PSYNCIN' IN THE SWaiN

## Chapters

* syougAI (B Path)

*-Relieve Ota's Memories!-*
*"Reproduce the fiery battle between Ota and the polar bear! Save Iris, save the world!"*
—Somnium description
**PSYNCIN' IN THE SWaiN** is a dreamworld featured in *AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES* based on the Okiura Fishery Cold Storage Warehouse.

It is a Somnium world created from Ota Matsushita's dream by Psync System. The Advanced Brain Investigation Squad investigated his Somnium to gain testimony on the kidnapping and attempted murder of Iris Sagan.

## Mental Locks

A characteristic of this Somnium world action is: most of the options usually take more than 100s, so a short time-consuming way to get TIMIE is needed at the beginning. In fact, almost the entire exploration of this Somnium world has to use TIMIE to smoothly complete the objectives.

Numerous TIMIEs after object interactions are belong to the category where the action time is set to a fixed value. Another thing to note is that it is best to avoid actions related to the **Ice-cutting Machine**, as this will have the x2 negative TIMIE acquired, with high likelihood of leading to game over after interacted with any objects except **Iris**.

### Mental Lock #1 - Ep 1: Charge forward! Secure the route!

This Somnium world investigation begins by guiding Ota across the outermost icy ground to unlock Mental Lock #1. Objects available for interact are: **Icy Floor**, **Forklift**, **Frozen Forklift**, **Ice-cutting Machine**, **Iris** and **Heated Insulation Door**. The player need to remove the **Icy Floor** at the beginning.

The options that take the least amount of time at the beginning are any of the options that interact with **Iris**, and after choosing those options for the first time, gain TIMIE that brings a big advantage. After that, if you re-select the option used on Iris before, you will only get the weakened TIMIE of the same kind. See Objects of Interest for details.

After obtaining this TIMIE, select any option on the **Icy Floor** can get Mental Lock #1 unlocked.

In summary, to unlock Mental Lock #1:

* *Any option* on **Icy Floor** (100s, 105s or 115s - 1/5 or Random)

A possible optimal path for better TIMIE can be:

* *Any option* on **Iris** (10s or 15s - [1] or 1/10) -> *Any option* on **Icy Floor** (100s, 105s or 115s[1] or 1/10 - 1/5 or Random)

### Mental Lock #2

After entering Mental Lock #2, the Icy Floor disappears, and the new objects that appear are 4 **Plates** and an **Oil Drum**. The Plate under the shelf on the left is marked with [D], while the one on the right is marked [C], [B], [A] from left to right. Due to the player needs to guide Ota to a certain place, so it is necessary to investigate the prop that can be linked to "A-set".

#### A:Ep 2: Shining light! Escort him to the green shelf!

One of the options is to investigate the **Plate**, and it is the one where the investigation should have [A] written on it. Investigating **the rightmost Plate** under the green shelf and choose *Breathe On* will go to Branch A and unlock Mental Lock #2.

In summary, to unlock Mental Lock #2 Branch A:

* *Breathe On* on **Plate [A]** (200sAny positive TIMIE - 1/6)

#### B:Ep 2: Shining light! Escort him to the red shelf!

Another option is to investigate the **Oil Drum**. Investigating it and choose *Roll* will go to Branch B and unlock Mental Lock #2.

In summary, to unlock Mental Lock #2 Branch B:

* *Roll* on **Oil Drum** (180sAny positive TIMIE - 1/6)

### Mental Lock #3

#### A:Ep 3: Counterattack ignited! Move the wooden box!

After entering Mental Lock #3, Plate [A] can no longer be investigated, and the new object that become able to investigate is **Wooden Box**. However, the action that needs to be done isn't on the **Wooden Box** itself, though, but rather activating the **Forklift** (not the frozen one) that appears at the start behind the Wooden Box, allowing it to push the box in front of Ota. Therefore, the object to be investigated is the **Forklift**, and select *Sortie*. Doing so unlocks Mental Lock #3 Branch A.

In summary, to unlock Mental Lock #3 Branch A:

* *Sortie* on **Forklift** (140s1/6 or strongest 1/n, 1/3)

#### B:Ep 3: Counterattack ignited! Turn on the electricity!

After entering Mental Lock #3, Oil Drum can no longer be investigated, and the new objects that become able to investigate are **Power Board** and **Remote Control**. The player needs to turn on the power of an object. This refers to enabling **Remote Control** to start, so the object to be investigated is the **Power Board**, and select *Throw Something*. Doing so unlocks Mental Lock #3 Branch B.

Conversely, selecting either option on **Remote Control** doesn't advance Somnium depth because it has no power. However, choosing *Investigate* on it can acquire that it is used to control the crane, and can be meaningful to actions during the subsequent Somnium progress.

In summary, to unlock Mental Lock #3 Branch B:

* *Throw Something* on **Power Board** (240s1/6 or strongest 1/n - 1/7)

### Mental Lock #4

#### A:Final Ep: Brave hero! Disarm the foe!

After entering Mental Lock #4, Wooden Box and Forklift can no longer be investigated.

The last step is quite simple, and the player already understands to perform some kind of action on **Ota**. In fact, either option on him will unlock Mental Lock #4. It should be noted that the time spent on the last action is random, and generally exceeds 200s, so be sure to use the TIMIE obtained before.

In summary, to unlock Mental Lock #4 Branch A:

* *Any option* on **Ota** (?s1/7 or strongest 1/n)

#### B:Final Ep: Brave hero! True identity revealed?

After entering Mental Lock #4, Power Board can no longer be investigated. It should be noted that investigating **Remote Control** on this matter is also of no avail. If *Press Button* is executed, the player will be prompted that it is Ota, not Aiba, who needs to operate it.

Therefore, the player needs to find **Ota** and make one final move. Either choice on him will unlock Mental Lock #4. It should be noted that the time spent on the last action is random, and generally exceeds 200s, so be sure to use the TIMIE obtained before.

In summary, to unlock Mental Lock #4 Branch B:

* *Any option* on **Ota** (?s1/7 or strongest 1/n)

## TIMIE Pools

The following is the pool of TIMIEs that spawn during PSYNCIN' IN THE SWaiN. Certain choices in the Somnium will drop a random selection of TIMIE from "**Pool SWaiN**", a pool of TIMIE exclusively used only in this Somnium. All TIMIEs found in this pool are fixed value TIMIES [n], with no fractions or negative TIMIEs to be found. During the first 3 minutes, [30] TIMIEs are the most common, with [20] and [40] closely following, and [1], [10], and [50] at the bottom; this makes both the most helpful and the most harmful TIMIEs slightly rarer than normal, with the general average being more common. From 3 minutes to 90 seconds, the [20] and [10] values become more prominent while the [30] and [40] drop, and the [50] TIMIE is removed altogether. In the last 90 seconds, [40] is removed as well, as [10] and [20] become dominant and the [1] TIMIE rises above the [30]. This pool is designed to start out by giving general neutral TIMIE values that spend a decent amount of time each, but as it progresses smaller and smaller values become more dominant.

## Objects of Interest

As with every standard Somnium, this level is divided into different Mental Locks, **four in total**. Only one choice per Lock is needed to proceed forward, making it one of the fastest Somnium to clear. To balance out, all of the choices take up a staggering amount of time that sits within the triple digits, meaning that efficiency with TIMIEs and correct choices must be done. The exception to this is **Iris**, who only contains a few seconds per choice, and gives out useful TIMIE to be used.

## Hidden Item

* The **hidden item** is located behind the green shelves. You'll need to approach the unfrozen forklift, turn right towards the wall and there you should see a small enclosed space between the wall and the green shelves. Follow along it until you hit a dead end. The hidden item should be right there.

## Gallery

Map of the Cold Storage WarehouseFront portion of the Cold Storage WarehouseBack portion of the Cold Storage WarehouseThe A-set symbol appearing on the plate, in Branch AThe A-set symbol appearing on the oil drum, in Branch B
## Trivia

* This Somnium is stylized like a comic book panel come to life, and many of Ota's words and actions are inspired by *Tokusatsu* television shows, in particular *Kamen Rider*. The *Kamen Rider* quotes featured in this Somnium include:
	+ "The heavens call! The earth cries out! The crowd roars! All calling on me to strike back against evil!" — the battle catchphrase in *Kamen Rider Stronger*.
	+ "Those who don't fight won't survive!" — the battle catchphrase in *Kamen Rider Ryuki*.
	+ "From now on, this is my stage!" — an adjusted version of the battle catchphrase for the "Kamen Rider Gaim" heroes.
	+ "Awaken the soul!" — the battle catchphrase in *Kamen Rider Agito*.
	+ "Now, count up your sins!" — the battle catchphrase in *Kamen Rider W*.
	+ "From start to finish, I'm a climax all the way!" — based on the title of the stage show *Kamen Rider Den-O & Kiva: Climax Deka Released Memorial Den-Kiva Festival 〜From start to finish, I'm Kiva all the way〜!!〜*
* Another aspect of of this Somnium that incorporates elements of Tokusatsu television shows is the size difference between Aiba and the gigantic costumed Polar Bear (and Ota). This is potentially a reference to *kaiju* television shows, where actors in costumes perform fight sequences on a small scale model of a city, to mimic the effect of giant monsters terrorizing the city.
* A noteworthy aspect of the Somnium is that ALL choices on the **Icy Floor** clears Mental Lock #1, and ALL choices on "Ota" clears Mental Lock #4. The latter of these is especially noteworthy because making a choice on Ota always clears Mental Lock #4, regardless of whether it's the A branch or the B branch of the Somnium.
* When selecting *Slide* on the **Ice Floor**, Date comments on how Aiba's skating is similar to Yuri Katsuki, as she finishes off her move by calling out "Eros!", and remarking that it would've been perfect if she wore a black bodysuit instead. This is a reference to the main character of *Yuri on Ice*, Yuri Katsuki, who performs in a black bodysuit, with his main performance piece embodying the emotion of *Eros*, or sexual desire.
	+ After Aiba's routine is done, Date comments that she should try doing a Javier Fernandez routine next time. Javier Fernández is a real life Spanish figure skating champion and olympian.
* When selecting *Punch* on the **B Plate**, Aiba and Date perform a comedy routine. This comedy routine is based of a 4-koma short from the manga/anime *Pop Team Epic*, where the main characters Popuko and Pipimi perform the same routine.
* When selecting *Fill* on the **Oil Drum**, Aiba crouches down inside the barrel and says the phrase "War has changed," followed by exclaiming that a cardboard box would fit the mood better. This is a reference to the *Metal Gear Solid* series, where the player character can crouch inside a wooden box to hide themself from enemies. The phrase "War has changed" specifically comes from the opening monologue in *Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots*, where the protagonist, Solid Snake, begins his monologue with this phrase.

* When selecting *Inspect* on the **Wooden Box**, Aiba suggests that the box may be "the Pandora's Box from Mars." This is most likely another reference to *Kamen Rider*, specifically *Kamen Rider Build*, where a box called the Pandora's Box is found by an astronaut in Mars, kicking off the events of the series.
* When selecting *Break* on the **Wooden Box**, Aiba performs three different kicks, which she names "Spinning Aiba Kick" (where she spins upside down and her legs spread apart), the "Amazing Aiba Kick" (where she somersaults into the box with her feet), and the "Tornado Aiba Sky Wing Kick" (where she descends on the ground, spinning, before giving the box a light kick and exploding):
	+ The "Spinning Aiba Kick" is a reference to Chun-Li's "Spinning Bird Kick" from the *Street Fighter* series.
	+ The "Amazing Aiba Kick" is likely a reference to the "Amazing Mighty Kick" from the *tokusatsu* television series *Kamen Rider Kuuga*, a finishing move in which the eponymous character somersaults into a dropkick much like Aiba does. A key characteristic of the "Amazing Mighty Kick" is its ability to trigger time-delayed explosions on its targets after initial impact, which may explain why the box exploded after the third kick.
	+ The "Tornado Aiba Sky Wing Kick" is likely a reference to the "Tornado Arrow Skywing Shot" by Carlos Santana from the manga and anime series *Captain Tsubasa*. Note that the original "Tornado Arrow Skywing Shot" does not have any explosive capabilities, despite having the box explode on Aiba at the third kick.
* When selecting *Throw Something* at the **Power Board**, Aiba will repeat the sentence "Position target in the center and hit the switch" in a low voice. This is a reference to *Neon Genesis Evangelion*, particularly Episode 3 of the series, "The Silent Phone," where, at the beginning of the episode, Shinji Ikari is running a training simulation on his Evangelion as he repeats the phrase to himself, taking aim at his target.
* There are two references to separate quotes stated by the character Sayaka Miki from the anime *Puella Magi Madoka Magica*, both of these quotes also serving as the titles of two separate episodes.
	+ When selecting *Pray* on the **Power Board**, Aiba will state "Miracles and magic *are* real," referencing a quote in and title of "Episode 4: Miracles and Magic Are Real."
	+ When selecting *Break* on the **Remote Control**, Aiba will wince in pain after attempting to kick it, to which she states "I was stupid... so stupid," referencing a quote in and title of "Episode 8: I Was Stupid… So Stupid."
* When selecting *Motivate* on **Ota**, Aiba performs the "Gunbuster Pose" (also known as the Gainax Stance) when she motivates him to attack.

## Navigation

Hitomi Sagan • Mayumi Matsushita • Renju Okiura • Mama • Shoko Nadami • So Sejima • Moma Kumakura • Rohan Kumakura • Cyclops Serial Killer

## References

1. ↑ "Shigeru Jo (AKA Kamen Rider Stronger)" on Kamen Rider Wiki
2. ↑ "*Kamen Rider Ryuki*" on Kamen Rider Wiki
3. ↑ "Kouta Kazuraba" on Kamen Rider Wiki
4. ↑ "Kamen Rider Agito" on Kamen Rider Wiki
5. ↑ "Kamen Rider Double" on Kamen Rider Wiki
6. ↑ "Kamen Rider Den-O & Kiva" stage show on Kamen Rider Wiki
7. ↑ "Yuri Katsuski" and "In Regards to Love: Eros" on Yuri!!! on Ice Wiki
8. ↑ Javier Fernández on Wikipedia
9. ↑ Video of *Pop Team Epic*"Are You Upset" comedy routine
10. ↑ Video of *Metal Gear Solid 4*Opening Monologue
11. ↑ Video of Kars's fate in *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure* (spoilers for the show)
12. ↑ Alex Flagg on Discord: "The 'I eventually stopped thinking' is a direct reference to Kars"
13. ↑ Pandora's Box on Kamen Rider Wiki
14. ↑ "Spinning Bird Kick" on Street Fighter Wiki
15. ↑ Amazing Mighty Kick on the Kamen Rider Wiki
16. ↑ Tornado Arrow Skywing Shot on the Captain Tsubasa Wiki
17. ↑ 10-minute loop of *Neon Genesis Evangelion*Ep 3 scene
18. ↑ *Puella Magi Madoka Magica*: Episode 4 on Crunchyroll
19. ↑ *Puella Magi Madoka Magica*: Episode 8 on Crunchyroll
20. ↑ Know Your Meme entry for Gainax Pose