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    When you do playing "SOMA", you do realize that even with outdated engine, you can still make a good video game with original story!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 You can still make a good video game!When you do playing "SOMA", you do realize that even with outdated engine, you can still make a good video game with original story!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
  31. 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
  32. Scharfer
    Oct 2, 2015
    9
    Amazing sound and great design. This game does not scare you, but cultivates fear in the mind. Almost intelligent horror. Still not a breakthrough, but it is... close.
  33. 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.
  34. 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
  35. 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
  36. ZeGypsy
    Nov 16, 2015
    9
    Didn't go in with much of an expection and was blown away. Expect 7-9 hours of exciting gameplay, mainly based on exploration and storytelling. While the story is for the most part good, i saw the end coming a mile away - But still. i warmly recommend it
  37. 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.
  38. 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
  39. 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)
  40. 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
  41. 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
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. BSim500
    May 12, 2016
    9
    Wow, what a great game. I've played all of Frictional's previous games before (the Penumbra & Amnesia series) so had a rough idea of what to expect but this is definitely the best so far. It feels like a cross between Penumbra, Bioshock, and System Shock 2 and it works out pretty well. Frictional are probably one of the few devs who know how to make a decent horror game (ie, provide aWow, what a great game. I've played all of Frictional's previous games before (the Penumbra & Amnesia series) so had a rough idea of what to expect but this is definitely the best so far. It feels like a cross between Penumbra, Bioshock, and System Shock 2 and it works out pretty well. Frictional are probably one of the few devs who know how to make a decent horror game (ie, provide a persistent underlying unnerving atmosphere without over-saturating cheesy "jump scares" and "piano punch" sounds every 20 meters). SOMA isn't a shooter. It's a cross between a horror and a first person adventure game, but a much deeper psychological one about slipping away from your own identity rather than a shallow "BOO! HAHAHA MADE YOU JUMP IN A DARK ROOM!" 'horror' game which are prevalent these days.

    Graphics are pretty good overall - average to good textures but superb highly atmospheric lighting, shadow & underwater effects that fit the setting & mood perfectly. The environment (like the Penumbra games) is highly interactable and you can pick up and move almost every object. They really have done a great job evolving the HPL engine. Voice acting & ambient sounds are well done. Ambient music is just right - present and intermittent but neither in-your-face or subdued. Level designs are good. Puzzles in the game are easy but also logical. There's no point demanding super hard puzzles if they end up artificially convoluted and out of place.

    There's a lot of attention to detail paid over minor things too. Eg, the head-bob effect feels just right and not stupidly over-done "waddling giraffe in a surgical collar simulator" as even big budget AAA developers consistently manage to mess up. The game is checkpoint save based but also permits an option for enabling F9 Quicksave / F10 Quickload via an ini file tweak. The mouse & keyb input feel fairly solid, keys are fully rebindable, mouse has sensitivity & smoothing options, etc. Lots of little things like that add up to a sense of polish and design maturity that SOMA actually feels like a PC game well ported to a console, not a console game badly ported to a PC.

    Overall it's a great example of what a creative and interesting horror game should be like once you move beyond the typical cut-and-paste "formula" of jump-scares, piano thumps, screams in overly dark asylums, flickering lights, etc. There are one or two minor annoyances which preclude a perfect 10, eg, I found the Depth of Field effect even on "Low" is excessive in places and it would be nice to have the option to disable it completely or at least add a "Very Low" option that halves the blur effect again. This game is still a solid 9 though. It has come together so well, is a very fresh feeling gem in a genre of samey-ness, the horror / adventure hybrid feel works perfectly in just the right balance and the above attention to detail paid over minor things, that it's well worth a play. I sincerely hope Frictional Games continue to develop more of these in the future.    … Expand
  45. 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
  46. curzon_dax
    Jun 5, 2019
    8
    I think it was kinda overrated, but still great.

    1. I think gameplay could be more complex because most puzzles are extremely easy to the point of feeling like a walking simulator for most of the time. There are some exceptions but it's never hard and never enough. 2. The horror element wasn't done badly but personally I think it was a bit forced. It was relatively repetitive and    I think it was kinda overrated, but still great.

    1. I think gameplay could be more complex because most puzzles are extremely easy to the point of feeling like a walking simulator for most of the time. There are some exceptions but it's never hard and never enough.

    2. The horror element wasn't done badly but personally I think it was a bit forced. It was relatively repetitive and predictable, it did manage to scare little but it wasn't very pleasant. I guess it was also fan service.

    3. The story in general was the better part of the game, however it wasn't anything extremely revolutionary nowadays and the main character could have been a lot more intelligent.    … Expand
  47. 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
  48. 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.
  49. 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 .
  50. 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.
  51. 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
  52. 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.
  53. 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
  54. kezzyhko
    Aug 5, 2020
    9
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  55. 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.
  56. Pmstz
    Feb 4, 2023
    7
    Nice game
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  57. 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.
  58. 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
  59. 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.
  60. sft
    Sep 8, 2020
    8
    A deep depression.

    8.25 /10 • Extremely evocative but seriously gloomy story. It's well executed, and is marred only by some clunky controls (PC) and the unremitting despair that it induces. Some humour really would have helped here – there's always room for humour, no matter how grim a story may be.
  61. 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.
  62. AndreRLZ
    Feb 17, 2017
    9
    Frictional Games sa fare i giochi horror. Questo Soma é un gioco che ha tutti gli ingredienti giusti per essere considerato uno dei migliori horror in prima persona di sempre. Trama originale e narrata molto bene: si parte in una situazione totalmente surreale e si inizia pian piano a capire il contesto in cui ci si trova tramite foglietti, appunti, e altro, sempre in maniera abbastanzaFrictional Games sa fare i giochi horror. Questo Soma é un gioco che ha tutti gli ingredienti giusti per essere considerato uno dei migliori horror in prima persona di sempre. Trama originale e narrata molto bene: si parte in una situazione totalmente surreale e si inizia pian piano a capire il contesto in cui ci si trova tramite foglietti, appunti, e altro, sempre in maniera abbastanza credibile e "realistica". La cosa che stupisce di piú del gioco é proprio il setting e la storia, il contesto generale é veramente una figata: si é in una base sottomarina senza capire esattamente dove, quando, perché e come, giá solo l'impostazione regala un senso di angoscia e malinconia non indifferenti. I nemici sono pochi ma sono fatti estremamente bene, un po' sull'impronta di Amnesia The Dark Descent. L'ansia raggiunge picchi altissimi, riesce a fare veramente tanta paura. Comparto audio eccellente (caposaldo del gioco), comparto grafico ottimo ma purtroppo su PC (su schede nvidia) soffre di stuttering continuo e non sembra esserci alcun fix definitivo.. onestamente dá abbastanza fastidio, anche se il titolo rimane giocabilissimo. La durata é adeguata (10-12 ore) e alterna benissimo sezioni ansiogene a sezioni calme e di esplorazione. Scenari bellissimi sott'acqua, level design sempre ottimo. Un gioco nel complesso fatto molto bene, che pecca di qualche problemino tecnico su alcuni PC e di un doppiaggio che secondo me poteva essere anche fatto meglio. Inoltre sa leggermente di "giá visto" (negli Amnesia) per lo stile generale, ma questo credo sia inevitabile. Il fattore "wow" della prima volta non si puó replicare. 8.5 / 10… Expand
  63. Tomle1202
    May 30, 2022
    9
    SOMA is a thought-provoking narrative experience backed by some absolutely outstanding sound designs and voice acting.
  64. NeptuneUK
    Oct 6, 2019
    9
    I'm someone who usually just plays through most games just the once (if I even make it that far).
    With SOMA, however, I played through this two times in a row, and thoroughly enjoyed finding all of the hidden notes and dialogue tapes. I found the entire world fully immersive and fascinating.
    I have to say, even as a huge old school FPS DOOM and Quake fan, this was one of my favourite    I'm someone who usually just plays through most games just the once (if I even make it that far).
    With SOMA, however, I played through this two times in a row, and thoroughly enjoyed finding all of the hidden notes and dialogue tapes. I found the entire world fully immersive and fascinating.

    I have to say, even as a huge old school FPS DOOM and Quake fan, this was one of my favourite first person perspective games I played in 2016.... The story really resonated with me, and as someone who found the Amnesia series a bit hit and miss, I found the graphics and art style beautiful, the monsters terrifying and this is as about as far away as you can get from a standard FPS.
    'Walking simulator' could be an unfair assessment of it as the stealth, puzzle and action sections are both exhilarating and absolutely horrifying.... AND OMG THE SOUND DESIGN!!! Beautiful... One of the best 8 (X2) hours I've ever spent on any form of electronic media. Highly recommended, even for people who are usually averse to the genre.    … Expand
  65. CandarianGaming
    Apr 27, 2016
    9
    I found this interesting at first then it slowly consumed me. I highly recommend if you like atmospheric first person survival horror games with occasional puzzles and question what it means to be human
  66. mustang8
    Oct 8, 2019
    10
    An existential crisis is taking place - 5000 meters below the ocean:

    Calling SOMA merely a horror game and comparing it to those who utilize one's defensive reflexes to tediously scare them, would be indignity to this masterpiece that is merely meters away from defining a genre. In SOMA, you need to find your way through an underwater observatory named PATHOS-II, with intriguing    An existential crisis is taking place - 5000 meters below the ocean:

    Calling SOMA merely a horror game and comparing it to those who utilize one's defensive reflexes to tediously scare them, would be indignity to this masterpiece that is merely meters away from defining a genre.

    In SOMA, you need to find your way through an underwater observatory named PATHOS-II, with intriguing characters, terrifying beasts and enthralling environments scattered around the journey.

    Monsters, creatures that spur as a mixture of our definition of a predator and an abomination are not the main devices used to scare the player in SOMA. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

    In SOMA, the idea of a monster is what terrifies the player. The fact that it could be right around the corner you're staring at, or that it could hear you placing that fuse and lash out at you any second.

    In SOMA, it is not a random generator that dictates whether your fate leads to victory or the belly pit of an agitated monster; it's entirely and only your actions. As the player, you need to overcome the terror induced by the agonizing screams coming from the beast next door to think, grab and complete your objective.

    Besides the frightening mechanics, SOMA does an incredible job of having the player feel like they are actually roaming an ocean floor sprinkled with aging yet top-of-the-line technological material. It does an excellent job of having the player feel free to (anxiously) go anywhere even if their path is a dedicated linear passage.

    Overall, SOMA is an ambitious yet brilliant game that both terrifies you through original and fun mechanics while exploring an extremely controversial subject regarding the human soul.    … Expand
  67. 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
  68. Detraxxx
    Mar 23, 2016
    9
    Very good game. I expected no less from the creators of Amnesia. Atmosphere is awesome and fear is always present. Whole story is unique and the environment makes it even better. This psychological horror will make you think about meaning of life. The puzzles could have been done a bit more difficult, though.
  69. iPabog
    Oct 1, 2021
    8
    Геймплей 6/10
    Звук-музыка 8/10
    Графика 7/10 Интерфейс и управление: 7/10 Реиграбельность на один раз Достаточно интересный сюжет, но не оригинальный. Атмосфера на годном уровне. Звуковые сопровождения и эффекты более чем годные. Если бы игра была в виаре то 10 из 10.    Геймплей 6/10
    Звук-музыка 8/10
    Графика 7/10
    Интерфейс и управление: 7/10
    Реиграбельность на один раз

    Достаточно интересный сюжет, но не оригинальный. Атмосфера на годном уровне. Звуковые сопровождения и эффекты более чем годные. Если бы игра была в виаре то 10 из 10.
  70. Glimik
    Feb 28, 2022
    10
    I still have to discover another game able to build inside of me such levels of tension. Masterpiece in his genre.
  71. 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.
  72. Panica3643D
    Jun 16, 2018
    9
    Великолепная игра! Отличный сюжет, который держит в напряжении до самого конца.
  73. 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!
  74. Dubeau
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    Frictionnal games did it again. A good scifi/horror told in a very calculated way. Great atmosphere and sounds. Graphics are pretty good. All the underwater is very similar to Bioshock. Control are great with a controller. I give it 92%. I mean I have nothing bad to say about it. It's just a fun scary game.
  75. angelknives
    Dec 11, 2020
    9
    This is an amazing game. The story is intriguing and disturbing. Its world is monstrously beautiful. Just traveling through this world and discovering what happened, and why you are there, is one of the best journeys I've had in gaming. The existential dread this game left me with afterwards, lingered for weeks, so you know the story was well executed.

    The only reason I can't give it a    This is an amazing game. The story is intriguing and disturbing. Its world is monstrously beautiful. Just traveling through this world and discovering what happened, and why you are there, is one of the best journeys I've had in gaming. The existential dread this game left me with afterwards, lingered for weeks, so you know the story was well executed.

    The only reason I can't give it a 10/10 is because of the monsters. While I love their creepy designs, it would've been better to just have them be passive wanderers, rather than actual threats. Sneaking around them really just takes away from the game. Just encountering them as some kind of mysterious entities would've worked better for this game. Other than that, this game is amazing and one of my absolute favourites.    … Expand
  76. bronzi
    Sep 24, 2019
    10
    This is probably the best story I've experienced in a video game. There's conceptual depth and many "wow" moments, not only in the game itself, but in the ways that it makes you think outside of the game.
    The puzzles are perfect. I'm so glad to play a puzzle game (of sorts) that I didn't have to get help with once. Everything is intuitive and sensical without feeling too easy. The puzzles    This is probably the best story I've experienced in a video game. There's conceptual depth and many "wow" moments, not only in the game itself, but in the ways that it makes you think outside of the game.
    The puzzles are perfect. I'm so glad to play a puzzle game (of sorts) that I didn't have to get help with once. Everything is intuitive and sensical without feeling too easy. The puzzles don't feel like gameplay systems--each one feels like a unique and interesting challenge that you have to think about in real-world terms rather than in "game" terms.
    The end of the story is an incredible emotional and intellectual payoff.
    One of the most profound game experiences I've had.    … Expand
  77. 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
  78. pawq
    Feb 20, 2023
    9
    SOMA took a while to grow on me, but when it did... holy **** A truly brain-bending concept executed in a brilliant manner. What irritated me initially were the significant resemblances to other classic games, such as Dead Space and BioShock, but eventually SOMA found its own character and became a deeply immersive experience. In many ways the exploration of the underwater base (and openSOMA took a while to grow on me, but when it did... holy **** A truly brain-bending concept executed in a brilliant manner. What irritated me initially were the significant resemblances to other classic games, such as Dead Space and BioShock, but eventually SOMA found its own character and became a deeply immersive experience. In many ways the exploration of the underwater base (and open seafloor) was very realistic, and always immersed in a thick and tense atmosphere, created by the world and character design, music, sound, and charismatic and convincing voice acting. It could be better visually (which I guess is down to the relatively small team behind it), but that didn't prevent it from providing some of the most intense and profound moments I've ever experienced in a game.

    A definite must-play.    … Expand
  79. Ikarian123
    May 27, 2020
    10
    Strong story with great gameplay. Game with philosophy and self-reflection of humanity. Not such scary like Penumbra etc., but that does not matter. And "Safe mode" is pleasant surprise. Game was scary even without threat of killing by monsters.
    Its not masterpiece, but I cant give less than 10/10.
  80. Beeshu
    Dec 28, 2022
    9
    One of the best stories in horror gaming. This game didn't need the annoying monster chases from Outlast and Amnesia. It stands on its amazing plot alone. Definitely recommended for people who like deep sci-fi stories about the human condition and other interesting themes. Frictional Games nails it.
  81. Grachechkovski
    Jun 2, 2019
    9
    Beautiful simulation of the rotation of objects, as in Until Down straight. You can also admire yourself in the mirror.

    Total: 9/10.

    P.S. The game is really worth going through - the atmosphere and the plot is absolutely enchanting.
  82. 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
  83. 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
  84. DJKrimson
    Nov 11, 2020
    9
    Best survival horror game I've played. Usually in these games it's not that scary anymore after a while, but this one is scary all the way. The story is really good.
  85. Zeratex
    Dec 30, 2019
    9
    SOMA is a thought provoking horror atmospheric game.
    The storytelling is vague and deep, you need to uncover the mystery of what happened to the world, the themes are complicated and made me think a lot after i finished the game, it asks a lot of deep questions about humanity and identity. Characters are presented via their backstory.
    Puzzles are funny although easier than Amnesia. The    SOMA is a thought provoking horror atmospheric game.
    The storytelling is vague and deep, you need to uncover the mystery of what happened to the world, the themes are complicated and made me think a lot after i finished the game, it asks a lot of deep questions about humanity and identity. Characters are presented via their backstory.
    Puzzles are funny although easier than Amnesia.
    The scare factor is also lower than most famous horror games, however the atmosphere and the story is what makes it disturbing.
    Gameplay is minimal and its mostly puzzles and walking.
    Soundtrack is great.

    One of the fines Sci-Fi horror games of all time. Definitely recommended.

    8.8/10    … Expand
  86. rezo_21
    Jun 10, 2023
    9
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 88 IIIIIIIIII====================
  87. Achivus
    Mar 20, 2019
    10
    I made this account just to write this. SOMA is a great game, the story is one of my favorites and it does it so damn well. There is so much to do and even though it is loved by many and has a great score, I still think it's underrated. It should be given a go, or even just watch someone else play it. It is in my top three horror games.
  88. RetroDibbler
    Apr 4, 2019
    9
    For a long time I didn't experienced so great immerse game. Everything works here perfectly. From atmosphere, through story to audio. I'm not saying is the most terrifying game ever, but some moments truly gave my some chill. But the most important thing in Soma is the story, characters, whole idea and a message hidden between lines. It's something everybody should experience.
  89. jgmj921
    Mar 26, 2021
    10
    Top tier story telling in any game, with deep discussion of consciousness and what it means to be human. Although there are many sci-fi stories out there on similar topics, the game design is still able to exceed expectation in many moments throughout the game. SOMA brings out some of the best scares in a horror game, and it achieves it usually without monsters. Gameplay isn't the best but decent.
  90. DrMisiaq
    Nov 7, 2020
    10
    Immersive masterpiece. Sound, music, graphics, environments and most of all the mindblowing story makes it one of the best games I have ever played. Horrors supposed to be scary and this one is on another level. I've literary spent the third part of my gameplay time sitting in darkness and trembling, slowly losing my senses. Sure, one can point out a few flaws like repeatable sectionsImmersive masterpiece. Sound, music, graphics, environments and most of all the mindblowing story makes it one of the best games I have ever played. Horrors supposed to be scary and this one is on another level. I've literary spent the third part of my gameplay time sitting in darkness and trembling, slowly losing my senses. Sure, one can point out a few flaws like repeatable sections (gameplaywise) of sneaking to avoid enemies, but those are just scratches on an overall perfect structure. 10/10.… Expand
  91. Nameless2131
    Feb 6, 2020
    9
    9/10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  92. Pepa
    Jul 13, 2023
    10
    This game is So good. It represents everything that scifi is supposed to do. Philosophy and scientific thought and its implications.
  93. tormented0ne1
    Oct 16, 2019
    10
    One of the best horror games ever made.
    Best game from Frictional as far as i'm concerned.
    Story, masterpiece, thought provoking, very interesting.
    Unique atmosphere.
    Diverse monsters, which make sense in the plot.
    Characters that get you attached and cary.
  94. voroon
    Jan 11, 2021
    9
    Awesome game, after so many years i still consider it one of the best in its segment. Touching and strong story, interesting concept, memorable characters - all this gave me unforgettable experience
  95. Crimert
    May 18, 2020
    9
    Wonderful atmosphere! Amazing story! Great gameplay! Excellent mixture of "Sci-fi"&"Horror"! A must-play if you are into these genres! 15hrs on record.
  96. oysteims
    Oct 30, 2019
    9
    The game was great, it had a nice mix of horror, beautiful scenery and somewhat thoughtful philosophy.
  97. moonlaba
    Jan 17, 2022
    9
    스토리텔링과 주제의식을 통해 공포를 이끌어내는 기발한 발상.. 공포게임이 단순한 점프스케어와 추격으로만 이뤄져있지 않다는걸 SOMA를 통해 증명했다.
  98. 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
  99. tom_harding
    May 1, 2020
    9
    This really is one of the best stories I have experienced in a video game and although my last play through was a couple of years ago I still regularly think about the games themes. It's a masterpiece in the way it slowly unravels a complex and engrossing story through the slow drip feed of information. I found the twists and turns of the plot deeply moving and i'm sure i will be thinkingThis really is one of the best stories I have experienced in a video game and although my last play through was a couple of years ago I still regularly think about the games themes. It's a masterpiece in the way it slowly unravels a complex and engrossing story through the slow drip feed of information. I found the twists and turns of the plot deeply moving and i'm sure i will be thinking about it in years to come. I'm still not sure if the 'monsters' should be in the game. The constant awareness that danger could be round the corner adds hugely to the atmosphere but generally when you meet them it can be frustrating. This should not put anyone off though and if you are a fan of sci-fi this is an essential game to play.… Expand
  100. Reskuer
    Apr 1, 2020
    10
    The game is AMAZING. The story is deep, meaningful and gripping. You absolutely have to play it because all words fall short when it comes to describing this game's beauty.
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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

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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 »