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Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a unique re-imagining of the original that utilizes practically everything the Wii has to offer, even the mic on the remote. First things first, this game focuses more on the story than the blood and disturbing images. Armed with only a flashlight and a phone, you control the protagonist, Harry Mason and the decisions you make determine the outcome of the game. There are therapy sessions in between each “chapter” where you are asked questions and the answers you choose effects different things such as the characters you meet, the scenery, and of course, the ending. Before each chapter ends, the town of Silent Hill transforms from a snow covered town, into an icy nightmare, which you are then pursued by relentless creatures. Then until you reach the goal, all you can do is run, because you get absolutely no weapons in this game. The nightmare sequences are intense because when a monster catches up and grabs you, you have to swing the wii remote and nun chuck to get them off, which can raise the blood pressure. At times, you have to solve a puzzle while being chased which adds another level of tension. The puzzle solving in this game has some unique qualities because you receive phone calls and voice messages which you can listen to on the remote. Sometimes, in order to move on, you have listen closely to what the messages say because they contain the solution to a puzzle. To top the good qualities off, the controls are smooth (some say otherwise though), the graphics look good for a Wii game, the animation is done well, and the voice acting is topnotch.
Now, most of the good qualities are counterbalanced by some negatives. Firstly, the intensity aspect is heavily dubbed down due to the fact that you know exactly when you’re safe and when you’re in danger. Having no weapons is something different that we don’t see too often but at times, you really wish you could fight the monsters back. As unique as the puzzle solving is, I personally think that it’s the biggest drawback because it is so overly simplistic to the point that it’s almost childish. When you solve anything, even the most simplest task, there is a specific sound effect that indicates that you solved something and that takes a good portion of seriousness out of the experience. Even though the controls are smooth, when you’re caught by one of those monsters, you have to flail your arms like a madman to get them off and by doing so, there’s a chance that you’ll lose your way, which can get frustrating.
Overall, I would honestly rate this a 4 to 4 1/2 out of 5. The reason I rated it five stars on top was because I wanted to try and bring the average rating up because this it is a great game that ever gamer should at least try. Of course, some Silent Hill purists hate what Climax did to the franchise which I can understand why. But, if they make another game in this style and fix all the little things wrong with Shattered Memories, the next Silent Hill could be a gem.
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Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Feature
- A re-imagining of the original Silent Hill that turns everything you thought you knew on its head
- The game watches you and adapts to your actions to create a unique experience to each player and intensify their fears
- Implementation of a cell phone as the user interface, which acts as a story telling device, map, puzzle helper, and camera that provides seamless flow with no interruption in gameplay
- New nightmare sequence focus on escape and evasion rather than direct confrontation
- Silent Hill: Shattered Memories will feature an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Overview
The story follows Harry Mason, who wakes up after a car accident to find that his daughter Cheryl is missing. Harry will wander the snowy streets of Silent Hill searching for answers of her disappearance, but when the world freezes over, he will need to escape the lumbering demons that haunt his steps. Harry will need to navigate both worlds to discover the truth; not just about his missing daughter, but also the type of person he actually is. Silent Hill’s debut on the Nintendo Wii makes the fear more real than ever before. Players will be drawn into the mysterious town using the Wii Remote as a flashlight and a cellphone as they search for clues. Choices they make will shape Harry Mason, as well as the people he meets and the places he visits. The enemies evolve as well, taking the form of the player’s deepest fears. Silent Hill promises to be more terrifying than ever, bringing the fear to Wii, PS2, and PSP.
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A beautiful and fun sports game...
