The Most Anticipated Horror Games of 2015: SOMA

Previously in 'The Most Anticipated Horror Games of 2015', Wise Words... were shed on the forthcoming slasher, Until Dawn. This time around, we vacate the perils of targeted teens and enter the realm of science-fiction.

This year SOMA is coming to PC and PlayStation 4 thanks to independent developer, Frictional Games. As it stands the game remains an enigma, and what little information we know of the plot lies on its official website. In short, the game takes place on PATHOS-2, a remote research facility in which the machines begin to take on human characteristics.

Despite such minimal information, the anticipation for SOMA's release increases by the day. This shouldn't come as a suprise however, given that the Swedish-based producers are responsible for the infamous Amnesia: The Dark Descent. From the looks of things, fear-inducing gameplay will once again leave us intrigued yet terrified, as we roam the non-descript realm created in SOMA, longing for the comparatively peaceful halls of Brennenburg Castle.



Accordingly, Frictional's Creative Director, Thomas Grip, explains that SOMA is "not just another carnival ride of cheap scares. It is meant to chill you to your core, and confront you with questions about your very existence"

He continues, "The subject that SOMA will discuss is consciousness. Personally, I find it the most profound [of] questions that [...] is possible to ask. ‘How can the feeling of subjective experience arise from a chunk of flesh?’ Exploring this further takes us to questions such as ‘Can machines be conscious?’ and ‘Do we have free will?’ It quickly gets very disturbing, and is ideal for a futuristic horror setting. It is the kind of sci-fi that we want to make.”

The gamplay mechanics and graphics of SOMA appear far more advanced in comparison to Frictional's previous outputs. Not to mention, the game's design cleverly combines the bleak and nihilistic aesthetic of horror with the surreal and compelling spectacle of science-fiction. Yet these words from Grip imply that SOMA's aesthetics (although important) are secondary in comparison to its ambitious existential themes - a commendable approach and one that will undoubtedly have a longer-lasting effect on all gamers who brave this sinister journey.

Perhaps a game for those who enjoy a slower path to terror with a more horrifying pay-off, SOMA sounds ambitious and compelling, and is most certainly one to look forward to this year.

SOMA is due for release late 2015 on Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux and

PlayStation 4.

Next up... 'The Most Anticipated Horror Games of 2015: Bloodborne'