The Silent Hill franchise is considered one of the most influential series in the survival horror landscape. Since 1999, Konami managed to set itself apart from other horror games by focusing on the impact of psychological horror.
Over the years, Konami has continuously proven its strength as a gaming studio. Each installment in the series brings a different experience of terror.
The franchise often explores complex themes like guilt, self-identity, grief, and the human psyche. Each character also embodies different inner demons.
With Silent Hill 2 porting on PlayStation 5, here are some of the most iconic game titles from the franchise that you should never skip:
Silent Hill
The original Silent Hill game was first introduced in 1999 on PlayStation. This title served as the foundation of a long-lasting psychological horror franchise in gaming history.
The story introduces Harry Mason as he drives to Silent Hill town with Cheryl. A car crash will separate the father and daughter as Cheryl went missing. Harry will soon find himself exploring the foggy town, facing creatures crafted from nightmares in search of his daughter.
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
The Silent Hill: Shattered Memories takes the original game with an unexpected yet immersive twist. The story still follows the same beginning with Harry losing Cheryl while driving in the town.
However, players will find themselves answering a psychological profiling system. A series of questions from Dr. Michael Kaufmann must be answered to progress in the game. Each decision will lead to a different storyline, reflecting the player's psyche.
Silent Hill: Origins
Silent Hill: Origins, also known as Silent Hill Zero, is a prequel to the original game. The story revolves around the event before Harry sets foot in the town, leading to the original timeline.
Several years before Harry's arrival, Travis Gardy was stranded in Silent Hill upon rescuing a young girl from a burning house. Travis will be forced to uncover the secrets surrounding the town while facing his own troubled past.
Players will get more combat and action as opposed to the premise of Shattered Memories. Travis must survive by using weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and managing his health.
Silent Hill 4: The Room
Unlike the other titles which sets a journey through the town, Silent Hill 4: The Room confines players into Room 302. The story features Henry Townshend who mysteriously gets trapped in his apartment in South Ashfield.
Henry must utilize a portal from his bathroom despite sending him to nightmarish worlds. Players will be exposed to alternate realities as Henry uncovers the serial killer who was the previous occupant of his apartment.
Silent Hill 2
Silent Hill 2 is regarded as the most successful title from the franchise. The story is focused on James Sunderland who visits Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his deceased wife, Mary.
As he arrives in the mysterious town, he gradually discovers a disturbing story that he never knew about himself and Mary. All the creatures in the game are manifestations of James' guilt, grief, and turmoil.
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