Been there, done that, but always worth going back!
That said, I was very pleased with this latest installment of Silent Hill. Double Helix does a great job of expanding the creepiest of the Silent Hill/Shepherd's Glen by introducing us to new locales. The story is pretty linear and logical so you don't end up wondering what to do next. I'm about halfway done so I assume the gameplay is rather short.
The only part I don't like is the new fighting system. It's more "realistic" in the sense that it's more challenging...you have to master the art of dodging and aiming and combat. Unfortunately, for us combat challenged gamers, there is no "easy" version. It's frustrating to die as often as I do -- the only saving grace is that when you die, you restore back to a point close to where you expired. If only there was a god mode for us combat wimps.
But, I definitely recommend it, whether you're a fan of the genre or not. I think there's something for everyone in this game.