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SOMA similar games & best alternatives

SOMA

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux • 2015

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Quick resume

From the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent comes SOMA, a sci-fi horror game set below the waves of the Atlantic ocean. Struggle to survive a hostile world that will make you question your very existence.

Global score

96/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep philosophical story
    • Immersive atmosphere and sound design
    • Thought-provoking moral choices
    • Strong emotional impact
    • Well-crafted sci-fi setting

    Cons

    • Simple and limited gameplay mechanics
    • Linear progression
    • Some pacing issues with slow sections
    • Lack of replayability beyond story
    • Minor technical issues reported

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Expression, Fellowship, Cooperation, Competition. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Value. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence, Progression.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players explore and interact with environment objects freely, making moral choices that affect their experience, though the game is mostly linear."

    • Competence
      1

      "Gameplay involves exploration, puzzle solving, and stealth with some challenge, but puzzles are generally simple and combat is absent."

    • Competition
      -5

      "Single-player experience focused on personal story and exploration without any competitive elements."

    • Continuation
      2

      "Players report immersive experience and emotional attachment leading to replay and reflection, though gameplay is not highly addictive."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely single-player with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

    • Creativity
      2

      "Players interact with many objects and solve puzzles creatively, but within a fixed narrative and environment."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No social or multiplayer elements involving dominance or power over others."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Strong immersion in a deep sci-fi horror world provides escape from reality and existential reflection."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily driven by interest in story, atmosphere, and philosophical themes."

    • Experimenting
      1

      "Some exploration and puzzle solving encourages experimentation, but mostly within established gameplay loops."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Exploration of underwater stations and environments is a key part of gameplay and story discovery."

    • Expression
      -3

      "Limited character customization or self-expression; focus is on narrative and atmosphere."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Fictional sci-fi setting with philosophical and existential themes, blending horror and speculative fiction."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "Solo experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop understanding of story, moral dilemmas, and philosophical questions through gameplay."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and immersion; not a casual or background game."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited to narrative relationships; no social or emotional connections with other players."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements; single-player story-driven experience."

    • Progression
      1

      "Progression through story and puzzle completion rather than item collection or upgrades."

    • Relaxation
      -1

      "Atmosphere is tense and unsettling rather than relaxing, though pacing varies."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Strong sensory immersion through sound design, visuals, and atmosphere enhances emotional impact."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social status or recognition systems; individual experience."

    • Story
      5

      "Highly praised narrative with deep philosophical themes and emotional engagement."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Some puzzle solving and stealth require planning, but overall gameplay is straightforward."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Tense moments and suspenseful encounters create thrill, though not constant."

    • Value
      4

      "Players find great value in story, atmosphere, and emotional experience despite short length."

    • Violence
      -3

      "Minimal violence; combat is absent and player mostly avoids enemies."

    • Survival
      1

      "Some stealth and avoidance of threats, but no complex survival mechanics."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026