SOMA

Easily on the most unique experiences I've had playing videogames. first off, the horror aspect of the game. SOMA will make you realize what we fear isn't what we're prone to fear. So instead of throwing some cheap, loud jumpscares at you it tries its best to make you feel how you WOULD feel if you were to close your eyes and wake up 100 years or so from now (although yes, as a psychological horror game it does a very good job at making the atmosphere scary and that the creatures you encounter/escape are genuinely terrifying). SOMA's story is one of the best in any medium I've ever experienced. Every decision you'll need to make you make for yourself. They won't change the ending, they won't give you better items, they won't give you an advantage against the enemies. You don't even need to make the decisions if you don't want to... you can just move on and never think about it again but that in itself is another decision. They simply make you question (and sometimes doubt) yourself and if you would be able to make the "right" decision even if it was the most important decision you've had to make. You play as Simon. A simple, relatable man with no ambition who ends up being the "saviour" of humanity. You have Catherine as your companion throughout the game and I have to say, the dialogue between these two is some of the most interesting, self-aware, existential dialogue I've ever heard. It makes you think about what it really means to be human or to live in a situation where "being human" is simply having the mind and memories of one, not the body. (of course it's way deeper than that but I just don't want to overcomplicate this review) The gameplay is simple and effective (for this game) and also very intuitive which fits the game really well. You won't need to master game mechanics or any kind of skill any more than you would in real life but it also never feels dull or boring. And the ending... with all its sadness is beautiful. They really nailed the bittersweet feeling you get from it which is rare among games like this where the ending is either too vague and open or too sudden and rushed. It's absolutely without a question worth your time and money so give it a shot whenever you can.

You have to be in the mood for a horror game to play this. This is a prerequisite. If you want a comfy gaming experience this is not it . If you want to feel uncomfortable and solve puzzles under pressure, this might be the game for you. I personally thought the game was too f-ed up for my liking, but the puzzles were pretty creative and interesting. I enjoyed the game but in "wow, this got dark pretty quickly" kind of way.

Wauw.. one of my favorite psychological horror games. It made me question my whole existence 10/10. [spoiler] ♥♥♥♥ the underwater section. [/spoiler]