Summary

Release Year: 2015
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Puzzle
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developers: Frictional Games
Publishers: Frictional Games

Soma (2015): A Deep Dive into Existential Horror

Soma, the 2015 sci-fi horror game from Frictional Games, is a deep and unsettling exploration of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human. Set in an underwater research facility called Pathos-II, the game follows the story of Simon Jarrett, a man who awakens with no memory of his past.

As Simon explores Pathos-II, he encounters a strange and disturbing world. The facility is in ruins, and the machines that once inhabited it have begun to develop human-like consciousness. Simon must navigate this treacherous environment, all the while piecing together the mystery of his own identity.

Soma’s gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth. Players must use their wits to survive, as the machines that roam Pathos-II are deadly and relentless. The game’s atmosphere is one of constant dread and paranoia, as players never know when they might be attacked.

In addition to its gameplay, Soma is also notable for its story and characters. The game’s narrative is complex and thought-provoking, and it raises many questions about the nature of consciousness and identity. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their struggles and choices will stay with players long after they finish the game.

One of the most striking things about Soma is its setting. Pathos-II is a vast and eerie underwater facility, and its claustrophobic corridors and dimly lit rooms create a sense of constant unease. The game’s sound design is also excellent, and it uses silence and ambient noise to create a truly immersive and unsettling experience.

Soma is a game that will stay with players long after they finish it. Its story, characters, and setting are all expertly crafted, and it raises important questions about the nature of consciousness and identity. If you’re a fan of horror games, or if you’re just looking for a thought-provoking and unsettling experience, then Soma is definitely worth checking out.

The Themes of Soma

Soma is a game that is rich in themes, and it explores many complex and challenging ideas. Some of the most prominent themes in the game include:

Identity: Who are we? What makes us who we are? Soma explores these questions through the character of Simon, who awakens with no memory of his past. As Simon interacts with the other characters in the game, he begins to piece together his identity and to question what it means to be human.
Consciousness: What is consciousness? Is it something that is unique to humans? Soma explores these questions through the machines that inhabit Pathos-II. These machines have begun to develop human-like consciousness, and they raise questions about the nature of consciousness and whether or not it is something that is exclusive to humans.
Existentialism: What is the meaning of life? What is our purpose? Soma explores these questions through the characters’ struggles and choices. The game does not provide easy answers, but it forces players to confront these questions and to come to their own conclusions.

The Characters of Soma

Soma features a cast of well-developed and relatable characters. Each character has their own unique motivations and struggles, and they all play an important role in the game’s story.

Simon Jarrett: Simon is the protagonist of Soma. He awakens with no memory of his past, and he must piece together his identity while navigating the treacherous environment of Pathos-II.
Catherine Chun: Catherine is a scientist who works at Pathos-II. She is a strong and intelligent woman, and she is determined to find a way to escape the facility.
Johan Ross: Johan is an engineer who works at Pathos-II. He is a kind and compassionate man, and he is always willing to help others.
Irina: Irina is a mysterious woman who appears in Simon’s dreams. She is a powerful and enigmatic figure, and she seems to know more about Simon’s past than he does.

The Ending of Soma

Soma has multiple endings, depending on the choices that players make throughout the game. However, all of the endings are ambiguous and open to interpretation. This is in keeping with the game’s overall themes of identity, consciousness, and existentialism.

The game’s ending is designed to make players think about the nature of reality and the meaning of life. It is a challenging and thought-provoking ending, and it is sure to stay with players long after they finish the game.

Conclusion

Soma is a masterpiece of sci-fi horror. It is a game that is both terrifying and thought-provoking, and it raises important questions about the nature of consciousness and identity. If you’re looking for a game that will stay with you long after you finish it, then Soma is definitely worth checking out.