The Suffering (2004 Video Game) User Reviews

Best gory horror game in years

[PlayerSS · 9/10 · 16 March 2004]

First off forget about Resident Evil. Thats just childs play compared to Midway's The Suffering. You start as a prisoner named Torque who offed his wife and kids or did he? Thats why you play and find out.

He is on death row. The night he is put in the prison an earthquake happens and demons invade the prison. You are then let out to explore the prison and the island that the prison is on.

Most of the demons are just reincarnated versions of inmates who were killed there before. The game has some pretty violent things to go along with the horror theme of the game. The game is ultra bloody.

There is a lot of swearing all through the game. Of course what else would you expect. Its a prison for one and its being overrun by demons. Who wouldn't be using every word they could think of.

The main character Torque doesn't talk. Which I really don't mind that too much. I just hate when companies take the easy way out and give everyone else a voice, but the main character. Like I said its not too bad in this game. As Torque has a lot of various little actions that really make his character stand out.

There are three different endings. There are plenty of weapons to defend yourself. Its a damn near perfect game.

The Enjoyable Suffering

[amadeuseisenberg · 9/10 · 12 January 2021]

Great game. A gem from the Golden Age of gaming. I love that it comes with all kinds of extra content too. Reading material, trailers(love when games came with trailers for other games back in the time), behind the scenes(which more games should come with) and even a very interesting documentary about old prisons, which talks about history, living conditions and how they're haunted. This is amazing. I love when games were made with love and passion, and packed with all kinds of extra content. Made for more intelligent people, not just soulless products churned out for sheep to eat up.

Scary as hell!

[theblasphemy · 8/10 · 30 March 2007]

Take Silent Hill, add Beyond Reanimator with the nickname "Rebirth power", add a lot of horror survival, some cliché "cute little girl wants to play" horror, and the result is a wonderful fast but repetitive and short Survival Horror TPS/FPS. The actual plot changes the way you finish it, and if you don't know how you are, you can track down your character's soul alignment from the family picture.

The cleaner it is, the better you are. I don't want to add more as it would be spoiler, but I advise fans of such games to get and play it. IT is a game worth playing at least once.

Annoying Problems: Grenades aren't worth much in more difficult modes than Easy. Game sometimes crashes, so save often. Rhombium heals less in easy mode, so do monsters hurt less, so difficulty level only defines maximum health and monster health.

It Will Leave You Wanting More

[TEAQUIEMORO · 10/10 · 24 May 2008]

This was one of my first video games that was rated M and I love it so much and still do. I still can't believe I didn't commented this video game first.But now I will, and for all you people who wants to play a scary survival game with lots of gore than play this game. The monsters were cool and it also teaches history, about the war and all soldiers/prisoners death that are real life people. They are also going to make a movie of it(hope they won't screw this movie up). Anyways if you play this in the dark, cold weather, and nobody around you will start to feel that you are in the game. There are scary moments when those f#####g Slayers or Noosemens come out of nowhere. This has a lot of thinking to go to the next level and also love the idea of other people in the game helping you(tip:don't kill them so quickly, they could help you).And those Infernas are annoying, and when some of those Slayers revive is scary and awesome.I haven't had this much fun since playing Resident Evil 4 or GRT: San Andres. Please, buy this game, I highly recommend it. It has 8.9, soon in the range of 9.0 or higher. You won't be disappointed.

Horror does hard time in the slam

[Wolfdemon · 12 September 2005]

Prison, a place where criminals go after committing crimes ranging from rape to murder. But would you encounter your inner demons in jail, even on death-row? Perhaps. The Suffering, an action/horror game from Midway and Surreal Software, is the prime example of that. Here's my review on The Suffering.

Plot: The star of The Suffering is Torque, a convicted felon put on death-row for the murder of his wife and two kids. His arrival isn't welcomed with open arms since inmates don't like child killers very much. Just as Torque is about to settle down with his new life on death-row, a slight earthquake rocks the prison and something in the darkness attacks and kills Torque's fellow inmates, leaving him as the sole survivor. Now Torque must escape from jail and find the truth about what really happened to his family while fighting against monsters and his own inner demons in order to survive. 5/5

Graphics: The graphics in The Suffering are truly dark and gritty, not to mention well done. Every character and monster are near photo-realistic. What really sets the creatures apart from the monsters from other survival horror games is they are based on different execution methods. Though designed by Stan Winston Studios, the monsters look like something out of a H.R. Giger painting. Even the blood looks good. 5/5

Sound: The music in this game aren't the traditional music we would hear in most survival horror games. The music are inspired by the sounds you would usually hear in every day life. The sounds gives you the feeling of what's around the corner. True work of genius. 5/5

Gameplay: You can switch the views of the game from 3rd to 1st person perspectives. In 3rd person mode, the controls are responsive yet stiff. In 1st person mode, the controls gets rid most of the stiffness. Torque can transform into a demon with just a simple touch of a button. In his demon form, Torque can tear his enemies apart with ease. The Suffering has a moral system, any action Torque does will effect the outcome of the game. 4/5

Midway and Surreal Software certainly did a good job on The Suffering. Certainly will make Resident Evil and Silent Hill look like a couple of Disney cartoons. Be on the look out for the sequel, The Suffering: Ties that Bind.

Final Review: 5/5

My first computer game review !

[shadowman123 · 8/10 · 27 November 2007]

I still am a very big gamer and I always seem to make time where ever and whenever possible to play although its I don't play as I used to due to other various commitments but still my fondness for the escapism of computer games has not faded and what an excellent way to mark my return to the world of computer games with The Suffering!

Being a huge fan of survival horror genre with the likes of Resident Evil and Silent Hill it was going to be difficult for something to come up close and match the high level of atmosphere and game play, and I was glad to see that The Suffering delivers on many levels.

Players will assume the lead role of Torque an inmate sent to the infamous and remote barren Prison Island called Carnate, he has been sentenced to death for the murder of his wife and children , the action then picks up for there as you are swung into a nightmare world and take control of the hard as nails Torque. The game receives a lot of praise from me for capture of the grim and depressing place that is the island it-self along with an explanation to its rather colourful past. There are truly some jump out at you moments with scare and atmosphere all the way along to keep you going further. The game captures this Silent Hill/The Shining atmosphere well in some places and a Resident Evil theme in the other and carriers that well so the player never really does get bored.

The faults I would have to say start with the graphics which seem a little like PS 1 graphics in most places and the controls really do taking some used to (can't tell you how many times I blew my-self up when I was just trying to jump) but if you put the effort in you get used to them in no time. Also game play can be a little bit tedious in most places with a bit of repetitiveness but having said that you never truly do feel like turning your console off because the scary atmosphere keeps you going.

The game took my 4-5 nights of serious game play and believe me it is great playing at nights in a dark room! Players should also remember that the endings are determined by your behaviour and choices during the game. To sum it up The Suffering is what a computer should be about - entertainment and escapism and this delivers more than that as it also has a few themes tied behind it, my only regret is that I checked out a little too late . I am also aware that there is a sequel called Ties That Bind and a movie is in the works so I am looking forward to both , highly recommended and worth a look at.

THE SUFFERING : 8.6 OUT OF 10

PRISON IS HELL!!!

BEYOND REANIMATOR

[vtsontsi · 9 July 2004]

I will not tell u again how great the game is. The previous reviews have covered that already and i completely agree. Its been a long time since i was drawn into such a dark atmosphere. Hardcore game with lot of violence (but u get that in most of games nowadays) What makes it special is the sound and the dialogs. I was surprised by the profanity and the bad words (in how many games have u heard the word co*k?).

And a strange coincident. I finished the game yesterday and just finished watching the movie "Beyond Reanimator" (2003). It is obvious that the game draws its inspiration from that movie. Some of the monsters, the lethal ejections, the electric chamber, the doctor.....yes its all in beyond reanimator :) excellent movie by the way (in its genre)

Demo was freakin awesome

[Scissorman · 16 February 2004]

I work at an EB Games store and we had received the new Xbox magazine with the demo discs. One of the demo's happened to be The Suffering. I'll tell ya, for the brief 15-20 minutes the demo gave you to play, it was damn scary stuff. The atmosphere was creepy, the monsters scare the crap out of you, the noises would startle anyone, and the voices in your characters head will send chills up your spine. I am definately going to get this one when it is released.

It gets the job done as a horror game, but the action can get repetitive. Fans of the genre should be pleased. Final Grade: B Minus

[practiced_bravado · 8 June 2004]

"The Suffering" plays like "Max Payne" meets "Resident Evil". It's a shooter that mainly consists of blowing away the same five monsters every few minutes. The main character is Torque, a death row inmate, who was convicted of killing his family. As luck would have it, an earthquake occurs in the middle of the night, freeing Torque from his cell. Unfortunately, monsters modeled by various forms of execution invade the prison.

This is where the player takes over. Your job is to help Torque escape the haunted prison. In the process, you can either help the guards and fellow prisoners or kill them. What you decide will dictate one of the game's three different endings. Your arsenal consists of 10 firearms, a shiv and flashbang grenades. At times, you also have the ability to transform into a giant, rampaging beast, "Hulk"-style. And you can switch between first-person and third-person perspective at any time.

The best aspect of the game is the cutscenes, hallucinations and flashbacks that propel the story forward. There done in a cinematic way which brings back memories of "Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2" and the 1999 remake of "House on Haunted Hill". It's pure horror. I only wish there was a bit more challenge. This is a straight-forward action game with a little exploration to be found. Yet, it's a fairly enjoyable lengthy adventure.

"The Suffering" is not for the little ones. It contains non-stop blood and gore, constant profanity and the words scrawled onto the prison walls are as profane as well. The DVD also includes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game and a documentary-like special entitled "Inside a Haunted Prison" covering an early time of the American penal institution. Horror fans should buy this, it's a well made title of the genre.

Unleashing Hell in a Haunting and Intense Horror Experience

[GilsonIV · 21 August 2023]

The Suffering, released back in 2004, is a video game that truly deserves recognition and praise for its unique and immersive gameplay experience. From start to finish, this hauntingly atmospheric title by Midway Games captivates players with its gripping narrative, intense action, and clever psychological twists.

One of the standout features of The Suffering is its masterful storytelling. The game occurs on Carnate Island, a gloomy penitentiary plagued by unspeakable horrors. As the protagonist, Torque, a death row inmate, players are thrown into a nightmarish world filled with terrifying creatures and supernatural phenomena. The game effectively utilizes flashbacks, hallucinations, and cryptic symbolism to keep players engaged and intrigued throughout the entire journey. The narrative is rich and thought-provoking, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and personal responsibility.

Gameplay-wise, The Suffering perfectly balances action and horror. The combat mechanics are fluid and satisfying, allowing players to utilize various weapons to dispatch grotesque monsters. The game's arsenal features a diverse range of firearms, melee weapons, and even makeshift tools, providing players with numerous strategic options to approach each encounter. Additionally, the game introduces a morality system that alters the story and gameplay based on the player's choices, adding a layer of depth and replayability.

Visually, The Suffering creates a dark and oppressive atmosphere. The environments are meticulously designed, from the decrepit prison corridors to the mist-covered outdoor areas, all contributing to a sense of dread and foreboding. The game's graphics still hold up remarkably well and effectively convey the game's haunting aesthetic.

Furthermore, the voice acting and sound design in The Suffering are top-notch. The voice cast delivers outstanding performances, breathing life into the diverse cast of characters, each with their unique stories and motivations. The game's audio design, including the bone-chilling cries of the creatures and the eerie ambient sounds, further reinforces the game's immersive atmosphere, keeping players on the edge of their seats.

The Suffering is a game that truly stands the test of time. Despite being released almost two decades ago, it remains a standout title in the horror genre. Its gripping storyline, intense gameplay, and atmospheric presentation make it a must-play for any fan of psychological horror and action games.

Overall, The Suffering represents a remarkable achievement in video game storytelling and design. If you're looking for a game that will leave you emotionally invested, terrified, and craving for more, then The Suffering is an experience you won't want to miss. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the depths of darkness.