SOMA

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1400 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,165 out of 1400
  2. Mixed: 135 out of 1400
  3. Negative: 100 out of 1400

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  1. Muyrka
    Apr 26, 2020
    8
    This is scary horror game, finished it in 10 hours, but couldn't play for more than 2 hours a time.
    The plot and idea is very good and thought-provoking. Only downside for me were that pesky monsters and there were moments when it was a bit boring.
    Recommended!
  2. RagingPoet
    Nov 30, 2017
    8
    Soma got interesting and thought provoking plot, great atmosphere and visuals. Gameplay itself is little bit stale especially stealth parts, but I enjoyed Soma a lot although horror is not my favorite genre.
  3. VVisemanS
    Feb 27, 2019
    8
    Лучшая игра, в которую я играл. Она меня поразила своим сюжетом, философией и деталями подводного мира в котором будет путешествовать игрок. Но я распишу все "+" и "-" которые я выделил для себя.
    Плюсы:
    1) Проработка подводного мира, детализация комплексов и хорошая графика. 2) Очень хорошее музыкальное сопровождение. 3) Хороший сюжет с очень сильной и пугающей философией (как ты    Лучшая игра, в которую я играл. Она меня поразила своим сюжетом, философией и деталями подводного мира в котором будет путешествовать игрок. Но я распишу все "+" и "-" которые я выделил для себя.
    Плюсы:
    1) Проработка подводного мира, детализация комплексов и хорошая графика.
    2) Очень хорошее музыкальное сопровождение.
    3) Хороший сюжет с очень сильной и пугающей философией (как ты докажешь себе - что ты оригина, а не копия?)
    4) Необычниые враги к каждому из которому нужна своя тактика.
    5) Концовка - которая оставляет осадок.
    Минусы:
    1) Терри Акерс - почему ему удалили весь диалог и сделали из него рядового прокси. Если честно, то я не сразу понял, что это существо и есть Акерс из-за того, что оно вело себя точно так как и прокси. Минусом является и его точки спавна в лаборатории на Тэте. Он может при вас исчезнуть или появится. Его так же нельзя закрыть в кабинете с 2 дверями рядом с офисом Сромейра.
    2) Тэта - одно большое разочарование. Всю игру говорили, что это главный комплекс Патоса 2. Он на карте изображен, как самым большим комплексом. Но на деле, мы можем исследовать лишь небольшую его часть. Карта лабораторий на Тэте имеет 3 разных варианта (терминал в соседней комнате которой находится ДАНБЭТ, карта на стенах в самой лаборатории и карта в компьютере Стромейра). Почему нельзя было зайти в диспетчерскую, где мог бы лежать робот с сознанием Питера, пусть даже и "мертвый"
    4) Ужасная оптимизация подгрузки уровней.

    Жаль, что не выпустили дополнения, рассказывающие о прошлом этой станции, когда только упала комета - было бы интересно на это взглянуть...    … Expand
  4. philzlz
    Dec 8, 2022
    8
    SOMA asks what it means to be human. There is something about those games in an isolated space that I really enjoy and SOMA was no different. From the voice acting to the thought provoking story the game pushed you forward wanting to discover more. It does not overstay its welcome, pacing was good throughout.

    Surprising enough the most frustrating part was the monster itself, there is    SOMA asks what it means to be human. There is something about those games in an isolated space that I really enjoy and SOMA was no different. From the voice acting to the thought provoking story the game pushed you forward wanting to discover more. It does not overstay its welcome, pacing was good throughout.

    Surprising enough the most frustrating part was the monster itself, there is no fun in being chased without means to defend yourself (can be turned off via the options menu)    … Expand
  5. Alentejano
    Aug 19, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game as two different aspects: gameplay and story. The gameplay is not very good. None of the enemies is a major threat since you can just start right from there if you get caught and none of their strengths nor weaknesses is explained by the game so you only need to try... and try. There isn't any map so in the exploration sections you just wander around trying to find the right path without getting lost. At least it has a great atmosphere amplified by the sound design, the game is scarier when the creatures aren't around.
    The other part of the game is the story which is amazing. The characters are well realized and you get a lot of interesting information by going around and looking at stuff. The scientific parts are well thought out and perception is used perfectly to show how certain characters perceive their "AI" existence as a human one (like Simon and the player didn't know they were also a robot). Catherine is a great companion and her's and Simon's conversations on the lift to the abyss, the ark launch and when you kill the other you are fantastic and accompany perfectly the dread of finding out there is another "you".
    Overall this is an outstanding game that only suffers from some poor gameplay.    … Expand
  6. Wrathzo
    Mar 20, 2022
    8
    Soma (stylized as SOMA) is a survival horror video game developed and published by Frictional Games. Soma takes place on an underwater remote research facility containing machinery that exhibits human characteristics, such as consciousness. Simon Jarrett, a fish-out-of-water protagonist, finds himself there under mysterious circumstances and embarks upon discovering its history, whileSoma (stylized as SOMA) is a survival horror video game developed and published by Frictional Games. Soma takes place on an underwater remote research facility containing machinery that exhibits human characteristics, such as consciousness. Simon Jarrett, a fish-out-of-water protagonist, finds himself there under mysterious circumstances and embarks upon discovering its history, while trying to make sense of his predicament and potential future.… Expand
  7. Ninjeddie
    Jun 28, 2020
    8
    more like 8.5. You play for the story. It's really engaging and atmospheric, and disturbing. It sits with you long after you play it, and you replay it just to immerse yourself in the world all over again. You can watch a lets play of it, but it's very different when you play it yourself. Highly recommend buying this game.
  8. Septone
    Mar 10, 2021
    8
    Frictional Games has done it again with their amazing creative team. I can't stress enough how this video game has a beautiful written story. It also gives you this questionable yet wonderful feeling on a certain objective, but you'll probably end up going to enjoy it anyway. As long as you don't focus on how the monsters' AI are stupid and clunky, you will be fine playing this.

    Another    Frictional Games has done it again with their amazing creative team. I can't stress enough how this video game has a beautiful written story. It also gives you this questionable yet wonderful feeling on a certain objective, but you'll probably end up going to enjoy it anyway. As long as you don't focus on how the monsters' AI are stupid and clunky, you will be fine playing this.

    Another problem for me on is how the game can't seem to tell your current objective is especially when you forgot about it. So you better have to be listen carefully in order to progress. Anyway. so far a masterpiece in writing!    … Expand
  9. OldManGamerOMG
    Dec 7, 2020
    8
    The story is good, though predictable. I felt that the first half of the game served as a lengthy introduction, but after that the game became more interesting and felt more involved. I feel like the story could have had more meat in the beginning, or if it was supposed to be a mystery what happened, it was better at hiding it until later to be a surprise. As is, I felt the first parts ofThe story is good, though predictable. I felt that the first half of the game served as a lengthy introduction, but after that the game became more interesting and felt more involved. I feel like the story could have had more meat in the beginning, or if it was supposed to be a mystery what happened, it was better at hiding it until later to be a surprise. As is, I felt the first parts of the game was one lengthy part mostly reiterating the same thing.

    I also had a love/hate relationship with the protagonist. I wanted to kick him a few times. The personalities of most characters involved were interesting and enjoyable to follow. I especially liked Catherine's mentality. I found Simon got on my nerves with his selfish and tantrum behavior. His emotional outbursts really put me off liking him completely. I would have liked if they put an option to how the protagonist responded to things.

    To get the most out of this game, I recommend exploring as much as you can, as the stories of the others, and the details put into their characters is very enjoyable. If you blitz through the game, you will only have the protagonist and a small part of Catherine's story, and you will miss out on what makes this game so well made and fun.

    As for the WAU, wow, that is a great idea. I would linger around certain areas to better see the creatures, but that also led to quite a few deaths that could have been avoided. The detail in their creation is quite remarkable.    … Expand
  10. L0st_
    Oct 21, 2022
    8
    Frictional Games have once again created an artistic work with a decent atmosphere. As in the case of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, the developers did not disappoint the players and we got a great title with an unusual story idea, which in the end turned out to be very interesting, and at some points even fascinated me. The created underwater world immensely reflects the feeling of lonelinessFrictional Games have once again created an artistic work with a decent atmosphere. As in the case of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, the developers did not disappoint the players and we got a great title with an unusual story idea, which in the end turned out to be very interesting, and at some points even fascinated me. The created underwater world immensely reflects the feeling of loneliness and the lack of another living soul. SOMA is simply one of the best horror movies on the market that is definitely worth playing.… Expand
  11. kitru
    Feb 22, 2021
    8
    Good plot, great plot twist at the end, nice graphics, sometimes it's scary to run from enemies. An unusual setting. Overall, I really liked the game.
  12. Eckleburg
    May 2, 2021
    8
    Easily the best narrative-driven game I have played. SOMA throws some serious philosophical questions at you which makes the horror way more insidious than blatant. The dread superimposed through the themes that are explored is palpable which is quite impressive for a game.

    Of note that the experience will be much more rewarding to players that are approaching it from a storytelling    Easily the best narrative-driven game I have played. SOMA throws some serious philosophical questions at you which makes the horror way more insidious than blatant. The dread superimposed through the themes that are explored is palpable which is quite impressive for a game.

    Of note that the experience will be much more rewarding to players that are approaching it from a storytelling angle. In other words, this is a walking simulator - buyer beware.    … Expand
  13. DontBeAJinx
    Feb 5, 2023
    8
    it's you enjoyed BioShock then this game is for you... great story.. was confusing at the start but as you played you understood more. the ending was good. one of the monsters AI is annoying causing to not progress slowly.
  14. Lezzly
    Jun 1, 2023
    8
    Mimo tego, że nienawidzę horrorów (zwłaszcza takich) to wzbudziła moje zainteresowanie. Mocno wczułem się w historię głównego bohatera oraz towarzyszki. Stylistycznie gra była bardzo klimatyczna. Brak walki poniekąd uspokoił mnie, ponieważ dało mi to znak, że nie będę musiał się konfrontować z przeciwnikami. Skradanie sprawiło u mnie duży stres, już nie wspominając o robieniu hałasu.Mimo tego, że nienawidzę horrorów (zwłaszcza takich) to wzbudziła moje zainteresowanie. Mocno wczułem się w historię głównego bohatera oraz towarzyszki. Stylistycznie gra była bardzo klimatyczna. Brak walki poniekąd uspokoił mnie, ponieważ dało mi to znak, że nie będę musiał się konfrontować z przeciwnikami. Skradanie sprawiło u mnie duży stres, już nie wspominając o robieniu hałasu. Mechanika zagadek logicznych była przyzwoita a przygoda mimo że krótka (dzięki bogu) to zdobyła moją sympatie. Nigdy więcej i kibicuje twórcom.… Expand
  15. rodericrinehart
    Jan 30, 2016
    7
    The story and what it makes you think about is far better than the gameplay. I didn't do it, but after seeing themod afterwards, I highly recommend you play with the "Wuss Mode" mod because the enemies just get in the way of what I considered the core element of the game - exploration, story, and me just thinking about it all. The chase mechanics made all 3 of those things worse, soThe story and what it makes you think about is far better than the gameplay. I didn't do it, but after seeing themod afterwards, I highly recommend you play with the "Wuss Mode" mod because the enemies just get in the way of what I considered the core element of the game - exploration, story, and me just thinking about it all. The chase mechanics made all 3 of those things worse, so turning it off would make the game better in my opinion.

    What it says about humanity, consciousness, and what it means to be alive is terrific ... and terrifying - far more terrifying than the actual monsters.    … Expand
  16. jseph1234
    Sep 7, 2016
    7
    soma is a bioshock remake. Its not nearly as good as bioshock and obviously not as original considering Bioshock was released in 2007 and that make me disappointed that frictional would use it so blantantly (The premise)

    I noticed the so-called "critics, experts" deny that but soma is a bioshock remake.
  17. yokerclown
    Oct 4, 2015
    7
    When you do playing "SOMA", you do realize that even with outdated engine, you can still make a good video game with original story! And that is really "SOMA". Yes! It does have it's issues, but if you will look on that from other side, you will realize that even without wannabe Hollywood blockbuster mechanics, like: QTEs, heroic story, action etc... You can still make a good video game!When you do playing "SOMA", you do realize that even with outdated engine, you can still make a good video game with original story! And that is really "SOMA". Yes! It does have it's issues, but if you will look on that from other side, you will realize that even without wannabe Hollywood blockbuster mechanics, like: QTEs, heroic story, action etc... You can still make a good video game! Of course some graphic parts and other issues, are really out of these days and that is why the magic in it, is then really bigger, because the terror + atmosphere + great original settings with sound design, can still make a big part of why this video game, is still one of the best "Sci-Fi" video games ever! So the onl,y most bad things in this game, are just it's enemies, what are sometimes really annoying, but gruesome/scary at the same time! What could also be better, are underwater segments, where you basically cannot do anything, apart of going to your next location. By that, the final verdict is: "7/10".… Expand
  18. 21grams
    Sep 27, 2015
    7
    The idea is great and overall story is interesting, tho implementation has some boring parts. I mean most of the time you walk, it's too much about walking. If only there was something more between the puzzles (which are really decent) you have to solve to progress, because now there are really empty section of the game. But overall it kept me interested what it's all about. so have toThe idea is great and overall story is interesting, tho implementation has some boring parts. I mean most of the time you walk, it's too much about walking. If only there was something more between the puzzles (which are really decent) you have to solve to progress, because now there are really empty section of the game. But overall it kept me interested what it's all about. so have to give credit for that.

    Another thing, I didn't find this game scary at all, I wouldn't call it horror game. It's adventure game in very weird and bizarre setting. If you look for tension and scary atmosphere - you might be disappointed.

    On the side note, game is not well optimized. I had too play around until I got rid off screen tearing, stuttering, with fps drops.. It also crashed like 3times.    … Expand
  19. OHIC
    Nov 8, 2017
    7
    A decent experience with some very good ideas, some less sturdy ones, and some poor design decisions. Ultimately, it's often a drag to play, but it wouldn't be fun to watch either if you plucked a Let's Play from the internet and tried to watch that instead. Great script, at times, but everything is stretched thinly so these oases are bridged by a lot of drudgery through industrial metalA decent experience with some very good ideas, some less sturdy ones, and some poor design decisions. Ultimately, it's often a drag to play, but it wouldn't be fun to watch either if you plucked a Let's Play from the internet and tried to watch that instead. Great script, at times, but everything is stretched thinly so these oases are bridged by a lot of drudgery through industrial metal environments and many return visits to the only "outdoor" environment (another miserable, dark place).

    You get a quite fascinating antagonist - not the on-screen "monsters", so much as the power behind them which has a very interesting motivation (not unique, I should say, but a fairly rare aim compared to almost all game enemies). Unfortunately, you have to inhabit the incredibly dull and stupid Simon Jarrett. I don't mind having different opinions on subjects to a protagonist, as long as those differences are thought-provoking, but Jarrett is a straight-up idiot who mistreats the game's only likeable character. After a while, I stopped caring about him and actively wishing for his doom, which isn't how video games are supposed to work.    … Expand
  20. Euknowia
    Sep 23, 2015
    7
    Conceptual, and at this point conventional, parts (Matrix meets Bioshock meets Alien Isolation) are combined into a melting pot, warmed to varying degrees, and served as a dish that is aromatically familiar yet still tastes fresh and appetizing. Yes, I am hungry.
    Unoriginality isn’t something I generally critique in and of itself- but I couldn’t help but feel a bit unsatisfied that    Conceptual, and at this point conventional, parts (Matrix meets Bioshock meets Alien Isolation) are combined into a melting pot, warmed to varying degrees, and served as a dish that is aromatically familiar yet still tastes fresh and appetizing. Yes, I am hungry.
    Unoriginality isn’t something I generally critique in and of itself- but I couldn’t help but feel a bit unsatisfied that Soma’s story consisted, dare I say fairly largely, as a composite of “key themes” from many other stories, theories, or just widely popularized ideas spread throughout all kinds of media. Simply put, there are a plethora of conditions that usually help filter my mental process of discerning whether or not a story is too cliché and I expect they are not identical to, and also vary from person to person. So I doubt it is the games fault that I found its plot to be, well, a tad unimaginative (seeing as my imagination has already considered simulation theory, Bernard Williams’ “The Self and The Future,” I Robot, the Matrix trilogy, works of Descartes, etc.) For me, I thought that the (actually poor) questions of personal identity composed too much of the “main story line” whereas the more unique (as I see it) bits- like WAU’s monsters, were left on the backburner when they deserved the limelight. So, the entertainment value of this game was undermined, only partly, by my perception (however misconceived) of this…
    Aesthetically, I found the atmospheric environment to be quite enjoyable, though also not so innovative, certainly engrossing. The monster animations needed some work- I caught them a few times moonwalking around. Sounds seemed solid, voice acting was at least decent, and dialogue was written in a way that seemed genuine or appropriate considering the fluctuating circumstances. Graphics, in general, were fairly par- though there were certainly some frame drops here and there. Gameplay had its thrilling moments (though less than what I desired), however, and this is my biggest critique of the game, the puzzles were MUCH TOO EASY. They were indubitably laughable. Perhaps the underwhelming horror aspect highlighted their over simplicity, but either way, awful. Everything else seems nitpicky compared to this particular criticism. Fairly good game by Frictional, nonetheless (especially if you find the story to be unique or interesting)..    … Expand
  21. OldSkoolGamerz
    Sep 24, 2015
    7
    It's not a bad game. A lot of the themes are based on the classic Japanese anime "Ghost in the Shell" (brilliant film by the way) and of course The Matrix, Bioshock etc etc and I also found it had a Doom 3 atmosphere about it. But the story and atmosphere doesn't really let the game down too much, it throws you in the deep end and you want to continue playing to piece things together inIt's not a bad game. A lot of the themes are based on the classic Japanese anime "Ghost in the Shell" (brilliant film by the way) and of course The Matrix, Bioshock etc etc and I also found it had a Doom 3 atmosphere about it. But the story and atmosphere doesn't really let the game down too much, it throws you in the deep end and you want to continue playing to piece things together in a pretty decent immersive world.

    My biggest problem with the game, and why I've decided to knock it back to a rating of a 7 is because the puzzles are far too easy, predictable and the game can be finished in two sittings. There is not really enough content other than puzzle solving to justify full-price atm. I guess there are people who will disagree, and find enjoyment opening every single empty cabinet or reading the back of every medication bottle - but I found there was a lack of reward and satisfaction in exploring every detail, especially when the story isn't a new concept and is a tad clichéd.

    To look at this game in a more positive light I would describe the experience as a 10 hour movie. Immersive, a bit of suspense, progression that leads to development in story and characters etc. You play through it once, just to experience it and say you've done it, and then you move on with life.

    This game is definitely worth a try for the experience, but it's not enough of a masterpiece to rush out and buy straight away.

    Wait until this one is on sale.    … Expand
  22. kakar00t
    Oct 2, 2015
    7
    La trama del juego me recuerda DOOM aunque con mas suspenso, los FX son brutales e interesantes y acompañados de un drama sutil hacen un la mezcla perfecta, creo que falta mas intriga con los monstruos como el "The Proxy" y mas dificultad en los acertijos .
  23. Renovatia
    Oct 3, 2020
    7
    This game is more like a walking simulator, as in it's an RPG where you don't have to walk that much this time because something interesting shows up quick enough, but the puzzles you're to solve are high-school grade at best.Finding your path and everything is a breeze. Not much challenges left.

    This game shines though because of its story line. The narration is well done, clear spoken    This game is more like a walking simulator, as in it's an RPG where you don't have to walk that much this time because something interesting shows up quick enough, but the puzzles you're to solve are high-school grade at best.Finding your path and everything is a breeze. Not much challenges left.

    This game shines though because of its story line. The narration is well done, clear spoken voice acting, subtitles available. The story is intriguing and left me to ponder now and then. The ending touched many hearts - some say the ending broke them. The big reveal is compelling indeed.

    Go to rooms, push the buttons, operate computers, find items to insert somewhere. Nothing complicated, just an occasional hassle. You'll visit multiple stations (locations) and you'll find you have to repeat the same process again. The main goal is to find the ARK, a machine of which I'm not going to reveal what it is.

    So if you expect a full blown challenging game, this game has quite a few negatives. But if you agree to go for the story line, then it's a fun experience. Listen carefully when there's talking or dialogue. It's worth it. You play this game for the story, remember?

    This game gave me about 7 to 8 hours of game time. So if you find it for a cheap price, take it.

    It's a 7 of 10, which is not bad at all as it just a walking simulator. But it's so well done.    … Expand
  24. BulgarianCritic
    Sep 3, 2019
    7
    The game starts really promising with many mysteries to uncover but little by little it starts becoming really predictable and by the middle of it you can kinda figure out how its gonna end.The gameplay is a simple hide and seek and sometimes doing puzzles but its mostly tedious and really tedious walking from point A to point B and theres a huge repetitiveness that gets tiring reallyThe game starts really promising with many mysteries to uncover but little by little it starts becoming really predictable and by the middle of it you can kinda figure out how its gonna end.The gameplay is a simple hide and seek and sometimes doing puzzles but its mostly tedious and really tedious walking from point A to point B and theres a huge repetitiveness that gets tiring really quickly story wise and gameplay wise.The ending was pretty good and i enjoyed the feeling that it leaves the player with but for me it was just not worth it to go through the walking simulator and annoying parts.The music and atmosphere were really great and the creatures designs were also fantastic.Id say buy this game at full price since i do think it deserves to be bought for full price and there are some things that will make it worthwhile especially if you are new to the horror genre… Expand
  25. marpolaris
    Jun 26, 2020
    7
    terror psicológico puro me ha hecho sentir cosas que ningún otro juego, bastante entretenido muy recomendable si te gusta el suspenso
  26. Chubac
    May 13, 2020
    7
    Good horror which tries to copy the formula that made Amnesia great, but sadly it's not as good. The tons of walking kinda kills the momentum of the game.
  27. KolesAdlerov
    Sep 4, 2022
    7
    Finally, sci-fi. Sadly, one-hole journey, again. After 1/4 of walktrough I just wanted it to end.

    Gameplay:
    combat mechanics 0/10
    stealth 4/10
    atmosphere [sjw abyss] 7/10
    Gameplay as immersive horror 4/10

    Story [lack of details or conspiracy] 8/10

    Graphics 8/10

    Sounds & music 7/10

    .
    After this... Amnesia Rebirth - to play or not to..?
  28. MaxieZeus
    Sep 5, 2022
    7
    Great story bad gameplay, same as a machine for pigs but the gameplay is slightly better and the story is more explanatory.
  29. Pmstz
    Feb 4, 2023
    7
    Nice game
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  30. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    7
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  31. Sjalka
    Oct 16, 2015
    6
    I am one of those that was not impressed by amnesia - or for that matter ... pretty much any of those suspense games (outlast, amnesia, monster etc. ) ... they are not quite my "thing" ... and i have not spend so much time with them that my judgement really is objective in that respect.

    So i review the title based on someone that is suspicious of this genre - and mainly looks at the    I am one of those that was not impressed by amnesia - or for that matter ... pretty much any of those suspense games (outlast, amnesia, monster etc. ) ... they are not quite my "thing" ... and i have not spend so much time with them that my judgement really is objective in that respect.

    So i review the title based on someone that is suspicious of this genre - and mainly looks at the technical and design side.

    The game looks good - not impressive ... but functionally good. The environments feel a little sterile - as in "not lived in" - opposed to lifeless due to an absence of NPCs. So damage and dirt feels carefully staged - and not as a consequence of actions.

    Sound design is "ok" - but more or less standard (it may of course be much better than i have experienced it - since i only plugged in a common stereo speaker system, no headphones, no 7.1 or so)

    In terms of optimization - it runs about as good as expected - but i have seen more detailed games run better - as well as more open games. The game is pretty linear with fairly small areas - or at least that is what it feels like - so i would have expected more attention to detail.

    All in all ... I found the experience not immersive enough. The scares were a bit too cheap - with the VHS like screen tearing, the low bass thumping sounds. It is like a horror movie that plays it a little too safe - and becomes a little boring. The only salvation for such a game would have been a superior story and storytelling - where SOMA kind of does not deliver satisfactory.

    The result is average.    … Expand
  32. ComradeKoval
    Sep 23, 2015
    6
    I really don't know why people tend to think that SOMA is a horror - it's utterly bad as horror. It could be a good thriller if you just remove "enemies". Penumbra-like fear of character's weakness (enemies are like invincible and don't even try to say that Amnesia was the first game with it) is outdated - game developers are feeding pubic with that for YEARS now and it was newerI really don't know why people tend to think that SOMA is a horror - it's utterly bad as horror. It could be a good thriller if you just remove "enemies". Penumbra-like fear of character's weakness (enemies are like invincible and don't even try to say that Amnesia was the first game with it) is outdated - game developers are feeding pubic with that for YEARS now and it was newer interesting. It's just the worst about this game. So overall we got:

    Bad graphics (particle effects were good sometimes yet overall they are crappy and please don't say that it's "all about style" and not about quality of 3d artist work; it's not a five-dollar-indie-game)

    Boring gameplay - puzzles are not very intuitive and overall are too easy, hiding from enemies are boring and ruining the thrill (they are not scary they just extend your playtime don't you see it?)

    Good and atmospheric level design but we already seen it in Alien Isolation not very long ago and all underwater levels exist only to extend playtime and irritate player.

    Mediocre narrative - not saying that it's bad; it's pretty good in a couple of ways yet there are games that are far better at that aspect.

    Mediocre plot - they really could just add a couple of less used twist and concepts; only teenagers haven't already seen all that a couple of times.

    Sounds were not bad, or it's just me being a little deaf.

    I tried really hard at wording and I'm really sorry for it still being bad.    … Expand
  33. ndee
    Aug 29, 2016
    6
    Pros: the general idea. Cons: goofs. That is: you can't swim underwater, but you can sprint. You need a very special suit to protect you from the pressure, but it's perfectly fine if one of your very armored gloves is torn off. Space gun built underwater (very, very stupid idea). etc.
    Still not a bad game in general.
  34. Mobile
    Dec 2, 2018
    6
    ENG RU
    Soma, the game from which everyone is delighted, they say that it is a masterpiece in the genre of horror with a deep plot that not only makes you think about your own life, full of drama, empathy, and food for the brain. But, here's the question, in what game you played and I including, because Soma certainly is not the great game for which it is exposed. Let's start with the fact    ENG RU
    Soma, the game from which everyone is delighted, they say that it is a masterpiece in the genre of horror with a deep plot that not only makes you think about your own life, full of drama, empathy, and food for the brain. But, here's the question, in what game you played and I including, because Soma certainly is not the great game for which it is exposed. Let's start with the fact that the whole tie we are told almost from the first 10 minutes, and after an hour, the player not only knows exactly who is playing and what is happening around, but even the slightest part of what keeps in suspense or makes you think who we are, what we are doing here. But more than that, the developer decided that it would be cool for the player to repeat all the same at different stations, because it makes the game even more a masterpiece and reveals the story, as well as the scene.Pull the levers, go to each PC, runs along the bottom of the sea, meet the robots, waiting for the water drain, waiting for the water filling, again pull the levers, communicate with Catherine, surprised squalor local enemies and after the first knockdown. shkandybin stand and then pull the levers. In the settings you can turn off the blur and additional effect that Soaps, makes it fuzzy, but the game still, it is as a separate organism. who knows how better and sometimes it refocuses, couldn't see a thing, plus if you're in the dark or knocked down. The ending does not cause tears, empathy. you don't sit with your mouth open and think WOW..wow.... It all becomes so clear during the game and certainly should not have to make the pasta for 8-10 hours.
    Soma, игра от которой все в восторге, говорят, что это шедевр в жанре хоррор с глубоким сюжетом, который не только заставляет задуматься над собственной жизнью, полна драмы, сопереживаний, а также пищей для мозгов. Но, вот вопрос, в какую игру вы играли и я в том числе, потому что Soma уж точно не является той великой игрой за которой ее выставляют. Начнем с того, что всю завязку нам сообщают чуть ли не с первых 10 минут, а уже по истечению часа, игрок не только точно знает за кого играет и что происходит вокруг, но и отпадает даже малейшая часть того, что держит в напряжении или заставляет думать, кто же мы, что мы здесь делаем. Но более того, разработчик решил, что будет классно, чтобы игрок повторял, всю тоже самое на разных станциях, ведь это еще больше делает игру шедевром и раскрывает сюжет, так же и место действия.Дергаем за рычаги, заходим в каждый пк, бегает по дну морскому, встречаем роботов, ждем слива воды, ждем наполнение воды, снова дергаем за рычаги, общаемся с Кэтрин, удивляемся убогости местных врагов и после первого нокдауна. встаем и шкандыбаем дальше дергать рычаги. В настройках можно отключить размытие и доп. эффект который мылит, делает ее нечеткой, но игре все равно, она как отдельный организм. который сама знает как лучше и порой так ее расфокусирует, что ни черта не видно, плюс если ты в темноте или в нокдауне. Концовка не вызывает слез, сопереживания. ты не сидишь с открытым ртом и думаешь ВАУ..вот это ДА.... Все это и так ясно становится по ходу игры и уж точно не стоило делать из нее пасту на 8-10 часов.    … Expand
  35. RazorSamurai
    Jan 10, 2019
    6
    Та же самая дилемма с ебанными бродилками по типу ларс оф фире и обсер но прикол в том что сеттинг игры очень хорош, правда, игра заставила меня подумать о памяти о разуме и прочим. В принципе мне не понравилось но и не непонравилась. Отношусь к ней положительно. Бомбило конечно но было хорошо.Та же самая дилемма с ебанными бродилками по типу ларс оф фире и обсер но прикол в том что сеттинг игры очень хорош, правда, игра заставила меня подумать о памяти о разуме и прочим. В принципе мне не понравилось но и не непонравилась. Отношусь к ней положительно. Бомбило конечно но было хорошо.
  36. bancandrei
    Jan 10, 2021
    6
    The experience is much too drawn out for it's own good making it feel rather boring. It does not have the great atmosphere of Penumbra or Amnesia, but it makes up for it with some really great ideas. This could have been much more if it had been shorter and more focused
  37. hileger
    Jan 19, 2023
    6
    заебали со своими нахуй прятками ,че придумать нихуя неможете.
    хоть нарратив сойдет
  38. Reviewer13
    Feb 5, 2023
    6
    I found the game to be incredibly boring. Too much important story plays out in emails and such like. The horror elements are week and more laughable than scary. You can pick up almost every object which leaves you at a point of not wanting to pick up any object when you enter a room. Story was OK and it was quite an original game in it's setting as well. But I just didn't enjoy playing itI found the game to be incredibly boring. Too much important story plays out in emails and such like. The horror elements are week and more laughable than scary. You can pick up almost every object which leaves you at a point of not wanting to pick up any object when you enter a room. Story was OK and it was quite an original game in it's setting as well. But I just didn't enjoy playing it and it became a drag to play through.… Expand
  39. Indrigis
    Oct 3, 2015
    5
    While SOMA does try to incorporate a lot of themes from all over, it fails at following any of them consistently. There's a distinct lack of even theoretical explanation for anything either. Certain mechanics and plot devices are just thrown at the player and neither the player nor the NPCs bother to question them. Sure, hand holding would be bad it is still never clear what rules SOMA'sWhile SOMA does try to incorporate a lot of themes from all over, it fails at following any of them consistently. There's a distinct lack of even theoretical explanation for anything either. Certain mechanics and plot devices are just thrown at the player and neither the player nor the NPCs bother to question them. Sure, hand holding would be bad it is still never clear what rules SOMA's world lives by. SOMA raises a lot of questions but does not bother answering them or at least showing any kind of author's viewpoint.

    Another big disappointment comes from the fact that gameplay directly counteracts the story. Attempting to listen to audio logs gets you killed by enemies with 200/20 hearing, for example. At the same time the enemies are hardly interactive and, being also invincible, become more of an immovable object than something you can outsmart. Most of the time the best course of action is to sit until you can no longer hear the enemy and then make a break for the next door hoping it actually allows you to progress, since it's impossible to have a plan.

    The pacing is also heavily damaged by lack of clear objectives or feedback. While it is realistic in the setting of the game, more often than not it feels like the game simply wants the player to guess what he's supposed to achieve at any given moment.

    All in all I find it really hard to compliment SOMA on anything in particular. The graphics and sound are okay, it does not crash to desktop... ...anymore, there are no loading screens. Itsa ok, no more.    … Expand
  40. Shockwave5
    Jan 14, 2019
    5
    Really interesting story, but it functions very poorly as a game. Soma is rich in atmosphere and invokes tough philosophical questions. The writing is decent and characters behave somewhat like a realistically but thats where the praise stops. The pacing is awful and the story moves way too slow and its only made worse by the boring game play. Nothing you do in this "game" is fun exceptReally interesting story, but it functions very poorly as a game. Soma is rich in atmosphere and invokes tough philosophical questions. The writing is decent and characters behave somewhat like a realistically but thats where the praise stops. The pacing is awful and the story moves way too slow and its only made worse by the boring game play. Nothing you do in this "game" is fun except exploring the environments. Plays too much like a walking simulator with some boring puzzles and some hide n seek thrown in. I think Soma would have been well served to make this campaign 2-3 hours shorter and it would have been a much better experience overall. Some of the game play sections dragged on far too long, but again, the story was intriguing. I often found myself reluctantly drudging through the game just to find the next clue, dead, body, or piece of dialogue, and unfortunately that comprised too much of the game for me to give it anything over a 5 (an average game strong in one area and weak in another).… Expand
  41. Mojitality
    Jan 19, 2023
    5
    The story, atmosphere and 5.1 sound are mind blowing.This game makes you wonder and reflect a lot on humanity and our future.
  42. vova22379
    Aug 17, 2022
    5
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  43. Zero_89
    Sep 2, 2023
    5
    I don't understand where all the praise that surrounds this game is coming from, gameplay is just your formulaic run from monster amnesia standard affair, and the story was mostly predictable.
    I really never want to think or see anything about this game ever again, I can't believe what mediocre Calvary this experience was, I genuinely can't see what the fuss was all about.
  44. karmasleeper
    Sep 26, 2015
    4
    SOMA is suspense/horror adventure game with light puzzle solving and an excellent story that keeps you engaged and guessing. Rather than juggle multiple gameplay mechanics, SOMA instead leads players along a linear path sneaking around monsters and performing menial tasks all while learning more about the world and its characters.

    The only gameplay to be found in SOMA outside of    SOMA is suspense/horror adventure game with light puzzle solving and an excellent story that keeps you engaged and guessing. Rather than juggle multiple gameplay mechanics, SOMA instead leads players along a linear path sneaking around monsters and performing menial tasks all while learning more about the world and its characters.

    The only gameplay to be found in SOMA outside of interacting with various computer terminals and objects is avoiding detection by monsters. Monsters patrol on set paths and if you make noise they will come to investigate. Monsters do not hound the player as aggressively as they did in Amnesia. This is because you cannot hide in furniture and other objects as you could in Amnesia. To compensate for this, monsters will only investigate part of a room or simply stand in the door way if you alert them. The unfortunate result is a loss of suspense and urgency. It also means you do not get the sense that you are being actively hunted as you did in Amnesia. Multiple times during my play through, monsters would block the only way through a section and I was forced to get attacked or intentionally alert a monster to my presence just to progress. When detected by a monster, you get knocked down and black out. When you wake up, the monster is gone but nearby and you suffer reduced mobility. If you get attacked again, you die. The simplistic stealth and primitive monster AI made these portions of the game very tedious after a short time. Early portions of the game I could simply sprint through, get knocked down once, and keep sprinting until safe or until enemies gave up pursuit.

    Unlike Amnesia: The Dark Descent, there is no inventory system and no need to manage supplies of any kind. While this makes sense given the context of the story, it removes a level of suspense and desperation, things sorely lacking in a game that bills itself as a horror title. Instead, items you carry simply materialize in your hand when you near an object they can interact with.

    The story and characters are the strongest aspect of the game. While predictable, I had a genuine desire to learn more about the events and characters of the station. The voice acting is top notch except for the player character. Much like Jason Brody in Far Cry 3, Simon sounds and behaves like a complete douche - especially in the final scene of the game. Listening to him give voice to the transhumanist themes of the story is like listening to an edgy philosophy student who read Descartes for the first time.

    For much of the game, you travel with another character. Your character will often question or idly banter this NPC when exploring a room or solving a puzzle. While a nice way to present the narrative or offer clues, it results in uneven pacing of calm and tense moments and because those tense moments become so tedious, I often found myself eager to rush past them rather than take my time evading so I could get the game over with more quickly.

    If you're ok paying $30 for a story driven walking game, SOMA is for you. If you were looking for a deeper horror experience with more challenging puzzles and more layers to the gameplay, you'll have to keep looking. Wait for a discount.    … Expand
  45. SH1
    May 7, 2016
    4
    Soma was not what I hoped for: I expected an Alien Isolation style horror game. Instead the monsters were boring. There is also a disproportionate amount of walking where nothing happens. I see some people refer to it as a "walking simulator", and I agree with them. Another problem is the graphics: it is somewhat headache inducing. On the plus side, I liked the story. I think if theSoma was not what I hoped for: I expected an Alien Isolation style horror game. Instead the monsters were boring. There is also a disproportionate amount of walking where nothing happens. I see some people refer to it as a "walking simulator", and I agree with them. Another problem is the graphics: it is somewhat headache inducing. On the plus side, I liked the story. I think if the storytelling was more character driven and the monsters scarier this would have been a great game.… Expand
  46. ragnarokew
    Nov 10, 2015
    4
    They have to change game system because it's not scary anymore story was ok graphics also ok there is nothing impressive i was expect much much better game from frictional game but they keep failing (see:Amnesia 2)
  47. Code45
    Sep 22, 2015
    4
    So SOMA on day one is having massive issues with bugs and some people cant even play the game. My computer Windows 10 DSR disabled
    intel core TM I5-4460 CPU 3.20ghz
    8 GB ram
    nvdia Geforce GTX 750 with latest drivers
    Has massive FPS issues that should not be going on. I RECOMMEND WAITING something is blatantly wrong with SOMA at this time but somehow it has lots of possessive reviews
  48. jdavis3581
    Apr 5, 2016
    4
    SOMA is not winning me over. Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere, I get it the atmosphere is kind of creepy! There is nothing going on!! The best thing about Amnesia was the fact that light was your best source of protection which was very difficult to keep going. Not to mention the fact they hit you with the freaky stuff at the onset and it kept building the white knuckle tension. It hadSOMA is not winning me over. Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere, I get it the atmosphere is kind of creepy! There is nothing going on!! The best thing about Amnesia was the fact that light was your best source of protection which was very difficult to keep going. Not to mention the fact they hit you with the freaky stuff at the onset and it kept building the white knuckle tension. It had really creepy monsters as well. This go around I guess we have robots. Subtlety today is overused and it just leads to being plain boring if one has played enough of these games. I will continue to play SOMA, hopefully I am wrong, however I doubt this to be the case.… Expand
  49. Sn0r
    Oct 5, 2016
    4
    It has some very good moments, but overall the game was a dissapointment for me. The story and even the ending was extremely forseeable. The game is very clearly divided into scary moments and story moments to a point where you just swing from running to reading. Yes the atmosphere is very good but overall it just falls short of what it could have been.
    I would have prefered to make it    It has some very good moments, but overall the game was a dissapointment for me. The story and even the ending was extremely forseeable. The game is very clearly divided into scary moments and story moments to a point where you just swing from running to reading. Yes the atmosphere is very good but overall it just falls short of what it could have been.
    I would have prefered to make it either as scary as Amnesia which would have been awesome in this underwater setting. Or a better story with some twists. It feels like the devs couldn't really decide where to go.
    For me the Ending was the biggest disappointment as I was really sitting in my chair and thought
    "Did they really just go for the most obvious ending possible? ****    … Expand
  50. Aleosha
    Jan 22, 2019
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've finished both Amnesia games, and I generally like them. But this one bore me to death. I couldn't believe it was actually made by the same team.

    The stealth is quite random and not interesting. You have better chances to run from the "zombies" or retry, than to actually sneak past them.

    Puzzles are often "find rusty button among all the rust" or "find really small object".
    Story: I was waiting for a second twist. In never came.    … Expand
  51. allwititnowsuck
    Feb 3, 2019
    3
    Play hide and seek with monsters, do something with terminals, repeat till you get to the end of the game.
    So sCaRy and exciting...just like mowing the grass...
  52. sashang
    Nov 12, 2015
    1
    I thought this game would be scary. Everyone raved about it like they raved about Amnesia, which I tried and found boring. Then I tried this hoping it would be scary, but all I do is play hide and seek. That's all these style of games amount to. A lot of running and hiding and counting to 10.
  53. Chaython
    Jan 2, 2019
    1
    Boring walking, grabbing, reading sim; the grabbing is terrible because your hands are non existent, the movement isn't fluid at all
    I opened a drawer and it hurt me
    items fall through desks etc
    you get the option to answer or reject calls I just reject them then nothing happens in the entire 3 minute scene
    bad graphics terrible voice acting
  54. CriticoDubioso
    May 8, 2022
    0
    The usual pretentious game from the Frictional Games people. In a game where it would make sense to be able to defend yourself from monsters, you just can't do it. These developers and their equally pretentious fans defend this as being part of the "horror" element to feel totally helpless. Its supposed to be an "experience". Give me a break.

    It is so boring that all these years and all    The usual pretentious game from the Frictional Games people. In a game where it would make sense to be able to defend yourself from monsters, you just can't do it. These developers and their equally pretentious fans defend this as being part of the "horror" element to feel totally helpless. Its supposed to be an "experience". Give me a break.

    It is so boring that all these years and all the money these developers have made that they remain belligerent toward stepping outside of the run and hide horror theme. In the past these games existed because game consoles and computers were not powerful enough to give us more options, there was at least a technical excuse. In this case people say outright mean, crude and insulting things to anyone who questions Frictional Games' efforts. We have tons of processing power in terms of CPUs and GPUs nowadays, even integrated graphics has come a long way too. Even resorting to the usual boring retaliation of, "You don't like the way they make games?, then make your own you idiot, how dare you critiicize these amazing people!" Ugh.

    The amount of fanatics who follow this company and willingly give them money for the same game every time are not better than the Call of Duty and Battlefield people who mainly buy and play due to peer pressure (look at the failed boycott of Modern Warfare 2 on PC to show that many have no integrity and will cave under peer pressure). The other defense is "this type of game is just not for you then", then the game shouldn't call itself a survival game, its barely a game and more just the developers trying to continue to make the same lame game as Penumbra was, same mechanics but with better graphics.

    Now fast forward to now because people are weak minded, we barely get multiplayer games where I can host my own stinking server, no, I have to pay the greedy publisher more money in a microtransaction, to rent or borrow a server that will likely be well out of my connection range and have poor ping, but they give you no choice.

    Why do they not allow you to host your own server? These greedy and selfish game companies don't want to give us the ability to prolong or improve their games through mods (so much for PC being the place for mods), very little of that these days with this culture of online surveillance and worse. So they deny us the ability to have critical files to make any meaningful improvements. Think about for a second, and imagine what it would be like if people on PC could take all of the pointstreaks or whatever from every single Call of Duty game from Modern Warfare 1 to say, Call of Duty Black Ops 4.
    Dozens of abilities and dozens of ways to play the game, especially if it was balanced and not frustrating, meaning, you still only get 3, but you can choose from everything from a basic helicopter to AGM missiles. The only things I would exclude for balancing, would be any streaks like the MOAB from MW3 where it removes the entire enemy team. On top of that, imagine a Call of Duty where you could use all of the weapons and not be restricted to what the developers allow for multiplayer.

    Frictional Games does allow mods but it would take a monumental effort to improve this game, so much so that it might be better to actually make a whole new game instead, its just not intuitive nor is it something I would want to spend my time doing, besides, these developers really need to branch out from the tired horror game themes and perhaps make a game where exploration is encouraged and you can defend your character from monsters/enemies, but perhaps that is asking too much because people will keep giving them money for the same game over and over, and we wonder as PC gamers why things are not what they used to be with mods and why everything is getting worse as developers continue to lie to us about "PC is the lead platform", all just marketing lies to manipulate people to buy the game.

    I am not going to say anymore, this game does not require any substantial critique, its the same type of game as Penumbra or Amnesia, if you want to play a game with some horror stuff and more exploration but has its own limitations, try to find a copy of Betrayer (its gone from steam) and download it, that game kept me more entertained than this garbage "horror experience".    … Expand
  55. MinchiaDander
    Oct 8, 2020
    0
    SOMA.

    Aspetto estetico e stile bellissimo. La storia parte interessante e mano a mano usando idee di merda e ipotizzando scenari degni di cry of fear continua piano piano a fare un climax basato su supposizioni inutili e basandosi sulla stupidità di Simon, regalandoci poi un finale cosi deludente che neanche quello di alan wake ha ispirato in me così tanta immaginazione sui nuovi dei    SOMA.

    Aspetto estetico e stile bellissimo.
    La storia parte interessante e mano a mano usando idee di merda e ipotizzando scenari degni di cry of fear continua piano piano a fare un climax basato su supposizioni inutili e basandosi sulla stupidità di Simon, regalandoci poi un finale cosi deludente che neanche quello di alan wake ha ispirato in me così tanta immaginazione sui nuovi dei da creare e insultare dando spazio alla mia vena creativa.
    Lo sviluppo dei personaggi inizia bene per poi sbattere contro un muro di testa a 100km/h senza frenare con un pensiero suicida premeditato cosi poi da farti odiare personaggi che stavi iniziando ad adorare e con cui stavi iniziando a simpatizzare.
    In conclusione il finale di questo "gioco" inutile mischiato alle scuse idote per una trama altrettanto inutile hanno trasformato la mia eccitazione per lo stile del genere in odio e rabbia verso gli sviluppatori e i loro rispettivi parenti non lasciandomi altro che non consigliare a nessuno e ripeto NESSUNO di provare questo magnifico "gioco" del cazzo.

    - Sup (in collaborazione con la sua ira)    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best PC Game of 2015
18
#18 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
20
#20 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 68 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 68
  3. Negative: 1 out of 68
  1. Quarter to Three
    Feb 13, 2016
    100
    As with any thoughtful storytelling, Soma works on multiple levels.
    Read full review
  2. PCWorld
    Jan 19, 2016
    100
    SOMA is not the horror game I expected out of Frictional, but I don’t care and it doesn’t matter. This is an excellent work of science fiction, not necessarily unique but uniquely told through its skillful use of video game conceits. It’s System Shock 2 for a modern sensibility, BioShock freed of its AAA chains. It’s damn good and, for my money, the most cohesive and ambitious game Frictional’s made so far.
    Read full review
  3. CD-Action
    Dec 16, 2015
    85
    I parted with Soma with the same feeling that came over me while I was watching “Matrix”, “Interstellar” or “Inception”. Once again someone came up with something no one thought of before and took me for an amazing ride into the unknown. [12/2015, p.40]
See all critic reviews »