Tormented Souls 2 review

From the moment you step into Tormented Souls 2’s eerie spaces, the inspiration from the survival-horror classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill are unmistakably evident. Quilpue, Chile-based developer Dual Effect utilizes the same kind of fixed camera angles, constrained resources, and limited saving opportunities. Just as noticeable is the familiar blend of exploration and puzzle-solving that unnerved players across the ‘90s. And yes, if you really want a throwback, there are optional ‘tank’ controls.

So, if you’re craving brazen old-school tension, Tormented Souls 2 undoubtedly delivers. But that also means that contemporary players might not appreciate the game’s measured pacing. Everything about the game, from movement speed to how long it takes to open a door, feels intentionally cumbersome. But that’s deliberate, with each protracted actions ratcheting up the sense of dread.

A Familiar Fear Reawakened

Set in the largely abandoned town of Villa Hess, the sequel follows Caroline Walker attempting to rescue her missing sister Anna in the wake of the events from the first game. Largely, it’s an atmospheric and unsettling setting that fuses reality with the nightmarish. Hallways twist in convoluted ways, religious artifacts intermingle with blood-stained surgical tools. Meanwhile, the plotline strives for its own off-putting balance, generating tension between doubt and faith. That said, the game doesn’t always make good on these ambitions, and some interactions can feel more campy than compelling.

Undoubtedly, Tormented Souls 2’s fixed-camera system delivers some detailed visuals that help establish a strong sense of location. As Caroline wanders about, she’ll encounter shafts of light with a bit of realistic dust or halls illuminated by a moody combination of candles and moonlight. In keeping with survival horror tradition, the game’s lighting produces sizable shadows that fill each frame. Best of all, there are plenty of locations. Instead of being stuck in a mansion, there’s a convent, spooky school, factory, and even a derelict mall to wander through.

Eye-Patched Beauty Meets the Beastly

Yet occasionally, the game’s low-poly character models and stiff animations become conspicuous. Some of this might be intentional, offering a nod to classic horror games. But when there’s an unmistakable inconsistency between the amount of detail applied to environment and characters, the dissonance can break Tormented Souls 2’s sense of immersion. And that kind of tension is crucial for any horror game.

Yet, combat is poised to be even more decisive. Unsurprisingly, a feeling of vulnerability is reinforced by scarce ammo counts and sluggish aiming. But clunky hit detection, imprecise melee strikes, and the occasional instance of fighting with the fixed camera system summon as much frustration as it does fear. Camera shifts during boss battles might be the game’s worst offense. Sporadically, when you’re trying to evade taking damage, the perspective suddenly changes, inadvertently pushing you into danger.

Puzzles That Test Patience and Sanity

Likewise, puzzles are undermined by a few issues. Like the first Tormented Souls, the brainteasers can be elaborate and lean toward being rigidly structured. Often, these puzzles are elaborate and deliver a shot of serotonin when solved. But occasionally, obtuse leaps of logic, pushes toward trial-and-error, and a requirement for backtracking that upsets the pacing. Admittingly, I can be thick-headed when it comes to game puzzles. But twice, I nearly gave up on the game.

Undoubtedly, quality sound design is an essential part of any horror experience and Tormented Souls 2’s aural atmosphere is quite competent. From ambient sounds that sustain tension to jarring jolts, the game manufactures some acoustic anxieties. These are good enough to help forgive the infrequent instance of stilted voice acting. And while the use of chorals and drones borders on stereotype, the soundtrack isn’t bad. But it does flirt with become boring by the ten-hour midpoint.

Will Digital Natives Be Interested in Analog Scares?

Like a cult horror film, Tormented Souls 2’s devotion to old-school survival horror will undoubtedly generate fans. They’ll overlook some of the issues with pacing, polish, and mechanics in favor of an experience that feels from a different era, just like a horror film from the ‘80s. In this case, Tormented Souls 2 values tension, patience, and disorientation over instant gratification. For anyone yearning for yesteryear’s digital discomfort, Tormented Souls 2 will be a decent haunt.

Tormented Souls 2 was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.