03/12/2019
Whoever is on this page and isn't dead yet, hi there! May I take a brief second to indulge y'all with a recommendation?
I plan on taking every week to recommend a console game (cuz wow, it's almost like that's the point of the group) to keep this page alive, I'll try to remember, but I'm kinda dumb.
If you have a switch or ps4, or even pc, I highly recommend Spike Chunsofts new title: AI: The Somnium Files. This is the most enthralling mystery game I've ever played, with a gripping story with multiple routes, all branching in wildly different directions, some of the most entertaining and deep characters I've seen in any story based work, and a hook that will get you, keep you, and reel you right in. I played the game to completion on a near sleepless binge. Considering this is at least a 25 hour campaign, with a bunch of extra stuff to keep you looking. The game is fully voiced in both English and Japanese, and both casts killed it. On top of featuring my favourite voice actress, Erika Harlacher, the game has a lot of talented names, both big and small. And every single line is voiced. Including extra hidden stuff that you normally wouldn't see! The dialogue is expansive, and really feels like you're completely in control of what's happening. Saying the same thing twice can often yield new results, and the game is really clear about telling you when that is the case and when it would be different. Gameplay is really solid, too. There are 3 shifting gameplay styles. There's investigation, taking similar style to the first person investigating from the Danganronpa games, which takes the bulk of gameplay, as you examine objects and talk to the cast. Dialogue options are put to a button, and are removed or replaced when used, unless saying the same thing yields new results. Then there's the Somnium sections, where you free roam in third person as you investigate and manipulate set areas within the game. The third is a very Phoenix Wright reminiscent evidence presenting mechanic, where you disprove statements with evidence collected through the investigation. AI has brilliant dialogue, ranging from deep and building to Hilarious. The characters feel very three dimensional, and I highly recommend investigating as much as you can, and saying everything there is to say. The game looks amazing, with beautiful 3D models in gameplay, detailed backdrops, and a drop dead GORGEOUS User Interface.
All around, AI is close to tied for my favourite game of the year, and would easily win my vote of not for a certain title that I'll definitely post here eventually, after I complete it.
But as for now, I highly recommend AI. The story was phenomenal, with twists and tensions keeping me guessing until the very end, breathtaking Art and Music, stunning fully voiced dialogue, and my favourite mystery presentation in gaming history. Thanks for reading, let me know if you like the game, and if I helped encourage you make a great purchase!
-Admin Niku
