While slightly straying from the series, it stands as a great solid game.
Story: First off, the story is the most explainable and realistic of the Silent Hill series. Many fans won't like this because a lot of the psychological stuff is missing, but it gives people who want something a little less confusing but still satisfying something to really enjoy. The storyline is very "been there, done that" and a few people out there will probably be wondering "why does this all sound familiar?". Well, for one thing its been used in a few films and television series I won't name, and another its very reminiscent of the actual Silent Hill live action film, which it borrows a lot from. That film not being entirely awful compared to most adaptations, actually makes the game a bit more enjoyable for fans of it. Our main character, Alex Shepherd, returns home from military leave to find his town completely empty and his brother and father missing. So he goes out to find them. Simple right? The story takes a long time to pick up, and when it does it is over very quickly, but overall its still compelling and has some great twists. Also, Alex is pretty like able as a protagonist, especially towards the end of the game, and the supporting cast is fleshed out just enough.
Sound: Just solid music. Fits the vibe, and feels like it belongs in the series. The sound effects are some of the best I have heard, and really add to the creepy factor and claustrophobic feeling of the game. The voice acting is great, although the script is slightly lacking and you'll wonder about some of the dialogue.
Graphics and Design: I don't usually rate graphics because I think they are the least important, but the game does look nice, mostly in regards to the monsters, and the areas like Alex's house and the surrounding area feel very real. The effect of the "otherworld" is great too, and is pretty freaky. The designs of some of the bosses reflecting aspects of the storyline are a great little addition as well.
Game play: The game is very linear, especially compared to the other games in the series. While there is some backtracking, many of the surrounding environments change slightly. Exploration is there, just in more limited spaces. This isn't so much a bad thing though, because I found myself a lot less stressed out and burnt out while playing. So for pacing purposes it works. The settings are really fun too, and interesting. I've always loved exploring houses in games, instead of dirty old rotting hospitals (Although thats here of course, mostly) and despite a few areas in the game (SEWERS! Lets just omit these forever in every game please) that are boring, the game genuinely feels like your striving to get somewhere. The combat is great once you get a feel for it, and Alex being a capable combatant is fun, if only slightly taking away the terror of the game. Some might find some tidbits repetitive, because many doors and other things will have to be smashed and cut through or crawled, shimmied, and ducked under, but personally I enjoyed it for adding some adventure to the genre.
Overall: If there is such thing as a fun relaxing survival horror game I'd probably think of this. The game has flaws and won't amaze people, but it still has solid game play and is still a great way to spend a day or two. For sure a rental, or a catch of a buy because it can be found very cheap these days, or so I'm told. Some costumes and extras, and some multiple endings will add to replay value, but they aren't large enough to really make a difference. Fans of the series may be slightly put off, but given a chance the game still stands as a great side story and has some cool fan service and storyline Easter eggs for the people with good eyes and ears. I'd say play it! I really did enjoy it, and although it isn't as powerful as the other Silent Hill games it will in years to come be the under dog and probably my personal favorite of the series.