[rewrite this title] Sleepless Nights for Kaname Date: A Review of AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES on Nintendo Switch 2

Okay, so you know those nights when you just can’t get any shut-eye? That’s kinda what “No Sleep For Kaname Date” feels like, and it’s the first time the SOMNIUM FILES series has hit the Switch 2. Weird, right? But here we are. Anyway, imagine this: internet idol Iris Sagan – “A-set” if you’re in the know – gets snatched up by a UFO. And just like that, the whole story takes a nosedive into the oddest escape game ever. It’s bananas. So, Agent Date – teaming up with the AI-Ball Aiba – dives right back into solving crazy mysteries.

Date’s in some hot water, chased by shady dudes in black suits. Meanwhile, Iris gets whisked away into a spaceship. Not even making this up. Suddenly, my brain’s screaming “No More Heroes” vibes. Like, just out there and nonsensical. But isn’t that the charm?

This game’s kinda a prequel to the second one – nirvanA Initiative, they call it. There’s something cozy about picking up familiar threads and diving back in, especially when you’ve dealt with freaky things like Murder Mysteries before. Oh, and the voice actors? Top-notch. Greg Chun nails it as Date, and then there’s Jackie Lastra, Erika Harlacher… it’s a killer cast. No pun intended.

Wait, where was I? Oh yeah, gameplay! Three segments: Investigation, Escape, Somnium. In Investigation, you’re poking around, trying to make sense of what’s in front of you. Date’s got this fancy eyeball that can see all sorts of weird stuff. It’s like a sci-fi eyeball superpower or something. Anyway, helps you keep track of where Iris might be.

Then there’s Escape. Think puzzles and uncovering clues – a bit like digging through my junk drawer, hoping to find that one AAA battery. And talk about crunch time! Especially if you’re going up the difficulty ladder. But hey, if you, like, press ZL, you can narrow down what’s useful. Not always, but you know, desperation makes you try everything.

Somnium bits? Wild. Dream diving into suspects’ minds. Six minutes to break down their psyche and solve puzzles. Trust me, every second counts like when you’re waiting for the kettle to boil – feels like forever!

You get to choose how tough or chill you want it. Like sleep settings: Story mode is comfy, infinitely lazy, while Hard is more like manual snooze struggle – limits every option.

Eyes are a currency here. Finish a segment, grab Eyes, unlock goodies. I usually just blow through it and then ride the inspiration train to bonus rewards. The game hits the shelves next week with a $39.99 tag, same price if you’re still on the original Switch wagon. Fancy, right?

Phew, that was a lot. Anyway, just my scattered thoughts on this wild ride. And guess what? Some eyes-on-the-ground insight based on a preview copy from Spike Chunsoft.

Jeez, I need coffee.