The Suffering PC

The Suffering Image
Metascore
80

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

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 67 Ratings

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  • 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 thisPlayers 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
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Four Fat Chicks
    100
    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. PC Gamer
    86
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. IGN
    85
    The action is intense, the creatures are actually creepy, and the story does not shy away from truly macabre elements. One cannot say enough about the horrific world that's been created here.
  4. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    The graphics, while dated, hold their own thanks to the fantastic lighting, and the audio work truly should be experienced.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    80
    If you're looking for a horror survival game that can fill the gap left by the Silent Hill and Fatal Frame series, look no further.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. GameSpot
    76
    Though The Suffering tends to rely more on startling you with visual effects and sudden attacks than on actually trying to scare you, it's still a pretty refreshing take on horror-themed games.
  7. Computer Gaming World
    60
    A fairly standard action game redeemed by some true suspense and fear. [Oct 2004, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. TerryD.
    Jun 29, 2004
    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. CharlesD.
    Jun 28, 2004
    10
    Awesome. In fact, Awesomely awesome. Seriously.
  4. ChrisS.
    Aug 4, 2004
    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 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
  5. GabrielK.
    Jul 11, 2008
    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 evenThe 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
  6. Mr_Braun
    Mar 20, 2012
    7
    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    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 said, the bugs are quite annoying, sometimes affecting gameplay and sounds.    … Expand
  7. HarmL.
    Sep 10, 2004
    5
    I am not going to complete this game. It just gets a bit boring. The fighting mechanics are vague. Why is a knife more effective then a I am not going to complete this game. It just gets a bit boring. The fighting mechanics are vague. Why is a knife more effective then a pistol? Dont tell me, I am done with this.… Expand
  8. Marick
    Feb 2, 2015
    3
    The Suffering is a psychological horror video game, developed by Surreal Software and published by Midway Games in 2004. The player controlsThe Suffering is a psychological horror video game, developed by Surreal Software and published by Midway Games in 2004. The player controls Torque, a man who has been sent to Abbott State Penitentiary on Carnate Island, Maryland. Torque has been convicted and sentenced to death for murdering his ex-wife and two children, although he claims to have blacked out at the time this happened and cannot remember anything. The night Torque arrives, there is a powerful earthquake, which releases an army of monsters upon the facility. Torque's cell door breaks and he is freed from captivity. Starting from his cell, Torque traverses the prison in an attempt to escape Carnate Island alive.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

#46 Best PC Game of 2004
#82 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
#39 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

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