Author Topic: Silent Hill for n00bs (Read 14173 times)

NWR_DrewMG · « **on:** March 20, 2009, 11:50:58 AM »

I'm a fan of the classic RE games, and I've never played a Silent Hill game. I'd like to start with the series, but I'm hesitant to go all the way back to the PS1 game. Does it hold up well? Games from that generation generally don't.

So Silent Hill vets, should I start with a newer entry in the franchise that will feel less dated, or I should I track down a copy of Silent Hill for PS1?

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2009, 12:19:28 PM »

Quote from: DrewMG on March 20, 2009, 11:50:58 AM

I'm a fan of the classic RE games, and I've never played a Silent Hill game. I'd like to start with the series, but I'm hesitant to go all the way back to the PS1 game. Does it hold up well? Games from that generation generally don't.

So Silent Hill vets, should I start with a newer entry in the franchise that will feel less dated, or I should I track down a copy of Silent Hill for PS1?

Personally I would wait for the remake, the PS1 game does not hold up too well. You MAY want to play SH2 though.

NWR_DrewMG · « **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2009, 01:43:49 PM »

Is there continuity between installments that I would be missing out on if I start with SH2?

Is the remake confirmed, or still rumor?

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #3 on:** March 20, 2009, 01:45:33 PM »

Quote from: DrewMG on March 20, 2009, 01:43:49 PM

Is there continuity between installments that I would be missing out on if I start with SH2?

Is the remake confirmed, or still rumor?

It is confirmed from what I understand just not in regards to the system it is on. SH2, while it has been awhile so I cannot be 100% sure, doesn't really tie in much with SH1 (I think SH3 references it though).

vudu · « **Reply #4 on:** March 20, 2009, 01:45:48 PM »

I always hear good things about Silent Hill 2. I agree with GP.

NWR_DrewMG · « **Reply #5 on:** March 20, 2009, 01:59:03 PM »

Okay, I just ordered a used copy of SH2 for Xbox off Amazon for 5.99. I've noticed that used copies of the PS2 version go for more twice as much as the Xbox version - that's pretty out of character.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #6 on:** March 20, 2009, 01:59:47 PM »

Quote from: DrewMG on March 20, 2009, 01:59:03 PM

Okay, I just ordered a used copy of SH2 for Xbox off Amazon for 5.99. I've noticed that used copies of the PS2 version go for more twice as much as the Xbox version - that's pretty out of character.

I think the Xbox version is better too.

NWR_DrewMG · « **Reply #7 on:** March 20, 2009, 02:05:23 PM »

Well, my PS2 is hooked up to the small upstairs TV, whereas the 360 is on my good HDTV with the surround system. Better experience for survival horror, I'd imagine.

Halbred · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2009, 02:46:38 PM »

Only SH1, SH3, and SH:Origins tie into the "main" storyline. SH2, SH4, and Homecoming are all totally separate, focusing more on individuals and their own personal demons than Alessa and her evilness.

NWR_DrewMG · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2009, 02:51:57 PM »

Halbred, if I choose to play SH1, SH3, or SH:Origins, is it important that I play them chronologically?

Also, I've heard SH4 isn't that good. Any truth to that?

Flames_of_chaos · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2009, 05:30:07 PM »

Quote from: GoldenPhoenix on March 20, 2009, 01:59:47 PM

Quote from: DrewMG on March 20, 2009, 01:59:03 PM
Okay, I just ordered a used copy of SH2 for Xbox off Amazon for 5.99. I've noticed that used copies of the PS2 version go for more twice as much as the Xbox version - that's pretty out of character.

I think the Xbox version is better too.

Well it might not be compatible with the 360 or will have compatibility issues. So the PS2 version will probably be the in demand version since there are a lot of PS2s out in the wild and a bunch of PS3 that have PS2 compatibility.

Quote from: DrewMG on March 20, 2009, 02:51:57 PM

Halbred, if I choose to play SH1, SH3, or SH:Origins, is it important that I play them chronologically?

Also, I've heard SH4 isn't that good. Any truth to that?

SH: Origins, SH:4 and Homecoming are the ones that are regarded as the worst in the series.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #11 on:** March 20, 2009, 05:34:10 PM »

I may be mistaken but wasn't SH4 originally intended to not be a SH game (or at the most a spin off?).

Halbred · « **Reply #12 on:** March 20, 2009, 07:56:14 PM »

Yes, SH4 was supposed to be a new franchise. I don't know why it was moved to the SH series. There are some obvious nods to the SH mythos, but it's otherwise a very different game.

Drew, it is important to play them in order. However, SH1's plot can be easily digested by reading its Wikipedia entry OR going to GameFaqs and reading a plot summary. It's hard to find a copy nowadays, and the graphics and control scheme leave much to be desired. SH: Origins is actually a really good game, despite the tedious length of the final area. I think people were excited that the game was originally going to use an RE4-type over-the-shoulder control scheme, but that was scrapped early in development in favor of a more traditional SH control scheme (robot walking, focus on melee rather than gunplay).

Origins does not suffer for this. In fact, I think it's one of the moodier SH games, and it has important things to say about the core mythos. I think it's on the PS2 now, if you don't have a PSP. Either way, it's probably cheap.

SH3 is the highlight of the series for me. It's gore-tastic and disturbing as hell. It features one of the most freaky, "that's just wrong" endings of any video game I've ever seen. The dated control scheme kind of holds it back, but SH3 is definately the high point of the series and one of the great horror games of all time.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #13 on:** March 20, 2009, 08:11:55 PM »

The funny thing is that as dated as the SH control scheme is, it still is MUCH better then RE1-3, 0. I'm still interested in getting Homecoming.

Halbred · « **Reply #14 on:** March 20, 2009, 08:26:07 PM »

I'll get it when the price drops. Horror games have evolved beyond the SH formula. Dead Space has proven that you can have an over-the-shoulder FPS control scheme with an emphasis on gunplay and still be very effective. RE4/5 has shown that a more action-oriented approach doesn't kill the mood, and even Fatal Frame has gone the distance by showing that you can have a perfectly good horror game with NO physical combat.

Homecoming does look beautiful, though. It's a bit dark in places, but that's almost to be expected. It takes a lot of visual cues from the movie, which I appreciate. The next SH game will have to rectify the chasm separating tank controls from newer, better horror games.

NWR_DrewMG · « **Reply #15 on:** March 20, 2009, 11:31:14 PM »

Quote from: Flames_of_chaos on March 20, 2009, 05:30:07 PM

Well it might not be compatible with the 360 or will have compatibility issues. So the PS2 version will probably be the in demand version since there are a lot of PS2s out in the wild and a bunch of PS3 that have PS2 compatibility.

I checked the official list and it's there with no noted issues.

Adrock · « **Reply #16 on:** March 21, 2009, 12:46:02 AM »

Quote from: Halbred on March 20, 2009, 07:56:14 PM

Yes, SH4 was supposed to be a new franchise. I don't know why it was moved to the SH series. There are some obvious nods to the SH mythos, but it's otherwise a very different game.

Because of $. It was deemed an easier sell if they quickly turned it into a Silent Hill game. It's kind of a reverse Devil May Cry which started as a Resident Evil title before becoming its own series.

Nick DiMola · « **Reply #17 on:** March 21, 2009, 10:33:40 AM »

Personally, I'd strongly suggest against bothering with Origins. A number of puzzles are obscure, the game is annoyingly dark, and overall I just had no fun at all playing it. I will agree though that 2 and 3 are the games to get. 4 was absolute garbage IMO, and I don't even want to touch Homecoming.

As for some other survival horror, I strongly, strongly, strongly recommend Fatal Frame. 1 though flawed is probably the creepiest game I've ever played. 2 improved upon the flaws of 1 but I didn't find the mood to be quite as unnerving for whatever reason. I recently acquired a copy of 3 but haven't had a chance to play it yet, and hopefully 4 will make its way to NA Wiis soon.

SirSniffy · « **Reply #18 on:** March 21, 2009, 12:07:46 PM »

I have to agree with most here...steer clear of origins as your first SH experience. The control on the game, and the overall arcadey[not a real word] feel might turn off most survival horror fans. I'd say you can start with Silent Hill 2...it is a pretty good game, and it doesn't spoil anything from part I. Part 3 is excellent, but if you haven't played part I, you could be a little confused. If you can, try to find SH1 on Ebay or Amazon.

Halbred · « **Reply #19 on:** March 21, 2009, 08:35:52 PM »

I've still got my copy of FF3 from back in my GameXC days. Still gotta beat it, too. It's not bad, basically the same as FF2.

NWR_DrewMG · « **Reply #20 on:** March 21, 2009, 08:48:10 PM »

I think I'll finish SH2, and then wait for the remake of SH1 before trying to move on to SH3.

blackfootsteps · « **Reply #21 on:** March 21, 2009, 10:34:16 PM »

I'm pretty sure that Silent Hill 1 is now available on PSN.

Halbred · « **Reply #22 on:** March 22, 2009, 01:25:29 AM »

Whaaaat? Really? That would be awesome!

NWR_DrewMG · « **Reply #23 on:** August 27, 2009, 09:25:58 AM »

Just wanted to update this ancient thread saying that I am finally, finally digging into Silent Hill 2, and really liking it. I'm about two hours in, and this game feels way better to me than the early RE games in every way except combat - the enemies and combat in SH2 are both really bland, but the atmosphere and environments are stunning for a game this old.

Also the 360 runs my Xbox 1 version flawlessly. Framerate is fantastic.

bustin98 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 27, 2009, 10:22:49 AM »

Cool! I missed this thread the first time around. I never bothered with SH cause I didn't have a PS2 and I really dislike PS1 games. Wished they would have brought the Tomb Raider series to the N64.

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Author Topic: Silent Hill for n00bs (Read 14173 times)