations.

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

The first one got a 10 from here too, so maybe take them similarly

[@DEMediaDrive]

Added to Xbox wishlist.

[@zaregotoch.8491]

10/10 Let's fucking go!

[@yokaiwatcher8500]

I’m sorry, it has a spoiler toggle. I’m currently playing through AI 1, and am not planning on starting nirvana until I’m done, but that sounds like the single greatest innovation to story based gaming ever.

[@martinde-serres8724]

A thematic follow up to an entry from the Infinity series? Does this mean we're FINALLY getting the Infinity series in English and in the West? I never played them because they're... ONLY IN JAPAN! XD

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

Look for a FanTL or badger spike about them if you want to play them

[@NycroLP]

4:49 I beg to differ. Tama definitely rivals the porn addict from the first game.

[@monsiu]

I just like how the game makes my trusty ol machine feel like its a twin turbo airplane about to take off lol... It was worth it!

[@kuhne]

Do I need to remember what happened in the first to play this? Or are the stories completely separate? I played the first and finished it, loved it. But I do not remember a thing other than the main character being a hilariously anime cliche pervert.

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

You do not need to remember what happened, they are completely seperate stories. Although, a refresher may make things more fun for you.

[@smiauu]

perfect dinner time game

[@kamilmarek8145]

Story is amazing. However if you want to enjoy it i suggest to set difficulty to easy or easiest. On standard most of somniums are doable with 5-10 seconds left which forces you to play them one and the only way. One slip and you are done... Basically you have to restart every somnium at the end to speedrun it the perfect way because otherwise you cant make it in time. I dont like it at all. Still game is decent tho.

[@pinheadhell]

Is this a separate story? I didnt play the first one.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

You can use the spoiler toggle to not spoil the first game, but you should really play it!

[@JabamiLain]

To think I'm gonna have to wait to still get more money before I can start playing the game tomorrow... It's a nightmare !

[@deltazero3796]

10/10 beating Mizuki's route too^^

[@therenegadegamer7422]

About how long is the game?

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

I cleared it in just under 20 hours, some took closer to 30.

[@hasok1999]

Well, with this review and having played the first one, there is only one option left.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

You’re correct

[@kagamer8326]

How long is this game?

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

20 hours if you're fast and try to speed through, maybe 50 if you go for 100% completion and take your time

[@teamhebi13]

whoa a 10/10 thats crazy no wonder it was trending on twitter this morning

[@protagapple]

Day one for sure

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Yes!

[@mayuthedemon33]

Loved first game

[@BlackMageLozi]

2:10 I can't help but laugh, it seems like a bug 🤣

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Lol like it’s clipping into the environment haha

[@RaveDaddySavy]

INSANT COP

[@RaveDaddySavy]

First 10 mins of the game got me fucked up already thought i was tripping on some fire L and having a breakdown

[@flikkie72]

The first game felt a bit too rigid for my taste, not much influence from doing anything in any order as far as I could tell. I did like the puzzles though!

[@letterm6656]

Awesome game for sure. But it's a low 8 for me.

[@luminaree7]

Wish I could play it rn since AI:TSF was also my favorite game of 2019, but Nirvana Initiative at 60€ while I'm hooked on Dragon's Dogma means that it won't be for now.

[@astrea555]

literally 10/10 huh? I need to play the first one lol

[@NoisyPixelNews]

It’s so good!!!

[@mechashadow]

Limit your hype but 10/10.

[@jordane813]

The 3D graphics look kind of ugly from a technical perspective but everything else looks great

[@NoisyPixelNews]

The dev works on a budget, but some of the things they did are pretty advanced considering what they have. It all comes down to money

[@spawncalibur1022]

Doesn't help that it seems like Noisy Pixel played this at a lower resolution for some reason, was it recorded on a Steam Deck or low end laptop? I think it looks improved over the first game, its animations don't look as janky.

[@mayuthedemon33]

Id this out i have the other one

[@TimoNaaro]

oh no they still have some of the same music in the game. I do like/tolerate the music in the first one. It was great at first but after 80h of playing I would rather do withouth. Very sad they reuse the music.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

Oh I just used that music for the video cause I don’t have the new OST

[@TimoNaaro]

@@NoisyPixelNews ah cool! good to hear.

[@mooping9398]

an unapologetic 10 out of 10

[@ObeyCamp]

How can I take a review seriously when it's done by someone who's skipping over dialogue left and right? That's some casual gamer shit right there, dawg.

[@NoisyPixelNews]

We do that for recordings so we don’t spoil anything.

[@MakinaIcy]

Nice review but it should be 100/10 :)

[@NoisyPixelNews]

We’ll do better

[@luigi180]

Likes for the review but im not watching it. Spoiler free until this game gets ported to PC..... some day.

[@PhoenixPyreLoop]

This review was on the PC version. It's out on PC alongside consoles on the 24th.

[@luigi180]

@@PhoenixPyreLoop Wait whaaaaaaaaat. Oh man im hyped now.

[@EruYagami]

Impossible to take this one serious. A 10/10 means a perfect game and I don’t think it is.

[@wizu8932]

what someone might consider perfect might not be perfect for someone else opnions will always be subjective

[@AnimeSimp234]

10/10 doesn't mean perfect. Like you said, nothing is literally perfect. But a 10/10 does mean it's so good that the flaws it does have matter very little in the grand scheme.

[@owlitup2225]

how is this a 10/10 lmao

[@ammonahwong9994]

play the first game and you'll find out -_-

[@looselygaming6130]

nothing deserves a perfect score, ur fanboying