Silent Hill 3 (PS2)

The storyline won't disappoint SH fans, as many of the loose ends from SH1 are tied up. You play a teenage girl named Heather, who is suddenly plunged into a dark and twisted world (though I'm sure any Silent Hill veteran would've guessed that last part). As always SH3 has its fair share of oddballs, but the monsters can out-weird any of the so-called "normal" people. Most of the shambling, scuttling and swirly/scything (watch out for them, they're nasty) things you'll meet look like they've jumped straight off a butchers hook, with the exception of the nurses, who look healthier than they did in their previous incarnation. Luckily for Heather, there are plenty of weapons at your disposal. There's the usual pistol, shotgun and big whacking-pipe, but there's now a sub machine gun for you to play with, along with a few nice close combat weapons. And, of course, there are the compulsory bonus weapons which are provided on completion of the game (that is, if you can meet the requirements).

The environments (my favourite thing about the SH games), while not leaps and bounds ahead of SH2, are all wonderfully done, and the shadows are still as fascinating as ever; shifting around with the sway of your flashlight beam. There are a fair few "Let me out of here!!!" set-pieces, the best of which is in the dark version of the hospital, you'll reach a room with a mirrored wall. Just stand and wait in front of it. Trust me... mwahahahaa!...

The sounds are as leap-out-of-your-seat shocking as usual, with the creaking, slurping and crying all adding to the suspense by the bucket-load. The music is pretty darn good too, though the song played during the end credits is amusingly ropey. The voice acting seems to have lost its edge a little since SH2, but still does the trick, though maybe not quite as subtly as last time around.

If you are a fan of the previous Silent Hill games, as I am, then you'll love this like nothing else. However, if you're just a gamer looking for something decent to play, then perhaps you might want to deduct one star from the five I'm giving it, as the few little gameplay flaws may be enough to put you off. Read more ›

Silent Hill 3 exploits the fear of the unknown, a clinical aspect to its success as perhaps the greatest survival-horror ever conceived. Claustrophobia guaranteed, the near-constant darkness, despite what may seem a way of avoiding any graphical commitment, actually compliments the game-playing experience. Not being able to see what waits ahead bines well with the curiosity of what lies behind the next closed door. This anticipation almost leaves the player wishing for the door to be jammed, only to be dismayed at finding one untried door in the corner, painted with blood, and complete with dragged handprints. Konami and darkness are clearly the perfect marriage.

The sound affects too play a vital role in the upkeep of the suspense, with clangs and churning in the distance being almost onomatopoeic of the dank bowels of the Earth. As with Silent Hill 2, the game’s graphics never fail to impress, with clever lighting affects adding to the realness of the adventure. In particular are the distorted shadows cast from Heather’s flashlight from railings – with them becoming more elongated as she manoeuvres backwards. This only serves to amplify the distressing, disturbing atmosphere that has made Silent Hill bottom of tourist’s ‘must see’ list....

The twisted visions of the Silent Hill team are truly unique, and depict a version of Hell many would align with. But this instalment especially, shows how the horror genre has been nurtured and brought to life. In fact, Silent Hill 3’s uncomfortable nature makes Resident Evil’s flesh-eating zombies rather mediocre and clichéd – a cuddly kitten in comparison to the mutated mould of Konami’s creation. All in all, Silent Hill 3 is not just a game, it’s an experience, an experience you would sooner forget before you turn out the lights to sleep. An eerie, all-inspiring trip to Hell! Read more ›