A unique and sometimes chilling re-imagining of Konami's classic horror

User Rating: 8.5 | Silent Hill: Shattered Memories WII
By seaward12 | Review Date:
Shattered Memories isn't your typical Silent Hill game. Some devoted fans will undoubtedly raise a fuss over every difference whether subtle or grand, but I believe this re-imagining succeeds as both a sequel and a departure. The overarching narrative, characters, and monsters will all seem faintly familiar to Silent Hill purists, but Climax has taken the series and run with it, crafting a title refreshingly different yet still at times terrifying.
The game looks fabulous, the controls feel tailor made for Wii, the flashlight mechanic is stunningly atmospheric and useful, and the decision is to omit weapons results in chilling chase sequences. There is simply a lot to love about Shattered Memories, which is why it's so easy to recommend the title despite a couple of shortcomings.

I feel that the separation between safe exploration and puzzling and run-for-your-life monster scenarios is too transparent and as a result you will inevitably come to fear the ice and few things else. And despite a unique psych profile system that allows for multiple endings and various changes throughout the adventure, the game runs a bit short -- perhaps too short for some.

Even so, there are some incredible moments encapsulated within Harry's icy journey and you will be both wowed and scared as you finally uncover the truth about his daughter's disappearance and the nightmarish goings-on in the creepy town.


Presentation:An altogether slick experience from beginning to end. The original license reborn into something new. Seems tailor made for Wii, from the superb flashlight to audio cues out of the Wii remote. 9/10

Graphics: The claustrophobic world comes to life in great detail. Huge, seamless world. Realistic characters with fluid animation. Amazing lighting and particle systems. Some occasional framerate hiccups. 9/10

Sound: A moody, dynamic soundtrack by composer Akira Yamaoka complements strong voice acting, spooky sound effects and audio cues tied to the Wii remote's speaker. 8.5/10

Gameplay: Tight controls and clever puzzles are separated by truly terrifying chase sequences and lots of different gameplay variations, some of which involve fun gestures. The flashlight alone is entertaining. 8.5/10

Lasting Appeal: Really fun while it lasts, but the experience is short -- about five or six hours. You can come back and play again with very different results (and even a new ending), though. 6.5/10

Overall: 8.5/10

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