Silent Hill

"One of the best games on PlayStation!"

Introduction

This review is a bit late in fact. I've had this game for a couple of years and I decided to write a review about it. Having beated the game several times, I think I'm ready for this review. Anyways, Konami released this game back in early 1999 for the Sony PlayStation. This game is quite scary in fact, and Konami sure did a good job starting the series. This game is no disappointment at all. Why? Because this game is so damn good that there is virtually no flaws to it. Here are some details why....and to explain.

How did Silent Hill came into existence?

Back in the old days, since Resident Evil made its debut in 1996, gamers were thrilled to see such a game that has intense action and the creeps to scare them off. Capcom then released two more titles to expand the Resident Evil series by the year 1999. At the same time, Konami wanted to try out their own type of survival horror by using the Resident Evil schematics. Their type of game is quite different. They named it to Silent Hill and made its debut in early 1999. Apart from Silent Hill, Resident Evil is also one of the most popular horror game franchises ever made for the PlayStation.

A brief summary of the characters.. and the story..

After you see the intro in the game, you'll come across a couple of characters. One of them you'll be physically controlling throughout the whole game. The story of this game is quite interesting. You, Harry Mason, takes your daughter on a vacation to Silent Hill. For some reason, during your drive, in the middle of the road spots a unknown figure and you try not to hit it. As soon as you turn the wheel, your car careens off the road, knocking you unconscious. As soon as you wake up, you realize something's wrong.. your daughter has gone missing! You will meet other characters in the game who will help you out.

The gameplay is quite something new to the horror genre...

When you release yourself from the car, you'll notice that the town of Silent Hill has so much fog in it. This is brilliant from Konami, as you never notice what's ahead of you making one reason why you should be scared. Eventually, you'll notice that you are in a huge town, almost as if you were really in it. You'll come across a plethora of buildings, streets, and monsters. The monsters in this game sure scares the hell out of you when they get too close as they really want you dead on the ground for sure.

The character system is quite unique in a way. Unfortunately, the weapons you will be picking up wont be some military-type hardware like in Metal Gear Solid or Resident Evil. In fact, they are more civilian type such as ordinary pistols, shotguns, etc... Well, since you are controlling a civilian anyways, your aiming system is very toned down. In some cases, you may think the character has bad eyes. But the truth is that you have no training, so therefore your character wont be able to aim accurately even if you point the weapon at the enemy. A reminder, you are a civilian... in a haunting place... with ordinary everyday equipment. Some of the places might be dark at times but it's how the game is. The fog effect is just there to give you the creeps, as it's much harder to see the enemy movements and when they are approaching you. Also, there will be a lot of items and ammo as you progress, so there is no need to complain about the lack of ammo.

This game isn't for the weak-hearted. One spooky moment and you'll have such nightmares that even Freddy Krueger will get you. Also, the save game system is not where you can save anytime, but in fact save points all around the town of Silent Hill. Saving your game is one of the key elements as you would never want to start all over from the beginning. This game isn't hard, as long as you know what you're doing. One wrong move and you'll be sent straight to hell. What you'll be fighting is not just monsters on the ground, but in the air as well. In times, the camera may move at a angle in which you think someone is watching you, giving you something to think of...

The visual presentation of this game...

Graphics don't make a game. For Silent Hill, the graphics push the limits of the Sony PlayStation. Most of the backgrounds are detailed as best as they can possibly be. It's clear enough for you to enjoy the action. The development team sure put a lot of effort into making this game as graphically as it can be. Of course, it wont look good as it is in Final Fantasy, but then we're just being too competitive. The game screen wont show anything but you and where you are. The reason for this is that they want you to see the action without anything interrupting your confidence... The CG cinemas are quite good in this game. All of the environments in Silent Hill are rendered in real-time.

Eerie noises and Spooky music is one key element to a Horror game.

One thing we know, PlayStation is the master of sound. After hearing the intro theme of the game, it just gave me the shocks, as it is just brilliant. You'll hear a lot of eerie noises as you open gates and fences. Also, you'll be hearing spooky music throughout the entire course of the game and you'll wonder if there is actually a soundtrack available. Well, the answer is.. Yes. You may find it somewhere on the internet. The soundtrack is quite good making you wonder who actually did the music...Well, it's Akira Yamaoka, the musician from Konami CE Tokyo. He's the one you brought you this game as well as producing all the stuff you listen in the game. We all know that Konami is the master of sound, and they almost never get it wrong in their hit titles, especially this one.

The controls of this game.

There's good and bad to the controls. The bad side to it is that the game only spans 3D-type controls. Personally, I'd prefer 2D-type controls, because it makes it easier to move around the environment and dodging enemy attacks. The good side to it is that the button configuration is pretty basic. One button to shoot, another to view map, another to turn flashlight on/off, and so on...Each button does a different command. Using the Left Analog Stick to move Harry around is quite hard, so the D-pad is preferred. This game supports both the Digital and the Analog controllers.

Is this game difficult?

As previously mentioned, this game is not that difficult. Getting to know the patterns is one key element. A reminder to know that this is a Survival Horror game, so running constantly is another key. Save ammo for the mandatory battles. Running out of ammo at this time would be your flaw. Some of the puzzles in this game might be hard as it seems, but eventually you'll figure out what you did wrong. As long as you master this game, you can obtain the best rank possible by the time you finish the game.

The Replay Value is very much. With new weapons to unlock, a couple more than few endings to watch, and seeing all the cool and scary things in the game will leave you playing it for a while. You will probably get through the game in less than two hours once you master it.

The Ups and Downs of Konami's Horror Game.

Pros:
+ Great Character Gameplay
+ Good Graphics and CG cinemas
+ Awesome music and sound effects
+ Good Storyline
+ Fits a Scary Mood
+ Good Replay Value
+ Puzzles are quite challenging

Cons:
- Half-Bad Controls(The 3D-type)

Final Rating: 9.5 which rounds up to 10. Only the controls troubles me, but everything else is cake.

Will you reconsider about this title?

By now, a lot of you should have picked up this game. But if you haven't, you should pick up a copy. It's probably selling at EBX or Gamestop these days at less than fifteen bucks. There is also a Greatest Hits lying around, but there is no difference between the two. And to remember, this game is not for the weak-hearted and the weak-minded. You should think twice before you make any choice about buying this game. This game is only available for the Sony PlayStation.

Does the psychological horror continue?

As a matter of fact, yes it does. Konami has expanded the series two more titles, Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3. They are also indeed great games, just like this one. There are some good and bad to them, but nonetheless, they give us the scare we needed. If you're looking forward to them, they are available now everywhere.

Every town has its secrets. Some are just deadlier than others.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/04/03