No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES launches as a smaller, fan-focused side entry in the Somnium Files series. It hits Nintendo Switch July 25, 2025.
Detective Kaname Date and his AI partner Aiba search for kidnapped internet idol Iris Sagan. The plot threads through deadly escape rooms called the Third Eye Game and a mysterious “Psync me” pod. Gameplay mixes investigation, dream diving (Somnium), and escape-room puzzles.
The story takes about 12 hours—half the length of previous main games. It leans more on emotional moments than big mysteries. Series creator Kotaro Uchikoshi calls it a “stunning, moving, and thrilling experience” made for fans by fans. 
Investigation gameplay sticks to the classic point-and-click style. Aiba’s Wink Psync returns to peek inside suspects’ thoughts. However, the 3D crime scene mechanics from the last game are gone.
Somnium sections play out like before, with time-limited puzzles unlocking Mental Locks in dream environments. They feel familiar and paced well but don’t introduce new locations or gimmicks.
Escape-room puzzles channel Zero Escape vibes with item combos and timed “Crisis Time” moments. But they drag on—some rooms take 20 to 40 minutes. Slow jogging speed and large areas make traversal a slog, especially when switching characters across zones. The puzzles themselves are fine, just exhausting in volume.
The narrative has mixed results. Iris’s kidnapping drives the plot but her role feels thin. The story’s smaller scale means some parts feel stretched or listless. The branching paths of past games are missing, helping keep it concise but limiting depth.
That said, the game shines emotionally. It acts as an epilogue to the first Somnium Files, revisiting characters coping with past trauma. New characters Hina and Akemi stand out, bridging series themes. Kaname Date’s quirks and heartfelt moments bring warmth and humor.
Writing by Kazuya Yamada nails the tough balance of dark mystery and goofy humor. The script flows naturally between intense scenes and random banter about porno mags and giraffe neck science.
Voice acting is top tier. Jenny Yokobori’s turn as Akemi sells the escape game host’s emotions. Greg Chun returns as Date with iconic delivery.
Switch versions perform well. The new Switch 2 port improves visuals and loading times and adds a mouse mode—though its implementation is limited and awkward. One crash on the original Switch showed, but autosave minimized loss.
Collectibles and bonus content offer replay value with gag endings, concept art, and slice-of-life side stories for fans.
No Sleep For Kaname Date mostly scores big on heart and fan service despite clunky escape gameplay and a thinner plot. It’s a welcome, touching addition for series fans craving more of Date and Aiba’s chaotic duo.
Kotaro Uchikoshi described the game as:
“[a] stunning, moving, and thrilling experience.”
“A game made ‘by those who love the AI series, for those who love the AI series.’”
Review score: 85/100 – Great
Pros:
- Touching epilogue for the first Somnium Files
- Strong old/new cast thematic parallels
- Some of the best writing in the series
- Kaname Date is a delightful protagonist
- Somnium sequences offer fun, trippy gameplay
Cons:
- Overly long, tedious escape rooms
- Iris’s limited role in story
- Technical issues on Switch 1, clunky mouse mode on Switch 2
This review is based on an early Nintendo Switch copy from the publisher.
No Sleep For Kaname Date launches July 25, 2025.
