SOMA is Frictional Games’ science-fiction horror game, best suited to players who want a story that probes identity and consciousness more than a deep or varied action game. Its narrative and themes are its clearest strengths; a notable criticism is that the gameplay does not match the ambition of the story. If that trade-off sounds appealing, it is worth considering—but check the listing for your platform before buying.
What is SOMA?
SOMA is a science-fiction horror adventure from Frictional Games, the studio behind Amnesia: The Dark Descent. It follows Simon Jarrett as he wakes in an underwater research facility where human consciousness, machines and the meaning of personhood become central to the story. This is the video game, not Soma Intimates or Soma Organic Mattresses.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Stray - Nintendo Switch | $28.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Silent Hill 2 (PS5) | $29.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Star Wars: Heritage Pack - Nintendo Switch | $35.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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007 First Light - Specialist Edition - PlayStation 5 | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The official PlayStation listing dates the PS4 release to September 22, 2015, and categorizes the game as horror, adventure and action: PlayStation Store. GameSpot lists its first release as September 21, 2015, and lists versions for Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4 and Xbox One: GameSpot. Those dates differ by one day; the available listings do not establish why, so treat them as source-specific dates rather than a single universal launch date.
What do SOMA reviews say?
Review coverage most consistently supports a story-first verdict. Frictional Games’ official roundup highlights praise for the storytelling, while PC Gamer’s review excerpt identifies a gap between the ambition of the story and themes and how well those ideas carry into the game design: Frictional Games review roundup and PC Gamer review.
#1 Best Overall
- Stray is a single-player third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed, neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity
- Untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten cybercity in Stray
- Physical edition comes with 6 Full-Color Art Cards
- Don't miss out on this one-of -a-kind third-person cat adventure game developed by BlueTwelve Studio for Nintendo Switch.
That split matters when deciding whether to play. The game’s central appeal is its unsettling science-fiction premise and the questions it raises, not a promise of consistently inventive mechanics. If you prioritize narrative and atmosphere, the critical praise points toward a strong fit. If you need gameplay systems to evolve as boldly as a story’s ideas, the design criticism is a real caveat.
Is SOMA scary, and what kind of horror is it?
SOMA is horror, but its defining effect is not simply jump scares. The underwater setting, hostile encounters and uncertainty about what is human contribute to tension, while the larger unease comes from the game’s questions about identity and consciousness. Frictional Games’ 2015 release post quoted GameSpot describing it as meaningful horror beyond simple jump scares: Frictional Games release post.
Rank #2
- Fully Remade to terrify modern audiences
- KONAMI's intense psychological horror masterpiece SILENT HILL 2 is made exclusively for PlayStation 5
- The main protagonist James Sunderland searches for clues in the namesake town, after receiving a mysterious letter from his wife Mary… who has long been dead
- Experience the eerie monsters and other manifestations of James' consciousness reworked after 20 years
- Made with state-of-the-art technology to play on modern entertainment systems in 4K
Expect an oppressive, unsettling experience rather than a light adventure. Players looking for a narrative-heavy horror game may find the combination compelling; anyone avoiding sustained horror or threatening encounters should factor that into the choice.
How well does SOMA play?
The clearest review caveat is that the design does not always meet the level of the story’s ambition. The available review excerpts support that broad distinction, but do not establish a detailed, version-by-version assessment of puzzle variety, controls or performance. It is safer to judge the game as a narrative-led horror experience than to expect a mechanically expansive one.
Rank #3
- The following games are included in the cartridge: STAR WARS Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (3.6 GB)
- STAR WARS Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast (1.1 GB)
- STAR WARS Episode I Racer (254 MB)
- STAR WARS Republic Commando (2.5 GB)
- STAR WARS: The Force Unleashed (3.4 GB)
What platforms can you play SOMA on?
GameSpot lists Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4 and Xbox One versions, but platform listings can change and the available sources do not verify current availability in every region or storefront. Check the store page for the specific system and region where you plan to play. The official PlayStation listing is for PS4; it says that version is playable on PS5, though a system update may be required and some PS4 features may be absent. It describes the purchase as a one-time license fee.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you read SOMA’s review scores?
Metacritic’s available page excerpt reports three critic aggregates: 84 based on 70 reviews, 79 based on 27 reviews and 82 based on 14 reviews. The excerpt does not clearly identify which platform belongs to each aggregate, so those figures should not be treated as platform-specific scores. The same excerpt also does not specify the review dates individually: Metacritic.
Rank #4
- ONLY AT AMAZON - SPECIALIST EDITION
- EARN THE NUMBER - Discover a new James Bond origin story, and the events that led a young maverick to become the best MI6 agent.
- A THRILLING ESPIONAGE ADVENTURE - Embark on missions in breathtaking locations, drive iconic vehicles, and dive into a cinematic adventure in pursuit of a rogue agent who’s always one step ahead.
- SPYING, YOUR WAY - Go silent or go loud. Whether fighting with fists or firepower, using gadgets to infiltrate, or bluffing your way past guards, the approach is entirely up to you.
GameSpot’s returned page displays a score of 76, but that single outlet score is not a substitute for a platform-matched aggregate: GameSpot. For a purchase decision, the useful takeaway is the more consistent qualitative pattern: strong attention to the story and themes, alongside a meaningful concern about how the gameplay supports them.
Quick Recap
Who should play SOMA?
- Consider it if you want science-fiction horror built around story, atmosphere and questions about consciousness and identity.
- Be cautious if you mainly want varied, mechanically ambitious gameplay or prefer to avoid sustained horror tension.
- Before buying confirm the current version and compatibility information on the store for your platform and region.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
