PLAYSTATION Surprises Fans with a Shadow Dropped Silent Hill Game
During the State of Play event, PLAYSTATION delighted fans by not only showcasing footage from Silent Hill 2, but also releasing a previously unannounced game. Silent Hill: The Short Message took players by surprise with its unexpected arrival.
A Short and Lackluster Experience
Despite its promising premise, Silent Hill: The Short Message fails to deliver the scares. With a runtime of less than three hours, the game may be free, but it leaves players wanting more.
A Departure from Expectations
While the trailer for The Short Message may have reminded players of the popular P.T. playable teaser, the actual game is quite different. P.T. captivated players with its atmospheric and unknown elements, while The Short Message attempts to weave in a plot with text messages and FMV clips.
Heavy-Handed Storytelling
Unfortunately, The Short Message falls short in its storytelling. Scenes of depression, self-harm, and bullying are depicted in a heavy-handed and clichéd manner. Rather than leaving players unsettled, these moments come across as predictable and lacking nuance.
A Repetitive and Frustrating Experience
The gameplay of The Short Message is marred by long chase sequences and trial-and-error gameplay mechanics. Getting caught by the monster sends players back in a frustrating loop, requiring multiple attempts to progress. This repetition quickly becomes tedious and hampers the overall experience.
A Lack of Genuine Fear
Despite its attempts to create a scary atmosphere, The Short Message fails to instill any genuine fear in players. The game's portrayal of bullying, suicide, and self-harm lacks depth and comes off as clichéd. The minute details of the characters' lives overshadow any potential horror elements.
A Missed Opportunity for Horror
Silent Hill: The Short Message ultimately falls flat as a horror experience. Its lack of nuance and depth, coupled with repetitive gameplay, detract from any potential scares. The game fails to live up to the expectations set by the Silent Hill franchise.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
