User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1400 Ratings

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  1. 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. 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. 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...
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  4. 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)
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  5. 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.
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  6. 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. 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. 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!
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  9. 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.
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  10. 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. 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. 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.
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  13. 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. 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. 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.
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  16. 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. 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. 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.
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  19. 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.
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  20. 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)..
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  21. 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.
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  22. 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. 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.
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  24. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Feb 4, 2023
    7
    Nice game
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  30. 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»
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 68 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 68
  2. Negative: 1 out of 68
  1. Feb 13, 2016
    100
    As with any thoughtful storytelling, Soma works on multiple levels.
  2. 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.
  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]