User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 618 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 49 out of 618

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
  1. Sep 27, 2015
    10
    This Game is absolutely superb and fortunately the PS4 port is very well done. It runs very smooth with the only drawback being semi-regular load hitching, which to me wasn't frequent enough to disrupt the flow of the game. The story is very engaging and the atmosphere spot on. At one moment you'll be on the edge of your seat wondering what dangers lurk around the corner whilst the nextThis Game is absolutely superb and fortunately the PS4 port is very well done. It runs very smooth with the only drawback being semi-regular load hitching, which to me wasn't frequent enough to disrupt the flow of the game. The story is very engaging and the atmosphere spot on. At one moment you'll be on the edge of your seat wondering what dangers lurk around the corner whilst the next you will be exploring a safe area soaking in the scenary. It's hard to say anything specific about this game without any spoilers so ifyou're wondering why I am being so vague that's the reason. If you're remotely interested in horror/puzzle solving, the do yourself a favour and experience this game. Expand
  2. 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.
  3. Jul 8, 2017
    10
    If you are a fan of Horror and Sci-Fi games; SOMA is a must play. I bought the game in a sale around a year ago and payed little attention to it. I finally got round to playing and was totally drawn in by the unbelievably mind blowing story-line, beautiful but terrifying environments, fantastic voice acting and sound score and (at times) slick game design.

    SOMA is a game that you will
    If you are a fan of Horror and Sci-Fi games; SOMA is a must play. I bought the game in a sale around a year ago and payed little attention to it. I finally got round to playing and was totally drawn in by the unbelievably mind blowing story-line, beautiful but terrifying environments, fantastic voice acting and sound score and (at times) slick game design.

    SOMA is a game that you will need to keep playing right to the end, it will keep you up at night due to the just-one-more-hour factor. The narrative is so intriguing and well written that the mystery of why you are under the ocean exploring the dark tunnels of abandoned research facilities keeps you fully engaged until the mind blowing climax.

    SOMA has one of the best narratives I have seen in any video game, it really is. I don't want to explain why because you need to experience it without any spoilers.

    The graphics are fantastic. The world that has been created deep beneath the ocean is magnificent. At times its a place of wonder and other it's one of your worst nightmares. Everything is detailed from the lush underwater environments complete with rusty abandoned underwater buildings to the dark other worldly landscapes at the bottom of a truly terrifying abyss.
    The interiors to the many research facilities are reminiscent of Ridley Scott's Alien. Everything seems lived in, worn and real. The many computer terminals have a retro vibe and the rooms and corridors give a claustrophobic feeling that adds to the dread.

    The use of lighting works wonderfully adding to the already creepy environments. The sound-score and effects also help with the ambiance. The creaking of metal adds suspense making you always aware there are thousands of gallons of water above you. Sound is always around you, bleeps, creaks, groans and moans keep you on edge even when safe.

    The game-play mechanics work well. Controls make sense and interacting with the environment is simple. Puzzles are entertaining and always have a reasonable and logical conclusion.
    You don'[t have any weapons so when you encounter any of the monsters or killer robots you have to use stealth and intelligence to outwit them, when that fails you may often find your self running in a blind panic.
    The moments when you are been stalked by a beast in the dark -under the ocean in claustrophobic environments - really do make the heart race. I literally screamed on a few occasions causing my wife to shout 'what the hell are you doing in there!' SOMA seriously delivers on the scares.

    There are not many negatives, there's the odd drop in frame rate but that's rare and doesn't greatly affect game-play. It also would have been nice to get gold and platinum trophies for going through such a heart pounding hell!

    So I highly recommend SOMA. It all adds up to create an unforgettable game and by far the best horror game I've played this Gen of consoles.
    Expand
  4. Nov 19, 2015
    10
    i love horror and mysterious games. so that's the game. acceptable graphics. little lags some times, but it will not bother you. good story line. the game worth the price.
  5. Sep 25, 2015
    10
    I love SOMA the detail, the story and all the amazing lighting. this game is full of excitement and I love all the characters and the cell phone use. I'm a proud PS4 Gamer and I'm glad this is a console Exclusive. On the PS4 this game will run you about $26.99 well worth the price
  6. Sep 22, 2015
    10
    I love Frictional 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
  7. Sep 25, 2015
    10
    Don't watch youtube videos of SOMA - experience it!
    The story is mindblowing and must be one of the best in the past decade. Outstanding, thought-provoking stuff. It might seem at first like an Alien Isolation meets Doom3 clone. And it might be true regarding spaceshiplike setpieces and fear of monsters but it's not. It is set in a very credible world of it's own.
    Negative: Yes, the
    Don't watch youtube videos of SOMA - experience it!
    The story is mindblowing and must be one of the best in the past decade. Outstanding, thought-provoking stuff. It might seem at first like an Alien Isolation meets Doom3 clone. And it might be true regarding spaceshiplike setpieces and fear of monsters but it's not. It is set in a very credible world of it's own.

    Negative: Yes, the loading times are way to long for a 2015 game, as well as the singledigit framerate drops, which really is unforgivable and unnecessary on the PS4 and I hope for a patch.

    But none of the above should let you miss out on this great experience of a game!
    The story and atmosphere is GOTY material. Oh, the ending!!!
    Expand
  8. Oct 4, 2016
    10
    Для всех любителей научной фантастики к прохождению обязательно. Захватывающая и на мой взгляд уникальная история, приправлена отличным сюжетом и лором. Отличные головоломки, которые встречаются на протяжении всей игры. Игра точно знает, когда вас нужно пугать, когда нужно давать просто походить, и когда заставлять вас подумать. В целом игра отлична, и заслуживает почетного звания средиДля всех любителей научной фантастики к прохождению обязательно. Захватывающая и на мой взгляд уникальная история, приправлена отличным сюжетом и лором. Отличные головоломки, которые встречаются на протяжении всей игры. Игра точно знает, когда вас нужно пугать, когда нужно давать просто походить, и когда заставлять вас подумать. В целом игра отлична, и заслуживает почетного звания среди лучших игр, за всю игровую индустрию, спасибо всем, кто ее создавал!!! Моя оценка 10/10. Expand
  9. Sep 23, 2015
    10
    I played this yesterday, i'm about half way through, and to be honest it really isn't that scary, the monsters are more annoying than scary, but in all it's still amazing and I would highly recommend that if you can, play it.
  10. Sep 28, 2015
    10
    Horrifying, intensely emotional, captivating. These are all things that i had experienced whilst playing this game. SOMA is the first game i have ever played that has caused me to cry from emotional sadness. What does it mean to truly be alone? What happens when there is no one around but you? What does it mean to be alive and be a part of the experience that is human? These were questionsHorrifying, intensely emotional, captivating. These are all things that i had experienced whilst playing this game. SOMA is the first game i have ever played that has caused me to cry from emotional sadness. What does it mean to truly be alone? What happens when there is no one around but you? What does it mean to be alive and be a part of the experience that is human? These were questions that i found myself asking after playing this game.

    I found myself genuinely concerned for Simon. And the ending hurt really badly. This game will be on my mind i am sure for quite some time. It is in my opinion a master piece of story telling and horror. But this game played with my emotions as a human because we are extremely social creatures and as the story goes on you can tell Simon really just in the end doesn't want to end up alone. I think that is a big message in this game. That helplessness of being alone. Fighting for our survival no matter how futile it might be. Trying to be... Alive.. Human?... This game has given me a lot to think about and it is truly a masterpiece.
    Expand
  11. Nov 11, 2015
    10
    slowly-unfolding story, and the choices you live with, make the experience one that will stay with you for some time mazing and I would highly recommend that if you can, play it.
  12. 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
  13. Dec 8, 2015
    10
    I loved this game. It got me hooked for the story (about 12 hours) and the world itself is very compelling. It has some tense moments until you find out how to escape from them. The story even surpasses the one in Amnesia. For an horror games fan, this is a must. I give it a 10 because is one of those games that remains in our head after finishing it.
    Great work Frictional Games.
  14. Jul 28, 2016
    10
    Philosophically horrifying...

    This game is hard, very hard. I'll say that right off the bat. There are very difficult monster encounters and some pretty annoyingly complicated puzzles in the mid section of the game. But if you manage to get through it, you will have something in your mind that won't stay away for a long time; something to think about very deeply. SOMA succeeds in all
    Philosophically horrifying...

    This game is hard, very hard. I'll say that right off the bat. There are very difficult monster encounters and some pretty annoyingly complicated puzzles in the mid section of the game. But if you manage to get through it, you will have something in your mind that won't stay away for a long time; something to think about very deeply.

    SOMA succeeds in all usual aspects of a good game: It has a mesmerising yet sometimes creepy soundtrack, it has very satisfying gameplay (especially the function to pick things up), and it has a fantastic story accompanied by amazing voice acting with believable writing. The visuals might not be the best in the world, but they get the job done. The graphics in open water, however, are absolutely brilliant and couldn't look more believable.

    Here are some small cons that might be worth noting:
    -The game freezes for a few seconds every time it saves, which can be every few metres sometimes
    -Some of the monster AI can be a bit faulty. e.g. I was willing to commit suicide so I stared at a monster and it fascinatingly just stood there and then turned around.

    The cons are really almost nitpicking, and don't make SOMA any less enjoyable. This is a must play in my opinion, especially if you're looking for something deeper with a good, captivating storyline.

    And it's worth noting that this is technically an indie game, developed by frictional games, a 15-people development team, which makes SOMA even MORE impressive than it already is.
    Expand
  15. Jun 26, 2016
    10
    Any score between a 7.5 and 10 for this game is fair. It was creepy, not scary. It has a slow start, the graphics were slightly underwhelming, and the acting was occasionally...subpar. That said, it is within my top 5 favorite PS4 games. The last thing I expected was to become some emotionally involved in the story. If you were ever obsessed with the writer Philip K. Dick, just get this game.
  16. Oct 11, 2016
    10
    Este juego merece un 10 por su planteamiento y modo de contar su historia. Que asco la prensa, Frictional Games al parecer no tiene la pasta para que la supuesta prensa experta lo llene de "dieces" en sus "reviews". No tiene los mejores graficos de la generación (aunque tiene momentazos) y en algunas pocas partes adolece de caídas de framerate (el 95% del tiempo va muy suave asi queEste juego merece un 10 por su planteamiento y modo de contar su historia. Que asco la prensa, Frictional Games al parecer no tiene la pasta para que la supuesta prensa experta lo llene de "dieces" en sus "reviews". No tiene los mejores graficos de la generación (aunque tiene momentazos) y en algunas pocas partes adolece de caídas de framerate (el 95% del tiempo va muy suave asi que tampoco es como para preocuparse) ; y sin embargo logra convertirse en uno de los mejores juegos que me ha tocado jugar en el ps4. Por fin una buena historia, ya echaba de menos la sensación. Buenos puzzles. Excelente desarrollo. Gracias Frictional Games Expand
  17. Dec 14, 2016
    10
    By far my favorite game ever. The horror doesn't come from the monsters but the ideas the game imposes on you and how you take those ideas. When you start to think about what this game really is about, THAT is when the horror starts.
  18. Jan 2, 2019
    10
    Free on PS Plus for the month of December 2018, the game previews look intriguing so I downloaded it. It's difficult to put into words what this game is, because it would be an injustice to categorize it by associating it with other games. Sure, games like Bioshock, or Amnesia are throw about. But this is neither. As a lifelong gamer (I am 40 now) I've seen and played everything. But veryFree on PS Plus for the month of December 2018, the game previews look intriguing so I downloaded it. It's difficult to put into words what this game is, because it would be an injustice to categorize it by associating it with other games. Sure, games like Bioshock, or Amnesia are throw about. But this is neither. As a lifelong gamer (I am 40 now) I've seen and played everything. But very rarely does a game grab me and hold me for very long...Half-life...Portal....Demon's Souls...Bioshock (ok well there it is)....games that pull you in with their atmosphere, adventure, suspense, and puzzles to solve along the way. SOMA is one of the most engrossing, detailed, and probably underrated games to ever have been created. I could not get enough and can't say enough about this game. If you enjoy attention to detail, thinking, surprises, a great story, and solving problems, this game has it all. If you missed it when it was free, it is still worth the purchase. And after having played thru until the end, I am left satisfied, yet wanting more, with a single question: Why aren't all games being made like this? Expand
  19. May 20, 2020
    10
    WOW just WOWWWWWW. This is the newest game to join my coveted list of games I personally rate a 10 out of 10. Including this game I only have 5 games on that list that are 10s to me. This isn’t the craziest gameplay or anything but it’s not suppose to be. It’s just going through the game trying to figure out how to progress while also sometimes avoiding creepy ass monsters. So If you likeWOW just WOWWWWWW. This is the newest game to join my coveted list of games I personally rate a 10 out of 10. Including this game I only have 5 games on that list that are 10s to me. This isn’t the craziest gameplay or anything but it’s not suppose to be. It’s just going through the game trying to figure out how to progress while also sometimes avoiding creepy ass monsters. So If you like horror games like outlast you’ll definitely love this and be familiar with the style. If you haven’t tried a game like this before I highly recommend it as it is a different experience From usual games but still fun even though it’s not actiony. Probably the coolest part to me is that fact there is no objective on screen or marker telling you where to go. There are no hints telling you what to do either. You’re only really told what needs to be done through dialogue and then you’re just suppose to figure out on your own how to go about doing that. I find that **** awesome, no hands holding what’s so ever. That might not be for everyone as it requires thinking and maybe you rather just go through the game as fast as possible. I for one loved trying to figure the puzzles on my own. The best part about this game is the story!!! It has one of the best if not the best code game story I’ve ever played through!! I don’t remember ever having this much emotion poured out from myself into a game or over a game. I genuinely felt emotion and care for the main character in this game. I found myself screaming frantically when getting chased by monsters and feeling angry, sad, or happy from the the games moments. I found myself in shock so many times as well. I absolutely love this game and have never played anything like it. Expand
  20. Feb 23, 2019
    10
    After the great Penumbra and Amnesia PC horror games, Frictional Games have at last released a game on consoles ! While not a particularly scary game, Soma features one of the most mind blowing stories ever seen in a game ! That alone makes the game a must play! It features a lot of exploration, hiding from monsters and some puzzle solving, but the game’s core is getting immersed andAfter the great Penumbra and Amnesia PC horror games, Frictional Games have at last released a game on consoles ! While not a particularly scary game, Soma features one of the most mind blowing stories ever seen in a game ! That alone makes the game a must play! It features a lot of exploration, hiding from monsters and some puzzle solving, but the game’s core is getting immersed and discovering it’s dark and unforgettable story. Epic ! Expand
  21. Aug 31, 2019
    10
    This is not just a game, it is truly a grandiose and epic book, with notes of philosophy and a lot of horror - in the good sense of the word. A large-scale developed world, over which you will think for hours after the end of the game. I am not joking this game is a masterpiece thet plunge you into the world like in a good book - and even better because you playing the character in theThis is not just a game, it is truly a grandiose and epic book, with notes of philosophy and a lot of horror - in the good sense of the word. A large-scale developed world, over which you will think for hours after the end of the game. I am not joking this game is a masterpiece thet plunge you into the world like in a good book - and even better because you playing the character in the game; made choose how to move and what to see or not to see.That requires talent and a lot of work to creat such game, so Thank You were much, you who made and support the game. SOMA will stay forever in my heart. Expand
  22. Sep 1, 2019
    10
    I Love the Game I got it for free on ps plus free monthly games in December of 2018. The game is very unique because it's one of the few games that is a horror game that takes place in the ocean. The story is cool and the game Really has very scary enemies and the sounds they make are even scarier at times.
  23. Jun 27, 2020
    10
    A história do jogo é muito boa para quem gosta de cenários futuristicos, onde as maquinas assumem controle do planeta, e de teorias de transferência de consciência para computadores, o jogo é praticamente é fugir de seus inimigos e resolver puzzles, jogo transmite uma certa ansiedade e medo ao jogador por controlar um ser indefeso, mas a história é realmente muito boa.
  24. Oct 6, 2019
    10
    For more games with philosophical point of view. This game mekes me think about myself existence! Such amazing piece of art
  25. Sep 2, 2020
    10
    If you are a fan of profound and thought provoking sci-fi horror games then you should definitely buy this! It is from the creators of the Amnesia series and the gameplay involves exploring a mysterious underwater research facility inhabited with horrific monsters, as with the Amnesia games you are completely unarmed and cannot fight the monsters so you have to run or hide from them. TheIf you are a fan of profound and thought provoking sci-fi horror games then you should definitely buy this! It is from the creators of the Amnesia series and the gameplay involves exploring a mysterious underwater research facility inhabited with horrific monsters, as with the Amnesia games you are completely unarmed and cannot fight the monsters so you have to run or hide from them. The gameplay is good enough but what really sets it apart from other games is the deeply thought provoking story and an ending that you will think about for weeks. Expand
  26. Apr 19, 2020
    10
    Игра понравилась практически сразу, по атмосфере напоминает Alien: Isolation. Интересный сюжет и твисты присутствуют ну и напугать она весьма способна.
  27. Dec 22, 2020
    10
    Conceptually and narratively, this is possibly the best game. The gameplay is a little boring, but it is more than covered by the story. It's a pity that only about 15% made it to the end on ps4
  28. Nov 9, 2021
    10
    Brutal. Jogo incrível. O "pior" jogo de terror que já joguei. Pior porque foi o único até agora que me fez realmente ter medo, causar angústia, não conseguir jogar por muito tempo devido ao quase mal estar que causa. Excelente ambiente, história muito bem conseguida. Obrigatório. Uma obra prima. Realmente assustador.
  29. May 3, 2023
    10
    Honestly I'm really not exactly sure where to begin with this game because this game left me so confused at the end and it left me emotional thinking about it. The main reason for this is that throughout the game, it asks questions on whether you are yourself and how afterlife in theory works in the real world. It's a disturbing story that it kept me hooked onto my seat throughout the playHonestly I'm really not exactly sure where to begin with this game because this game left me so confused at the end and it left me emotional thinking about it. The main reason for this is that throughout the game, it asks questions on whether you are yourself and how afterlife in theory works in the real world. It's a disturbing story that it kept me hooked onto my seat throughout the play through and even after gathering all the achievements, I couldn't stop thinking about this game and what it was trying to ask me and it left me sleepless on plenty of nights. (which I suppose is a sign the horror worked for me personally) While the story was without a doubt perfect, if it didn't nail everything else, it would've easily been overlooked and I can definitely say it nails everything else. Like the pacing is phenomenal since you could be nervously creeping around dangerous robots and monsters praying you won't have to run to huge amounts of relief and breathing room that you got through safely but also how it throws new situations and level design kind've like the OG and Remake of Resident Evil 4 to ensure you aren't bored and always holding onto the controller. The idea of the screen glitching out whenever an enemy is a brilliant idea in concept as whenever it happens, I always kick my instincts up and carefully watch my surroundings and stay still hoping they don't hear me, except when it causes the frame rate to start freaking out on my PS4 Pro slapping me out of my immersion. The enemies have fantastic level design and ensure you stay on your toes, but they can be tedious and annoying if you don't know how to handle the problem, so you always have to think about how you're going to handle the enemy IF YOU'RE PLAYING ON NORMAL; see, this game eventually added a "Safe" mode where the enemies can't do anything to kill you hence they won't even bother doing anything when you run, now if you think this breaks the game as a whole, I would argue it's beneficial to the game as a whole since it allows you to explore the place to understand the lore faster and better since when you're on Normal, you're not even gonna bother to try to do that. The graphics are remarkable if not maybe a tiny bit outdated with how some models in the distance and reflections not looking too hot but I only noticed them on a second play through since I was so deeply engrossed into the world and atmosphere. Speaking of that, the atmosphere easily rivals other horror games in its genre and even outmatches plenty of other horror games to ensure I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Two things I was initially gonna complain about but the more I thought about it actually made sense were the sandbox and interactivity since there was no point exploring or picking things up since there were no collectables or achievements doing so but I realized these were a part in the environmental storytelling and it's all meant to "show, don't tell". If anything, if there was one thing I could complain about, it's that I could tell this was a PC game from the very beginning with a cursor in the middle and it can be hard to see it with how tiny it is. Overall, despite all my praises about everything else about this game, it's really the story and theme that left me hooked and is what makes it one of the better horror games I've played, and thankfully it's only $30 and for something that's 5 hours long, that's a steal imo and I can't wait to check out Frictional Games's other horror series: Amnesia. Expand
  30. Sep 28, 2022
    10
    The best (IMO) game by Frictional Games. The story is absolutely fantastic and the horror is consistent throughout. I've beaten the game twice and really hope they expand on that story somehow.
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 90
    With intelligent story telling and beautiful imagery, SOMA pushes the boundaries of traditional survival horror in new, psychologically thrilling ways.
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 16, 2015
    80
    SOMA's a fascinating interactive story that occasionally wants to murder you dead. [Dec 2015, p.86]
  3. Nov 13, 2015
    65
    While SOMA never hits the highs of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, it's still largely decent in its own right. Some confused environment design and lackluster monster scenarios work against it, but as an atmospheric jaunt under the sea with a reasonable storyline behind it... well, it works pretty well. Faint praise perhaps, but praise nonetheless.