Silent Hill: Downpour (Video Game Review)

The Silent Hill series dates all the way back to its debut on the original PlayStation in the late 90s, and over that time span, the series has received 8 different main entries and numerous spinoffs. With each new entry comes the introduction of brand new game mechanics and an original and compelling storyline. The newest entry that was released on March 13, 2012 is called Silent Hill: Downpour, and it is no exception to these rules. The game introduces you to a new protagonist in Murphy Pendleton. Murphy has had a rough life full of terrible decisions, and this lifestyle ultimately landed the man in prison.

While he is being transported to a new penitentiary, the prison bus is involved in an accident that kills most of the passengers, but the distraction is enough to allow Murphy to escape to the nearby town of Silent Hill. As it turns out, Murphy has only ran from one nightmare into another, since you know the town is cursed and houses all sorts of crazy spirits and hideous monstrosities. You eventually learn more about Murphy and the cursed town, as you play through the game. The story is an enriching experience that only gets better the longer you play and features a great ending as well. Silent Hill: Downpour plays like your typical Silent Hill game.

There's a haunting environment filled with plenty of creepy monsters and just plain crazy folk. You'll typically want to run from battles rather than fight them, and a scarce supply of powerful weapons will encourage this tactic even more. You will primarily fight with melee weapons, as they are the most plentiful, but the rare firearms and ammunition can be found as well. One main difference from previous titles is your inventory. Murphy can carry firearms on his person; however, he can only carry one melee weapon at any time. When you combine the limited inventory with the fact that weapons degrade and eventually break over time, you'll realize that you'll have to carefully manage what you fight with and how often you engage in combat.

Also, you'll transport to the terrifying Otherworld at many stages in the game. In these areas you will be required to quickly find your way out of the dimension before a force of energy engulfs you and traps your body there forever. Silent Hill: Downpour is a fun game with very few drawbacks. The graphics aren't the prettiest around and combat will leave a lot to be desired for some people, but there are still plenty of quality scares and an entertaining and surprising story to be discovered during your time with the game. If you've ever been a fan of the Silent Hill series or of survival horror in general, go check this game out today!

Game Features

Single Player

3D Compatible

Content Downloads

Achievement/Trophy Support

Game Information
Developer: Vatra
Publisher: Konami
Rating: M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes & Strong Language
Platforms: PlayStation 3(reviewed) & Xbox 360
Release Date: March 13, 2012

Score: 8 out of 10