The Suffering Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

  • Summary: Players assume the role of Torque, a man convicted of a horrible crime that he may or may not have committed. He's sentenced to life in Abbott State Penitentiary, a haunted place that hides a terrible secret, one that threatens both the prison guards and the hardened criminals that call this isolated hell home. Torque's tale unfolds in nine terrifying levels, where grisly mutated creatures, sadistic prisoners and guards lurk around every corner. A variety of deadly weapons are at his disposal to help him survive and escape from prison. In addition, Torque has a "rage meter" that, when filled, transforms him into a hideous and bloodthirsty creature that looks and feels right at home with the other dozen monstrosities stalking his every move. Torque will be able to interact with other inmate NPC's and enlist their help in escaping, or take them out if they get in his way. The Suffering also features three distinct endings based on how the game is played. In revealing Torque's story, he could be a cold-blooded killer, a man wrongfully accused, or something far, far worse. [Encore Software] Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. With satisfactory graphics, outstanding audio and acting, involving mystery-like story, smooth gameplay mechanics, The Suffering moves to the top ranks, joining such titles as "Clive Barker's Undying" and "Eternal Darkness."
  2. A first-or-third person shooter that is one of the most chilling, disturbing games I've ever played. And I mean that in the best way possible...The Suffering's main downside is that its graphics engine isn't the latest and the greatest. [Sept 2004, p.62]
  3. Quite simply, a good action game with some great scares.
  4. This prison lies in a qualitative limbo. The monsters are gorgeous bundles of slime and metal; the atmosphere is dense and layered; it can, on occasion, give you real heebie jeebies. [Aug 2004, p.85]

See all 26 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. TerryD.
    10
    The key word here is INTENSE! This game just plain delivers - tons of shocking action in a box. Get it! Get it now!!
  2. ChrisS.
    8
    Graphically its not bad, not great, but not bad. Character animation is good and the monsters are original and scary. Voice acting is far better than I was expecting. Atmosphere is creepy, lighting is spooky and sound effects are excellent. A job well done as far as ambience and mood. However, there are bugs or perhaps they are programing decisions that I found frustrating at times. At one point a guard who was gunning for me refused to die no matter how many slugs I pumped into him. The only way to deal with this situation was to run and hope I reached the next level before he methodically gunned me down. Later, an npc with whom I team up does not die despite being set upon by a hoard of blade wielding creatures. Overall, a hard edged, scary and fun game. Expand
  3. GabrielK.
    7
    The game is very repetitive and boring after a few levels. The lights are so bad that is really frustrating to see something in the dark even with the flashlight. But is not bad at all, it has some creepy stuff. The dark voices, the creatures, the story and some weapons make this game decent to this genre. Definitely is a game to play some hours and thats all, probably you will not want to finish at all at the middle of the game. Expand
  4. Aside from the bugs, this game is quite good.
    Excellent story, gameplay and the atmosphere doesn't fail to entertain me, either.
    But like I sa
    id, the bugs are quite annoying, sometimes affecting gameplay and sounds. Expand

See all 6 User Reviews