SOMA Enemies (major spoilers)

[GhylTarvoke]

Here's what I can't understand about enemies 2 and 7.

On the one hand, they seem to have magical abilities that don't belong in the setting. The Jiangshi can clearly teleport, while #7 appears insubstantial (its complete darkness makes it look more like a spirit or a shadow than anything real). This suggests that they're imaginary - or viruses, if Simon's a computer.

On the other hand, Frictional has said that the events in SOMA are actually happening. Simon is not dreaming or in a digital simulation.

(In an interview, Ian Thomas said: "I'm not by any means saying it's all a dream, because it absolutely isn't all a dream. But you know, you come away from Inception, and there's this whole argument raging about, 'Was that real? Was that not real?' That's not the question we're asking, because it's real.")

Furthermore, the enemies have tangible effects. The Jiangshi can injure Simon (or even kill him, as seen in a preview) and open doors, while #7 casts a shadow. Catherine is also aware of the Jiangshi.