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Review of Tormented Souls on Xbox Series X/S

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Sep 2021
Cover image of Tormented Souls on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7
Released: 07 Sep 2021
Genre: Survival horror
Developer: Dual Effect
Publisher: PQube

Introduction

If you've ever wondered what it's like to wake up in an abandoned hospital missing an eye, welcome to 'Tormented Souls'. This indie survival horror game gives you a good few heart palpitations while demanding you summon skills akin to a caffeine-fueled escape room. Want to relive the nightmares of 90s horror games? Equip your metaphorical flashlight and dive into a world where every minor inconvenience might just lead to your untimely doom.

Gameplay

From the moment Caroline Walker receives a creepy photo of two twin girls and decides to investigate, you know she's heading for trouble, but hey, horror movie protagonists never learn, do they? Navigating the maze-like Wildberger Hospital, you will spend most of your time solving puzzles that will make you question your sanity-and the sanity of the game designers. The controls are a throwback to the good old days, featuring those charming 'tank controls' that make escaping undead threats feel like an Olympic sport. Every room is a little slice of chaos, packed with eerie tapes, creepy mannequins, and monsters ready to give you a friendly hug of death. Combat? That's a dance you'll need to learn! Fighting monsters requires you to keep your wits about you, but in this case, even basic dodging feels like a high-level skill. But don't worry; the game doesn't hold your hand. Instead, it thrusts you into dark corridors filled with things that want to eat your face while providing limited ammunition. This means your skills as a 'grab-the-first-thing-that-looks-like-a-weapon' player will be put to the test. Like all good horror games, the feeling of dread builds as you muster the courage to keep pressing on for the next puzzle, which you may not solve until you've had at least three snacks, a power nap, and a personal pep talk.

Graphics

Graphically, 'Tormented Souls' is a nostalgic trip. While it won't surpass the graphical fidelity of cutting-edge titans, the atmospheric art style is commendable. The textures on the walls look like they've been painted by a 90s interior decorator who specialized in 'abandoned asylum chic'. The camera angles add a horror movie flair; one moment you're peeking around a corner, and the next, you could be starring in your own fright film. The whole ambiance can give you chills... or just some desperate laughter when you realize you jumped over a pixelated rat. Let's just say the graphics won't win awards, but they serve the spooky vibe beautifully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're up for channeling your inner detective while dodging monsters and unraveling a convoluted plot that includes family secrets, lost eyes, and creepy siblings, 'Tormented Souls' provides a delightful-if sometimes frustrating-experience that harks back to the golden age of survival horror. While it isn't flawless, it's a solid choice for fans of the genre, especially if you have a penchant for looking over your shoulder every two seconds, which is basically the game's secret feature. Just remember: skills are required, patience is a virtue, and don't expect to breeze through it without a few curses, snacks, and perhaps some therapy afterward.

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