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The survival horror genre experienced a golden age in the 90s, with titles like Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Fatal Frame, and Alone in the Dark captivating players with their terrifying imagery, intricate puzzles, and chilling narratives. While some of these franchises have faded, others have evolved, finding new life in recent years. Tormented Souls, developed by Dual Effect and Abstract Digital, aims to recapture the magic of classic survival horror. Does it succeed in channeling the spirit of its predecessors, or does it simply mimic their appearance? This review delves into the world of Tormented Souls to uncover the truth.

A Descent into Darkness

Caroline Walker holding a lighter in Tormented Souls transforms darkness into a formidable enemy. Set primarily within the dimly lit Wildberger Hospital, the game plunges players into an oppressive atmosphere of shadows and flickering lights. Increasing screen brightness offers no respite from the pervasive gloom. Venturing into absolute darkness significantly impairs Caroline Walker’s control, quickly leading to her demise, reminiscent of the survival mechanics in Don’t Starve. The developers clearly intend for players to feel the constant threat lurking just beyond the reach of light.

Caroline’s primary defense against the darkness is a simple lighter, an early acquisition that serves as both a mobile light source and a puzzle-solving tool. However, the lighter’s limitations become apparent during combat. Unable to wield both a weapon and the lighter simultaneously, players must make split-second decisions: retreat to safety or quickly light nearby candles to create a second light source before engaging enemies.

Gameplay screenshot from Tormented Souls showing a dark corridor

Later in the game, Caroline obtains a wearable flashlight, simplifying exploration and combat. While this addition streamlines gameplay, the increased enemy encounters justify this change, allowing players a brief reprieve from the oppressive darkness. This doesn’t necessarily detract from the experience, as it balances the increasing challenge.

Exploring Wildberger Hospital

Screenshot from Tormented Souls showing a room in the hospitalWildberger Hospital, the game’s primary setting, effectively blends the tropes of haunted mansions and abandoned hospitals. Once a mansion, it was later converted into a hospital, explaining its relatively small size compared to real-world counterparts. The pervasive disarray, grime, and general state of disrepair contribute to the unsettling atmosphere, suggesting a hasty abandonment and reinforcing the sense that this is a place to be avoided.

Puzzling Your Way Through

Screenshot of a puzzle in Tormented SoulsTrue to its classic survival horror inspiration, Tormented Souls features a variety of puzzles. Many follow the familiar pattern of finding and combining items before using them in specific locations. However, some puzzles offer greater complexity, requiring trial and error, careful examination of in-game documents, or even utilizing the game’s dual-world mechanic. This mechanic allows Caroline to traverse a darker, alternate version of an area to find clues. While not overly challenging, the puzzles provide a satisfying level of difficulty and encourage thorough exploration.

Frustrations in the Shadows

Gameplay screenshot showing an enemy in Tormented SoulsThe fixed camera angles, a hallmark of classic survival horror, present a double-edged sword in Tormented Souls. While effectively building suspense, they also occasionally obscure enemies, leading to frustrating cheap shots. Unlike the slow zombies of early Resident Evil games, the enemies in Tormented Souls can attack from a distance or lunge forward, making these hidden ambushes particularly irritating. Furthermore, essential items like health and ammunition can also be hidden from view, potentially hindering progress.

A Lack of Emotional Depth

Caroline Walker in Tormented SoulsCaroline Walker’s emotional responses feel somewhat lacking. While the voice acting might be excused considering the game’s indie status, her reactions to shocking events fall flat. She expresses little horror, remorse, or surprise, even after defeating her first enemy or encountering supernatural phenomena. While she does react to some unexpected situations, the absence of emotional depth in crucial moments makes her feel robotic and detracts from the overall horror experience.

Limited Replay Value

Screenshot showcasing an environment in Tormented SoulsCurrently, Tormented Souls offers a single gameplay mode with no difficulty options. The lack of unlockable rewards, such as costumes, weapons, or special items, further diminishes replayability. While the game boasts three different endings, the absence of gameplay modifiers makes subsequent playthroughs feel repetitive, especially given the relatively short 4-6 hour playtime.

Conclusion

Tormented Souls effectively captures the atmosphere and gameplay mechanics of classic survival horror. Its oppressive darkness, challenging puzzles, and unsettling environments create a genuinely creepy experience. However, the game is held back by its frustrating fixed camera angles, emotionally detached protagonist, and limited replay value. Despite these shortcomings, Tormented Souls remains a worthwhile experience for fans seeking a nostalgic return to the golden age of survival horror.