Official Poll Regarding SOMA's Monsters

[Drzappleswag]

Touching upon the idea of "feeling safe" is an important topic that I'd like to discuss.

Players are getting to the point now, where they can feel when they're entering a "Monster Arena."

Some like me, don't mind it if the encounters are interesting. I myself was thoroughly spooked and enjoyed most of the encounters.

However I can see how others can be immediately annoyed rather than scared when what they know what you're gonna do before it happens.

We want to be challenged and our thoughts challenged.

Theta Labs was Scary. Extrememly scary. Because the Atmosphere and Monster Design is perfect.

However, the first Proxy you meet down here could be viewed as obnoxious to the more veteran crowd when they sense they are in that "Arena."

The best moments in the game that I recall were moments I felt I was in safe environment but was engaged anyways.

-Lamda Monster right before Cath.
-When Monsters open doors.
-Akers jumping down the stairs after Elevator Crash.
-Omicron crying chick, and monster that chases you.

But don't get me wrong, you can have these Monster Arenas. Because they offer great set peices.

-The monster in the Server room was a perfect example.
-The Curie monster. Amazing monster. Best in the game I'd say.
-The Proxy in the Theta labs would have been perfect if he appeared after you explored the area and assumed the place was safe - aka: he appears when the lights suddenly turn off.
-Tau was even okay because although I expected a monster I didn't expect him to be behind the door with my nose 5 inches away the opening.

Overused probably would be seeing the same proxy in Theta Basement 3 times. Sure they were scary, but I'm sure a few players would find the monsters an obnoxious obstacle at that point.

Overall, gamers are more aware these days. And annoyance comes from the expected. Surprisingly them by taking away their "Safety" is how you'll scare them.

Also you could always not make such one hell of a story where players would actually complain that the horrors in a horror game was getting in the way of the plot

Spectacular Game. Best Game I've played in a very long and perhaps the best Sci-Fi story telling I've ever experienced.