Silent Hill Shattered Memories

Company: Nintendo

Publisher: Capcom

Developer: Capcom

Genre: Survival Horror

Platform: Wii

ERSB Rating: M for Mature

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Premise:
The premise of the game is to take control of Harry Manson as he searches Silent Hill for his lost daughter, Cheryl

Play:
The games pacing is balanced between exploration, puzzle solving and chase sequences. The exploration involves the player searching Silent Hill, looking everywhere, in gas stations, schools, hospitals …. Harry must find keys to open doors while using his cell phone to discover hidden ghosts. Since this game is on the wii, the controls make it fun to play. The wii mote controls where the flash light points, “A” button calls Cheryls name, “Z” button to make Harry run, press down on the d-pad to look behind you, move the control stick to activate the character, and push the plus button to take out Harry's cell phone.
Engagement:
This game is extremely engaging because the world of Silent Hill is so well designed, employing such realism, that it almost feels real. The game is known for its psychological interpretation. During the game, the psychologist will give the player questions or pictures to color. Depending on the player choices, the game changes characters appearances, manipulates the monsters, and upends the environment. The game analyzes the players responses in order to create a horror environment specific to the current player. The monster chase sequences set this game apart. During the game, monsters will appear and all the player can do is run. Fighting back is not an option. The chase sequences are scary because the monsters are smart and work as a team against the player.
Story:
The story starts with a third person view of Harry Manson, whom the player assumes is alone, driving an old car, in an unidentified location. He slides on the snow, crashing into a ditch. He passes out. When he wakes up, he checks his surroundings and then looks for his daughter, Cheryl. Harry believes that she was in the car with him. Harry grabs his trusty flash light from his glove compartment and searches the town of Silent Hill for his daughter, only to realize that everything is not as it seems.
Challenge:
The games challenge is unbalanced. The investigation is insultingly easy. For example, most of the keys needed to open doors can be found within a couple feet of the door. The only time where this game was challenging was during the chase sequences. The monsters work as a team, and the player cannot fight them. The most a player can do is use a flare to keep the monsters at bay, but once it runs out, the chase begins again.