SOMA
Games review
As of Aug 20, 2026, SOMA is rated 84/100 on Metacritic (70 critic reviews), and 96% positive on Steam (52,431 reviews). Each source is shown in its own units, never blended into one score.
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Is SOMA worth it in 2026?
Reviewers consistently praise SOMA for its exceptional storytelling, philosophical themes about consciousness and existence, and atmospheric design that creates a memorable emotional experience. Common criticisms focus on the walking simulator gameplay with minimal interaction and stealth sequences that some find tedious or detract from the narrative.
AI-generated editorial synthesis of the source scores and sampled review themes, not a hands-on test. Reviewer experiences and allegations are not independently verified facts.
Pros
- existential philosophical themes15
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- Just finished the game… I’m crying… I can’t stop the tears and I keep thinking… This game is literally my favorite game of all time. I’ve never experienced anything like this… I’m...
- [h1] Gave me an Existential Crisis | 10/10 [/h1] [quote] Incredible story & concept, Not a traditional horror game by any means, it doesn't relay on cheap jumpscares, instead, it...
- It only took me eleven years to finally play Soma, but it was completely worth the wait. The game doesn't hold your hand; it trusts you to piece the story together organically. At...
- exceptional storytelling15
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- Easily one of the greatest story-driven games ever made. I still think about it after all these years. Frictional drops banger after banger, but this is the cream of the crop.
- I know this game is acclaimed, but I wasn't expecting it and its story to be as good as they are. Completely recommended.
- Highly Recommended. As someone who works in the AI field, this game really hits the horror of AI what if's. I picked this up due to the reviews of it living in your mind after a pl...
- atmospheric sound design10
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- [h1] Gave me an Existential Crisis | 10/10 [/h1] [quote] Incredible story & concept, Not a traditional horror game by any means, it doesn't relay on cheap jumpscares, instead, it...
- At first I enjoyed being in a sunny Toronto. Then I realized this game wasn't a happy chill experience. Genuinely terrifying experience. Great use of physics, atmosphere and story...
- Impressive game! Visuals are very good for its time and it is very atmospheric. The story is also very good. Gameplay is rather simple, many puzzles and monster chases (can be a bi...
- emotional impact8
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- Just finished the game… I’m crying… I can’t stop the tears and I keep thinking… This game is literally my favorite game of all time. I’ve never experienced anything like this… I’m...
- "They're not us." Also, the ending of this game, and several other points throughout the game filled me with profound emotions. This game is an excellent example of what good writi...
- This game is unbelievably outstanding in everyway possible. Every part of this game is beautiful and stunning with deep and intricate lore. I could spend hours talking about this a...
- immersive world building7
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- This game is unbelievably outstanding in everyway possible. Every part of this game is beautiful and stunning with deep and intricate lore. I could spend hours talking about this a...
- I LOVED this game! Must admit I played it in story mode because I am a bit of a wuss, but it was scary enough with the tension to hold you there. I loved the scenery and the explor...
- Incredible art direction with a timeless style, engaging narrative strung together through excellent voice acting, clever level design with solid puzzles, a soundscape and score t...
- visual art direction6
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- Impressive game! Visuals are very good for its time and it is very atmospheric. The story is also very good. Gameplay is rather simple, many puzzles and monster chases (can be a bi...
- Incredible art direction with a timeless style, engaging narrative strung together through excellent voice acting, clever level design with solid puzzles, a soundscape and score t...
- Masterpiece. if you loved bioshock you will adore this game, grab it on sale and then FEEL how horror, artstyle, sound design, passion, moral dillemas, philosophy and contradiction...
Cons
- walking simulator gameplay5
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- nice walking sim with good storytelling and pacing, plus you get to fist ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ looking things to heal. worth playing.
- Cool narrative experience, the story of which explores topics of mortality, consciousness and the self in a very memorable way. Gameplay wise it's mostly a walking simulator wit...
- I've seen this game recommended literally everywhere, but as a player, I can't say I consider it a great game. I'm not judging the technical aspects, since I'm playing it in 2026 a...
Themes and quotes are drawn from 40 sampled reviews with text. Each score above uses its source's displayed count. Theme counts are how many of the sampled reviews mention each point.
Rated near SOMA
Closest scores in games, on the same source.