When comparing Resident Evil 4 vs SOMA, the Slant community recommends SOMA for most people. In the question“What are the best story rich games on PC?” SOMA is ranked 2nd while Resident Evil 4 is ranked 59th. The most important reason people chose SOMA is:
SOMA is set in the future, so it has all that futuristic goodness. Things like robots, AIs, underwater laboratories, diving suits designed to endure immense water pressure, and much more. SOMA is a thoroughly enjoyable Sci-fi experience.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Fantastic use of multiple fighting mechanics
The player can couple the fighting mechanics of the game in order to feel powerful and like a "bad ass". You can shoot an enemies legs, to then run up to them to then kick their legs out from under them, to then knife them to death while they are down. This interesting combination of tactics allows for the player to feel powerful as well as makes for an fun to play game that balances ammo against hand to hand fighting maneuvers.
Pro A horror game for Sci-Fi enthusiasts
SOMA is set in the future, so it has all that futuristic goodness. Things like robots, AIs, underwater laboratories, diving suits designed to endure immense water pressure, and much more. SOMA is a thoroughly enjoyable Sci-fi experience.
Pro Great atmosphere
SOMA’s atmosphere is a combination of various things. It can be the feeling of loneliness when you’re exploring a rundown and desolate lab. The feeling of anxiety as you trek along the seafloor and you’re only surrounded by muffled sounds and the bubbling of the water. The feeling of fear as you dive deeper into the ocean and the sun becomes more distant. It’s an extremely immersive atmosphere, which is something that many modern horror games don’t have.
Pro Thought-provoking story
Like many horror stories, it delves deep into uncovering the central mystery of what’s going on. There are many unsettling events and revelations along the way, bringing up philosophical questions about consciousness and identity. It’s the type of story that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it and is worth experiencing at least once.
Cons
Con Limiited in movement
Unlike later games in the series, in 4 you cannot move while you shoot. Some people may enjoy this control scheme, while others may hate it. One thing is for sure, it is limiting if you consider this game a third person shooter.
Con Not for mainstream horror enthusiasts
SOMA focuses heavily on psychological horror by maintaining suspense and creating a very creepy atmosphere. If you’re looking for jump scares, gore, and other thrill-inducing horror aspects you might be sorely disappointed.
Con Very linear level design
While other horror titles have branching paths and open areas you get to explore, SOMA is very linear even in its ocean exploration sections. This feels like a failed opportunity to create an even better game.
Con No HUD (head-up display) or map
You have to memorize the layouts of the underwater facilities, since there is no HUD or overlay map system. Even though there are several computer terminals scattered through the game that provide access to rudimentary maps, there's no way to save them.