Latest in franchise cranks up suspense
A unique and sometimes chilling re-imagining of Konami’s classic horror game.
by By Chris Campbell, SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE

Genuinely spooky. That is the first and lingering impression from Shattered Memories, something of a new direction for the Silent Hill franchise.

The recent editions have been rather lackluster; they weren’t terrible by any means, but they lacked the urgency and sense of dread that the first couple of games in the series delivered.

Fans who stuck through the tough times, however, will be roundly rewarded. There is less direct action and more of a push for survival.

Playing as Harry, who has lost his daughter after a car crash in a snowstorm, you wander desperately through the town of Silent Hill, but quickly you realize not all is as it seems. This will come as no surprise to series veterans.
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Harry is unarmed and isn’t going to become armed anytime soon. So the player’s only recourse when the spooky things start occurring is to run.

The town will begin sprouting icebergs and snowstorms to impede escape; Harry becomes trapped in mazes that test directional and agility skills.

Making the game all about survival and discovery is exceptional — especially knowing that all Harry can do is outrun the ghouls or succumb to them.

The focus on discovery (a cell phone and flashlight are your only tools) and the constant tension of being discovered and chased with no means to fight back give Shattered Memories a unique place in the gaming world.

Silent Hill fans should make sure they don’t miss this addition to the series.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

• Systems: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2

• Price: $49.99

• Rating: M for mature


source: Latest in franchise cranks up suspense | 01/05/2009