Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Review
This is the first Silent Hill game I’ve played, so I can’t say it’s better or worse than any of the others. What I can say is that Shattered Memories delivers the best story I’ve seen in a video game, period. It’s rare when a video game’s YouTube comments include: “First game I ever played that had me on the verge of tears. What a magnificent ending..” and “So sad. I actually got misty eyed when I first finished this.”
Shattered Memories engrosses you with its story. You’ll have chills from some of the dialogue and excellent voice acting. The impressive graphics certainly don’t hurt, either. Everything is very well textured and you simply look at a sign to read it.
But one of the most interesting aspects of the game is its ability to involve you personally. Right at the beginning, there is a psychology warning: the game is watching your every move. Many parts of the game involve you at a psychiatrist’s office, taking psychological tests that impact the game itself… and the game really does change. I played through twice, altering a lot of my decisions the second time around. I was surprised how different things turned out. Much of it is subtle, like a different outfit on a character… but some are bigger changes like stumbling across a bar instead of a diner.
I must say, though, that Silent Hill: Shattered Memories has the best twist I’ve seen in a video game. It seriously blew my mind - it was that good. By the end, everything will make sense and it’s done so with a human touch. I am impressed that a video game’s story could match the immersion of a movie or television show. It shows that a good story is a good story - no matter what medium is used. You really feel for the characters and you’ll experience a mix of sadness and understanding for them. I wish I could say more, but you need to play the game to understand.
Shattered Memories is not an action game. Know that going in. If you want a mature story-driven adventure filled with interesting characters and chilling scenarios, this is it. It’s easy to find yourself lost in the snowy world of Silent Hill, but I don’t think you’ll mind when the story is this good.
-MP