Tenebris Somnia

This feels more like an interesting experiment and conversation piece than something I’d willingly choose to play again.

Tenebris Somnia is a beautiful work of art in the survival horror genre. All its elements —combat, puzzles, narrative, and aesthetics— work in perfect harmony to deliver a fantastic horror experience. It is one of the best games of the year and a source of pride for Latin America. No horror lover should miss it.

Tenebris Somnia is unusual, and I think that’s a good thing. In promotional materials, the most boasted accolade is that of the award-winning film crew behind the cutscenes. The team did a wonderful job of making the live-action segments feel cinematic and synchronizing them nicely with the actual gameplay sections, but on occasion the other parts of the game can feel neglected as a result. The game advertised was an incredibly scary experience, but I found the fear factor a little underwhelming. If you want a game that feels almost like a digital escape room with the way its puzzles are presented, Tenebris Somnia is the game for you. But if you’re looking for a genuinely horrifying experience, fumbling to survive while fighting something straight out of a nightmare, maybe give the game a pass or at least temper your expectations.

Tenebris Somnia is one of the most original horror games of the year. Complex puzzles in the style of classic adventure games, stunning pixel art, and superbly executed live-action scenes come together to create a combination you won’t find anywhere else, and the story—about a cult, filmmaking, and a relationship falling apart—keeps you glued to the screen until the very end. However, the game lacks precision in combat, and the lead actress’s emotionless performance takes away some of the tension. If you’re a fan of classic survival horror games and enjoy giving your brain a workout, this title is definitely worth checking out—preferably around Halloween.

Tenebris Somnia is an imperfect creature, but like all bizarre beings, it has a charisma all its own.

Tenebris Somnia is a real labour of love, showing the developer's affection for both classic survival horror and cinema in equal measures. The slow drip of story and tension through the excellently produced live-action cutscenes contrasts with the pixel graphics, while the ways the world opens up to explore Ivan and Julia's relationship create a compelling story. In a golden period for horror gaming, Tenebris Somnia is yet another excellent entry, showcasing a different aspect of the genre.

I came away from Tenebris Somnia appreciating what it was trying to do, even if I don’t think every part of it works equally well. The live-action scenes are easily the most distinctive feature, and the practical effects give the horror a different feel from what you’d normally expect from a pixel-art game. The atmosphere is creepy, and the story gives you a reason to keep going. The gameplay is a little less impressive. Some puzzles are confusing, combat could be smoother, and a few sections feel rough around the edges. These issues stop the game from being as good as it could have been.

Tenebris Somnia is a really cool horror experience thats brilliant presentation and storytelling are only let down by some poor combat and the occasional iffy puzzle. Don’t get me wrong, I had a really good time playing the game, and when everything clicks, it’s a real horror treat. It’s just a shame that there were a couple too many tedious moments in the game. However, whilst it has some flaws, Tenebris Somnia is still a fascinating nightmare worth experiencing (if only for the jaw-dropping presentation alone). It won’t be the best horror game that you’ve played, but it’s still an impressive experience that’ll be unlike anything else you’ve played before.

Tenebris Somnia's blend of eras makes for a remarkably effective fright fest. Its use of FMVs give tangible life to the otherworldly horrors of its pixel art, all worked into an esoteric point-and-click framework that should only isolate a few.

While the puzzles were occasionally gratifying, the live-action cutscenes stuck with me most, as the game wears its love for film on its sleeve. Tenebris Somnia treats film with the respect it deserves and shows the toll it can take on one’s life when devoted to one's craft.