Tenebris Somnia Reviews
Tenebris Somnia is a survival horror adventure featuring not only spectacular FMV sequences, but engrossing tension-fueled combat and thoughtful puzzle design.
An interesting mix of old-school adventure and pretty slick modern horror video production
Tenebris Somnia isn't the most polished or innovative survival horror game of recent years, but it is one of the games with the most distinctive personality.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Tenebris Somnia is an ambitious video game—perhaps too ambitious for the tools at its disposal. The experiment of combining pixel art and live-action works fairly well, although the poor quality of some cutscenes—especially in terms of special effects and the actors’ performances—risks failing to achieve the desired effect at all. The game effectively creates an unsettling and frightening atmosphere, but the combination of puzzle-solving and survival elements isn’t quite as successful: a combat system that’s clunky, to say the least, and puzzles that are sometimes too easy and sometimes too difficult don’t contribute to an optimal experience. Tenebris Somnia therefore succeeds better in its narrative goals than in its gameplay objectives, but overall it gives the impression of trying to prove too much compared to what it can actually deliver.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tenebris Somnia is an imperfect creature, but like all bizarre beings, it has a charisma all its own.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tenebris Somnia is a beautiful work of art in the survival horror genre. All its elements —combat, puzzles, narrative, and aesthetics— work in perfect harmony to deliver a fantastic horror experience. It is one of the best games of the year and a source of pride for Latin America. No horror lover should miss it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Tenebris Somnia is unusual, and I think that’s a good thing. In promotional materials, the most boasted accolade is that of the award-winning film crew behind the cutscenes. The team did a wonderful job of making the live-action segments feel cinematic and synchronizing them nicely with the actual gameplay sections, but on occasion the other parts of the game can feel neglected as a result. The game advertised was an incredibly scary experience, but I found the fear factor a little underwhelming. If you want a game that feels almost like a digital escape room with the way its puzzles are presented, Tenebris Somnia is the game for you. But if you’re looking for a genuinely horrifying experience, fumbling to survive while fighting something straight out of a nightmare, maybe give the game a pass or at least temper your expectations.
Tenebris Somnia is one of the most original horror games of the year. Complex puzzles in the style of classic adventure games, stunning pixel art, and superbly executed live-action scenes come together to create a combination you won’t find anywhere else, and the story—about a cult, filmmaking, and a relationship falling apart—keeps you glued to the screen until the very end. However, the game lacks precision in combat, and the lead actress’s emotionless performance takes away some of the tension. If you’re a fan of classic survival horror games and enjoy giving your brain a workout, this title is definitely worth checking out—preferably around Halloween.
Review in Polish | Read full review
I came away from Tenebris Somnia appreciating what it was trying to do, even if I don’t think every part of it works equally well. The live-action scenes are easily the most distinctive feature, and the practical effects give the horror a different feel from what you’d normally expect from a pixel-art game. The atmosphere is creepy, and the story gives you a reason to keep going. The gameplay is a little less impressive. Some puzzles are confusing, combat could be smoother, and a few sections feel rough around the edges. These issues stop the game from being as good as it could have been.
While the puzzles were occasionally gratifying, the live-action cutscenes stuck with me most, as the game wears its love for film on its sleeve. Tenebris Somnia treats film with the respect it deserves and shows the toll it can take on one’s life when devoted to one's craft.
Tenebris Somnia is a really cool horror experience thats brilliant presentation and storytelling are only let down by some poor combat and the occasional iffy puzzle. Don’t get me wrong, I had a really good time playing the game, and when everything clicks, it’s a real horror treat. It’s just a shame that there were a couple too many tedious moments in the game. However, whilst it has some flaws, Tenebris Somnia is still a fascinating nightmare worth experiencing (if only for the jaw-dropping presentation alone). It won’t be the best horror game that you’ve played, but it’s still an impressive experience that’ll be unlike anything else you’ve played before.
Tenebris Somniais a memorable survival horror experience that combines retro pixel art with unsettling live-action sequences to create a nightmare that feels both familiar and deeply disturbing.
Some investigation sequences can interrupt the pacing when we cannot immediately identify which item we need to use or combine. Although most puzzles are intuitive, I found myself stuck at certain points, trying to figure out what the game expected from me and revisiting areas that had nothing to do with the situation at hand. It is also difficult not to question some of the protagonist's decisions, especially given Ivan's disappearance and the lack of answers. Overall, these are minor limitations, accompanied by an additional consideration for those seeking to complete everything: missable achievements require careful attention to save files and campaign progression. These aspects could have been handled better, but they do not compromise the experience. On the other hand, Tenebris Somnia makes excellent use of its investigation mechanics. The ability to collect and combine items, discover new ways to interact with the environments, and tackle specific situations, such as the battle in the dark room, provides enough variety to maintain interest throughout the campaign. The narrative also gains momentum as we descend through the building's floors and learn more about Ivan's memories. Although combat plays a secondary role, boss encounters introduce distinct moments into the progression, while exploration and puzzles sustain most of the experience. The biggest highlight is the integration of gameplay and cinematic sequences. The live-action actors, practical effects, scene direction, and sound design contribute to an atmosphere that also works in the 2D sections, where the game demonstrates its ability to inspire fear without relying on filmed footage. The story, which revolves around a troubled relationship, cults, and disturbing events, gains strength by presenting conflicts that feel tangible. This is a testament to a script that sustains curiosity until the most unsettling moments, even across its multiple endings. Tenebris Somnia is an exceptionally competent production that delivers on its vision, featuring a distinctive visual identity, well-executed investigation mechanics, and a cinematic presentation that makes the experience particularly memorable.
In my humble opinion, Tenebris Somnia is a masterpiece. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but anyone who enjoys a strong, dark story and doesn't mind a bit of horror will feel right at home. It may not be the most technically brilliant game, but it's certainly the most memorable game I've played all year.
With scarce resources, environmental storytelling and progress gating puzzles, Tenebris Somnia is a love letter to classic survival horror. The live-action sequences aren’t just great original horror scenes; they’re integral and integrated into the full experience in a way that exceeded my expectations. There’s a handful of rough collision-based edges and some puzzle frustration, but fans of the genre’s classic games and B-movie horror will find a well-rounded infusion of both video game and short-form cinema. Tenebris Somnia recaptures the forgotten classic feel of the survival horror genre and reminded me why it is still foundational to contemporary greats.
Tenebris Somnia seamlessly blends 90s FMV adventure with pure survival horror dread. While combat has clunky moments, its stunning cinematics, smart puzzles, and gripping story make it a new horror classic.
Tenebris Somnia manages to stand out in a sea of samey, repetitive indie horror games thanks to its intriguing premise, solid writing, and genuinely unique presentation. While its gameplay isn’t particularly groundbreaking, it’s far from bad, and I loved the contrast between its 8-bit, Amiga-era visuals and its shockingly well-shot, if occasionally off-putting, live-action cutscenes.
“Everything is better in 8-bit.” So I’m not sure if I completely agree with Atari on this, since, in my view, it’s actually everything outside the 8-bit realm that really gives Tenebris Somnia its luster. But if we have to pigeonhole Tenebris Somnia into that 8-bit category based on its overall look and feel—not counting the cutscenes—then yes. In that case, 8-bit has proven to be quite appealing.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Unless you're really not into the 2D stylings of a retro-fitted horror game and don't like getting lost and stumped at tricky brain teasers, as well as mostly avoiding monsters to get ahead and survive, Tenebris Somnia is an immaculate time that thrives in its unique presentation.