Soma (video game)

Soma
Developer(s)Frictional Games
Publisher(s)Frictional Games
Director(s)Thomas Grip
Writer(s)Mikael Hedberg
Composer(s)Mikko Tarmia
EngineHPL Engine 3
Platform(s)
Release
  • Linux, OS X, PS4, Windows
  • 22 September 2015
  • Xbox One
  • 1 December 2017
Genre(s)Survival horror
Mode(s)Single-player

Soma (stylized as SOMA) is a survival horror video game developed and published by Frictional Games.[1][2] The game was released on 22 September 2015 for Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, and PlayStation 4,[3] and on 1 December 2017 for Xbox One.[4]

Soma takes place on an underwater remote research facility containing machinery that exhibits human characteristics such as consciousness. Simon Jarrett, a fish-out-of-water protagonist, finds himself there under mysterious circumstances and embarks upon discovering its history, while trying to make sense of his predicament and potential future.[5][6]

Soma's gameplay builds on the conventions established in the previous horror titles of Frictional Games, including an emphasis on stealthy evasion of threats, puzzle-solving, and immersion. However, in a break with this tradition, it also de-emphasizes aspects such as inventory management in favour of a tighter focus on narrative. Soma received generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised its story, themes, atmosphere, sound design, and voice acting, but criticized its enemy design and encounters.

  1. ^ Savge, Phil (11 October 2013). "SOMA trailer shows first game footage, Frictional's sci-fi horror due 2015". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 24 August 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  2. ^ Nilsson, Jens (29 May 2015). "SOMA Release Date And Gameplay Trailer". Frictional Games website. Archived from the original on 10 June 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  3. ^ "Frictional Games Presents SOMA - Available Now". frictionalgames.com. Archived from the original on 25 November 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  4. ^ "SOMA Xbox One Release Date Revealed, New "Safe Mode" Announced". IGN.com. 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 18 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  5. ^ Nichols, Scott (11 October 2013). "'SOMA': First gameplay trailer from 'Amnesia' creators - watch". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  6. ^ "SOMA - Info". Somagame.com. Archived from the original on 1 September 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2013.