I see a split camp regarding this game, whether it's the gameplay changes or the revelation that the Silent Hill title was slapped on the game. Even Akira Yamaoka said he thought the characters were a little weak. Wow.
I appreciate the game, because I think the story, most of the characters (both main and supporting), and the atmosphere are all well done. Now there's no mistaking how clunky the gameplay can feel in comparison to the first three. One save point, limited inventory, ghosts, repeating worlds...While these features were a hindrance in the immersion at first, I soon got used to them. The hauntings in your apartment later in the game are cool, I especially like the one where you look into your peephole and Walter Sullivan shows up to stare you down for whatever reason.
The whole idea of the apartment as a womb of sorts that gets invaded by a freakish and disturbing life is effective (I like the scenes of Henry going into Subway and Forest World for the first time in the fetal position, good indicators). Walter Sullivan is a menacing character through and through, he reminds me of Bob from Twin Peaks. It's especially shocking after seeing his omnipresence while within his worlds that he's actually a decaying, crucified body behind an apartment wall. I think he's a fine antagonist, and his build up is enticing. When you realize how much influence he has, Joseph Schrieber and Henry Townshend seem like pawns, it's frightening.
The supporting cast is hit and miss, but things such as seeing/hearing about Frank Sunderland is fun. What I don't like is that the only victim that's given much of a stage is Cynthia (Eileen doesn't count). The rest have death scenes, but they're a little one-dimensional. I enjoyed contemplating about Cynthia's place and I thought she had the most personality.
The stages, although you have to visit some of the same ones, have that Silent Hill touch, and at this point I don't think it's old. I enjoyed exploring them both times.
I appreciate the game, because I think the story, most of the characters (both main and supporting), and the atmosphere are all well done. Now there's no mistaking how clunky the gameplay can feel in comparison to the first three. One save point, limited inventory, ghosts, repeating worlds...While these features were a hindrance in the immersion at first, I soon got used to them. The hauntings in your apartment later in the game are cool, I especially like the one where you look into your peephole and Walter Sullivan shows up to stare you down for whatever reason.
The whole idea of the apartment as a womb of sorts that gets invaded by a freakish and disturbing life is effective (I like the scenes of Henry going into Subway and Forest World for the first time in the fetal position, good indicators). Walter Sullivan is a menacing character through and through, he reminds me of Bob from Twin Peaks. It's especially shocking after seeing his omnipresence while within his worlds that he's actually a decaying, crucified body behind an apartment wall. I think he's a fine antagonist, and his build up is enticing. When you realize how much influence he has, Joseph Schrieber and Henry Townshend seem like pawns, it's frightening.
The supporting cast is hit and miss, but things such as seeing/hearing about Frank Sunderland is fun. What I don't like is that the only victim that's given much of a stage is Cynthia (Eileen doesn't count). The rest have death scenes, but they're a little one-dimensional. I enjoyed contemplating about Cynthia's place and I thought she had the most personality.
The stages, although you have to visit some of the same ones, have that Silent Hill touch, and at this point I don't think it's old. I enjoyed exploring them both times.
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