I wish I could give AINI the same praise I gave to AITSF. On one end the performance issues on switch were fixed and the QTEs were given an accessible easy mode, and the animated sequences look much more impressive thanks to utilising mocap. I'd even say as well that this could've been a genuinely solid story... as its own thing.
As an AITSF sequel, however, it falls apart for me. The plot of AINI for me demanded less investment of the characters over Uchikoshi's newest "mindbending meta twist", which is the complete opposite of the first game where the plot was simpler in favour of the character dynamics and theme of family. It especially clashes when the character endings feel borderline unnecessary this time, not really providing the characters any resolution not already depicted in the main story with one exception. The somniums also feel much more like narrative vehicles than surreal weirdness, which on its own isn't so bad, but the subsequent railroading and genre shift to more conventional puzzles was a little underwhelming.
The two greatest offenders for me ended up being AINI's main twist, and its treatment of one specific character. The twist does absolutely nothing for the characters and basically serves to make the experience more frustrating for the player - it interests me in concept, and maybe trying it outside the AI series could've worked, but the execution just ultimately pissed me off with how pointless it was. It also requires multiple convoluted events to happen and a full retcon of a major plot point from AITSF, not to mention the complete ignorance of specific characters and dynamics in order to preserve it. The mystery is great without it as well! Meanwhile, the character I mentioned started as deeply interesting, only for their endgame role to completely destroy any pre-established nuance to their personality. I would've preferred if they had LESS depth if it meant this role was less unsatisfying.
I really don't want to just ramble on with misery, though, because AINI still has multiple shining lights that kept me playing the whole way. Ryuki is my favourite character in the entirety of the AI series, he's incredibly entertaining while also being a genuinely interesting and serious character, and his dynamic with Tama is a joy to witness. I also found new additions such as the crime scene recreation really enjoyable despite their simplicity, especially since they're the source of some of AINI's funniest scenes. Despite my criticism of the somniums most were still enjoyable, and some of the more unique gimmicks stuck with me! Also the soundtrack banged as always.
But yeah, I'd honestly still recommend AINI, but... in my opinion if you've played AITSF, don't play it like it's a sequel, play it as its own thing. That way you'll go through less disappointment at worst, and maybe find extra enjoyment from the game at best too if you end up loving what I wasn't able to.
As an AITSF sequel, however, it falls apart for me. The plot of AINI for me demanded less investment of the characters over Uchikoshi's newest "mindbending meta twist", which is the complete opposite of the first game where the plot was simpler in favour of the character dynamics and theme of family. It especially clashes when the character endings feel borderline unnecessary this time, not really providing the characters any resolution not already depicted in the main story with one exception. The somniums also feel much more like narrative vehicles than surreal weirdness, which on its own isn't so bad, but the subsequent railroading and genre shift to more conventional puzzles was a little underwhelming.
The two greatest offenders for me ended up being AINI's main twist, and its treatment of one specific character. The twist does absolutely nothing for the characters and basically serves to make the experience more frustrating for the player - it interests me in concept, and maybe trying it outside the AI series could've worked, but the execution just ultimately pissed me off with how pointless it was. It also requires multiple convoluted events to happen and a full retcon of a major plot point from AITSF, not to mention the complete ignorance of specific characters and dynamics in order to preserve it. The mystery is great without it as well! Meanwhile, the character I mentioned started as deeply interesting, only for their endgame role to completely destroy any pre-established nuance to their personality. I would've preferred if they had LESS depth if it meant this role was less unsatisfying.
I really don't want to just ramble on with misery, though, because AINI still has multiple shining lights that kept me playing the whole way. Ryuki is my favourite character in the entirety of the AI series, he's incredibly entertaining while also being a genuinely interesting and serious character, and his dynamic with Tama is a joy to witness. I also found new additions such as the crime scene recreation really enjoyable despite their simplicity, especially since they're the source of some of AINI's funniest scenes. Despite my criticism of the somniums most were still enjoyable, and some of the more unique gimmicks stuck with me! Also the soundtrack banged as always.
But yeah, I'd honestly still recommend AINI, but... in my opinion if you've played AITSF, don't play it like it's a sequel, play it as its own thing. That way you'll go through less disappointment at worst, and maybe find extra enjoyment from the game at best too if you end up loving what I wasn't able to.