Silent Hill
Car troubles, a storm, an old cafe and the story of a young girl… what could possibly go wrong?
Silent Hill follows a classic horror movie progression. A rather mundane environment slowly intensifies and lures you into the depth of the story. It skirts the boundaries of a horror room, yet remains on the side of a puzzle room with frights.
The high quality set design captured my attention. Progressing through locales, I had a sense of moving in space and advancing the plot. Though perhaps a bit cramped, which could maximize the scare factor for two players, but was a bit too small for our team of four.
The school features a brilliant environmental puzzle, to a level I don’t think I’ve encountered before. It’s so easy to overlook, yet so obvious at the same time. It’s thematically spot-on.
The game gets off to a slow start. Some minor changes to the environment and puzzle design could improve the initial flow. I’d also like to have more audio ambience, to elevate the frightening atmosphere. I also felt the final reveal came about too fast, but nonetheless happy with the effect.
Silent Hill was a highlight of my trip. I felt immersed from the first room on. I think the designers could push the fright factor without becoming a horror room, yet it’s already not for the timid.
