Descent into the Otherworld – A Spotlight on the Silent Hill Fandom, #6 David aka “MrMeanTree”

Posted By: Whitney   December 16th, 2011 | 2:00 pm

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 David aka “MrMeanTree” over on the Hell Descent forums who was first exposed to Silent Hill when he was five…oh geeze I feel old!

I was shown to games very early on in life because my dad was a gamer. He had two systems: A Nintendo 64 and a Playstation. I watched him play Chrono Cross (I believe), Conkers Bad Fur Day, and Silent Hill. Now, of the 3. Silent Hill of course, terrified me. I was young, and watching my dad get to the scene where the body is gored out on the fence made me run in horror. But I watched him play, even though it made it hard for me to sleep at night. I loved the game, he even let me play it at one point. A 5 year old playing Silent Hill did not go well. In fact I barely got past the opening sequence. I don’t really remember anything after that. He picked up Silent Hill 3 a few years later. I could actually understand this one. I wasn’t allowed to play it because of what the original did to me, but I still watched.

I loved the characters. They were so real. The music was great! I loved Hometown, though it was probably the only song i’ve ever listened to that scared me and caused me paranoia. Eventually, I got a PSP and got Silent Hill: Origins. This is my 2nd favorite Silent Hill. The story reminded me so much of 1, a man thrown into someone else’s nightmare, forced to survive the horror! (get it, survive horror.. terrible joke) Well, I got the good ending, and let that game rest.

Eventually, I got on ebay and after a bit of searching found Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams. I am ashamed to say that I first jumped into the side story about Maria without knowing anything else about the game. I loved that little side story, though it had some parts that creeped me out for NO reason. (The long hallway were all you hear are noises). I then played the full story, using a guide heavily because I was around 10 and still wasn’t very good with puzzles or surprises. 2, really made me fall in love with the series. It is my favorite in the series. My main reason is because of my love of the main character. James, I think I relate to him atleast a little bit. His awkwardness with women, his laid back demeanor. His mis-handling situations (Eddie, are you nuts?). Theres more but im not that deep-a person. Then came Shattered Memories. The only Silent Hill that I cried during the ending of. And now, I eagerly await Downpour.

Silent Hill Historical Society: So you were first exposed to Silent Hill when you were 5?! I’m surprised you Dad let you watch let alone play! Do you think if your father didn’t show you Silent Hill you would have never picked up the series down the road?

David: In truth, I might have. My dad is an all around gamer, and later down the road he got Resident Evil and I also watched (and played) that. Even then, I believe I would have picked it up eventually. But I can’t say that I would be as happy a gamer (in horror and all genres) without my dad!

SHHS: So has the series inspired you in anyway and if so how?

David: Definitely. Most games that come out these days, don’t really help you relate with characters or story. A select few can really do this, and I believe Silent Hill is still one of those series. Though most people believe it dead, I believe with the HD collection and Downpour new life will be breathed into the series and hopefully get some new fans!

SHHS: Are you an avid video game player like your father? If so what sort of games do you like? Do you have a favorite console?

David: I am in fact an avid gamer like my father. I love all types of game, from Role Playing Games to First Person Shooters. More than that, and I hopefully want to eventually get into some kind of job involving gaming. Journalism or development or… I don’t even know.

SHHS: How you active are you in the fandom Do you draw pictures, write fanfic, post on forums or have a website? If so, do you have any work you would like to share and what forums do you frequent?

David: Well, in truth, I have never put out any of my fan doings (I am currently in the midst of researching for a long fan fiction). I have drawn, and written and other things but I don’t have much confidence in my own work. I am part of Hell Descent, and I love that community!

SHHS: Since Silent Hill 2 is your favorite, what’s your thoughts on the upcoming HD collection? Are you excited experience the game again in HD?

David: I am very much so excited for the Hd Collection! I love Silent Hill 2 to death (hopefully it is an HD remake of Restless dreams so I can play Mary’s side story) and to play it again in Hd would be excellent! I have never played anything but the opening of 3, and would love to experience that also!

SHHS: What about the movie? Are you a fan or did you find it a major disappointment? What about Revelation that should be out sometime next year?

David: Unlike the few other people I have talked to about the movie, I thought it was rather good. I enjoyed it, it scared the hell out of me when it first came out, and I still think it was rather great. I don’t get all tore up about the details. I am excited for the new movie. Though I was a little disjointed when I was told it wouldn’t be based off two, I have seen screens and am still excited.

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.

David: I am very excited for Downpour! I cannot wait to get it! It looks so great! I am even thinking of tying in my fan fiction with the opening of the game!(I don’t want to gush so I will stop there!) I don’t know about BoM. I just looks… not Silent Hill. I will play it when it is less expensive, but until then… i’ll sit it out.

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

David: Just playing and enjoying the game really! You don’t have to write fan fictions or draw or even understand the complex meanings behind anything, you just have to enjoy the game and continue to play!

I want to give David a big thank you for participating in my interview and sharing his story! 🙂

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



One response to “Descent into the Otherworld – A Spotlight on the Silent Hill Fandom, #6 David aka “MrMeanTree””

  1. MrMeanTree says:

    I meant to say Maria’s side story…. I just had to say that… Oh noes 🙁