SOMA places players in the role of Simon Jarrett, an ordinary man who undergoes an experimental brain scan after a traumatic accident. When he wakes, he finds himself in PATHOS-II, an underwater research facility abandoned and overrun by bizarre machinery and distorted beings. As Simon searches for answers, he is forced to confront questions of identity, consciousness, and what it truly means to be human. The game’s story blends science fiction with existential horror, drawing the player into a journey that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
Developed and published by Frictional Games, the same studio behind the acclaimed Amnesia: The Dark Descent, SOMA was released in September 2015 for PC and PlayStation 4, with later ports to Xbox One. Unlike Amnesia’s more traditional focus on monsters and panic-driven chases, SOMA leans into psychological and philosophical horror, exploring themes of transhumanism, memory, and the fragile nature of consciousness. The game was designed not only to unsettle players but also to make them reflect on the deeper implications of its narrative, cementing its reputation as one of the most intellectually ambitious survival horror titles of its time.
Gameplay
The core gameplay follows the familiar Frictional formula of first-person exploration with heavy emphasis on immersion. Players solve environmental puzzles, uncover logs and notes that expand the story, and carefully navigate areas stalked by hostile entities. Unlike traditional combat based horror, SOMA denies players any direct means of attack, forcing stealth and avoidance. The design amplifies vulnerability while keeping the focus on tension and atmosphere rather than action. An optional “Safe Mode” was later added, allowing players to experience the story without being harmed by enemies, highlighting the studio’s priority on narrative immersion over pure survival mechanics.
Visuals and Style
SOMA’s aesthetic is defined by the cold and decaying corridors of PATHOS-II, where rusting machinery and claustrophobic tunnels evoke a sense of dread. The underwater setting is both oppressive and awe inspiring, with moments of quiet exploration in the deep sea punctuating the horror. The design of the creatures reflects the game’s central themes, with enemies embodying distorted hybrids of man and machine. Audio design is equally crucial, mixing mechanical hums, distant aquatic sounds, and tense atmospheric music to build unease. The overall style blends hard science fiction with psychological terror, giving SOMA a distinct identity in the genre.
Importance in Survival Horror History
SOMA stands out as a landmark in horror for its philosophical depth. While many survival horror games focus on monsters and survival mechanics, SOMA pushed the genre into new territory by embedding its scares in questions of existence, technology, and morality. It showed that horror could be a vehicle for profound storytelling, influencing later games that aimed to merge narrative and atmosphere rather than relying solely on shock or gore. Its success reinforced Frictional’s role as one of the leading studios in redefining modern horror.
Reception versus Historical Value
Upon release, SOMA was praised for its storytelling, atmosphere, and thought provoking themes. Critics highlighted its writing as its greatest strength, though some players noted frustration with stealth segments. Over time, the game’s reputation has grown, with many now considering it one of the best narrative driven horror games of the 2010s. Historically, its value lies in how it expanded the definition of survival horror by balancing fear with philosophy, leaving a lasting impact on both players and developers.
Availability and Collectibility
SOMA is widely available across PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and just recently the Nintendo Switch, with continued support through digital platforms like Steam, GOG, and console storefronts. Physical copies are rare since most sales were digital, making boxed editions a modest collector’s item. However, its accessibility ensures that the game remains easy to experience today. While it does not hold extreme collectible value, SOMA’s reputation and continued relevance give it an enduring place in the survival horror canon.
Get it on:
Steam: SOMA on Steam
GOG: https://www.gog.com/game/soma
Xbox: Buy SOMA | Xbox
PSN: SOMA
Nintendo: SOMA for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site
Trailer: