SOMA: A Descent into Existential Dread and Body Horror!

Prepare to plummet into the abyss of existential dread with SOMA, a 2015 survival horror game developed by Frictional Games, the masterminds behind the chilling Amnesia series. While thematically echoing its predecessors in exploring psychological terrors, SOMA takes a sharp left turn into the unnerving realm of body horror and philosophical dilemmas. Buckle up as we explore this submerged nightmare and decipher its unsettling truths.

A Cold, Dark Awakening at the Bottom of the Ocean

The narrative plunges you headfirst into the icy depths of the Atlantic Ocean, aboard the underwater research facility PATHOS-II. You take on the role of Simon Jarrett, an ordinary man grappling with a terminal illness who volunteers for experimental brain scanning. However, a catastrophic event throws his reality into disarray: Simon awakens in a derelict underwater base decades after the facility’s intended abandonment.

As you navigate the haunting corridors and flooded compartments of PATHOS-II, the unsettling truth unfolds. The facility is not entirely deserted. You encounter strange creatures, twisted amalgamations of flesh and metal driven by malfunctioning AI systems that grapple with their newfound sentience. These entities, known as “constructs,” pose a constant threat, forcing you to utilize stealth, cunning, and environmental manipulation to survive encounters.

Themes of Identity, Consciousness, and Technological Hubris

SOMA goes beyond jump scares and visceral horror; it delves into profound philosophical questions about consciousness, identity, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. The constructs, while horrifying in their appearance, raise questions about what constitutes “life” and “personhood.” Do they possess genuine sentience? Can machines truly feel emotions and experience existential angst?

The game explores these themes through haunting dialogue interactions with the remaining humans on PATHOS-II (if you can even call them human anymore) and cryptic messages left behind by researchers struggling to grapple with the consequences of their own technological advancements. SOMA challenges players to confront the blurred lines between humanity and machine, urging us to consider the ethical implications of pursuing artificial intelligence without fully understanding its potential ramifications.

Production Features that Amplify the Horror Experience:

Frictional Games expertly weaves together various gameplay mechanics and storytelling techniques to create a truly immersive horror experience:

• First-Person Perspective: The game adopts a first-person perspective, putting you directly in Simon’s shoes and intensifying the feeling of vulnerability. You see the world through his eyes, experiencing the claustrophobia of the underwater base and the dread that creeps into every corner.

• Emphasis on Atmosphere and Sound Design: SOMA relies heavily on atmospheric tension and sound design to create a palpable sense of unease. The haunting ambient music, distorted voices echoing through corridors, and unsettling creaks and groans of the decaying facility contribute significantly to the chilling atmosphere.

• Puzzle Solving and Exploration: While survival is paramount, SOMA also incorporates puzzle-solving elements. You need to decipher clues left behind by previous researchers, access restricted areas, and manipulate machinery to progress through the story. This encourages exploration and engagement with the game’s environment, deepening the sense of immersion.

• Choices and Moral Dilemmas: Throughout your journey, Simon faces difficult choices that challenge his moral compass. These decisions often have lasting consequences, shaping the narrative and influencing the game’s multiple endings.

A Chilling Soundtrack to Accompany Your Descent:

Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Journey into Darkness

SOMA is more than just a horror game; it’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It compels you to question your own understanding of consciousness and grapple with complex ethical dilemmas related to technology. Its chilling atmosphere, thought-provoking narrative, and unsettling characters make SOMA a must-play for any horror enthusiast seeking a truly immersive and unforgettable journey into the abyss.