Tenebris Somnia review: pixel horror meets live-action film
Saibot Studios’ horror game combines 2D survival horror with filmed scenes. Prima Games is thrilled, while combat and puzzles draw criticism.
Photo: LoMit / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Trailer: YouTube · New Blood Interactive · youtube.com
Critics' rating
Scores: Prima Games 9.5/10
- Platforms
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch
- Studio
- Saibot Studios (New Blood Interactive)
- Release
- 16.10.2026
+ Pros
- Gripping story that grows darker layer by layer
- Seamless switches between pixel art and live action
- Eerie sound design
- Multiple endings
– Cons
- Combat feels janky at times
- Character gets stuck on edges
- Some puzzles too obtuse
- Frustrating boss fights
Critics' verdict
A bold mix of retro survival horror and live-action film that grips with its story – despite janky combat and some obtuse puzzles.
Summary of published reviews – sources below.
Tenebris Somnia has been available since 16 October on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 and Switch. It was developed by Saibot Studios around director Andrés Borghi and is published by New Blood Interactive. The game combines pixel-art 2D survival horror with live-action cutscenes: actress Julia returns to her ex-boyfriend Ivan’s apartment and learns that his life is in danger – he is entangled in a cult preparing a deadly ritual.
Prima Games awards 9.5 out of 10 and calls the game a masterpiece, praising the well-paced story that peels back ever darker layers, the seamless transitions between pixel art and film scenes, and the sound design. Depending on play style a run lasts four to eight hours, and there are multiple endings. GameTyrant calls it a strong horror experience and recommends it to fans of Alan Wake 2 and Immortality.
Both reviews find fault with the combat: Prima Games calls it janky at times and is annoyed that the character gets stuck on flat edges. GameTyrant criticises overly obtuse puzzles, unfair combat moments later in the game and boss fights that become frustrating after many failed attempts.