Tormented Souls 2 long review
Are you ready to be tormented? This game is peak survival horror, and follows the formula perfectly that games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill set the standard for, with also adding some nice modern flavor. So fair warning, this may not be for everyone, as it has everything you would expect from a classic survival horror game. Fixed cameras, check. Limited resources and saves, check. Numerous puzzles that involve some heavy thought and backtracking, check. But the good news is this games does all of those things really well, and the really good news is that it improves on almost everything from the first game. Graphics and presentation: This is a beautiful looking game, and the developers took advantage of the unreal 5 engine. Each area is packed with detail, which makes backtracking more tolerable, and the different locations are memorable and fun to explore. The environment design is fantastic and flows pretty well with how all of the areas connect, and with how you have to progress through the game. The lighting is also excellent, which is important due to the main character relying heavily on light to navigate the environments and to stay alive (yes the dark can kill you). The light and shadows created from the lighter and flashlight are top notch. The character facial animations can be goofy, and is one of the few things that shows that this game was from a smaller studio. Also there were a few glitches here in there, but nothing that ruined my experience. With that said, this game looks big studio quality good. The fixed cameras are used masterfully. I can really appreciate how effective they still can be utilized in a modern horror game, and it really gives this game its identity. They also do some nice tricks where the camera will pan and follow you, which gives it a more modern feel, and also kind of raises the bar with how fixed camera games can be done. Music and sound: The music is one of the only things I liked a little better in the first installment. With part 1, it seemed like every new area had its own theme song and each track was memorable. The music is still very well done in part 2 and fits the vibe of this game perfectly, there just wasn’t as much of it. The save room music is probably the highlight, and still is as welcoming as ever to hear it. The somber piano driven music just works really well in these types of games. So while the music scores are bit more scarce this time, the sound effects take over, and is one of the highlights of this game. From the thud of the crowbar to the blast from the shotgun, all of weapons sound great which make them even more satisfying to use. The sounds of Caroline’s walking are appropriate to what she is walking on, and some of the screeches and noises you hear off in the distance, are pleasantly unsettling and a reminder what’s in store for you. The voice acting can still be amusing at times, but is much improved from the first. Caroline doesn’t sound like she’s reading her lines anymore and all of the other character voice acting are fitting, and done well enough for this type of game. Controls: Navigating Caroline around is never much of a problem. Luckily, you can still use both classic tank controls using the d-pad, or the modern free movement with the analog, which is important for both traditional survival horror gamers, vs ones who prefer more newer game controls. One of things that can be a nuisance in a fixed camera game, are the few moments where the enemy is out of view, and you’re fighting blind. But I found there was less of these moments this time around. There is more room to navigate the larger areas, to either find a better camera view, or just avoid the enemies entirely which can sometimes be the best option. Plus the auto aim is still your friend for these situations. The new dodge mechanic can be a little clunky, but is still a useful addition, as well as now having the ability to shoot and reload while you are moving. There are multiple melee weapons to use now (which can be important with saving ammo), and the speed they are used and damage they cause fits accordingly with there size and strength. You can also now add up to 4 weapons to quick select vs having to go into the menu to equip them, which makes the combat flow better. Personally I like the combat to be a little janky in these type of games, especially when you’re playing as a normal person with makeshift weapons. Difficulty: I know some people can struggle with this type of game due to the scarcity of resources and with there being a limit amount of times you can save. This game doesn’t hold your hand so there is a slight learning curve. You have to collect tapes to record your progress (similar to resident evil ink ribbon). I personally love it, as it adds to the tension of having to make it to that next save room before dying, and having to strategize when to use them, but it’s not for everyone. But while part one only had one difficulty, there is an assisted mode this time around which makes it much more forgiving for players new to this genre. On assisted mode, Caroline will automatically heal from danger to caution, as well as there being more resources available, as well as enemies not soaking up as much ammo. More importantly on assisted, the game auto saves every time you enter a room, so you have the option of reloading a save which will put you put you right back to where you left off, vs a save room where you last saved. So I would recommend the normal and Tormented modes after you are familiar with the game and how to deal with the different enemies. Ammo and health can be a little scarce in the beginning, but I still finished the game with plenty left, especially on the easier mode. Just remember to avoid enemies when you can, and finish a downed enemy off with a melee weapon to save anmo. The puzzles are a little less cryptic this time around, but will still require some heavy thought and you will most likely have to look up a few. Still most were very logical, and if you pay attention to the clues through the environment and notes, they can be solved with just some patience or another brain in the room. You once again can travel between different times, which offers some slick ways of solving puzzles. Everyone’s mind works a little differently, so I would say the puzzles are generally well done for the amount that are in this game. It’s also a plus that you have multiple uses for some of the tools and items you find throughout the game to solve puzzles and open doors. Fun factor/ replay value: This is simply a must buy if you enjoyed part one, or if you are a fan of old school survival horror games. Almost everything was improved upon from the previous games. This game is much longer, and there are more big areas to explore, vs being refined to a mansion the whole game. The enemy and level variety is much better this time around. Each area is rich with detail and sometimes includes their own enemy types and bosses, and there are vast amounts of weapons that each function different to help deal with them. The pacing is solid, and there is a pretty good balance between puzzle solving and action. But it’s a tense game with dread around every corner, so the few times the games lets you take a breath is welcomed. The story continues from part 1 and is pretty silly again. But it’s also kind of part of the charm, and it’s good enough to keep you engaged throughout. I don’t think it’s a must to play part 1 first, but it helps. There are also multiple endings which helps to keep interest after beating it and adds some replay value. So while I would love some dlc down the road, this game has plenty of substance for multiple play throughs thanks to some of the most detailed and immersive environments a game of this type has produced. Also, with the amount of puzzles in this game, having a better grasp of them in the second play through made some of the puzzles less frustrating, but still satisfying, as most likely you won’t remember how to do all of them. I personally love trying to beat these games on the highest difficulty, and with the amount care put into the level designs and environment, there are most likely things you will miss the first time. so if you enjoyed your first journey through the villa and other areas, it’s definitely worth multiple play throughs. Is it worth buying: This is a very impressive game from a smaller developing team. It’s clear these people know what they are doing and have a great passion for classic survival horror games. If you do as well, then you owe it to yourself to play it. Even if you’re more into straight action horror, this game is worth giving a try for its very reasonable price. So while this game has a few bug issues and some goofy facial animations, the things it does well make up for it. I personally think it’s one of, if not the best fixed camera horror games since the resident evil 1 remake, and I hope to see Tormented Souls 3 in the future. Read more
