Silent Hill 3

"Simply Amazing"

==Keep in mind when you read this, that I have not finished the game, due to a game freezing issue I haven't worked out yet. But I have played the vast majority of it.==

There's no denying that Silent Hill 1 and 2 were fantastic games, and Silent Hill 4 was very good too, despite being the worst in the series. I haven't played Origins yet, but I'm sure it's wonderful as well.

That leaves us with Silent Hill 3. I've heard people say they hate it, since it focuses more on action than puzzles, and has poor creature design compared to the other games. Both accusations are true, sadly. But, what it lacks in those areas, it makes up for with amazing storytelling and ambiance. Usually, that isn't enough to save a game from being bad, but there aren't many games quite like Silent Hill either.

I'll start by reviewing my favorite part of the series, the music.

MUSIC- 10/10
Akira Yamaoka has a hand in many parts of SH development, but his most obvious contribution is the diverse soundtrack. His songs can turn a normal cutscene into an emotional powerhouse. Silent Hill 3 has the best examples of this. It begins with a song called "You're Not Here", which is both depressing and energizing, and it sets up the mood for the entire game. Once the game proper begins, more of Yamaoka's music is interspersed throughout, setting each scene masterfully. This is easily some of the most powerful music in the series. (Only to be outdone by SH4's "Room Of Angel")

GRAPHICS- 8/10
The graphics have aged very well. They aren't breathtaking by any means, but everything looks just as atmospheric and frightening as you could ask for. From broken down amusement parks to abandoned hospitals, and the excellent dynamic shadows they contain, you'll find little to complain about. The character models are very expressive and lifelike, as well.

CONTROLS- 6/10
Silent Hill just isn't meant to be played on a keyboard. It doesn't hinder gameplay, but it can be a bit annoying. Nothing to see here, move along.

GAMEPLAY- 7/10
The puzzles have been dumbed down drastically since Silent Hill 2, but the exploration is still quite fun. You never know what will happen when you open a door in this game. The combat is still pretty "meh", but SH is one of the few games that really isn't about the "gameplay" in a traditional sense. Think about it as an interactive movie, and you won't be disappointed.

PLOT- 10/10
I can't really say anything about the story without spoilers, so here's the very basics: "Haunted" town, evil cult, sassy protagonist, detective, Harry from SH1. The storyline isn't hugely original or anything, but the way it's told is perfect. There are no "happy interludes" to counteract the relentlessly grim story, so it'll probably leave you downright depressed if you play it for long enough. No games have been able to do this to me before, (not even the other Silent Hill games) so I was a little shocked when I realized how attached I was growing to the protagonists. I commend Team Silent for doing the near-impossible and making me forget I was playing a game.


Silent Hill 2 used to be my favorite in the series, but I think this has become my new favorite.

It's likely very cheap right now, so go buy it. You won't regret it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/19/08

Game Release: Silent Hill 3 (US, 12/02/03)