Descent into the Otherworld – A Spotlight on the Silent Hill Fandom, #4 Richard Goulding

Posted By: Whitney   December 2nd, 2011 | 8:00 am

Hi guys! It’s time for another Descent into the Otherworld where I take a closer look at the Silent Hill fandom to highlight what makes makes others a fan and what the series means to them.

Meet Richard Goulding a young man who not only made new friends through Silent Hill series but also became inspired to make his own videos, artwork and writing!:

I was born with autism and have had it for all my life.It’s been really difficult to talk to people and it’s hard to learn in school with this.

I’ve been teased and been mocked at but I ignore them.I’m now 14 and it’s hard to mature properly,I have to have an assistant in class sometimes and it’s hard you’re trying to be independant.I started playing Silent Hill 4 and I connect with Henry Townshend a lot.I seperate myself from others and try to communicate with people but it’s hard.Ever since joining Silent Hill Community,I’ve met many new people and made some new friends.It’s inspired me to start doing Youtube vids and I enjoy making them.I started writing fanfictions and have also done some artwork aswell.Playing Silent Hill really changed my life for the better,I met many new friends who share my passion for Silent Hill and I’m being creative thanks to the series.

Silent Hill Historical Society: How did you learn of the Silent Hill series? Did you pick up Silent Hill 4: The Room on a whim on day and gave it a shot?

Richard: Well I first played the SH1 demo when I was 5 or 6 and it scared the crap out of me.I decided last year to give SH1 another try and I loved the series ever since.

SHHS: You played the demo when you were 5 and 6?! Man I feel old! The original Silent Hill is actually my favorite of the series. If Konami ever decided to re make the original would you be excited about that?

Richard: I’d love if they remade SH1 with new graphics but I don’t see that happening.

SHHS: You mentioned that you connected with Henry Townshend from Silent Hill 4: The Room, is it safe to assume that this game is your favorite in the series? If not which game is and why?

Richard: Yes it is my favourite in the series,I think the idea of the Room is just brilliant and I also like the story of Walter Sullivan.

SHHS: Speaking of playing video games are you an avid video game player? If so, what sort of games do you like? Do you have a favorite console?

Richard:Yes I am an avid video game player.I like all kinds of genres and my favourite console is the PC.

SHHS: Since your favorite console is the PC, do you prefer to play Silent Hill games on there? Are you bummed there hasn’t been confirmation of a PC port for Downpour as of yet? What are some of your favorite PC games, any good survival horror recommendations?

Richard: Yes I do like playing the SH games on the PC,the ports aren’t as bad as everyone says they are.Not really,I’m getting a PS3 later this year anyway.The games I like most on the PC are Call of Duty,Fallout,Halo and GTA.The best PC survival horror games are the Penumbra series,Amnesia The Dark Descent and the Nightmare House 2 mod for Half-Life 2.

SHHS: You mentioned that Silent Hill has inspired you creatively with writing fanfics, artwork and even youtube videos. Do you have a site that hosts all your works? Which is your favorite piece?

Richard: Well I’m still working on my site which is a SH4 fansite but all my fanfics and art is on DeviantArt.

SHHS: You are making a Silent Hill 4 website? That’s really awesome! How far along are you? When do you think you’ll have it online? What’s your Deviant Art account?

Richard: The fansite is a WIP ATM but my DeviantArt name is TownshendHenry.

[UPDATE 01/05/12] It’s done! Check it out: http://www.wix.com/gouldingrichard/theroom

SH4 Mini Poster by Richard

SHHS: I saw on your youtube channel that you’ve even started a Silent Hill 1 Let’s Play, do you have plans to do all the Silent Hill games?

Richard: I plan to do 2,3, and 4.I can’t do Origins yet or Shattered Memories.I might be able to do Homecoming but not sure yet.

SHHS:What’s your thoughts on the Silent Hill movie? Are you looking forward to Revelation that should be out sometime next year?

Richard: I watched the first half of the movie and it’s okay,I think it’s not as bad as Twin Perfect says and yes I’m looking forward to Revelation.

SHHS: What about the HD Collection?

Richard: I’m really looking forward to the HD Collection,it’s looks really good and I like the idea of being able to choose the old or new voices.

SHHS: What do you think about the future of the series? We have Downpour near release and another game, Book of Memories, on the horizon.

Richard: I think the series isn’t as strong as it used to be but I saw your Downpour gameplay vid and I’m looking forward to it.I’m a bit meh with Book of Memories,I like the story so far and being able to create your own character but it doesn’t look great for Vita because the Vita is capable of much better graphics.

SHHS: We have recently learned that Book of Memories will be out Feb next year and will be a Vita launch title. Even though you are “meh” about it right now do you see yourself giving it a try if you end up purchasing a Vita?

Richard: If I had a Vita,I would give it at the very least a rental.

SHHS: In your mind what makes someone a true Silent Hill fan?

Richard: I think it’s someone who understands the series and the idea of psychological horror,calling the monsters other then zombies (My friends always call them zombies,I have to keep correcting them lol) and someone who doesn’t look at the negatives of the newer games (Twin Perfect again).

I want to give Richard Goulding a big thank you for sharing his story! I look forward to seeing his Silent Hill 4 fan site and Silent Hill LPs! 🙂

Visit Richard on the web!

So Silent Hill fans, what’s your story? How has the series influenced or inspired you? I would sure love to hear from you. If you have a story to share please contact me at contact@shshatteredmemories.com


Posted in Descent to the Otherworld, Site Related  

One response to “Descent into the Otherworld – A Spotlight on the Silent Hill Fandom, #4 Richard Goulding”

  1. Xuchilbara says:
    December 3, 2011 at 2:45 am

    Aw, this kid is so cute! I am so happy he has found inspiration and an outlet.