8 reasons to get excited for Tormented Souls’ classic-style survival horror

Dual Effect, Abstract Digital Works and PQube have announced today that Tormented Souls, their previously teased classic-style survival horror game, will be launching later this year on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and Windows PC via Steam.

With that in mind, it seems like a good time to shine a spotlight on the game and explore why it’s one of the most exciting titles coming this year — particularly for those who have been hungering for some classic-style survival horror.

There’s a physical release

One of the most commonly asked questions whenever a cool new game is announced is whether or not there’s going to be a physical release. In the case of Tormented Souls, yes, there most certainly is! While the game will be digital-only for Xbox Series X and Windows PC via Steam, the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 versions will be available as boxed copies thanks to our friends at Funstock.

Both physical releases will come with an exclusive “Sun and Moon” collectible coin; this is based on an in-game item that will be vital to protagonist Caroline piecing together the dark secrets of the mansion at Winterlake.

Preorder the PlayStation 5 version here.
Preorder the Nintendo Switch version here.

Classic horror for the modern age

What do we mean when we say “classic-style survival horror”? Fixed camera angles, a spooky atmosphere, unexpected surprises around every corner and gameplay that is as much about exploration and puzzle-solving as it is about fighting for your life.

But back in the good old days, survival horror also meant clunky, awkward controls that, while often deliberately cumbersome so as to add to the sense of “panic”, tend to be a bridge too far for modern audiences.

Thankfully, Tormented Souls blends the classic presentation and atmosphere of old-school survival horror with all the things game developers have learned over the course of the last 20 years or so. That means improved, modern controls, dynamic and adjustable camera angles and a feeling of always being in control of your character — if not necessarily the situations in which she finds herself!

Support from the clergy

In times of trouble and strife, people often turn to God for guidance. And this gentlemen will surely help you find some sort of enlightenment on your quest to uncover the mysteries of Tormented Souls.

I mean, look at the size of his crucifix — that must mean he’s a super-good person who you should absolutely, definitely trust. Probably.

Inspired by the best

Longstanding survival horror fans will look at the screenshots of Tormented Souls and see there’s some clear inspiration from all-time classics. There’s the muted colour palette and mansion-based setting of the Resident Evil series; the grimy, industrial, decrepit vibe of Silent Hill’s “dark world”; even the intricate, feminine costume design of the Project Zero (aka Fatal Frame) series.

Oh, and you spend a fair amount of time alone in the dark. You know, like in… that one game from that one time, what was it called…

A compelling mystery to solve

Protagonist Caroline wakes up in the dead of night, naked, in a bathtub and hooked up to some distinctly unsafe-looking medical equipment. This is not a good way to start one’s day, so it’s up to you to help Caroline figure out exactly what is going on.

Why is she in this mysterious old mansion-turned-hospital? Why was the place abandoned in such a hurry? And what are those horrible noises?

A candle-lover’s paradise

There’s nothing more romantic than a nice walk by candlelight, and if you’re into that sort of thing, Tormented Souls will absolutely float your boat.

Alternatively, if you’re just a sucker for some wonderfully atmospheric lighting effects to accompany your spooky scary adventures… well, the game’s got you covered there, too.

Secrets of space and time

The mansion holds many secrets, and in order to find them all Caroline will need to use mirrors to access other places and times. Even seemingly everyday objects can house secrets — and perhaps bring her closer to an escape from this horrifying situation.

Or perhaps fiddling around with the very fabric of reality is just a very bad idea and will make Caroline’s whole situation worse. Who can say?

This dude has knives for arms

That’s pretty badass, right? Even if his aim is a bit off. She’s over there, baka.

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Tormented Souls is out later this year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and Windows PC via Steam. Preorder the physical release of the PlayStation 5 version here, and the Switch version here.

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