Silent Hill: Shattered Memories
Another offshoot from the main series that was released on the Wii and then later the PSP and PS2, Shattered Memories is actually a retelling of the very first game. Developed by Climax studios who had previously created the Silent Hill prequel for the PSP, Shattered Memories takes a new look at the series.
Climax definitely created something different with Shattered Memories. Where some Silent Hill games have tried to do something new with the narrative or by updating some of the gameplay, instead here the American team has completely rethought major elements. They changed a number of the characters involved in the original story, added a profiling element, switched the falling ash for snow and even went so far as completely removing combat.
Shattered Memories follows the same Harry Mason who is, as he was originally, searching for his lost daughter Cheryl. That's pretty much where the similarities end however. The rest of the story is almost completely different. As you continue your search you get dragged into a hellish frozen nightmare where you are chased by a number of horrifying monsters. You also go between the regular third-person elements and a new first-person portion where you are in a chair talking to a counsellor at a clinic. The idea is that apparently how you play the game and what kind of answers you provide during these clinic sessions changes the playstyle of the game. Then again, I never got around to playing the game more than once in order to really see any differences.
As I mentioned earlier, Climax completely eliminated combat in this game. Silent Hill games have always put you at a serious disadvantage in your fights. I remember in Silent Hill 2 feeling like a god when I discovered a wooden plank with a nail in it. Much more dangerous than the regular stick I was defending myself with. But in Shattered Memories all you can do is run. Combat is not an option. So when you're being chased down frozen corridors by screaming demons it becomes a little unnerving. There were a few times I was playing this on the train and was genuinely freaked out. The only downside to this is that aside from the frozen nightmare sequences, you don't encounter any enemies. So although there are some unnerving levels, you can pretty much relax for the majority of the game.
With that in mind, the game is set with some great puzzle elements. A big portion of the game relies on the idea that you own a modern cell phone. Your phone uses GPS for the in game maps, you records notes and photos to the phone as well as contact info. Some puzzles require you to photograph odd looking settings which ends up revealing important information you wouldn't see with your bare eyes. The best part though, is the phone number puzzles. As you investigate the areas, you keep your eye out for phone numbers since there are a number of puzzles that require you to dial for a response. Sometimes it's a radio playing an ad, graffiti on the walls or a note you find, but it's always super rewarding when you figure it out.
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories may not have been my favorite Silent Hill game, but it was definitely successful in what it tried to put forth. Scored as usual by Akira Yamaoka and still great and rousing a fright. Apparently the best platform for this game was on the Wii since it was geared to that system's control setup, but I only ever played this on the PSP. Maybe one day I'll stumble across this cheap used for the Wii so I can see how different it is.
Climax definitely created something different with Shattered Memories. Where some Silent Hill games have tried to do something new with the narrative or by updating some of the gameplay, instead here the American team has completely rethought major elements. They changed a number of the characters involved in the original story, added a profiling element, switched the falling ash for snow and even went so far as completely removing combat.
Shattered Memories follows the same Harry Mason who is, as he was originally, searching for his lost daughter Cheryl. That's pretty much where the similarities end however. The rest of the story is almost completely different. As you continue your search you get dragged into a hellish frozen nightmare where you are chased by a number of horrifying monsters. You also go between the regular third-person elements and a new first-person portion where you are in a chair talking to a counsellor at a clinic. The idea is that apparently how you play the game and what kind of answers you provide during these clinic sessions changes the playstyle of the game. Then again, I never got around to playing the game more than once in order to really see any differences. With that in mind, the game is set with some great puzzle elements. A big portion of the game relies on the idea that you own a modern cell phone. Your phone uses GPS for the in game maps, you records notes and photos to the phone as well as contact info. Some puzzles require you to photograph odd looking settings which ends up revealing important information you wouldn't see with your bare eyes. The best part though, is the phone number puzzles. As you investigate the areas, you keep your eye out for phone numbers since there are a number of puzzles that require you to dial for a response. Sometimes it's a radio playing an ad, graffiti on the walls or a note you find, but it's always super rewarding when you figure it out.Silent Hill: Shattered Memories may not have been my favorite Silent Hill game, but it was definitely successful in what it tried to put forth. Scored as usual by Akira Yamaoka and still great and rousing a fright. Apparently the best platform for this game was on the Wii since it was geared to that system's control setup, but I only ever played this on the PSP. Maybe one day I'll stumble across this cheap used for the Wii so I can see how different it is.
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