Frictional Games Releasing ‘Safe Mode’ for SOMA

Frictional Games’ horror masterpiece SOMA will be arriving on Xbox One on December 1st. At the same time, the company is also releasing an update for the Windows version which will bring in a ‘safe mode’. This enables users to freely explore the game without experiencing underwear-soiling fear. An unofficial “wuss mode” mod is available, although it is far from perfect. It rendered the monsters harmless, but would otherwise still trigger the screen freak-out effect.

Since SOMA is made by the same crew that brought Amnesia: The Dark Descent to the gaming world, simply rendering the monsters inactive is not enough to remove the fear. Although Frictional games did not specifically state how the safe mode will work, it will be more effective since it is an official update. They are likely to either remove the monsters entirely or render them docile. Odds are it is the former, rather than the latter.

Removing the monsters does not entirely ruin the game. It would actually allow some people to still experience and focus on the story with no hassles. As good as Amnesia: The Dark Descent was for a horror game, SOMA stands well on its own as a sci-fi horror classic. It also has a much more story based gameplay than Amnesia.

SOMA came out in 2015 and is available for £22.99 on the PC normally. However, it could be had for as low as £5.99 during Steam sales. The game is also compatible with Mac OS X and SteamOS + Linux.

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: 64-bit Windows Vista
• Processor: Core i3 / AMD A6 2.4Ghz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260 / AMD Radeon HD 5750. OpenGL 3.3
• Storage: 25 GB available space
• Additional Notes: Integrated Intel graphics are not supported. They should work (Intel HD 4000-series or better), but with issues.

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: 64-bit Windows 7
• Processor: Core i5 / AMD FX 2.4Ghz
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 / AMD Radeon HD 5970. OpenGL 3.3
• Storage: 25 GB available space
• Additional Notes: Integrated Intel graphics are not supported. They should work (Intel HD 4000-series or better), but with issues.

Available on Xbox One Soon

SOMA is rated M for mature, ideal for audiences 17+ and is not for those with photosensitive seizure issues. It will be available on Xbox One soon, but the pre-order page is now available.