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

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. elitedata
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    I didn't expect much from this game but it turned out that it's one of the best games I've ever played. Wonderful atmosphere, amazing story. I'm 34 years old guy and I literally had a teardrop in my eye on the ending. It speaks for itself. No other game had such an effect on me.
  2. 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
  3. okamimiyazaki
    Oct 31, 2015
    10
    You're probably wondering if SOMA is Frictional's recovery from the awful Machine for Pigs... The answer is: yes. It is much better than MfP and just as good as the Dark Descent. It may not be quite as scary as TDD but it's still very scary at parts and definitely a thrilling experience. The game is extremely immersive with amazing sound effects; a must-buy if you like these types ofYou're probably wondering if SOMA is Frictional's recovery from the awful Machine for Pigs... The answer is: yes. It is much better than MfP and just as good as the Dark Descent. It may not be quite as scary as TDD but it's still very scary at parts and definitely a thrilling experience. The game is extremely immersive with amazing sound effects; a must-buy if you like these types of immersive 1st person games or if you liked TDD.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. ricmetal
    Apr 16, 2017
    10
    This is a rare game for me, in which i found every aspect to be perfect. The world looks awesome, very believable and makes you feel you really are there, in that world. Story-telling and story are on point. Enemies are the exact amount of difficult, balanced with everything else. Just 5 star experience.
  6. jc_denton
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    The true existential horror is in the story, not the monsters. In fact, I'd call it one of the best video game stories of all time, right up there with the likes of Metal Gear Solid, Deus Ex, Silent Hill 2 and Bioshock. This game gets a 10 just for that.

    Please remember a score of 10/10 doesn't mean perfection in my book. SOMA has some glaring issues, most of which has to do with the    The true existential horror is in the story, not the monsters. In fact, I'd call it one of the best video game stories of all time, right up there with the likes of Metal Gear Solid, Deus Ex, Silent Hill 2 and Bioshock. This game gets a 10 just for that.

    Please remember a score of 10/10 doesn't mean perfection in my book. SOMA has some glaring issues, most of which has to do with the jumpscare tactics and loud noises the game likes to throw at you. There are also some issues with the main character and how stupid he is not understanding what's really going on when it has been obvious for the observant player for quite some time.

    But these issues are just me nagging. They are minor, and I honestly shouldn't even have spent the keystrokes it took to type them out when I could have gushing about story. But I don't want to spoil you. Go out there and experience the game for yourself. It's absolutely worth it, and while the story would work out well in a book or movie, the video game medium actually strengthens the delivery of that story, as you yourself have to walk around, pick up the pieces, and try to tie everything up.    … Expand
  7. adam000
    Mar 16, 2016
    10
    this game is a thoughtful, psychological horror/ sci-fi masterpiece. If you like deep storytelling, and heavy atmosphere then this game is made for you. The scariest thing about this game that it will make you think about life and death, and not in the happy way. there're far worse fates than just dying, it's not an easy game to just digest.
  8. ChosenOne
    Mar 12, 2016
    10
    Story & atmosphere in Soma are just superb! It could be a great movie, or a book, but instead it's an even better game. Looks like guys from Frictional games just know what they are doing.
  9. Antek
    Sep 26, 2015
    10
    It's a fantastic game. The story seems familiar if you are into si-fi, but authors "tell" it in a very immersive and emotional way using really good visuals and sound.
  10. BellinoP
    Oct 22, 2015
    10
    Great game, if you love exploring not too complicated puzzles and a great sci-fi story that has you on the edge of your seat the whole time then this game is for you. scary as hell in part do to the fact you can only hide and not kill anything but that just adds to the tension.
  11. super-mpm
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    This is such an amazing game. This game played with my mind and feelings like very few other games did, and there is no other game that uses the concepts of loneliness and conscience like SOMA does. I agree it has a few weaknesses like the combat but it's just a tiny downside of an incredible game.
  12. Gnawer
    Jan 1, 2016
    10
    Great interactive story with a lot of ideas to think about. There is a lot to explore while you progress along the game, and every detail gives some extra insight into what happened there and how the story progresses.
  13. LXQUICKJUSTICE
    Nov 14, 2015
    10
    Honest Review... This game is 4x better than I expected. For $30 the graphics are just gorgeous. I'm a huge fan of the Amnesia series, but like an honest fan, I can admit A Machine for Pigs was... pretty stupid... Had the enemies been something else besides pigs the game might have been perfect, but SOMA is a solid accomplishment for Fritctional Games. At first I hated the setting becauseHonest Review... This game is 4x better than I expected. For $30 the graphics are just gorgeous. I'm a huge fan of the Amnesia series, but like an honest fan, I can admit A Machine for Pigs was... pretty stupid... Had the enemies been something else besides pigs the game might have been perfect, but SOMA is a solid accomplishment for Fritctional Games. At first I hated the setting because it just seemed like a microwaved Bioshock clone, but this game is much more than that. In terms of presentation, it definitely sells the idea of being underwater immeasurably more than Bioshock. I demand a little more from my games than the average player in terms of story because I remember the good old days when Ken Levin was creating "Thief" and "System Shock 2," and even though SOMA and those games are completely different animals, on the level of depth and effort put into them, they're equal. SOMA is a slow burn, something you have to let yourself enjoy until you find yourself thinking about it's eerie atmosphere when you're playing something totally unrelated. It has this seriously frightening "Leviathan 1989" feel to it, in the best possible way. There was something charming about that B movie, and SOMA just takes that and runs with it. There's no telling what kind of freak you're listening to when you hear its ghastly gurgling and grunting in the darkness. It could be anything. The monster designs are superb, especially for a $30 game. There is no doubt about that. The only drawback is the extremely slow pace and... Mr. Wan's impossibly complex simulation mission... which is soul sucking... but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, definitely way more than I thought I would. My first impression was "Meh," but now it's a favorite; that's a good game. Only titles like the aforementioned "Thief the Dark Project," or "System Shock 2," or the outrageously good "Amnesia the Dark Descent" can stay with you like that.… Expand
  14. artemonster
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    This is perfect. On every level. THe philosophy questions it raises are just amazing. The gameplay combined with atmosphere is also great. I didn't like the monster parts of the game, because they kept interferring with my bits and pieces of story that I tried to collect. Still, an amazing 100% game.
  15. LyonSH
    Oct 1, 2015
    10
    For a long time did not go good games with the plot, just 10/10
    Great graphics, the atmosphere of the game and a soundtrack that makes the brain. I would recommend.
  16. Bademantel
    Feb 14, 2016
    10
    Perfect in every way! Exceptional Sound/Atmosphere, after some minutes you feel so linked to the main character! Really unique setting (maybe a bit "Bioshock-ish") and an awesome unexpectable plot. Played through with my mates. I really recommend this game!
  17. maths
    Oct 1, 2015
    10
    Given that I like psychological story driven games, this was one of the best gaming experiences I ever had. Do not spoil it by reading about the game or watching videos. This game is best enjoyed when you do not know what to expect.
  18. 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
  19. Radioactivebuny
    Jan 12, 2016
    10
    The one good scare I got out of it quickly became an afterthought in the face of the immense questions it presented about the very nature of being a conscious, extant being. With such monolithic concepts as what it means to BE, period, what it is to be human, how consciousness works and what the mind is being the primary concepts dealt with by the game, SOMA stands out as a solid horrorThe one good scare I got out of it quickly became an afterthought in the face of the immense questions it presented about the very nature of being a conscious, extant being. With such monolithic concepts as what it means to BE, period, what it is to be human, how consciousness works and what the mind is being the primary concepts dealt with by the game, SOMA stands out as a solid horror game with its true scares being the questions and doubts it leaves with the player. And those are things the player will almost certainly carry with them for the rest of their life.

    SOMA helped me finish (for now) solidifying my understanding of those issues. I actually did quite well, I'd say, in figuring things out for myself beforehand. No philosophy textbooks needed. I would actually recommend SOMA as a very well-put-together presentation of those issues.    … Expand
  20. 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
  21. Retortful
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    This is one of the best games I have ever played. Like the Portal series, Bioshock series, and Half Life series, this game is a true work of art that reflects the creatives behind it. While the graphics aren't quite up to standard with triple A titles such as Alien: Isolation, this game surpasses most in it's art style. From an artistic view, this is one of the most well-crafted games IThis is one of the best games I have ever played. Like the Portal series, Bioshock series, and Half Life series, this game is a true work of art that reflects the creatives behind it. While the graphics aren't quite up to standard with triple A titles such as Alien: Isolation, this game surpasses most in it's art style. From an artistic view, this is one of the most well-crafted games I have ever played. Beyond visuals, Soma has one of the most enthralling stories I've ever played as well.

    I even consider this to have a better story than Bioshock 1 and 2, and I find it on par with Bioshock Infinite, as well as Portal 2. I don't think I've ever been more satisfied with a game's story as I have with Soma. I haven't really said anything about the story, and it's because I think going in to this game with no pre-conception of what the story is will make it all the more entertaining.    … Expand
  22. Nickolababaiko
    Mar 18, 2018
    10
    Умный научно-фантастический хоррор! Где есть и наука и фантастика и местам страшно! Глубочайшая атмосфера и интереснейший сюжет! После концовки минут 10 переваривал её...конец и хороший и плохой одновременно! Рекомендую!Умный научно-фантастический хоррор! Где есть и наука и фантастика и местам страшно! Глубочайшая атмосфера и интереснейший сюжет! После концовки минут 10 переваривал её...конец и хороший и плохой одновременно! Рекомендую!
  23. AstiX
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    Fascinating storyline that will leave you thinking about it for days. Very well crafted in every department - atmosphere, graphics, music, voice-acting, sound design. Truly an amazing first-person adventure will easily suck you into its world.

    I only wish it made more use of its wonderful physics in gameplay like in the Penumbra series.
  24. 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.
  25. twkonefal
    Oct 5, 2015
    10
    I was jumping in my seat on more than one occasion. I get creeped out just loading it up. No clunky 'pick-up' mechanics or power-ups to grind through, just solve puzzles and work your way through this world to discover yourself and your purpose. Put on a good pair of adult diapers for this one!
  26. roberttrufant
    Jun 4, 2017
    10
    This game is so deep and engrossing and thought provoking that I have to review it. I have been playing PC games since 1983. This is the first time I have stayed up all night playing a game in over 15 years. That is how good it is.. Although it is a terrifying horror game, it is the story that is so incredibly good. The story, the atmosphere. The thought provoking premise will be inThis game is so deep and engrossing and thought provoking that I have to review it. I have been playing PC games since 1983. This is the first time I have stayed up all night playing a game in over 15 years. That is how good it is.. Although it is a terrifying horror game, it is the story that is so incredibly good. The story, the atmosphere. The thought provoking premise will be in the player's mind for years to come. One of the best games since computer gaming began. If you have ever thought about existence, you really should play this game. It is more than a game. It's an outstanding story that is perfectly realized in the computer gaming environment. Look past the fear and into the real deal here: Life, death and everything in between.… Expand
  27. 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.
  28. Xzenor
    Mar 4, 2020
    10
    It's an awesome mix of horror and adventure with a twisted and awesome story. I had a lot of fun playing this game and I love how the story unfolded itself and kept me interested from start to finish.

    Anything more would be a spoiler. ;)

    Anyway, I highly recommend this game. Would've loved to say more but I don't want to spoil anything.
  29. aquiles1990
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Masterpiece of Horror Storytelling . This game insert fear on the script rather than their enemies. Truly one of the most unique Sci-Fi tales i've ever experienced . Buy this game and support Frictional games . This guys are only the few truly Horror developers remaining on the industry
  30. 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
prev
Page:

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 »