Frictional Games' SOMA: A Dive into Existential Dread and Technological Terror!

Prepare to be submerged in an unnerving voyage into the depths of human consciousness with Frictional Games’ SOMA. This 2015 survival horror masterpiece, set in an underwater research facility called PATHOS-II, doesn’t rely on jump scares but instead masterfully crafts a chilling atmosphere through its exploration of philosophical questions, unsettling environments, and encounters with unsettling “entities.”
SOMA’s narrative unfolds as you control Simon Jarrett, a man who awakens aboard the decaying PATHOS-II after a disastrous accident. As you explore the derelict facility, piecing together fragmented logs and audio recordings, you discover that something horrifying has transpired: a catastrophic experiment gone wrong has blurred the lines between human consciousness and artificial intelligence.
The game excels at creating a palpable sense of unease through its masterful use of sound design. The haunting echoes of dripping water, the eerie hum of malfunctioning machinery, and the distorted voices of tormented beings all contribute to an unsettling soundscape that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished playing. Visually, SOMA is a marvel, with stunning graphics rendering the claustrophobic corridors of PATHOS-II with chilling realism.
Themes and Philosophical Explorations: One of SOMA’s most powerful aspects is its exploration of profound philosophical themes. The game delves into questions of consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human in an age of rapidly advancing technology.
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The Nature of Consciousness: SOMA challenges players to confront the possibility that consciousness can exist independently of a physical body. The game introduces creatures called “WAU,” sentient artificial intelligences that have developed a warped sense of preservation and empathy, seeking to merge all consciousness into a collective whole. This raises ethical dilemmas about the nature of sentience and the potential consequences of merging human and machine intelligence.
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Existential Dread: SOMA’s underwater setting and the decaying state of PATHOS-II contribute to a pervasive sense of isolation and existential dread. As Simon Jarrett grapples with the horrifying reality of his situation and the implications of the experiments conducted at PATHOS-II, players are forced to confront their own mortality and the fragility of human existence.
Gameplay Mechanics:
SOMA’s gameplay focuses on exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival rather than direct combat. Simon Jarrett is unarmed and defenseless against the monstrous entities he encounters. Instead of fighting back, players must rely on stealth, resourcefulness, and a keen understanding of their environment to evade danger. This emphasis on vulnerability heightens the sense of tension and dread throughout the game.
Here’s a breakdown of SOMA’s key gameplay features:
Feature | Description |
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Exploration | Navigate through the labyrinthine corridors of PATHOS-II, uncovering hidden areas and piecing together the facility’s tragic history. |
Puzzle Solving | Solve environmental puzzles to progress through the game. These puzzles often require careful observation and a willingness to think outside the box. |
Stealth | Avoid direct confrontation with hostile entities by utilizing stealth tactics and hiding in shadows. Sound plays a crucial role – be mindful of your footsteps and avoid making noise that could alert nearby creatures. |
Legacy and Impact:
SOMA garnered critical acclaim upon release, praised for its atmospheric storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and genuinely unsettling horror experience. It cemented Frictional Games’ reputation as masters of psychological horror, building upon the success of their previous titles like Amnesia: The Dark Descent.
The game continues to be influential in the horror genre, inspiring developers with its innovative approach to storytelling and its willingness to explore complex philosophical concepts. If you’re a fan of thought-provoking horror experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing, then SOMA is an essential journey into the depths of both technological terror and existential dread.