It’s fantastic to see the return of Tormented Souls 2! The original game truly stood out as a brilliant homage to classic survival horror. Developer Dual Effect openly embraces its inspirations, drawing heavily from the first three Resident Evil titles, alongside elements from other iconic horror games of that era like Alone in the Dark and Silent Hill. Tormented Souls clearly captured the essence of what made those games terrifying, expertly using fixed-camera perspectives and the suspense of unseen threats. Now, the sequel is ready to drag us back into the nightmare.
Unlike its predecessors which often featured changing protagonists, Tormented Souls 2 continues the chilling journey of Caroline Walker. She returns to the isolated town of Villa Hess, desperately seeking a mysterious clinic that she hopes will cure her recurring, horrific visions. Predictably, her quest for solace quickly descends into a fresh, terrifying ordeal. The ability to explore an entire town adds a touch of Silent Hill, or perhaps even Resident Evil 3’s influence, but the intricate building interiors are a clear nod to the beloved Spencer Mansion and the Raccoon City Police Station.
Dual Effect has meticulously brought back all the elements that made the first game so memorable. Expect genuinely disturbing creatures and clever puzzles that demand thoughtful solutions, not just quick, five-second diversions. While the writing, much like the original Tormented Souls, can occasionally be a bit rough around the edges, one might argue it perfectly fits the tribute to series known for lines like “Don’t open that door” and “The master of unlocking.”
The one significant challenge in Tormented Souls 2, right from the very beginning, is its particularly scarce supply of resources and ammunition – even by survival horror standards. Some players will undoubtedly revel in this heightened tension, embracing the pressure of limited saves and the clunky yet iconic tank controls. However, if the challenge proves too much, you can always lower the difficulty to a more forgiving ‘assisted mode’ and simply soak in the game’s rich, unsettling atmosphere.
Tormented Souls 2 is available now on Steam and the Epic Games Store, priced at $26.99 / £22.49 with a 10% launch discount, which runs until Thursday, November 6. Prepare to ‘enter the survival horror’ once more!
To enhance your journey into the haunting unknown, consider upgrading to a top-tier gaming headset. Or, if you’re looking for more immersive experiences, explore our curated list of the best single-player games available on PC today.
What modern survival horror gem captures that classic, throwback vibe for you? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in our community Discord!