SOMA: Before You Buy

TL;DR

Soma is a well-crafted horror game with a strong story but less frightening than Amnesia.

Transcript

hey guys Jake baldino for game ranks here bringing you another episode of before you buy the show where we give you unfiltered gameplay and Impressions on the latest games that come out this time around we're talking about Soma available for PlayStation 4 PC and mac and it retails for 30 bucks and the big question is is it good is it scary because ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍿 Soma is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PC, and Mac, making it accessible to a broad audience.
• 👾 The game is priced at $30, which is considered reasonable for its length and quality compared to many full-priced titles.
• 👾 Players must independently solve puzzles and navigate the game without much guidance, enhancing the challenge and sense of immersion.
• 😱 The creature encounters in Soma are less intense than in Amnesia, allowing a different approach to the horror genre.
• 💭 The story involves deep and intriguing themes that unfold as players progress, making it a thought-provoking experience.
• 🎨 Soma's art design and graphics contribute to a unique atmosphere, reminiscent of retrospective titles like System Shock and Bioshock.
• 🤑 The significant focus on audio diaries and environmental storytelling helps build the game’s narrative-rich experience, engrossing players further.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Soma compare to Frictional Games' previous title, Amnesia?

Soma is often viewed as an evolution of Amnesia. While it lacks the same level of fear caused by being chased by monsters, it excels in storytelling, pacing, and atmosphere. Players find themselves more invested in its narrative, making it more than just a simple horror game, despite it not being as frightening.

Q: What are the gameplay mechanics like in Soma?

Gameplay in Soma focuses on exploration, puzzle-solving, and interacting with the environment. Players must solve various challenges and input passwords they find in notes without the game saving this information, adding a layer of difficulty. This design choice encourages immersion and a sense of accomplishment when navigating the underwater facility.

Q: What kind of atmosphere does Soma create?

Soma expertly builds an atmosphere of dread and intrigue through its sound design, environmental details, and lighting. Players experience jump scares, unsettling sounds, and eerie visuals that evoke a feeling of unease—setting the stage for a captivating and haunting narrative experience within the underwater facility.

Q: How long does it take to complete Soma?

Completing Soma generally takes between 8 to 9 hours, allowing players to explore its depths thoroughly and engage with its story without feeling rushed. This runtime is notable considering the game is priced lower than many similar offerings, providing solid value for fans of narrative-driven horror games.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Soma, developed by Frictional Games, is available for PlayStation 4, PC, and Mac at a retail price of $30, and is known for its immersive storytelling and unique atmosphere.

• Unlike Amnesia, Soma is not as terrifying, but it offers a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay mechanics that keep players invested in the experience.

• The game emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving, requiring players to navigate the underwater facility without much guidance, enhancing the overall sense of achievement.