Silent Hill: Homecoming

 PlayStation 3
Silent Hill: Homecoming Image
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 219 Ratings

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  • Summary: The game thrusts players into a shadowy world of chaos and terror with atmospheric graphics and an original storyline that sheds new light on the desolate, fog-shrouded town of Silent Hill. Silent Hill: Homecoming follows Alex Shepherd, a war veteran returning home from an overseas tour ofThe game thrusts players into a shadowy world of chaos and terror with atmospheric graphics and an original storyline that sheds new light on the desolate, fog-shrouded town of Silent Hill. Silent Hill: Homecoming follows Alex Shepherd, a war veteran returning home from an overseas tour of duty to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his younger brother, Joshua. His travels lead him through the small, insular community of Shepherd's Glen and eventually through the hauntingly empty streets of Silent Hill. Building upon the series' trademark foundations of atmosphere, adventure and storytelling, Silent Hill: Homecoming introduces players to a frightening new experience. When confronted by the perverse incarnations of evil that roam Silent Hill and Shepherd's Glen, players are able to utilize an enhanced combat system and execute a number of offensive and defensive maneuvers as they experience every terrifying encounter with the game’s numerous nightmarish creatures. Players also have to solve a variety of puzzles as they progress through the highly atmospheric game world, using cues from the environment to unlock Silent Hill's darkest secrets. Continuing the series’ tradition of standout music and sound design, Silent Hill: Homecoming features an original soundtrack by famed composer Akira Yamaoka. [Konami]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Destructoid
    90
    We expected the worst, but in the end, we were pleasantly surprised by the authenticity of the game's world and the depth of its story. We're glad to say that the little lakeside resort town of Silent Hill continues to be just as messed up as it always was.
  2. Gamervision
    80
    Silent Hill: Homecoming may not be a great game, but it’s certainly enjoyable. For fans of the series, or just survival horror in general, this game certainly warrants a playthrough… after the crowded holiday season is over.
  3. PSX Extreme
    77
    Despite its flaws, it has the desired impact, and that’s the best that can be said about this particular game.
  4. Level7.nu
    70
    When it was announced that a western developer was to take over the reins from Team Silent there were many raised voices of concern about what would become of the series. Silent Hill Homecoming is actually a classic Silent Hill experience, a bit too classic to be honest, with the game's formula sticking very close to the old Silent Hill games. The graphical upgrade works great, lending design inspiration from the movie, and the music and sound is phenomenal. The plot is also told very well. The modernized combat system unfortunately eliminates the sense of respect and fear for the enemies, the main gripe we have with this otherwise great survival horror experience.
  5. GameSpy
    70
    Silent Hill: Homecoming is a very strange game, as its dual nature and oddly unsatisfying gameplay could likely turn both fans and newcomers away.
  6. IGN
    67
    A bit of a letdown. The gameplay has been reduced from a tense psychological experience fraught with spine tingling jumps and scares to a generic, predictable action title set in the location with good graphics and a great soundtrack.
  7. Thunderbolt
    50
    Silent Hill: Homecoming feels tired. The series is past its best and is in need of a complete re-work.

See all 41 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 37
  3. Negative: 7 out of 37
  1. beeanadou
    Apr 16, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Guess this is an interesting cultural difference? :) Most Asia players would more into Silent Hill: Homecoming than Silent Hill 2, and home coming is often regarded as the best of the Silent Hill series. Many game forums I've been frequently visit give Homecoming much more positive feedback, say 8 or 9 +, there are heated discussion about which ending is the best as well, I'm really surprise to see it barely makes a 7 here.

    BTW, most discussed question I've encountered is why does Alex have to shot his mum to achieve a transitional good ending? So the people I know usually pick the Downing ending the best outcome    … Expand
  2. Joeshadowman
    Jul 12, 2015
    8
    If you're looking for a game that is both creepy and unsettling, look no further then the Silent Hill series. Every game has something uniqueIf you're looking for a game that is both creepy and unsettling, look no further then the Silent Hill series. Every game has something unique to offer to the series and Homecoming is no different. Offering a new combat system and streamlined controls. Throwing away tank controls does do some harm to the atmosphere the game is trying to create, but there are still genuine creepy moments. Make no mistake, running away from a fight is still your best option, when you can take it. Most of the monsters are no push over, and down right ferocious. If giving the chance they will kill Alex without any problem. The boss fights, on the other hand, where disappointing and offered little to no challenge at all. Including the final boss, which only succeeds in being disgusting.

    The story isn't the strongest the series has to offer, but for what it is, it's good. And if you've played Silent Hill 2, you should be able to figure out the twist at the end. Though, a lot of the characters needed more time to develop. We barely learn anything about the antagonists of the game, and there are even two throw away characters that only exist to move the story forward. And really Pyramid Head had no reason being in the game. He was only there to remind the player of Silent Hill 2. Still, as a character study, it works. The game only wishes to focus on Alex's quest to find his brother, and that's mainly what the game focuses on.

    The game looks scary in it's own way, in that the eyes on character models don't always match up with where they are looking. But the fog from previous games is still there and it does help to create an atmosphere that can at times be unsettling. There are also two different kinds of settings in the game. There is the normal world and the hell world. The normal world is the foggy city we've all come to know and understand. The hell world is something taking right out of an H. P. Lovecraft novel, and I like it. The difference between the two couldn't contrast more than it does. And the game loves to switch between them constantly, bringing a caution with every building you enter. In the end, if you enjoy the visuals of Silent Hill then you will enjoy the way this game looks.

    Silent Hill: Homecoming is a somewhat underrated game. It's controls are a much needed improvement for the series, allowing a much wider audience to join in to the experience of the series.    … Expand
  4. GreatreviewDmac
    Apr 21, 2012
    8
    Silent hill homecoming gets bashed a lot but..... I for one felt that the game was a great addition to the franchise. It still had theSilent hill homecoming gets bashed a lot but..... I for one felt that the game was a great addition to the franchise. It still had the atmosphere silent hill is know for and the otherworld is still crazy as **** It's fairly cheap now so go ahead and buy it it's only 20 bucks. If you hate it bring it back to whatever store you bought it from and get your money back if you're that worried about 20bucks… Expand
  5. LaiusBunansa
    Jul 11, 2015
    7
    My favorite survival horror series. This may not live up to the previous installments' standards in terms of story depth, scary atmosphere andMy favorite survival horror series. This may not live up to the previous installments' standards in terms of story depth, scary atmosphere and other story elements but the simplicity made the game enjoyable yet felt short. Lacking in Post-Game things. Yeah. Silent Hill Series needs new tricks beside the fog and music. It's getting way too old.… Expand
  6. DylanC
    Nov 30, 2010
    6
    This game by all means isn't horrible, but really Double Helix could have done better. The story seemed intriguing, but was pulled off in theThis game by all means isn't horrible, but really Double Helix could have done better. The story seemed intriguing, but was pulled off in the worst manners (i.e.,the little homage to "Hostel" near the end of the game, etc...) and there were really stupid/uninteresting characters in the bunch with whom took away the Silent Hill experience (i.e., Elle, Wheeler, Curtis, and Josh). No complaints about combat, however the recycled "Bogeyman," Nurse, and "Smogs" make it feel like nothing but fan service. And another huge problem is how predictable the whole story is and how much unnecessary gore they actually put into this game (albeit some argue it expresses the symbolism when really it just seems there for the "spookyness") However there are good things that I'd like to express about the game, such some of the otherworld designs (I love me some steam punk!). Also Mayor Bartlet and Lillian Sheppard were mysterious characters that seemed to fit well with the plot, which is awesome. I could go on, but in short, a great survival/horror game, but a questionable Silent Hill title.… Expand
  7. Basem101
    Aug 20, 2013
    6
    the game is not bad but it was not good as well the plot is not good and predictable and the graphics are not good game play at some timesthe game is not bad but it was not good as well the plot is not good and predictable and the graphics are not good game play at some times was really boring not bad and not good… Expand
  8. sfsefsqfgdrsqdg
    Jul 16, 2020
    0
    Worst silent hill after book of memories. konami worst game ever. Force me to subscribe in metacritic : worst experience ever.

See all 37 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Best PS3 Game of 2008
26
#26 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
20
#20 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008