Tormented Souls

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 143 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 109 out of 143
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 143
  3. Negative: 27 out of 143
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  1. redbattle
    Oct 29, 2021
    9
    Goddamn this game is good. It completely came out of nowhere for me and has been a supremely pleasant surprise. Having heard about the game in the past being in early access, I was expecting something of a middling 'steam horror' affair that would be okay, but lack the polish and heft to really satisfy me. I'm thrilled to say however that the game has way exceeded my expectations.

    First    Goddamn this game is good. It completely came out of nowhere for me and has been a supremely pleasant surprise. Having heard about the game in the past being in early access, I was expecting something of a middling 'steam horror' affair that would be okay, but lack the polish and heft to really satisfy me. I'm thrilled to say however that the game has way exceeded my expectations.

    First of all, from a presentation perspective the game is extremely impressive. I feel like it gets off to a bit of a rough start what with the fmv intro which is quite compressed and the facial work leaves a lot to be desired. That's okay though because it's the environments and the lighting that really sell the atmosphere. Older survival horror titles had a knack for making each room and hallway feel distinct with little touches of detail and camera angles and TS has this in spades. It's so important when it comes to back tracking and memorising the layout of the map so I'm very glad that the devs managed to nail this aspect.

    The dynamic lighting employed in this game is actually jaw dropping at times given the budget of the game and the texture and material work is surprisingly good and I'd go as far as to say outshines some of the more big budget games I've played recently. Big props to them for also getting darkness right. Too many games will claim areas are "dark" when in reality you can see just fine without a flash light and it completely ruins the mood. In dark areas, you can see what your lighter illuminates and that's it! If you turn it off, it's literally pitch black. Makes some of the segments extremely nerve wracking.

    The sound design is also, again, surprisingly well realised considering the budget. It's grimey and frightening when it needs to be and the music strikes an excellent balance between Silent Hill's industrial style tension music and Resident Evil's memorable piano driven tracks. It really draws you into the world.

    Some of the weapons are actually really fun to use too. The nail gun is satisfying and the makeshift shotgun has one of the coolest weapon reload animations I've seen in a long time. It's really strange to be playing this game that clearly didn't have a huge budget but has so many cool little ideas and details and a level of competency that makes it all come together in such a compelling way.

    I've been gushing like crazy so far so now for some negative points. Whilst striking and distinctive, I do feel like the default outfit is a bit much. In the right game I can live with some fan service and letcherous intent but in this game it just feels a bit out of place and kinda cheapens things in a way that I feel the game is better than. Everything else about the game feels like it's going for this certain type of tone and then the main character is literally dressed like she just stepped out of a final fantasy game. Feels a bit weird. Thankfully, the devs have patched in the ability to swap clothes into something much more fitting right from the start. As great as this is however, I do feel like the alternate costume should've been the default one and the default costume should've been an unlockable one. That's kind of a minor personal gripe though and doesn't have too much impact on the overall game and comes down more to taste.

    The other big stumbling block from time to time are some of the puzzles. There were some puzzles in the game where I genuinely don't know how I would've worked them out without a guide. There are hints if you're paying attention but some of them are so obtuse that it's only after you've looked up the solutions that you'll think "oooh yeah, that makes sense now!" and they are very cool in retrospect. Problem is though, they can stall your progress for a long time and make you feel a bit frustrated that it wasn't something you could work out for yourself.

    Again, your miliage may vary in this regard, but it was a source of frustration for me on occasion.

    So why am I giving this a 9 with the aforementioned complaints? Well, the game is just so damn satisfying and has a real genuine heart to it that it's hard to let the complaints overshadow the whole package. Given the cost of entry being around £15 digitally and the length of the game being around 8-12 hours depending on your play style, I'd say it's well worth the cost and time investment and if you're into survival horror games and have been yearning for something genuinely scary to give you Silent Hill vibes, this is the game for you.

    It easily outdoes the recent Western Silent Hill games and even gives some recent RE games a run for their money in my book.

    Pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  2. Kaparkin
    Oct 30, 2021
    9
    Don’t skip this one. One of the best looking indie games I’ve ever played with excellent level design. Exploring the hospital was as good as RE1 mansion in my opinion. It’s blends RE and silent hill perfectly, and you can tell the devs were going for that.

    The voice acting was not good, like original RE on ps1 not good, but everything else was great.
  3. NoirV
    Aug 29, 2021
    9
    The game is like a love letter to those games some of us miss so much. If you're not the kind of player who only cares about graphics, and love this genre you're gonna love this game. The puzzles, the backtracking, the atmosphere... Totally recomended at a nice price since day one. Go for it!
  4. danderso
    Sep 5, 2021
    8
    A very good game of the genre. The lighting and sound effects are spots on. I really enjoyed the puzzles and the atmosphere was really well done. Combat was very poor tho and the ability to save sporadically meant that you often had to re do parts of the game. Also, the least said about the voice acting the better! Overall tho I have really enjoyed it.
  5. Handsomechips
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    Great game. Horror elements were spot on to the old school silent hill/resident evil days.
  6. BlimpyPebbles
    Sep 15, 2022
    8
    Yet another game that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. While this indie game won’t blow you away, they did a fantastic job making a survival horror of yesteryear. I’m glad someone did. I’m glad this game exists. Interesting puzzles and a really cool atmosphere are what make this game so good. It plays more like old-school Silent Hill than anything else. Anyone complaining aboutYet another game that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. While this indie game won’t blow you away, they did a fantastic job making a survival horror of yesteryear. I’m glad someone did. I’m glad this game exists. Interesting puzzles and a really cool atmosphere are what make this game so good. It plays more like old-school Silent Hill than anything else. Anyone complaining about graphics needs to grow up.… Expand
  7. J_R
    Jun 20, 2023
    8
    8.0/10

    A modern survival horror made by people who not only know what survival horror is but understand it as well. If you have played survival horror before than you’ll have a good idea of what’s in store with Tormented Souls. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzles and combat with tank like controls, fixed camera angles, back tracking and limited resources. It does a pretty    8.0/10

    A modern survival horror made by people who not only know what survival horror is but understand it as well.

    If you have played survival horror before than you’ll have a good idea of what’s in store with Tormented Souls. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzles and combat with tank like controls, fixed camera angles, back tracking and limited resources. It does a pretty good job with movement and exploration. You’ll find yourself steadily unlocking your way further into the atmospheric mansion/hospital and learning the layout. But there are a couple of drawbacks. I didn’t like the map at all and did not find it good to use. There are also times when there is too much to keep track of, especially if you take breaks during your playthrough. Puzzles are mostly very good but at times they can be too obtuse and there is probably a few too many of them. Combat is solid and I liked the weapons but there is room for improvement here. There is just the right amount of resources to keep you playing carefully and considering your saves but inventory management wasn’t really here. Darkness is used very well as you need your lighter equipped to see in some places but then can’t have a weapon out. It’s a cool, well executed idea that is right at home in survival horror. The gameplay experience is absolutely more positive than negative and survival horror fans are in for a good time.

    Visually this game is outstanding for a lower budget title. The environments and lighting is fantastic and the fixed but often tracking camera frames it all beautifully. The objects and menus are well done too, excluding the map. Sadly the characters and enemies are not on the same level. There is something off about them both technically and in style. It’s almost like they are from a slightly different game. They lack expression and personality too. It’s not really that much of an issue though and Tormented Souls still superbly delivers unsettling atmosphere, gore and body horror. The music and sound design is really damn good too. The only issue there is they didn’t know when to use restraint and have silence.

    The story, lore and characters are not that great. It’s fine but forgettable and predictable. There wasn’t any hook or interesting background that pulled me in. It’s like a bunch of different horror ideas somewhat poorly put together. The dialogue isn’t written well and is poorly voice acted. And it’s not in that cheesy, camp and/or charming way you might expect from an older horror game. It is just subpar. It is certainly no disaster or deal breaker though and I still found some enjoyment in it.

    The biggest issue I had with Tormented Souls was that I only did one play through. I planned on doing more and there are trophies that encourage you to. However once I finished it I wasn’t in the mood to do it again. I know this might sound vague or bit unhelpful but something put me off playing again. Maybe it’s the flow or pacing. Maybe it is a bit too long with a few too many puzzles. Maybe it was just my backlog staring at me. I don’t know exactly but I will try to revisit it again for sure.

    Overall none of the flaws detracted too much from my experience and it was one of my favourite games to come out in 2021. Of course I am willing to be forgiving to as it is lower budget and one of my favourite genres. Tormented Souls is a fantastic survival horror by a clearly passionate team. It’s a must play for any survival horror fan and I would give it a good recommendation even if you’re not.

    8.0/10    … Expand
  8. uncharted4
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    this game is solid and kinda scry in haunted manison.. story is ok, graphic look good despite character models look little bad.. gameplay/combat is decent.. framerate is not bad
  9. necromorph69
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    The game is a beautiful throwback to classic survival horror such as Resident Evil and silent hill. The inspiration for this game is clear with the pre rendered backgrounds and fixed camera angles. The cut scenes and dialogue are a bit campy but overall the game plays well and ha excellent graphic quality. The sound effects and music fit the atmosphere of the game. The game seems to lackThe game is a beautiful throwback to classic survival horror such as Resident Evil and silent hill. The inspiration for this game is clear with the pre rendered backgrounds and fixed camera angles. The cut scenes and dialogue are a bit campy but overall the game plays well and ha excellent graphic quality. The sound effects and music fit the atmosphere of the game. The game seems to lack major glitches or gameplay flaws. A must play for anyone who enjoyed classic resident evil and silent hill. The enemy design wasn't creepy enough for me personally as I prefer the grotesque enemy design of silent hill 3./ Silent hill homecoming where you can't tell the monsters were human. If it wasn't for the bad dialogue and cut scenes, and if the monsters were scarier this would be getting a 10.… Expand
  10. Kanon_
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Real classic horror game like Resident Evil.
    Atmosfere is amazing and the sound gives you the right anxiety.

    Very Nice Game!!
  11. AlexRG1994
    Aug 29, 2021
    9
    This game brought me back to 1999, we need more of this.Great job,especially for its budget!
  12. djdizzy
    Feb 7, 2022
    10
    If you grew up on classic 90s survival horror (RE, Silent Hill) and wish they’d bring it back just once more then this is a must-buy. It’s genuinely spooky with a well done build on tension. It’s authentic to classic survival horror down to the cheesy voice acting and tank controls (if you opt for them). It does have an alternate modern control scheme, think of the 2 control options inIf you grew up on classic 90s survival horror (RE, Silent Hill) and wish they’d bring it back just once more then this is a must-buy. It’s genuinely spooky with a well done build on tension. It’s authentic to classic survival horror down to the cheesy voice acting and tank controls (if you opt for them). It does have an alternate modern control scheme, think of the 2 control options in the RE1 Remake. You can tell that Tormented Souls was a passion project by the attention to detail. I can’t forget to add that the puzzles and music are fantastic. The puzzles make you think and are not too obtuse. The game supplies you with everything you need to solve them and they’re really well done. Can I just say the save room music in this game is *chef’s kiss*… Expand
  13. visiblelight7
    Nov 1, 2021
    9
    This is an old school horror love poem for us 90s kids who got into RE. ITS A MASTERPIECE DOING THAT.
  14. j-s
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Great game mix of silent hill and resident evil. I would definitely recommend it
  15. antoniocosilva
    Sep 7, 2021
    10
    This is based on the classic survivor horror games! With amazing puzzles and a lot to add to the genre, Tormented Souls feels fresh with interesting mechanics. One of the best games of the year.
  16. LesMiserables
    May 25, 2022
    5
    I would be willing to overlook the games overall lack of polish and it's super dumb horror trope juggler story because for an indie studio they absolutely nailed the atmosphere and the exploration element that made classic horror games fun to play . I also got a kick from the numerous nods to classics such as RE1 Remake , Silent Hill 1 and even Fatal Frame . That being said the map beingI would be willing to overlook the games overall lack of polish and it's super dumb horror trope juggler story because for an indie studio they absolutely nailed the atmosphere and the exploration element that made classic horror games fun to play . I also got a kick from the numerous nods to classics such as RE1 Remake , Silent Hill 1 and even Fatal Frame . That being said the map being unintuitive as hell and the seemingly never ending puzzles where many of them were 90's adventure game levels of obtuse butchered the experience for me and I don't see myself ever returning to it again which is a shame… Expand
  17. mathe238
    Aug 29, 2021
    10
    Spot On!!
    This Game nailed the Old School Survival horror that we had back, even in the Alone in the Dark Era. It’s a RE meet Silent Hill meet Alone in the Dark!! It’s worth it for any fan of this genre!!
  18. Welkin
    Mar 9, 2022
    5
    + They nailed what made these classics horror games addicting to play
    + I really enjoyed all the nods to classic horror games . The alleyway camera shot from SH1 , The Lisa Trevor door below the stairs , The save Chris/Jill aspect near the end , The Fatal Frame 2 twins parallel
    - The story leaves a lot to be desired . It's extremely predictable , poorly voice acted and not in a fun way ,    + They nailed what made these classics horror games addicting to play
    + I really enjoyed all the nods to classic horror games . The alleyway camera shot from SH1 , The Lisa Trevor door below the stairs , The save Chris/Jill aspect near the end , The Fatal Frame 2 twins parallel
    - The story leaves a lot to be desired . It's extremely predictable , poorly voice acted and not in a fun way , it's all over the place in terms of themes as it manages to include pretty much every trope under the sun , many things are left completely unexplained and the main character is hilariously slow to grasp what is actually going on
    - It feels weird to say at first but there are WAY too many puzzles to deal with . This wouldn't haven't been a problem if they weren't so obtuse though . Without a guide good luck solving many of them as I strongly believe that some of these were harder than everything in RE and even the Riddles from Silent Hill when set on hard
    - I get the idea behind the game not holding your hand but the map is just awful and doesn't help you whatsoever . Even the old Resident Evil and Silent Hill games weren't this "hardcore"
    - Combat is pretty bad and gets quite repetitive    … Expand
  19. xikipeke
    Oct 10, 2021
    10
    De 10.
    Obra maestra absoluta. Tiene lo mejor de Resident Evil, Silent Hill y Project Zero.
    Survival old school total, camara fija, jugabilidad asombrosas, movimientos perfectos, combates brutales. Es increible que sea un indie, joya descomunal...
  20. MrBigMouse
    Dec 12, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To whomever thought up the idea you are using in this game to save your progress. I have two words for you.
    FU@K Y*U!!!!!!!
    2 Plus hours of game play and now saving point?????
    You're an @$$ hole.    … Expand
  21. sigmabalade
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    The atmosphere is amazing, the detail on every game object or scenario speaks passion, really like the ambiance and uncertainty, it takes the best things about classic RE with some silent hill in the mix, recommended for fans of any of these two games
  22. HarryMason
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    People who know what an old-school survival horror game is will absolutely enjoy this. Not sure I'd recommend this to anyone who's never played a game with fixed camera, but the price is fair, so it's your gamble. As a big fan of the genre, I love Tormented Souls. Sure, the story could be better told, and the combat a little less awkward, but the atmosphere, puzzles and general designPeople who know what an old-school survival horror game is will absolutely enjoy this. Not sure I'd recommend this to anyone who's never played a game with fixed camera, but the price is fair, so it's your gamble. As a big fan of the genre, I love Tormented Souls. Sure, the story could be better told, and the combat a little less awkward, but the atmosphere, puzzles and general design deliver exactly what it promises. No game of this style has impressed me like this since the original REs and SHs. While I understand some users might not enjoy this, for the critic of Playstation Lifestyle to give it a 55 is baffling. That's the kind of faux pas equal to an art critic walking into a Jackson Pollock exhibit and asking why everything looks so messy. This game continues a specific tradition, and such ignorance of its history from a critic is unforgivable.… Expand
  23. Stranding_Chick
    Oct 6, 2021
    4
    I wasn't sure how I'd feel about a retro-style horror game, but after the first few minutes of gameplay, I was thrilled with what Tormented Souls was about and the throwback style it used. Everything was polished and the amount of detail was a great treat. It was scary, and the storyline was gripping. The puzzles were unique and fun. The music was a treat. Mixed with spooky sounds of anI wasn't sure how I'd feel about a retro-style horror game, but after the first few minutes of gameplay, I was thrilled with what Tormented Souls was about and the throwback style it used. Everything was polished and the amount of detail was a great treat. It was scary, and the storyline was gripping. The puzzles were unique and fun. The music was a treat. Mixed with spooky sounds of an old mansion fit so well.… Expand
  24. LGBTandDisabled
    Aug 1, 2022
    0
    DO NOT BUY!!!!! This game is fat phobic and offensive to the disabled. It's so bad that in their hospital the only way to get to the elevator is up 3 stairs. LOL. That's how little they thought about actual disabled people when they were creating their game full of monsters in wheelchairs. The wheelchair monsters can magically roll up stairs. The story is FULL of plot holes. Also,DO NOT BUY!!!!! This game is fat phobic and offensive to the disabled. It's so bad that in their hospital the only way to get to the elevator is up 3 stairs. LOL. That's how little they thought about actual disabled people when they were creating their game full of monsters in wheelchairs. The wheelchair monsters can magically roll up stairs. The story is FULL of plot holes. Also, if you're a real person with a busy life you should know there are not nearly enough saves. DO NOT BUY!!!!!… Expand
  25. mitsarakos
    Aug 31, 2022
    0
    VERY BAD GAME. A trash. Extremely difficult puzzles. You will have to search always solution in youtube. Very complicated. Very BAD GRAPHICS like from past generation games. Too dark. Didnt enjoy it at all. Avoid it.
  26. SeparatedMiles
    Nov 4, 2021
    0
    While clearly influenced by Resident Evil and Silent Hill, and as such a Resident Evil clone from days of old, it does not try to hide this and in fact pays homage to it's inspirations in a tasteful manor adding it's own charm in the process.

    for a small indie company they produced a beautiful game that is comparable to many AAA titles this day and age and other than some clunky    While clearly influenced by Resident Evil and Silent Hill, and as such a Resident Evil clone from days of old, it does not try to hide this and in fact pays homage to it's inspirations in a tasteful manor adding it's own charm in the process.

    for a small indie company they produced a beautiful game that is comparable to many AAA titles this day and age and other than some clunky movement the games mechanics and it's use of varying tools and physics is great, locking areas not only behind physical items, such as keys, but other methods too which I hadn't seen.

    In terms of narrative I hadn't been so gripped by a story in a long, LONG time and this game had me gripped from the get go and uses notes to fill gaps in beautifully.    … Expand
  27. Steyraus
    May 24, 2022
    10
    If your a fan if true survival horror you need to try this game out..Sure it fall short of the REs and SHs, but it's a damn good effort..Amazing atmosphere with well balanced gameplay just like the legends use to do..I love the protagonist, she is instantly compelling in the best way making you want to save her.
  28. Breikzer
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    This game is what true lovers of the classic Survival Horror have been waiting for a long time. The game does not revolutionize anything within the genre, but it takes the best of each saga such as Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Amnesia, Alone in the Dark ... and mixes it almost perfectly to create one of the best horror experiences of the last years.

    Tormented Souls is very worthwhile,    This game is what true lovers of the classic Survival Horror have been waiting for a long time. The game does not revolutionize anything within the genre, but it takes the best of each saga such as Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Amnesia, Alone in the Dark ... and mixes it almost perfectly to create one of the best horror experiences of the last years.

    Tormented Souls is very worthwhile, don't hesitate to give it a try, it has quite worked puzzles that will make you break your head more than once and a great atmosphere.    … Expand
  29. Kunray
    Sep 2, 2021
    10
    Old school survival horror.
    The game is a beautiful,I recommend giving it a try.
    The sound effects and music fit the atmosphere of the game.
  30. Sumbyv1
    Sep 16, 2021
    9
    Voice acting and dialogue aside, this game is fantastic, if you loved the original resident evil games.
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Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
37
#37 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Cubed3
    Feb 21, 2023
    70
    Tormented Souls is a great nostalgia trip taking full advantage of updated graphics and controls to bring a tense, uncomfortable trip for all willing to risk it. Worth taking the time on by both fans of the genre and newcomers wondering what all the fuss is about. Turn those lights on full, open the curtains and prepare to have nightmares.
    Read full review
  2. Movies Games and Tech
    Mar 6, 2022
    70
    As an indie game Tormented Souls is never going to reach Bloodborne or Resident Evil level of polish but that’s ok. Despite its lower end graphics (compared to the latest titles on current generation, and even last generation consoles) it holds up. It holds up because it plays on that nostalgia for the survival horror games of old.
    Read full review
  3. Worth Playing
    Jan 27, 2022
    68
    I found Tormented Souls to be just intriguing enough to be worth checking out if you have the time. It's a lesson in where survival-horror games have come from and what stories can still be told within the genre. With a little more modernization within the combat and cleaner visuals, this probably could have been an underground classic.
    Read full review
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