: Much of the story focuses on Torque's relationship with his deceased family. The game uses a "morality system" where Torque's actions—helping or harming survivors—affect his memories and ultimately determine the "truth" of how his family died.
Developed by Surreal Software , the game serves as an informative look at "survival terror". It suggests that the "ties" to our past—our mistakes, our losses, and our heritage—can become a source of immense suffering if we do not confront them. In Torque’s world, your past literally bites back, and your internal struggle determines whether you become a man or a monster. The Game Design Writings of Richard Rouse III The Suffering Ties That Bind
Torque is a man haunted by the deaths of his ex-wife and children—a crime he may or may not have committed, depending on the player's choices. After escaping a supernatural prison break on Carnate Island, he returns to his home city, only to find it infested with creatures that are physical manifestations of his own inner turmoil and the city's dark history. The "Ties That Bind" : Much of the story focuses on Torque's
The title refers to several interwoven layers of connection: It suggests that the "ties" to our past—our
: Torque is pursued by Blackmore , a mysterious figure from his past who represents his darker impulses. Their connection is the central "tie" that Torque must either sever or embrace.