AI: The Somnium Files details Somnium Parts, ABIS members

Branching routes and multiple endings.

Spike Chunsoft has released new information and screenshots of AI: The Somnium Files introducing the game’s Somnium Parts and the characters that make up the ABIS unit of the metropolitan police department.

Get the details below.

■ Somnium Parts
The player takes on the role of a detective in a special section of the police department, who is on the case of a mysterious serial killer. While back and forth between “Investigation Parts,” which are set in the real world, and “Somnium Parts,” which are set in the dream worlds of suspects, the facts behind the case will gradually come to light.
In the dream world-set Somnium Parts, the goal is to search for clues to the investigation in the suspect’s dreams. To find clues, you must solve the “Mental Locks” blocking the way, and sink deeper into the suspect’s “subconscious” to find the truth.
Point 1. Psync Device: A Device That Allows You to Enter Dream Worlds

By setting the target person and yourself, then booting up the device, Psync allows you to enter the target person’s dreams (brain).
Point 2. Solve the Puzzles in Somnium within Six Minutes
You will only have six minutes in the target person’s dream world. You must solve the puzzles before their mind collapses.
—In order to save Mizuki, a girl who lost her voice due the shock of an incident, you must enter her dreams with the Psync device.
Point 3. Mental Lock
There are several Mental Locks, or obstacles that block the target person from recalling clues to the investigation, that you must overcome. Solve all of the Mental Locks in order to obtain the clues.
During Somnium Parts, you will examine objects of interest, then choose an action for that object. However, each choice takes up a certain amount of time, so you must make decisions carefully in order to accomplish your goal within the six-minute time limit.
Point 4. Multiple Endings Determined by Route
The story of AI: The Somnium Files has multiple endings. There are a large number of branching routes, and the end of the story is completely different for each route. Only by clearing each route and seeing everything from multiple points of view will you be able to get the full picture of the case.
For example:
—If you heal Mizuki’s loss of speech…
—You will be able to get new evidence!
—But if you are unable to heal Mizuki…
—Iris will end up in danger?
For Somnium Parts, the world is completely different for each target you investigate.
■ Characters
An introduction to the members of “ABIS,” a special section of the metropolitan police department.
Kaname Date (voiced by Greg Chun / Tarusuke Shingaki)
—Japanese Translation
A police officer of ABIS, the Advanced Brain Investigation Section of the metropolitan police department. Using the Psync device, he has the power to slip into the memories of suspects and key witnesses. Six years prior to the events of the game, he lost his left eye, and in its place now has an artificial eye (AI-Ball) equipped with an advanced artificial intelligence.
—Official English Description
As a Psyncer, Date uses the Psync machine to dive into the minds of suspects or persons of interest. He lost his eye six years ago, but replaced it with a prosthetic eye which houses an advanced artificial intelligence known as an AI-Ball. He also lost all his memories past six years ago.
Aiba (Official Name: AI-Ball) (voiced by Erika Harlacher / Akari Kitou)
—Japanese Translation
While Aiba is usually in Date’s left eye, it leaves his eye and moves around at places such as his home. When entering dreams using the Psync device, it takes on the form of a lovely girl. As it is linked with Date’s consciousness and brain, it acts as Date’s avatar in the dream worlds.
—Official English Description
An artificial eye equipped with an AI that usually resides in Date’s left eye socket. Her consciousness and Date’s are linked. In the real world, she looks like a small animal. However, when Date Psyncs to enter Somnia, she takes on a human form.
Boss (voiced by Allegra Clark / Yuuko Kaida)
—Japanese Translation
Date’s superior and commander of ABIS. She and Date are old friends. While she pretends to be an easy-going optimist whose comments change from day to day… she is actually a cunning tactician.
—Official English Description
Boss is Date’s direct superior and long-time friend. She appears to be an easygoing optimist with a carefree attitude, but she is as cunning as a fox with a quick wit.
Pewter (voiced by Sean Chiplock / Hiroki Gotou)
—Japanese Translation
An ABIS engineer and genius mechanic. He handles control and regulations for the Psync device. As Pewter is the creator of Aibo, her personality reflects his own tastes.
—Official English Description
Pewter is ABIS’s engineer and a brilliant scientist. Currently, he is responsible for maintaining the Psync machine and preparing Psyncs. He also invented Aiba (and set her personality to his liking).