The new project underway at Amnesia: The Dark Descent developer Frictional Games appears to be a creepy sci-fi mystery entitled SOMA.
Frictional Games Creative Director Thomas Grip started the ball rolling with a tweet late last week letting the world know that something new was coming from the studio behind the horror hit Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Today, that “something” has been revealed – but don’t expect too many answers just yet.
A website at somasystems.org (also available via nextfrictionalgame.com) has appeared, bearing a series of “error” warnings, a flickering, de-rezzed face and, most significantly, a list of “case files.” Only one such file is currently available: Item #2656 – “Vivarium,” an intriguing video diary of a technician’s attempts to activate and then interact with what appears to be a bizarre machine of unknown origin and purpose. It’s a lengthy video and rather slow, but it finishes very strongly.
The website was introduced by way of a “quarantine failure” email warning of “crucial systems at risk.” “Adding to the already explosive Mockingbird-situation, it is clear we need to take greater precaution. Isolate all systems to avoid data corruption and prevent hostile actions,” it states. “Keep an eye out for personality deviation. When able, always meet in person.”
I have no idea what’s going on here, but I like it. I like it a lot, and I can’t wait to find out more. I will wait, obviously, but hopefully not too terribly long; a “file recovery” process slowly grinding away on the site was at two percent at the time of writing, and once it reaches 100 percent I would assume another case file – and more information about the mystery that is SOMA – will be revealed.
