Tormented Souls 2

An overall improvement over the first game, Tormented Souls 2 stands as a heartfelt ode to the golden era of survival horror. It pays loving homage to Resident Evil and Silent Hill (among others), offering a satisfying variety of clever puzzles, diverse environments, and unsettling enemies. Hopefully, in time, some of its debilitating technical issues will be ironed out.

Tormented Souls 2 isn’t a rip-off - it’s a rebellion. It boldly and successfully reminds us that true horror doesn’t come from endless obstacles, but from relentless tension, puzzles that demand real thought, and the unsettling feeling of being alone in the dark with something you’re not supposed to see.

Tormented Souls 2 shows once again that developer Dual Effect can craft an impressive time capsule back to the horror classics of the 90s. While carefully modernized in some regards, such as adding more forgiving difficulty options that include auto-saves, it remains a highlight for those who miss the old school horror of Silent Hill and early Resident Evils. Though the very same adherence to classic game design and tropes may scare off those accustomed to the modern iterations of those series.

Another old-school survival horror game, for better or worse. If you love fixed camera angles, pre-rendered backgrounds, limited saves, and constant tension, you can safely add half a point to the final rating. Technically, it's a step up from the previous installment, with excellent, detailed locations, atmospheric and crystal-clear sound, and responsive controls. Animations and poly-models aren't top-notch, but you can't have everything.

Tormented Souls 2 manages to refine its deep and sincere homage to the great classic survival horror games. At times, it would have been nice to see a little more of its own originality, but what it does do is tasteful and of sufficient quality to establish itself as a game capable of winning over the most nostalgic fans.