We’re delving into the captivating world of games that share a special connection with the critically acclaimed sci-fi horror game, SOMA. You know, those games that create a perfect blend of eerie atmosphere, compelling story, and mind-bending puzzles, leaving you utterly hooked.
As a die-hard SOMA fan myself, I’ve scoured the gaming landscape to find 10 fantastic games that offer similar experiences to this masterpiece.
Full list of games like SOMA
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Ah, Amnesia: The Dark Descent – where do I even begin? Developed by the same people behind SOMA, Frictional Games, this game is a must-play for anyone seeking that spine-chilling experience. In this Gothic horror adventure, you’ll step into the shoes of Daniel, a protagonist plagued by – you guessed it – amnesia, as he explores the nightmarish Brennenburg Castle.
With its menacing atmosphere, unsettling story, and a focus on evading rather than fighting the horrifying creatures lurking in the shadows, Amnesia is undoubtedly a hair-raising journey that will leave you with sweaty palms and a racing heart.
Layers of Fear
Ready for a twisted dive into the depths of a tormented artist’s mind? Layers of Fear, developed by Bloober Team, is a psychological horror game that pulls you into a distorted reality shaped by the protagonist’s crumbling psyche.
As you navigate an ever-shifting Victorian mansion, you’ll uncover fragments of the artist’s tragic past while solving intricate puzzles. With its beautifully haunting art-focused setting and a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end, Layers of Fear is an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate a good dose of cerebral terror.
Observer
Taking a hard turn into the realm of cyberpunk, Observer is another gem from Bloober Team that’s perfect for fans of SOMA’s futuristic themes. Set in a dystopian world where privacy is a long-lost concept, you play as a neural detective called an “Observer,” voiced by none other than the late, great Rutger Hauer.
Your job? Hack into people’s minds to solve grisly crimes. With its gloomy, rain-soaked environments and mind-bending investigations, Observer serves up a potent blend of horror and sci-fi that will leave you contemplating the implications of unchecked technological advancement.
Dead Space
If you’re a fan of SOMA’s chilling sci-fi atmosphere, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy Dead Space. Developed by Visceral Games, this action-packed survival horror game takes place aboard the desolate USG Ishimura, a mining spaceship that’s seen better days.
As Isaac Clarke, an engineer tasked with repairing the ship, you’ll quickly find yourself fighting for your life against nightmarish creatures known as “Necromorphs.” With its intense action, eerie atmosphere, and strategic dismemberment-based combat, Dead Space is sure to satisfy your craving for a blood-pumping, heart-stopping adventure in the cold vacuum of space.
Alien: Isolation
For fans of the iconic Alien franchise, Alien: Isolation, developed by Creative Assembly, is an absolute must-play. Set 15 years after the events of the original film, you’ll step into the shoes of Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance.
With its stealth-based gameplay and a relentless Xenomorph stalking your every move, Alien: Isolation masterfully captures the sense of dread and vulnerability that made the original film a classic. Prepare for a heart-pounding experience as you traverse the eerie, dimly-lit corridors of Sevastopol Station, praying you won’t become the monster’s next meal.
Prey (2017)
Arkane Studios’ Prey (2017) is a riveting sci-fi adventure that puts you in the shoes of Morgan Yu, a scientist on board the space station Talos I, which has been overrun by hostile alien creatures known as Typhon.
With its open-ended gameplay and focus on player choices, Prey encourages you to adapt and evolve as you face an ever-growing array of challenges. Combining a rich narrative with immersive environments and intense combat, Prey is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a sci-fi gaming experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
Outlast
Developed by Red Barrels, Outlast is a first-person horror game that transports you to the dark and disturbing halls of Mount Massive Asylum. Playing as investigative journalist Miles Upshur, you’ll use your trusty camcorder to document the asylum’s gruesome secrets while evading its terrifying inhabitants.
With its found footage-inspired gameplay, Outlast delivers a deeply unsettling experience that will make you question your sanity as you navigate the asylum’s shadowy corridors and uncover the twisted truth behind its walls.
Conarium
For those who revel in Lovecraftian horror, Conarium, developed by Zoetrope Interactive, is a game that’s sure to captivate your imagination. Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s novella “At the Mountains of Madness,” Conarium follows the chilling tale of four scientists as they attempt to surpass the limits of human consciousness.
As Frank Gilman, one of the scientists, you’ll explore the eerie, otherworldly Antarctic base, uncovering cryptic messages and solving puzzles to unravel the mysteries that lie within. With its gripping story, haunting atmosphere, and intriguing blend of science fiction and cosmic horror, Conarium offers an experience that fans of SOMA’s psychological and metaphysical themes will undoubtedly appreciate.
Penumbra: Overture
Before Frictional Games brought us the chilling experience of SOMA, they gave us Penumbra: Overture, the first installment in the Penumbra series. This first-person survival horror game is set in the unforgiving, desolate depths of Greenland, where you’ll take on the role of Philip, a physicist searching for his missing father.
In this dark and atmospheric adventure, you’ll face terrifying creatures, solve challenging puzzles, and uncover the secrets of a mysterious underground complex. If you’re a fan of SOMA’s sense of isolation and dread, Penumbra: Overture is sure to be right up your alley.
Narcosis
Submerge yourself in the depths of the ocean with Narcosis, a survival horror game developed by Honor Code. As an industrial diver stranded on the seafloor after a catastrophic event, you must navigate your way through the eerie, pitch-black abyss while battling the elements, scarce resources, and horrifying deep-sea creatures.
With a focus on psychological horror and an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere, Narcosis is a haunting experience that will have you questioning what’s real and what’s a figment of your increasingly unstable mind. Fans of SOMA’s underwater setting and intense psychological themes will find much to love in this spine-chilling adventure.
And there you have it, fellow gamers! We’ve explored 10 mind-bending games that share the unique elements that made SOMA such a standout experience: eerie atmosphere, engaging storylines, and ingenious puzzles. Each of these titles offers a thrilling adventure into the realms of psychological horror, science fiction, and existential dread, making them perfect for fans of SOMA and those who crave an immersive and thought-provoking gaming experience.
So, don’t hesitate to dive into these captivating worlds! Explore the depths of the ocean, venture into the far reaches of space, and confront the darkest corners of the human psyche. Remember, while some games on this list may be more intense than others, each one is bound to leave a lasting impression.
