Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Game Info

Publisher: Konami

Developer: Climax

Genre(s): Adventure, Survival Horror

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Release Date: January 19, 2010

Summary

While the game shares its twisting plot with the original PlayStation game, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories takes a different path in many, many ways. Characters can be approached but offer different responses and be found in different places, while new clues and gameplay paths can be followed. The title follows Harry Mason, as he attempts to unravel the mystery of his missing daughter, Cheryl. A broken man, Mason’s investigations lead him to the mist-shrouded, snowy streets of Silent Hill: a malevolent town where the shadows play host to a wealth of evil, misshapen creatures. Also new to Shattered Memories is a psyche profile element, which monitors every aspect of player’s reactions - from where they explore first, items that have been examined, and their reaction to those they meet. Small visual elements will also be altered slightly, adding to the oppressing atmosphere where nothing is what it seems. The psyche profile will adapt Harry’s actions as and when he meets normal-looking people or the game's many inhuman denizens. [Konami]

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

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What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 7 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Mike W. gave it a10:
Let me preface this by saying this is the first Silent Hill game I've played, so I don't know anything about the storyline or how the original games played. This game is supposedly more of a re imagining of the first Silent Hill, which probably scares fans, but to someone like me who is only judging the game independent to any series to which it may belong, I have to say it was excellent. This game played more like an interactive story. It was very creepy, atmospheric, and compelling. There are basically three modes to play: Cinematic, Exploration, and Nightmare. Cinematic drives the story along, and can be either straight cut scene or interactive cut scene. Exploration is standard adventure game fair, where you explore the world and solve puzzles here and there. Nightmare is a more action-packed derivative of exploration mode, where you run from monsters through a warped maze of reality. Exploration mode is full of little details and extra touches that really show this game was a labor of love for the producers. The game rewards you if you take your time and really explore the world. The cell phone is a very important device to unlocking more clues and background into the game, and it was always entertaining to find a new phone number to try out. The gameplay seems to be influenced by the unique Wii controller, but plays fine on a PSP. The game is not difficult, but since it feels more like an interactive story, difficulty would only get in the way of pacing. Nightmare mode is fast and frantic, and sometimes irritating when you find yourself running in circles. However, it never crosses the line into becoming frustrating. These sections provide a tense contrast to the more cerebral, dreamlike nature of the other modes. The interactive cinematic moments with the psychiatrist were my favorite. They really break up the gameplay into chapters, and I felt myself playing on just to reach another session with the doctor. After beating the game, you will receive a profile based on your decisions in game. It's pretty cool, and certainly more than most games offer upon completion. The cinematics were well-acted by the voice actors and animators. This was a top-notch production. Because of this game, I'm going to play the other games in the series.

M. A. gave it a9:
(This review is Spoiler-Free!!) I bought this game with low expectations, as it seems to be a spin-off that wasn't made by the Silent Hill team. Given how the franchise kept on going downhill in recent years, I wasn't encouraged to even consider a purchase. After some thought I bought the game, and I couldn't believe it! Climax retold the tale of Harry Mason and his search for his daughter Cheryl in a different, refreshing way that kept me hooked throughout the relatively short campaign! Keep in mind that this game is strictly for Mature players as it delves deep into some muddy territory. The game is divided into sections with each starting off with you being in a psychiatrist's office, where he asks you a variety of questions that will determine how the next segment of gameplay plays specifically for you. There is no right or wrong answer to these questions (mostly) and they are are interesting and intense. The therapist's comments that come afterwards are quite surprising though (One question involves pictures of sleeping and dead people, the therapist asks you to determine which are dead and which are asleep. He then gives you the right answers... let's just say I failed miserably at that one!). In the game you don't carry weapons or any healing items, and there is no health bar, but you can find mementos that are like hidden items! All you have is a flash-light and your trusty mobile phone. This phone has GPS capabilities that serve as a map. You can also open text and voice messages, take photos and dial numbers, most of which help in puzzle solving. In the nightmare scenarios where you are constantly being chased by some strange creatures you will find flares that prevent these creatures from coming near you. If they jump onto Harry then you must push one of the face buttons to shake them off. Harry automatically regains his health after resting for a while without being attacked. Gameplay mechanics change throughout the experience to keep things fresh, character interactions and dialogue are on the money and the story is told in an amazing fashion, but once you witness the magnificent ending... believe me you will have a WTF expression on your face in a really, really good way!!

Dominic R gave it a9:
While it is indeed short, it is an EXPERIENCE in the most literal sense of the word, and as soon as I started my 2nd playthru and changed some of my answers in the first "assessment" I immediately noticed a difference in my story