Reviewed on:
PC
Platform:
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC
Publisher:
New Blood Interactive
Developer:
Andrés Borghi, Saibot Studios
Release:
Tenebris Somnia channels the old-school appeal of classic point-and-click adventures, survival horror, and full-motion-video (FMV) experiences, then smartly modernizes them to create a creepy, entertaining experience. Surviving the twisted threats of a demonic dream world is a tightly packed adventure that rewards you with what’s essentially an impressive indie horror film peppered throughout. It’s a nightmare you may not want to wake up from.
The blend of live-action and in-game storytelling works well in Tenebris Somina’s adventure, which begins when protagonist Julia visits the apartment of her filmmaker ex-boyfriend, Ivan, after suffering recurring nightmares of him being massacred by monsters. What begins as a well-meaning check-in on his status spirals down an unsettling rabbit hole when Julia’s worst fears are realized and then some. The dialogue-free tale presents a scary but fascinating exploration of obsession, both in art and in romance, that constantly delivers surprising, and at times upsetting, revelations during its eight-hour runtime. While Tenebris Somnia sometimes leans a little too far into “tell, don’t show” territory when explaining the cool lore of its supernatural threats, I never felt lost or confused about the wild things that regularly unfold on screen.
FMV experiences are nothing new, but Tenebris Somnia’s live-action scenes are a highlight. They’re well shot, sport impressively gruesome practical effects, and even present visual clues that make them important to gameplay. These scenes are additive, never taking too much time away from the in-game action, and they feel well placed to elicit the strongest emotional response.
Source link
