A modern survival horror made by people who not only know what survival horror is but understand it as well.
If you have played survival horror before than you’ll have a good idea of what’s in store with Tormented Souls. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzles and combat with tank like controls, fixed camera angles, back tracking and limited resources. It does a pretty good job with movement and exploration. You’ll find yourself steadily unlocking your way further into the atmospheric mansion/hospital and learning the layout. But there are a couple of drawbacks. I didn’t like the map at all and did not find it good to use. There are also times when there is too much to keep track of, especially if you take breaks during your playthrough. Puzzles are mostly very good but at times they can be too obtuse and there is probably a few too many of them. Combat is solid and I liked the weapons but there is room for improvement here. There is just the right amount of resources to keep you playing carefully and considering your saves but inventory management wasn’t really here. Darkness is used very well as you need your lighter equipped to see in some places but then can’t have a weapon out. It’s a cool, well executed idea that is right at home in survival horror. The gameplay experience is absolutely more positive than negative and survival horror fans are in for a good time.
Visually this game is outstanding for a lower budget title. The environments and lighting is fantastic and the fixed but often tracking camera frames it all beautifully. The objects and menus are well done too, excluding the map. Sadly the characters and enemies are not on the same level. There is something off about them both technically and in style. It’s almost like they are from a slightly different game. They lack expression and personality too. It’s not really that much of an issue though and Tormented Souls still superbly delivers unsettling atmosphere, gore and body horror. The music and sound design is really damn good too. The only issue there is they didn’t know when to use restraint and have silence.
The story, lore and characters are not that great. It’s fine but forgettable and predictable. There wasn’t any hook or interesting background that pulled me in. It’s like a bunch of different horror ideas somewhat poorly put together. The dialogue isn’t written well and is poorly voice acted. And it’s not in that cheesy, camp and/or charming way you might expect from an older horror game. It is just subpar. It is certainly no disaster or deal breaker though and I still found some enjoyment in it.
The biggest issue I had with Tormented Souls was that I only did one play through. I planned on doing more and there are trophies that encourage you to. However once I finished it I wasn’t in the mood to do it again. I know this might sound vague or bit unhelpful but something put me off playing again. Maybe it’s the flow or pacing. Maybe it is a bit too long with a few too many puzzles. Maybe it was just my backlog staring at me. I don’t know exactly but I will try to revisit it again for sure.
Overall none of the flaws detracted too much from my experience and it was one of my favourite games to come out in 2021. Of course I am willing to be forgiving to as it is lower budget and one of my favourite genres. Tormented Souls is a fantastic survival horror by a clearly passionate team. It’s a must play for any survival horror fan and I would give it a good recommendation even if you’re not.
8.0/10
If you have played survival horror before than you’ll have a good idea of what’s in store with Tormented Souls. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzles and combat with tank like controls, fixed camera angles, back tracking and limited resources. It does a pretty good job with movement and exploration. You’ll find yourself steadily unlocking your way further into the atmospheric mansion/hospital and learning the layout. But there are a couple of drawbacks. I didn’t like the map at all and did not find it good to use. There are also times when there is too much to keep track of, especially if you take breaks during your playthrough. Puzzles are mostly very good but at times they can be too obtuse and there is probably a few too many of them. Combat is solid and I liked the weapons but there is room for improvement here. There is just the right amount of resources to keep you playing carefully and considering your saves but inventory management wasn’t really here. Darkness is used very well as you need your lighter equipped to see in some places but then can’t have a weapon out. It’s a cool, well executed idea that is right at home in survival horror. The gameplay experience is absolutely more positive than negative and survival horror fans are in for a good time.
Visually this game is outstanding for a lower budget title. The environments and lighting is fantastic and the fixed but often tracking camera frames it all beautifully. The objects and menus are well done too, excluding the map. Sadly the characters and enemies are not on the same level. There is something off about them both technically and in style. It’s almost like they are from a slightly different game. They lack expression and personality too. It’s not really that much of an issue though and Tormented Souls still superbly delivers unsettling atmosphere, gore and body horror. The music and sound design is really damn good too. The only issue there is they didn’t know when to use restraint and have silence.
The story, lore and characters are not that great. It’s fine but forgettable and predictable. There wasn’t any hook or interesting background that pulled me in. It’s like a bunch of different horror ideas somewhat poorly put together. The dialogue isn’t written well and is poorly voice acted. And it’s not in that cheesy, camp and/or charming way you might expect from an older horror game. It is just subpar. It is certainly no disaster or deal breaker though and I still found some enjoyment in it.
The biggest issue I had with Tormented Souls was that I only did one play through. I planned on doing more and there are trophies that encourage you to. However once I finished it I wasn’t in the mood to do it again. I know this might sound vague or bit unhelpful but something put me off playing again. Maybe it’s the flow or pacing. Maybe it is a bit too long with a few too many puzzles. Maybe it was just my backlog staring at me. I don’t know exactly but I will try to revisit it again for sure.
Overall none of the flaws detracted too much from my experience and it was one of my favourite games to come out in 2021. Of course I am willing to be forgiving to as it is lower budget and one of my favourite genres. Tormented Souls is a fantastic survival horror by a clearly passionate team. It’s a must play for any survival horror fan and I would give it a good recommendation even if you’re not.
8.0/10