• Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Oct 16, 2012
Metascore
58 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 57 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 57
  2. Negative: 11 out of 57
  1. Oct 22, 2012
    82
    A much different Silent Hill game than the norm, which will infuriate some but intrigue others, myself included. Series veteran or not, every Vita owner should at least try the demo.
  2. Nov 4, 2012
    80
    Sometimes it's frustrating and sometimes it puts you on edge.
  3. Oct 31, 2012
    80
    If you've got a Vita, this is well worth a look, even if you're not compelled by the brand or even the gameplay.
  4. 80
    While survival horror purists may balk at the concept, anyone a fan of top-down action/RPGs, deep gameplay and a interesting story will find not only the most addicting multiplayer Vita game to date, but the best Silent Hill in recent memory.
  5. Nov 22, 2012
    75
    If you're looking for a Silent Hill game or a deep RPG on your PS Vita, Book of Memories will only serve to whet your appetite for a title that will deliver.
  6. Oct 19, 2012
    74
    A rock-solid, dungeon-style RPG that pays a good deal of homage to the Silent Hill universe. It's probably not quite what the diehards would have wanted, but that doesn't mean that it's bad.
  7. WayForward seems to have saved its 'A Game' for their own IP. Book of Memories feels odd, as though a Diablo has murdered a Silent Hill, and is traipsing about wearing its skin. [January 2013, p70]
  8. Dec 17, 2012
    70
    A competent, skillful attempt at a non-fantasy dungeon crawler game appears, courtesy of Wayforward. Unfortunately it's ultimately dragged down by the franchise attached to it - Silent Hill. Other than a few thematic nods and well-known enemies the franchise usage is handled sloppily and without any benefit.
  9. Dec 7, 2012
    70
    Those searching for the traditional Silent Hill experience on a portable (story? What story?) should stay far, far away. However, players who enjoy dungeon crawling and aren't afraid of a little difficulty will find that Silent Hill: Book of Memories gets it pretty right-it's just a shame that an FAQ is required to enjoy it.
  10. Dec 6, 2012
    70
    Don't think of it as another Silent Hill, as Book of Memories is actually a good action game that reminds of the classic Gauntlet.
  11. Nov 21, 2012
    70
    If you can get over the fact that this isn't a Silent Hill game at all, this is a nice action RPG with a good atmosphere, but also with a repetitive gameplay.
  12. As dungeon crawls go, it's unique. Just don't expect a Silent Hill 2 level of scary. [Holiday 2012, p.77]
  13. Nov 10, 2012
    70
    Book of Memories will disappoint those purists who are not happy with the changes made to the series. For those looking for a dungeon crawler RPG based in the Silent Hill universe this is absolutely ideal.
  14. Nov 8, 2012
    70
    Silent Hill meets Diablo-esque dungeon crawler style with swinging results. Lack of variety, long loading times and mediocre graphics are balanced by some good ideas and addicting gameplay.
  15. Nov 7, 2012
    70
    Nobody could've predicted this when it was announced, but Silent Hill: Book of Memories is a dungeon crawler with some multiplayer options. No one also expected the following: as a Vita-game it is quite successful. It's lightweight enough to work on a handheld device and has just enough depth to keep players interested and have them come back for more.
  16. Nov 6, 2012
    70
    At the end of the day Silent Hill: Book of Memories manages to provide a change of pace to the dungeon crawling genre which has become somewhat stale.
  17. Nov 5, 2012
    70
    A curious game: an improbably boisterous departure for a series that has slipped into conservative compromise in recent years.
  18. Oct 30, 2012
    70
    If you're the kind of person who plans on teaming up with friends to take on this lengthy adventure, then I can recommend Silent Hill: Book of Memories. The action isn't especially fresh and the graphics leave a lot to be desired, but there are some good ideas wrapped around a truly twisted narrative. However, if you're the kind of person who plans on going it alone, then look elsewhere. There is nothing in Silent Hill for solo players.
  19. Oct 29, 2012
    70
    If you can get over the fact that this isn't a survival horror game and subsequently hardly feels like a Silent Hill game at all, this is actually a very addicting button basher with surprisingly good level-design and a great atmosphere. A weak story, mediocre graphics and the repetitive nature of the gameplay keep Book of Memories from receiving more praise.
  20. Jan 21, 2013
    68
    It's a pity where the Book of Memories is taking the Silent Hill series: Only quantity, no quality; a lack of gameplay and story; a shift in genres which should have been done with much more caution and love. Silent Hill fans, don't touch this.
  21. Nov 27, 2012
    67
    I can't foresee Silent Hill: Book of Memories winning any Game of the Year awards, nor should it, but if you're in the mood for solidly reliable horror on the go, this should be more than enough to scratch that itch.
  22. Nov 13, 2012
    65
    Book of Memories is nowhere as spectacular and adrenalinic as it could have been considering Vita's power, and it's far from traditional Silent Hill games, but it may deserve a run if you're a fan of the new genre.
  23. 65
    Combat is underwhelming and the basic grind can become repetitive, while the amount of backtracking further compounds these issues. However, if you can stick at it, you'll find that Book of Memories is still frighteningly addictive, and with friends can provide a nice distraction.
  24. Oct 24, 2012
    65
    It's a solid start for a game capable of excellence, but so frequently squanders the credit it earns on frankly confusing design.
  25. Oct 24, 2012
    65
    Silent Hill: Book of Memories is a surprising twist on the franchise that works in some areas, while falling flat in others. If you intend to duke it out with friends, I recommend it wholeheartedly, especially with the lousy Vita lineup right now. If you are going in strictly for the Silent Hill aspect, you are likely to be disappointed.
  26. Still, Book of Memories is not a bad game. There are elements of Catherine, Persona and even the classic Gauntlet to be found. Just don't except a riveting horror experience, because that is not what Book of Memories is or tries to be. [December 2012, p.77]
  27. Oct 21, 2012
    63
    Completely unrelated to Silent Hill and horror, an acceptable dungeon crawler with many hours of combat ahead. Recommended for those who want a game to play online, since its multiplayer is the key to make the most of it.
  28. Oct 26, 2012
    62
    As a Silent Hill game it's disappointing. As a "dungeon crawler", quite poor. Definitely, Book of Memories it's not a very recommendable game.
  29. 60
    Dungeon action with online cooperation doesn't exactly fit into the Silent Hill universe but if you give it a chance it may surprise you. [Christmas 2012]
  30. Dec 17, 2012
    60
    Pleasant, but not particularly memorable. [Jan 2013, p.78]
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 8 out of 22
  1. Ignore all the old silent hill fans that are Butt hurt that there game is changing because this is actually a really fun game and is well worth playing. Full Review »
  2. The low user score worried me, so I downloaded the demo. I suggest you do the same. This is a fun game. Great graphics and atmosphere, solid and responsive control, balanced and addictive game play, creepy and engaging story, fun customization. It is not like the old silent hill games, as you probably know. It is more like Diablo in its play mechanics, so know what you're getting into. My only complaint about the game is the load-times. They are not insanely long, but should be shorter. If this were fixed, I would have given it a 9. Full Review »
  3. For months I've been dreading the day this game came one but, it's safe to say this is a nice portable experience. It's really just as addicting as any other dungeon crawler. The only thing that bothers me about this game is the returning creatures, said time and time again "Why is pyramid Head is this game?" Full Review »