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. 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    When you do playing "SOMA", you do realize that even with outdated engine, you can still make a good video game with original story!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 You can still make a good video game!When you do playing "SOMA", you do realize that even with outdated engine, you can still make a good video game with original story!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
  2. Naesh
    Sep 26, 2015
    10
    Playing it feels like an ice cold hand is grabbing at the back of your spine, quietly scratching those parts of your mind, that you don't want to look at. The terror of facing the truth will haunt you long after you have quit and switched off the computer. Everyone has those kind of fears, and people try to cope by escaping into a some kind of an illusory world, it is a very human thing toPlaying it feels like an ice cold hand is grabbing at the back of your spine, quietly scratching those parts of your mind, that you don't want to look at. The terror of facing the truth will haunt you long after you have quit and switched off the computer. Everyone has those kind of fears, and people try to cope by escaping into a some kind of an illusory world, it is a very human thing to do.
    But when the lights are out, and you are left alone in the dark, the truth will come out creeping from those small cracks that are always left between illusion and reality.    … Expand
  3. asfj
    Sep 28, 2015
    10
    So far so good, I have entered into Theta.
    I like the story paving, well layered, integrated/centralized and interesting/weird but easy to understand. At proper times, you get to know bit more that contributes to the main theme. Nowadays, devs like Chinese Room like to use fractionalized story telling which is really confusing and sometimes makes no sense, instead, SOMA's story telling is    So far so good, I have entered into Theta.
    I like the story paving, well layered, integrated/centralized and interesting/weird but easy to understand. At proper times, you get to know bit more that contributes to the main theme. Nowadays, devs like Chinese Room like to use fractionalized story telling which is really confusing and sometimes makes no sense, instead, SOMA's story telling is like a constant reward during progression to let you step by step know more useful about what is actually happening (You get meaning why you play the game over time!).

    No f**king jump scare. SOMA immerses you only with atmosphere and implied visional/sound effect which are not utterly scary, but keep in at a certain stress level which is just enough for me. (Only the shattered screen is extremely horrible, horrible but still it doesn't damage neuron like f**king jump scare as you can prepare to choose not to look at it).

    Hum, I would say it is a walk-simulator, but SOMA is just that good to experience, because its story is really worth it.

    Some problems:
    I've crashed 3times, please fix the issue ASAP.
    I have to quit to main menu after manual save?
    Some of the textures are out-of-date.

    Overall, SOMA is a carefully crafted interactive sci-fic thriller with nice story, paving and just on spot stress to squeeze your adrenaline in a health way while making you think a bit deeper how our world actually works.

    Plus, some of the most interesting things are the Kill/Not Kill choices you made (They are subtle. You will know when you play). Unknow how they have effect on the end. Let us see. I feel the choices are to test your morality, but either way has reasonable excuse to choose. A real dilemma.    … Expand
  4. FofTheReviewer
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    This is an amazing game from ever aspect; sound, atmosphere, monsters, and story.

    I think this is the best work of frictional yet, and I really eager to see what they are going to make in the future :)
  5. Collymilad
    Jun 13, 2017
    10
    Late review but I felt the need the write one playing the game again after nearly 2 years. It'll be a short one but I feel a point needs to be made.

    This is one of the most fantastic games ever made. People who are criticising this game because it "isn't scary" and other petty issues are completely missing the point and obviously lack the depth of mind to understand why this game is a    Late review but I felt the need the write one playing the game again after nearly 2 years. It'll be a short one but I feel a point needs to be made.

    This is one of the most fantastic games ever made. People who are criticising this game because it "isn't scary" and other petty issues are completely missing the point and obviously lack the depth of mind to understand why this game is a masterpiece.

    It's one of the most haunting pieces of entertainment I've ever consumed, anyone who is able to appreciate something for more than it is on the surface should definitely play this game at least once, in fact I implore you...

    That's not to say this is one of those games where you have to be "special" to appreciate it (those types of games irk me more often than not too) - it's more that you should ignore the few people who were unable to see this game and its themes for what they are and absorb them.

    Like I said, utterly brilliant and something that should be experienced by everyone. I won't go into any spoilers (even vague ones) even though it's not some twist or something else so cheap that makes this game what it is, it's the experience of playing through it - the game is even more amazing once you finish it and take the time to reflect on the scenarios and existential questions it puts to the player.

    Finally, please discount any review that contains the word "boring" - this game isn't for those people and never was.

    One of my top 5 games of all time.

    Just to add tech wise everything is good too - controls well, interaction with the world is simple but effective (+ the usual physics stuff) holds 30fps on PS4 (my 1st time) and will hold 60fps on a modest graphics card at max on PC (my 2nd time - yes I bought twice). Looks fantastic too, that is if you can appreciate good art design over simple tech prowess (although in my opinion it's no slouch there either)    … Expand
  6. skohl
    Jul 5, 2017
    10
    [no spoilers] This is a special game because of its setting - a series of deep-sea habitats and science facilities - which gives it a dark and lonely atmosphere. You won't find this kind of environment in any other game. On top of that, the game has extremely immersive controls and sound design. Just keep in mind, it's the kind of horror game where you can't fight, you have to run and[no spoilers] This is a special game because of its setting - a series of deep-sea habitats and science facilities - which gives it a dark and lonely atmosphere. You won't find this kind of environment in any other game. On top of that, the game has extremely immersive controls and sound design. Just keep in mind, it's the kind of horror game where you can't fight, you have to run and hide. The gameplay is mostly exploration and experiencing the story.… Expand
  7. Bortx
    Oct 17, 2015
    9
    Although I don't like horror games, this one was interesting with a thought provoking story. The environments are very immersive and the sound design is well done except for a few vocal recordings that are muffled and hard to understand. The game's atmosphere reminds me a bit of Riddick - Escape from Butcher Bay. The pacing is good with a mix of intense moments balanced out by some moreAlthough I don't like horror games, this one was interesting with a thought provoking story. The environments are very immersive and the sound design is well done except for a few vocal recordings that are muffled and hard to understand. The game's atmosphere reminds me a bit of Riddick - Escape from Butcher Bay. The pacing is good with a mix of intense moments balanced out by some more relaxing ones. Most of the game is just good story telling, no combat, some stealth, and a few puzzles that are not too hard but just enough to be rewarding. We haven't had many good single player experiences like this lately so this is a welcomed addition.… Expand
  8. HSuke
    Apr 7, 2017
    10
    The last time I played a horror game this immersive, atmospheric, and hauntingly beautiful was with System Shock 2. Soma has an amazing story and a top-notch sci-fi background. I enjoyed it more than Bioshock and Last of Us. The ending was shocking even though all the clues were there.
  9. Versao
    Nov 28, 2016
    10
    Pra mim um dos melhores da geração, coisa linda demais. Recomendo fortemente pra todos aqueles que gostam de um jogo com suspense e um final surpreendente.
  10. xcava86x
    Feb 4, 2017
    10
    Do yourself a favour and play this game.

    This is a masterpiece that every gamer should play, to find anything wrong with this game you've to be obnoxiously nitpicking, and you would still just be trying to make up things. This is a horror adventure that does what it is designed to do: tells you a creepy story letting you living it. Go to buy this game on http://somagame.com/ so    Do yourself a favour and play this game.

    This is a masterpiece that every gamer should play, to find anything wrong with this game you've to be obnoxiously nitpicking, and you would still just be trying to make up things.

    This is a horror adventure that does what it is designed to do: tells you a creepy story letting you living it.

    Go to buy this game on http://somagame.com/ so Frictional Games gets all the money.    … Expand
  11. stop9091
    May 7, 2016
    10
    One of my all-time favourites.

    Everything has been said, but it's important to point out that this is *not* a shooter/stealth game; it'is an exploration game. It's also not scary; it's unsettling. It's important to know those two things before approaching the game, otherwise some players may expect something different (ie. Amnesia, which is an entirely different game!).
  12. p-himik
    Jul 12, 2016
    10
    The amount of thinking the game has given me, and the amount of info I've been seeking for since completing it, is incomparable to any other game I've played. I am truly glad for this experience, and just as sad that it's very unlikely for something similar to happen again anytime soon.
  13. simesi
    Aug 28, 2016
    9
    This game doesn't end. Even when you see the black screen, its story and speeches remains in your head and make you think.. Good gameplay, good story, good game. 9/10
  14. Gwizzly
    Sep 22, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let me ask you this? What if you were to wake up in from a sleep, find out you've been dead for a thousand years, and you have your memories and entire life copied on a computer? That's the basics of Soma, which is ossibly by far the best original, best thought-provoking, emotional video game I ever had the chance to play. From the beautiful scenery, to the disturbing monsters, this game is surely one of the best games out there in modern times. The story is so compelling, the dialogue is superbly written out, the characters actually feel like actual people! Don't even get me started on the emotional scale of the video game. I'd highly recommend it; I mean, for **** sake, I made a metacritic account to rate this game 10/10. BEST game on the PC.… Expand
  15. ChronosHD
    Nov 1, 2016
    10
    One of the amazing, unforgettable, shockingly well put together games I played. The story made me sit close to the screen, the atmosphere is unique and very polished. I love voice acting, it is the most profound and professional I have seen within games. Not even one lame sentence. Slow clap. Love to see more from Frictional Games, keep it up guys! :3
  16. isfdi
    Jan 9, 2017
    10
    If you like to think about the philosophical problems of the mind, identity and consciousness and you like narrative sci-fi psychological horror video games. That is definitely for you. For me that combination its amazing. The sound, characters, voice acting, atmosphere are perfectly executed. It is water in the desert of FPS. A experience that video games rarely give.
  17. kch3691
    Dec 18, 2017
    10
    SOMA is probably my favorite narrative based video game ever. Made by the makers of Amnesia: Dark Descent most of the gameplay is peek-a-boo with monsters and a few puzzles. The game can be beat in under 8 hours and 10/10 achievements are a part of the story and can't be missed either which is a nice bonus.
  18. 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
  19. jakeman25
    Sep 22, 2015
    10
    I love Fictional Games work. Amnesia was a classic, this game comes 5 years later and feels like a true successor to what they have been working towards. It's an awesome game with a very mature, thought-provoking story that you'll wanna see through to the end. I won't spoil anything but you are in for a treat... Enjoy! 10/10
  20. 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...
  21. 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
  22. PrettyOkGuy
    Sep 28, 2015
    8
    "POOP" - Nerdcubed - At some point
    "BOOOO" - Barrack Obama - At some point
    "You Suck" - Michelle Obama - At Some Point
    "It's actually a pretty amazing game when you think about it" - IGN -About Fallout
    No etwas only a joke. It's an amazing game which i definetly recommend for anyone who liked amnisia or just any horror game in genereral were you actually get scared
    -ME
  23. thehenman
    Sep 24, 2015
    8
    Only played a few hours so far but this game is excellent. Mixture of survival horror, psychological horror, puzzle solving, and exploration, with a strong story narrative. The visuals and sound design is fantastic. Although not the most scary of games it has its moments, and is mainly psychologically scary and in that respect it's great. It's quite slow paced but the better for it. It'sOnly played a few hours so far but this game is excellent. Mixture of survival horror, psychological horror, puzzle solving, and exploration, with a strong story narrative. The visuals and sound design is fantastic. Although not the most scary of games it has its moments, and is mainly psychologically scary and in that respect it's great. It's quite slow paced but the better for it. It's £20 and very good value. Solid 8 so far… Expand
  24. arislight
    Sep 25, 2015
    10
    ¿Can anyone be disappointed with the guys of Frictional Games?
    NEVER.
    You sure will have some great games for people searching for something different with a nice Literature and Atmosphere. If you are expecting something like shooting and run to finish the game quickly this is not for you. I GIVE SOMA 10/10 In order to fully enjoy Soma, take a deep breath and contemplate every detail    ¿Can anyone be disappointed with the guys of Frictional Games?
    NEVER.
    You sure will have some great games for people searching for something different with a nice Literature and Atmosphere.
    If you are expecting something like shooting and run to finish the game quickly this is not for you.
    I GIVE SOMA 10/10
    In order to fully enjoy Soma, take a deep breath and contemplate every detail you can find in the immense world presented in this game.
    Of Course is not like Amnesia. It doesn't have to be like TDD.
    If you dont like this game maybe is not for you pleasant to READ.
    Maybe you dont read a book like NEVER.
    I dont find any better literatura in any other game.
    And if you still believe this is not a great game maybe you can CREATE a better one.
    Please do it.    … Expand
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. Puhlovik
    Sep 22, 2015
    10
    10 out of 10. I have finished the game in one day because the game just could not let me go. This game has just enough scary stuff for people like me who wants more of an adventure than of a horror (Amnesia was too scary for me). Great visual style, great performance and optimization, 0 issues. I still cant force myself to finish MGS 5.
  28. 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
  29. Zulgot
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    Absolutely awesome horror game! Amazing sound design, abient music, monster design and story! That story and setting man... just so, so good! You will soon feel like you are in the game.
  30. 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
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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 »