Discover spine-chilling adventures and mind-bending mysteries in games that echo SOMA's haunting depths

SOMA is a first-person survival horror game developed by Frictional Games, the same studio behind the Amnesia series. Set in an underwater remote research facility called PATHOS-II, the game delves deeply into themes of consciousness, identity, and existential dread. With its immersive environments and a gripping storyline, SOMA offers a chilling experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats. The gameplay combines puzzle-solving elements with stealth, as players must navigate through the eerie depths of the ocean while avoiding terrifying and mysterious creatures.

If you enjoyed SOMA, you'll be thrilled to know that there are plenty of similar games that offer a captivating mix of horror and intricate storytelling. Titles like 'Outlast' and 'Layers of Fear' deliver intense psychological thrills, while games like 'Alien: Isolation' provide a heart-pounding survival horror experience. Each of these games has its own unique twist on horror, appealing to both fans of atmospheric tension and those who enjoy more direct confrontations with the unknown. The world of horror gaming is vast, and there's much more to explore. But if you are curious to discover a fuller list of these spine-chilling games, stay tuned...

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25. Amnesia: The Dark Descent

If you enjoyed SOMA, you'll love Amnesia: The Dark Descent! Just like SOMA, Amnesia excels in creating a richly atmospheric experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Both games are developed by Frictional Games, meaning they share a similar design philosophy that emphasizes immersive storytelling and psychological horror. Amnesia predates SOMA but contains the same expertly crafted tension and deep, engaging storyline that delves into the fragility of the human mind. You'll find yourself engrossed in a world that is equally terrifying and intriguing, designed to make you ponder long after you've put the controller down.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, you'll find many familiar elements between the two titles. Both Amnesia and SOMA forgo traditional combat mechanics to focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and evasion, heightening the sense of vulnerability and dread. The environmental storytelling is top-notch, with meticulously designed levels that reveal the narrative as you progress. This approach makes every creak, shadow, and obscure sound deeply unsettling. If you appreciated the mind-bending narrative and atmospheric tension in SOMA, Amnesia: The Dark Descent will offer you a similarly enthralling experience with its labyrinthine castle and haunting storyline.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $20 USD.

24. Outlast

If you enjoyed the atmospheric and psychological depth of SOMA, you'll love diving into the horrifying world of Outlast. Both games excel at creating tension through immersive environments and a strong narrative. Like SOMA, Outlast places you in a setting where you're constantly on edge, exploring dark, claustrophobic areas that make you feel genuinely unsettled. You don't have weapons; instead, you're armed with only a camera equipped with night vision, amplifying the vulnerability felt in the game, much like how SOMA leaves you feeling defenseless against the unknown.

Another striking similarity between the two games is the way they tackle themes of identity and humanity. While SOMA explores these themes through its poignant story and conversations, Outlast presents a narrative that dives into the corruption and madness brought on by human experimentation. Both games encourage you to question the morality of the experiments and the ramifications they have on both the characters and the world around them. Also, the use of first-person perspective in Outlast, as in SOMA, draws you deeper into the experience, making every moment more personal and terrifying.

Outlast is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

23. Alien: Isolation

If you enjoyed SOMA's atmospheric tension and gripping story, you'll find Alien: Isolation to be an equally enthralling experience. Both games excel in creating a palpable sense of dread through their environments and storytelling. In Alien: Isolation, you're thrust into a hostile space station where the lifelike xenomorph can appear at any moment, mirroring the relentless hunt and survival elements found in SOMA. The emphasis on exploration and the feeling of isolation will feel very familiar, providing you with a similarly immersive experience.

Alien: Isolation also matches SOMA's exceptional use of sound to build tension and guide your movements. The audio cues in both games play a crucial role in your strategy, heightening your sense of vulnerability and urgency. Both games utilize first-person perspectives to put you directly in the shoes of the protagonist, making every step and decision feel intensely personal. The detailed environments and realistic graphics in both titles pull you deeper into their haunting worlds, making Alien: Isolation a must-play if you’re looking for that same blend of horror and thoughtful narrative.

Alien: Isolation is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $39.99 USD.

22. Dead Space

If you enjoyed SOMA's atmospheric and psychological horror, Dead Space brings that eerie, spine-chilling experience to new heights. Both games excel in creating an unsettling ambiance, but Dead Space ramps up the tension with a strong survival horror aspect. The game immerses you in the claustrophobic setting of the USG Ishimura, much like how SOMA's underwater facility makes you feel isolated and vulnerable. The intricate storytelling laced with existential dread and the constant pressure of a lurking threat keep you on edge, much like the profound narrative and psychological tension in SOMA.

In terms of gameplay, Dead Space shares SOMA's minimalist HUD and immersive design. The focus is on exploration, solving environmental puzzles, and avoiding or fighting terrifying creatures with limited resources—paralleling the resource management and puzzle-solving elements found in SOMA. Both games utilize excellent sound design to enhance the horror experience, making every creak or distant noise a possible sign of danger. Dead Space combines these elements with a gripping narrative about identity, human frailty, and the unknown, ensuring that fans of SOMA will feel right at home while navigating its dark corridors.

Dead Space is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

21. The Evil Within

If you loved the psychological tension and immersive storytelling in SOMA, you'll find a lot to enjoy in The Evil Within. Both games excel at creating a terrifying atmosphere that messes with your perception of reality. While SOMA delves into the depths of existential horror and the nature of consciousness, The Evil Within focuses on a more visceral, mind-bending terror. The protagonist in The Evil Within, much like the protagonist in SOMA, finds himself in a horrifying world where the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, making you question what is genuinely real.

Another aspect both games share is their intricate and unsettling environments. In SOMA, the underwater setting and deserted stations contribute to a suffocating sense of isolation and dread. Similarly, The Evil Within takes you through claustrophobic corridors, eerie settings, and disturbing realms that shift and morph, amplifying the sense of unease. Both games use their environments effectively to tell their stories and keep you on edge, employing a mix of stealth, exploration, and confrontation to maintain a continuous sense of suspense.

The Evil Within is available on platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

20. Layers of Fear

If you enjoyed the atmospheric, psychological depth of SOMA, you'll find Layers of Fear equally captivating. Both games are masters at creating deeply immersive environments that play on your senses and emotions. In Layers of Fear, you dive into the mind of a disturbed artist, just as SOMA delves into existential and philosophical horror. The focus on storytelling through exploration will keep you on the edge of your seat, pondering each twist and turn as you uncover the protagonist’s traumatic experiences.

Another parallel between Layers of Fear and SOMA is how they masterfully use visual and auditory elements to evoke a sense of dread. In Layers of Fear, dynamic and constantly changing environments play tricks on your mind, much like SOMA’s H. P. Lovecraft-inspired underwater setting. These games create an atmosphere so thick with tension and mystery that you can almost feel it pressing down on you, urging you to continue exploring despite the looming fear. Layers of Fear utilizes its art-filled mansion and eerie soundtrack to the same chilling effect that SOMA employs with its underwater world and mind-bending plot.

Layers of Fear is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

19. Observer

If you enjoyed the atmosphere and psychological depth of SOMA, Observer is a game you won't want to miss. Both games delve deeply into themes of consciousness, identity, and the human mind, all set within chilling, dystopian worlds. In Observer, you step into the shoes of a neural detective, known as an Observer, who can hack into people's minds. This mechanic echoes the existential and psychological exploration that SOMA is celebrated for, providing an immersive, thought-provoking experience that keeps you on edge.

In terms of narrative and environment, Observer builds a richly detailed, cyberpunk world teeming with intricate stories and characters, much like SOMA's underwater dystopia. The dark, atmospheric settings in both games serve as a backdrop for exploring complex, philosophical questions. The high-quality, immersive sound design and visuals help pull you into their unsettling worlds, creating a game experience that feels both unique and intimately familiar to fans of SOMA.

Observer is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

18. Prey

Prey shares a lot of atmospheric and thematic elements with SOMA, making it a great pick if you enjoyed the latter. Both games immerse you in a sci-fi setting where you explore intricate environments and uncover a deeply engaging narrative. Like SOMA, Prey also delves into existential themes, pushing you to question identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality. You'll find a strong emphasis on storytelling in Prey, with detailed environmental storytelling and audio logs that flesh out the game's rich lore, creating an engrossing experience similar to what you loved in SOMA.

Gameplay-wise, Prey offers a first-person perspective with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving, much like SOMA. The sense of isolation and the eerie ambiance are palpable, keeping you on edge as you navigate through the game's environments. Additionally, Prey offers a unique mechanic called the Gloo Cannon, providing creative ways to overcome obstacles and combat enemies, adding an innovative twist to the gameplay. If you appreciated SOMA's blend of cerebral storytelling and immersive world-building, Prey is bound to captivate you in the same manner.

Prey is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, typically priced around $30 USD.

17. System Shock 2

System Shock 2 is like SOMA in many ways that could really scratch that itch for eerie, atmospheric storytelling while exploring a decayed, abandoned environment. Just like in SOMA, System Shock 2 puts you in the midst of a survival horror scenario, where every corner you turn might hold new horrors or clues to the deeper narrative. Both games are set in sci-fi universes where technology and biological elements have spiraled out of control, leading to a blend of psychological horror and action that keeps you on your toes. You'll find yourself unraveling complex backstories through environmental storytelling, audio logs, and interactions with the remnants of what's left behind, creating that compelling sense of discovery and dread you loved in SOMA.

Moreover, System Shock 2, much like SOMA, excels at creating a pervasive sense of isolation and tension. The game does a fantastic job of balancing moments of fear and suspense with the necessity of puzzle-solving and combat. This dynamic keeps the gameplay engaging and ensures that the fear factor never feels monotonous. The game's audio design, with its chilling ambient sounds and sudden unnerving noises, is particularly noteworthy for how it engulfs you in the haunted atmosphere of the abandoned starship, drawing parallels to the undersea station in SOMA. If you appreciated the existential themes and the psychological twists in SOMA, System Shock 2’s narrative depth and moral dilemmas will likely resonate with you just as strongly.

System Shock 2 is available on PC, and is typically priced around $9.99 USD.

16. The Persistence

If you’re a fan of SOMA, you’ll find a lot to love in The Persistence. Both games immerse you in an eerie, isolated environment; while SOMA takes place in an underwater research facility, The Persistence is set aboard a derelict spaceship. The atmosphere in both games is thick with tension and existential dread, drawing you deep into their unsettling worlds. They are narrative-driven experiences where you’ll uncover shocking secrets about the environments and the nature of humanity itself. The darkness and the unexpected twists will keep you on edge, much like they did in SOMA.

The gameplay mechanics also share similarities. Just as in SOMA, where you navigate through the chilling PATHOS-II facility, The Persistence requires you to move stealthily through its haunted corridors. Resource management is crucial in both titles; you'll scavenge for tools and upgrades to survive. While SOMA focuses more on psychological horror and philosophical questions, The Persistence adds a unique roguelike element where each death reconfigures the spaceship, offering fresh challenges. This blend of familiar horror elements and innovative gameplay ensures that even seasoned SOMA players will find The Persistence thrilling and engaging.

The Persistence is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $29.99 USD.

15. Penumbra: Black Plague

If you loved SOMA's immersive narrative and atmospheric tension, you'll find a lot to enjoy in Penumbra: Black Plague. Both games are developed by Frictional Games, known for their expertise in crafting psychological horror experiences. Like SOMA, Penumbra: Black Plague masterfully combines environmental storytelling and a gripping storyline, immersing you deeply into a harrowing and mysterious world. The focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival against unrelenting threats ensures that every moment is filled with suspense.

Furthermore, Penumbra: Black Plague shares SOMA's intricate use of atmosphere and sound design to create a sense of dread and isolation. The game's detailed environments and clever use of light and shadows play a crucial role in maintaining an eerie ambiance, much like the underwater corridors and abandoned facilities in SOMA. The psychological elements, including voiceovers and mind-bending sequences, work to blur the line between reality and hallucination, enhancing the overall horror experience.

Penumbra: Black Plague is available on PC, typically priced around $10 USD.

14. Bioshock

If you enjoyed the atmospheric tension and narrative depth of SOMA, you'll find a lot to love in Bioshock. Both games excel at creating immersive, story-rich environments that pull you into their world. In Bioshock, you'll explore the underwater city of Rapture, riddled with mysteries and dark secrets, much like the underwater facilities of SOMA. The atmospheric storytelling and environmental detail in Bioshock set the stage for a deeply engaging experience, full of thought-provoking moments and emotional highs and lows.

Additionally, both games incorporate elements of psychological horror and existential themes that keep you on the edge of your seat. While SOMA delves into questions about consciousness and identity, Bioshock explores themes of free will, societal decay, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The first-person perspective in both games enhances the feeling of immersion, making the player feel part of the world and the unfolding story. If you appreciated the narrative complexity and philosophical undertones of SOMA, Bioshock's richly woven story and moral dilemmas will surely captivate you.

Bioshock is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

13. Until Dawn

Both Until Dawn and SOMA excel in delivering intense narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat. In Until Dawn, players navigate a branching storyline where each decision you make has significant consequences, much like the moral and existential choices faced in SOMA. This creates a deeply immersive experience as you uncover the mysteries and horrors lurking within the game, making both games standout examples of interactive storytelling that go beyond mere jump scares.

In terms of atmosphere, Until Dawn shares with SOMA an exceptional ability to create a sense of dread and tension. The environments in Until Dawn are meticulously designed to make you feel isolated and vulnerable, akin to the underwater horror of SOMA's PATHOS-II facility. The sound design in both games plays a crucial role in heightening the suspense, with eerie noises and sudden, unexpected sounds that keep you constantly on edge. These similarities ensure that if you enjoyed SOMA, Until Dawn will offer a similarly gripping experience but with a unique spin on the horror genre.

Until Dawn is available on PlayStation 4, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

12. The Forest

If you enjoyed the atmospheric tension and immersive storytelling of SOMA, you'll find The Forest equally captivating. Both games excel at creating a sense of isolation and dread, where the environment itself feels like an additional character. In The Forest, you wake up after a plane crash to find yourself the lone survivor on an island teeming with hostile creatures. Just like SOMA, the game masterfully uses its environment to build a gripping narrative, pulling you deeper into the mystery with each discovery. The solitude, punctuated by moments of sheer panic, mirrors SOMA's relentless psychological tension, ensuring you're constantly on edge.

Another similarity lies in the survival elements that both games incorporate into their gameplay. In SOMA, you often find yourself struggling to stay alive while uncovering a dystopian world ruled by bio-mechanical horrors. The Forest, although more hands-on with resource management and crafting, provides that same visceral fight for survival. You'll need to gather resources, build shelters, and fend off threats, all while uncovering the dark secrets of the island. The sense of progression and the uncovering of hidden lore keeps you invested, much like the narrative hooks in SOMA.

The Forest is available on PlayStation 4, PC, via Steam, and due to its age, you can often find it priced around $20 USD.

11. Condemned: Criminal Origins

If you enjoyed the psychological horror and immersive first-person narrative of SOMA, then Condemned: Criminal Origins should definitely be on your radar. Both games weave a chilling atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat and deliver intense, story-driven experiences. While SOMA delves into existential horror and the boundaries of human consciousness, Condemned: Criminal Origins takes you through the gritty world of a crime thriller, blending horror elements with a strong investigative storyline. Each location you explore in Condemned is saturated with tension and dread, much like the underwater facilities in SOMA.

Another similarity lies in the gameplay mechanics that focus on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than just combat. In SOMA, you often find yourself sneaking around threats and using your wits to survive, which is a key element in Condemned as well. Combat in Condemned is designed to be visceral and up-close, enhancing the sense of immersion and danger similar to how SOMA's encounters keep you constantly on edge. Both games excel at using sound and lighting to amplify the terror, making every corner you turn a potential heart-stopping moment.

Condemned: Criminal Origins is available on PC and Xbox 360, typically priced around $10 USD.

10. Metro: Last Light

Metro: Last Light shares a lot of atmospheric and storytelling elements with SOMA that can keep you engaged if you loved the latter. Both games dive deep into post-apocalyptic and dystopian environments, creating a sense of isolation and tension that's palpable. In Metro: Last Light, you'll navigate through dark, eerie tunnels and surfaces of a devastated world, much like the foreboding underwater facility in SOMA. The haunting music, detailed settings, and emotionally charged narrative found in both games will keep you invested in the storyline and the fate of their characters.

Another striking similarity is how both games balance moments of introspection with intense, heart-pounding action sequences. While SOMA compels you to explore and solve puzzles to uncover the mysteries of consciousness and identity, Metro: Last Light blends these elements with more combat-driven scenarios. You'll find yourself scavenging for resources, making difficult moral decisions, and facing down formidable enemies. The psychological depth and immersive atmospheres of both games ensure that whether you're creeping through the shadowy depths of a Russian metro or the cold corridors of PATHOS-II, you'll be in for a gripping experience from start to finish.

Metro: Last Light is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

9. Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth

If you enjoyed the atmospheric horror of SOMA, you'll find a lot to love in Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth. Both games excel at creating an immersive, unsettling environment that keeps you on edge. In Dark Corners of the Earth, you delve into the world of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, which is bound to give you chills with its foreboding settings and disturbing creatures. Much like SOMA, the game focuses on psychological horror and a deep narrative, ensuring that every corner you turn keeps you immersed and intrigued by what's lurking in the shadows.

Another similarity lies in the scarcity of direct combat, which adds another layer of tension. In both games, you'll often find yourself evading threats rather than confronting them head-on, heightening the sense of vulnerability. The immersive first-person perspective pulls you directly into the protagonist's shoes, whether you're solving intricate puzzles in SOMA's haunting underwater facility or unraveling dark mysteries in the eerie town of Innsmouth in Dark Corners of the Earth. Each game offers a compelling sense of isolation and the unknown, perfect for fans who enjoyed the unsettling atmosphere and gripping storytelling of SOMA.

Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms, typically priced around $20 USD.

8. Man of Medan

If you enjoyed the atmospheric tension and psychological depth of SOMA, you'll likely find much to appreciate in Man of Medan. Both games excel in creating a sense of unease and exploring complex themes that go beyond simple horror. Man of Medan, part of The Dark Pictures Anthology, plunges you into a narrative-driven experience where your choices directly impact the storyline. Much like SOMA, the game leverages its environment and sound design to keep you on the edge of your seat, as you delve into a tale of ghost ships and mysterious disappearances. The game also features detailed character development, making you care about each of the protagonists and their fates, just as you did in SOMA.

Another layer that adds to the similarity is the immersive storytelling and deep philosophical undertones. While SOMA makes you question the nature of consciousness and what it means to be human, Man of Medan explores themes of fear, guilt, and survival. The multiplayer mode in Man of Medan allows you to experience these horrors together with a friend, sharing the terrifying journey in a way that amplifies the tension and emotional investment. The choices you make both in gameplay and dialogue will shape the course of events, adding a replayability factor akin to uncovering different aspects of SOMA's grim story. The game's visuals are stunningly realistic, further drawing you into its unsettling world.

Man of Medan is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $29.99 USD.

7. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

If you enjoyed the atmospheric tension and storyline depth of SOMA, I think you'll find Resident Evil 7: Biohazard to be right up your alley. Both games dive deeply into psychological horror, presenting immersive worlds that keep you on edge from start to finish. In Resident Evil 7, the switch to a first-person perspective increases the level of immersion, similar to how SOMA uses perspective to engross players in its beautifully terrifying underwater setting. You'll find that the atmosphere and environment in Resident Evil 7, with its dilapidated and eerie Baker family estate, are meticulously designed to keep you constantly on edge, much like the hauntingly desolate PATHOS-II facility in SOMA.

Another similarity lies in the narrative and emotional weight each game carries. In SOMA, you uncover layers of disturbing truths about humanity and consciousness, which add depth to the horror experience. Resident Evil 7 also excels in this area by weaving a gripping story filled with dark family secrets and a sense of dread that grows as you unravel the mysteries of the Baker family. The level of detail in storytelling and character development in Resident Evil 7 ensures that, like SOMA, you'll be thinking about its plot long after you've put down the controller. Plus, both games don't rely on cheap jump scares but instead build a suspenseful and intellectual atmosphere that horror enthusiasts will deeply appreciate.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.

6. Silent Hill 2

If you loved the immersive storytelling and haunting atmosphere of SOMA, you're in for a treat with Silent Hill 2. Both games masterfully blend psychological horror with deeply philosophical themes, pushing players to question reality and their own morality. In Silent Hill 2, you're drawn into the eerie town of Silent Hill, where the protagonist, James Sunderland, searches for his deceased wife after receiving a mysterious letter. The town itself is a character, its fog-covered streets and nightmarish creatures setting the stage for an introspective journey much like the underwater setting of PATHOS-II in SOMA.

Another aspect where Silent Hill 2 shines is its emotional depth and connection with the protagonist’s inner turmoil. Just as SOMA explores Simon’s identity and existential dread, Silent Hill 2 delves into James’ guilt and grief. The game uses psychological horror to unravel the inner psyche of James, leading to multiple endings that hinge on your actions and decisions throughout the game. The narrative mechanics and eerie, oppressive atmosphere will remind you of the compelling experience you had with SOMA, making Silent Hill 2 a must-play for fans of intricate and thought-provoking horror games.

Silent Hill 2 is available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC, typically priced around $30 USD.

5. Doom 3

If you enjoyed the atmospheric tension and storytelling in SOMA, you will find Doom 3 to be a thrilling next step in your gaming journey. Like SOMA, Doom 3 immerses players in an eerie, isolated environment, but with a distinct science-fiction horror twist. Both games build suspense through their stunning graphics, utilizing dark, claustrophobic settings that keep you on edge. Doom 3's Mars research facility, plagued by demonic creatures, creates a gripping narrative experience similar to SOMA's underwater base, where every shadow and sound adds layers to the chilling atmosphere.

Another reason you'll appreciate Doom 3 if you liked SOMA is the focus on uncovering a layered story through environmental storytelling and in-game documents. While SOMA explores the depths of human consciousness and identity, Doom 3 delves into the horrors of scientific hubris and interdimensional terror. Despite being more action-oriented, Doom 3 keeps the player engaged with a rich narrative and intriguing lore, making every moment feel meaningful. The sense of foreboding and the compelling urge to piece together the story will keep you hooked, just like in SOMA.

Doom 3 is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $20 USD.

4. Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2, like SOMA, immerses you in a gripping and atmospheric experience where survival is paramount. Both games excel in creating tension and a strong sense of urgency, whether you are fighting off waves of zombies or exploring the depths of an underwater facility filled with existential dread. The cooperative gameplay in Left 4 Dead 2 often mirrors the collaborative essence of surviving harrowing encounters in SOMA, where teamwork and strategy are essential for making it through each hostile situation.

Another compelling similarity is the attention to narrative and environmental storytelling. While Left 4 Dead 2 may focus more on action-packed sequences compared to SOMA's psychological horror, both games utilize their environments to tell a richer, deeper story. You'll often find yourself piecing together fragmented stories from the world around you, adding layers of context to the chaos you're facing. This shared emphasis on creating a vivid and immersive world makes both titles especially engaging for players who enjoy exploring detailed game worlds with a keen sense of storytelling.

Left 4 Dead 2 is available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, typically priced around $19.99 USD.

3. Darkwood

If you loved the eerie atmosphere and psychological tension of SOMA, then Darkwood is a fantastic next choice! Darkwood masterfully crafts a similarly haunting environment with its top-down perspective, enhancing the feeling of isolation and dread. Like SOMA, Darkwood delves deep into psychological horror, making you question reality as you explore its dark and twisted world. The survival mechanics add a layer of complexity, forcing you to strategize your every move and keep your wits about you as you fend off unseen terrors.

Another great similarity between Darkwood and SOMA is the storytelling approach. Both games use environmental storytelling to immerse you fully in their respective worlds. In Darkwood, the story unfolds through your exploration, much like in SOMA, where narrative clues are scattered throughout the game. This method of storytelling keeps you engaged and curious, compelling you to uncover every piece of the mystery. Plus, the soundtrack and sound design in Darkwood, much like in SOMA, are top-notch, contributing immensely to the immersive and chilling experience.

Darkwood is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $14.99 USD.

2. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly

If you enjoyed the atmospheric horror and deep, introspective storytelling of SOMA, you’ll find a lot to love in Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly. Both games excel at creating an immersive and unsettling atmosphere where the environment itself almost becomes a character. In Fatal Frame II, you're placed in a haunted village dripping with eerie ambiance, much like the underwater facilities of PATHOS-II in SOMA. Both games also rely heavily on a slow-burn approach to horror, where tension is built gradually through sound design, environmental storytelling, and psychological horror, rather than jump scares alone.

Another similarity lies in the way both games deeply involve you in their protagonists' struggles, pulling you into the narrative. In SOMA, players grapple with Simon's existential questions about identity and consciousness, while Fatal Frame II follows the story of twin sisters Mio and Mayu, steeped in folklore and emotional weight. The connectivity you feel to these characters' plights makes every frightening encounter more impactful. Moreover, both games rely heavily on unique gameplay mechanics—SOMA with its tension-filled exploration and puzzle-solving, and Fatal Frame II with its Camera Obscura combat—that make you feel vulnerable yet engaged. This blend of emotional storytelling and innovative gameplay ensures that fans of one will appreciate the other.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly is available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PlayStation 3, typically priced around $30 USD.

1. Evil Within 2

If you enjoyed the atmospheric depth and psychological tension of SOMA, then you'll find a lot to love in The Evil Within 2. Much like SOMA, The Evil Within 2 excels in delivering a deeply immersive narrative combined with a chilling ambiance. Both games masterfully use their environments to create a sense of dread and suspense. The Evil Within 2, set within a nightmarish alternate reality, keeps players constantly on edge with its unpredictable horrors and mind-bending scenarios, much like the underwater dystopia of SOMA.

Additionally, both games employ a strong focus on storytelling and character development that hooks you from the start. In The Evil Within 2, you guide Sebastian Castellanos through a twisted world filled with sinister forces and unravel a deeply personal story, similar to how SOMA's protagonist, Simon Jarrett, grapples with existential dilemmas. Both games challenge you to venture into the unknown, solve intricate puzzles, and confront terrifying monsters, offering a similarly cerebral and heart-pounding experience.

The Evil Within 2 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, typically priced around $39.99 USD.

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