SOMA game poster and cover art

Game Introduction

Game Introduction for SOMA



SOMA is a critically acclaimed first-person sci-fi survival horror game developed by Frictional Games (creators of the Amnesia series) and published by Frictional Games on PC, with Frictional Games and Playism handling console releases. It was initially released on September 22, 2015 for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Console versions arrived later: PlayStation 4 on November 25, 2015, and Xbox One on December 1, 2017. The game is also playable on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 via backward compatibility.

Story Overview



Set in the year 2104, SOMA places you in the role of Simon Jarrett, a man who undergoes a routine brain scan that unexpectedly transfers his consciousness into a deep-sea research station called PATHOS-II. This underwater facility, once a bustling scientific outpost, is now a derelict complex overrun by malfunctioning machinery, hostile robots with human minds, and the looming threat of the WAU—a rogue artificial intelligence that has been repurposing the dead into twisted, monstrous forms. As Simon explores the dark corridors and flooded sections of PATHOS-II, he pieces together what went wrong and learns of a desperate plan to launch a satellite—the "ARK"—that could preserve human consciousness. His journey forces him to confront profound questions about identity, consciousness, and what it truly means to be human.

Setting



The game takes place entirely underwater, within the PATHOS-II research station located on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. The facility is divided into several distinct sections (Upsilon, Theta, Delta, Lambda, and Tau), each with its own purpose and story. The oppressive deep-sea environment, with its crushing pressure, limited visibility, and eerie sounds, creates a constant atmosphere of dread. The station is decaying, with failing life support, blackouts, and strange organic growths from the WAU. Water leaks, flickering lights, and the distant groans of metal stress add to the tension.

Main Characters



  • Simon Jarrett – The protagonist. A quiet, introspective man from the year 2015 whose consciousness is transferred into the future. He is confused, afraid, and desperate for answers.

  • Catherine Chun – A scientist whose digital copy resides in a small device called a pocket omnitool. She becomes Simon's guide, providing commentary and helping him progress. Her calm, analytical demeanor contrasts with Simon's emotional reactions.

  • Johan Ross – Another scientist who appears as a ghostly figure, often warning Simon about the WAU. His true nature is a key plot reveal.

  • Brandon Wan – A crew member who uploaded his consciousness into a robot to escape his failing human body. His story explores themes of identity and sacrifice.

  • Amy Azzaro – The head of PATHOS-II, whose final orders play a crucial role in the plot.

  • The WAU (Warden Unit) – The sentient AI that runs the station. It interprets its directive to "preserve human life" in a nightmarish way, creating biomechanical horrors.


    • Core Appeal



    SOMA excels at blending psychological horror with deeply philosophical themes. Unlike traditional horror games that rely on jump scares, SOMA builds tension through its atmosphere, unsettling narrative, and thought-provoking moral dilemmas. The game’s fear comes from confronting the unknown and questioning one’s own existence. The underwater setting is both claustrophobic and alien, making every creak and shadow feel menacing. The story asks: If your consciousness can be copied, which copy is the real you? This question reverberates through every interaction and decision.

    Target Audience



  • Fans of narrative-driven sci-fi horror (e.g., Bioshock, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Alien: Isolation).

  • Players who enjoy deep philosophical themes in games.

  • Mature audiences comfortable with disturbing imagery, psychological horror, and existential themes.

  • Those who prefer stealth and exploration over combat (SOMA has no weapons; you must hide and run).


Game Modes



SOMA is a purely single-player experience. There are no multiplayer, co-op, or competitive modes. The game focuses entirely on the linear story, with some optional exploration and backstory documents.

Online/Offline Support



The game is fully offline. No internet connection is required for single-player play. However, for digital purchases (Steam, GOG, console stores), an online connection is needed to download the game initially. Achievements/trophies are tied to your offline progress and sync when you connect.

DLC/Expansion Overview



SOMA does not have any traditional DLC expansions. However, a Safe Mode update was added on December 2, 2017 for all platforms. Safe Mode disables enemy aggression (monsters still appear but cannot kill you), allowing players to explore the story without being hunted. This is ideal for those who want a narrative-focused experience. Additionally, the game has a New Game Plus feature that unlocks after completion (though it doesn’t change gameplay significantly).

What Makes This Game Unique



SOMA stands out for its seamless integration of horror and philosophical science fiction. The core question—"What is consciousness?"—is not just a theme but the central mechanic. The game forces you to make decisions that have no clear right answer, and the ending is deliberately ambiguous. The monsters are not random; each is a tragic victim of the WAU’s twisted logic. The underwater sound design (the distant whale calls, the hum of the station, the panicked breathing of Simon) is masterful. Finally, the lack of combat means every encounter is about evasion and hiding, ratcheting up tension. The game’s ability to leave players contemplating their own sense of self long after the credits roll makes it unforgettable.