SOMA Reviews
SOMA is one of the better survival-horror games of the last decade.
If diverse gameplay, interesting mechanics or traditional horror is what you seek, you won't find what you are looking for with SOMA.
Without sounding too hyperbolic, SOMA is a better BioShock than BioShock managed to be. It nails the atmosphere and hits all of the notes that makes the story one of the best in the horror genre.
SOMA is a game that will sit in the memory for a while despite its shortcomings. The sound design, world building and story deserve to rightfully become a footnote in videogame design. Frictional Games do so much right creating a science fiction story. It falls short at times when trying to be a more traditional horror, but the highs certainly outweigh the lows. It's an impressive console debut, and I can't wait to see what the developers create next.
SOMA's campaign will cost the player roughly eight hours to complete. Because it is so narrative-centric, subsequent playthroughs are unlikely to occur. The game's major draw-in is the thirst for answers to Simon's plight beneath the depths. While the story provoked some great philosophical discourse, the game ultimately leaves the player wanting for what could have been.
After finishing SOMA, my mind was consumed with thoughts of what it means to be human. Did I torture and kill people in my attempt to escape? Or were they not really people at all and I can sleep soundly? That SOMA made me ask myself these questions is the reason why you should play this game, despite the inclusion of unnecessary and frustrating “video game moments.”
A gorgeous, thoughtful descent into the depths of the ocean and yourself that doesn't pull any punches. The disturbing questions posed by SOMA will linger with you long after the credits roll.
Safe Mode changes the game in subtle ways, causing many of the game’s monsters to ignore your presence until you go out of your way to antagonize them, though a few enemies toward the middle of the game are strangely aggressive regardless. Of course, SOMA is still a thoroughly creepy experience that retains its general atmosphere of there being something horrible just around the next corner, so it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t a “make the game accessible for those who detest scary games” mode. Instead, it’s more akin to a “speed up gameplay by eliminating the need to slowly creep around monsters” mode. Even for gamers like me who avoid most horror-type games, though, SOMA delves into various consciousness and identity issues that you’re not likely to experience in any other game out there, and is well worth fighting through for that reason.
A good mix of intriguing story and the obligatory scares here and there, SOMA produces an experience you've probably never pondered over that leaves you thinking about it all well after the credits stopped rolling.
SOMA first released on PC a couple of years ago, but now it is making its way onto consoles and fans of suspenseful, narrative-driven games should make sure to play this title if they missed it the first time around. I was fortunate enough to play SOMA the first time around a couple of years ago, but never actually reviewed it for this site. I found that the game was creepy, interesting, and it had emotional impact that delivered a memorable experience. Thankfully these intangible types of traits age really well whether a game is two years or twenty years old, and SOMA on the Xbox One is a fantastic overall experience.
SOMA is a great game that brings a perfect blend of survival horror, an intriguing story, believable characters, and the constant dread of failure – things that are all too rare these days.
More of a thriller than a pure horror game, Soma creates a world the player wants to explore to understand, and yet will still be afraid of. It’s horror, but horror I was able to enjoy.
SOMA makes you think about the impending future that will change the world. As you uncover the story of the world you come to the realisation that... No, it will be your own. The game you simply need to play.
Review in Polish | Read full review
'Thought provoking' may be the best way to describe my overall experience with SOMA. With the story being expertly delivered through eloquent voice acting and dialogue, environmental design, and questionable moral choices. SOMA stands out as a deft lesson in storytelling, which many developers should learn from. I'd highly recommend trying SOMA for anyone and everyone.
A chilling and thought-provoking experience that puts Frictional games as one of the best horror game developers.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I've never been deep-sea diving but I think that even James Cameron would be hard pressed to find fault with the level of detail on display here
SOMA is a spectacular adventure game stuck in the jaws of a mediocre horror game.
Soma aims to combine a weird story with a mysterious atmosphere and succeeds to achieve that goal, and although its gameplay might be too simple at times, it’ll still satisfy horror fans.
Review in Persian | Read full review
SOMA is above anything else, an experience. The game's story is bound to stick with you for months after playing it, just like a great movie. It's pacing is damn near perfect and any fan of the genre should hit themselves over the head of they continue to ignore this one.