SOMA

SOMA is widely praised as a profound and emotionally compelling sci-fi horror game that delves deeply into themes of identity, consciousness, and immortality. Players consistently highlight its thought-provoking narrative and immersive atmosphere, which create a lasting impact beyond typical horror experiences. The underwater setting and environmental audio contribute to a claustrophobic and tense mood that keeps players engaged. The story's philosophical questions about what it means to be human and the nature of self resonate strongly with many, making it a unique narrative experience.

However, some players find the gameplay mechanics, especially the stealth sections involving monsters, to be tedious and occasionally frustrating. Movement and interaction controls can feel clunky, and certain areas are criticized for navigation difficulties and pacing issues. Despite these flaws, the game is recommended for first-time players due to its exceptional storytelling and atmosphere, though replayability is limited by the repetitiveness of some gameplay elements.

Highlights

Story and atmosphere are the most praised aspects of SOMA, with many players calling it a masterpiece in narrative and existential horror. The game's exploration of philosophical themes such as identity, consciousness, and immortality stands out as a unique strength. The underwater setting and ambient audio create an immersive, tense environment that enhances the horror experience. Additionally, the puzzles are generally considered fun and well-designed, complementing the story without being overly difficult.

Graphically, SOMA holds up well for its age, with detailed visuals and effective art direction. The voice acting and character development, especially the dynamic between main characters, receive positive mentions for adding emotional depth.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the gameplay mechanics, particularly the stealth and monster encounters, which some find repetitive, slow, and occasionally boring rather than tense. Controls related to movement, jumping, and item interaction are described as clunky or frustrating. Navigation can be confusing at times, leading to player disorientation. The enemy AI is sometimes seen as unfair or easy to cheese, detracting from immersion. Some players also note pacing issues and occasional technical hiccups like frame drops or loading delays. Finally, the game’s replay value is limited, as the slow stealth sections reduce the desire for multiple playthroughs.