SIREN: Blood Curse

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jul 24, 2008
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 120
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 120
  3. Negative: 13 out of 120

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  1. EvelynC
    Feb 18, 2009
    10
    This game is the best true horror game I've played. It recognises the fact that if put in that sort of situation, your first instinct would be survival. Not the lets get a gun and blow everything away type of survival, but the kind where most of the time you run like Hell, or you're forced to hide for your life. You are encouraged to sneak past the Shibito rather than take them This game is the best true horror game I've played. It recognises the fact that if put in that sort of situation, your first instinct would be survival. Not the lets get a gun and blow everything away type of survival, but the kind where most of the time you run like Hell, or you're forced to hide for your life. You are encouraged to sneak past the Shibito rather than take them out. If you absolutely have to use force, you must use what's available, a metal pole, a frying pan, and if you're very lucky, a gun on occasion. The shibito are genuinely scary, as no matter how much you put them down, they do get back up, in an Evil Dead sort of way. Story is good, and the fact that it is done in episodes is a nice touch. The sight jacking is an odd and original feature, heightening the fear rather than lessening it as it lets you see when something is coming for you. A different style of game to Resi, with that you have the power because of the freely available firepower, with Siren, you don't. You are the hunted and always feel that way.… Expand
  2. Funkymonk
    Jan 18, 2010
    8
    When you think about it ther's not actually that many great, true Survival-horror games available on PS3. This, with it's creepy, tense atmosphere and well balanced stealth/action gameplay is certainly one of the better ones. I have to mention the sight jacking, where you can see through the zombies (and other humans) eyes, as one of the best gameplay innovations i've seen When you think about it ther's not actually that many great, true Survival-horror games available on PS3. This, with it's creepy, tense atmosphere and well balanced stealth/action gameplay is certainly one of the better ones. I have to mention the sight jacking, where you can see through the zombies (and other humans) eyes, as one of the best gameplay innovations i've seen for a while. It really does add a new dimention to the terror and some stratagy as you can sometimes even discover important clues... Siren isn't perfect; the graphics while excellent are almost too dark at times and the controlls are a bit clunky. However, apart from the occasional frustating death i can't say my enjoyment was affected too much. Siren is well worth a look if you like this type of game. You can even get it on CD now if you search about a bit too.… Expand
  3. RubenC.
    Jul 19, 2008
    9
    This is one of the most intense horror games of all time, though short, I can garantee that this game will satisfy the horror game fans
  4. Alcades
    Jul 30, 2008
    9
    As a fan of the original, it's nice to see a follow up/semi-remake since the original faired poorly in sales. It's too bad we never saw Siren 2 here in the states because of that. Gameplay for the most part is solid, a mixture of stealth and combat. As somebody who played the first Siren, it's a lot easier in Siren:BC to make it through the game either by stealth or force As a fan of the original, it's nice to see a follow up/semi-remake since the original faired poorly in sales. It's too bad we never saw Siren 2 here in the states because of that. Gameplay for the most part is solid, a mixture of stealth and combat. As somebody who played the first Siren, it's a lot easier in Siren:BC to make it through the game either by stealth or force than in the first one. However what really shines in Siren:BC is the story and how it's presented from the different bite-sized perspectives of each character in a TV show fashion. Shows like "Lost" or "24" come to mind and I think this game may appeal to those fans. Each end of the episode are capped by a TV show like "Coming next week" movie and had me guessing where the story would go. To sum it up, at $40 to download Siren is a fun game for people who enjoyed the original or games like Silent Hill or Fatal Frame.… Expand
  5. SteveG.
    Jul 27, 2008
    7
    it has good potentialbut controls are awkward at best.cant aim gun either.i would play it just for something to do.
  6. AramisG.
    Aug 11, 2008
    8
    Pretty awesome. I was a big fan of the original (except for the illogical puzzles and annoying snipers). In my books Siren is basically the true successor to the Silent Hill series. Encounters with the shibato are pretty intense. I would give it a ten, but I had to move my TV and PS3 across my house to reach an ethernet cable to download it. Too bad the PS3 doesn't have built in wifi Pretty awesome. I was a big fan of the original (except for the illogical puzzles and annoying snipers). In my books Siren is basically the true successor to the Silent Hill series. Encounters with the shibato are pretty intense. I would give it a ten, but I had to move my TV and PS3 across my house to reach an ethernet cable to download it. Too bad the PS3 doesn't have built in wifi like the Wii. It would make downloadable games a lot more accessible. Now lets see if they can make Siren 2 available stateside.… Expand
  7. SergioP.
    Aug 17, 2008
    9
    Great Graphics, Great Sound. A good game for PS3
  8. DimacoDalleP
    Sep 8, 2008
    9
    The game might have lost much of the innovative structure that previous releases had, yet it delievers great moments and the sightjack system remains one of the best innovations in the genre.
  9. JohnF
    Oct 19, 2009
    8
    GRAPHICS: The visuals work great for the story they're telling. The atmosphere and mood really sucks you into the story and overall experience. While the graphics aren't technically sophisticated as a disc-based game on PS3, it simply doesn't matter. The visuals are great. GAMEPLAY: The controls are intuitive and easy to pick up. "Sight-jacking," gives you the ability to GRAPHICS: The visuals work great for the story they're telling. The atmosphere and mood really sucks you into the story and overall experience. While the graphics aren't technically sophisticated as a disc-based game on PS3, it simply doesn't matter. The visuals are great. GAMEPLAY: The controls are intuitive and easy to pick up. "Sight-jacking," gives you the ability to see things from an enemies POV and it's very nicely interlaced into the gameplay experiences. You've likely never played another game like it. PRESENTATION: The game segments are broken into 12 episodes that seldom go over 45 mins. This makes for great pacing and spots where you feel comfortable taking a break. The previews and recaps that bookend each episodes keeps you up to speed and makes it easy to pick up after taking a few days off. Playing Siren: Blood Curse is like watching a season of a TV show. It tells an entertaining story in digestable episodes and the gameplay keeps you on your toes. I hope more games are fashioned in this style.… Expand
  10. [anonymous]
    Feb 3, 2009
    8
    I enjoyed it, despite the completely confusing story and some of the repetition. And to the guy who gave the game a 0 simply for the controls, and then compared it to a game that's completely different and wasn't even meant to be surpassed by Siren:Blood Curse... well yeah... pretty dumb.
  11. WowGreat
    Aug 24, 2008
    10
    Set's the standard for horror titles this generation, this is a genuinely unsettling game. Do yourself a favour and get this because you just know that Silent Hill: Homecoming will suck (come one? Pyramid head? Obviously the developer doesn't understand the game.)
  12. MarinaM.
    Sep 14, 2009
    9
    Absolutely fantastic game. The story is top notch, and kept me interested. The game, though, totally spoon feeds you the entire time (I guess to make up for how ridiculously hard the first game was), and tries to explain everything way too much. The atmosphere is disturbing and scary. The music is really eerie. Graphics are very dark, so it's nearly impossible to play with any light Absolutely fantastic game. The story is top notch, and kept me interested. The game, though, totally spoon feeds you the entire time (I guess to make up for how ridiculously hard the first game was), and tries to explain everything way too much. The atmosphere is disturbing and scary. The music is really eerie. Graphics are very dark, so it's nearly impossible to play with any light on in the room (which makes it even freakier). Gameplay consists more of stealth than actual fighting, but that's usually also an option (however, you play as an actual child at one point; a truly nerve-wracking experience). Combat is definitely a step up from the original. Lots of character development, with great voice acting though the dialogue seems a bit weird at times (then again it's a Japanese developed game where the main characters are mostly American). Overall, I really enjoyed this game, though if you're a FPS type of person (which isn't a bad thing) you might not like it.… Expand
  13. TheHorrorAnthem
    Mar 30, 2012
    9
    What a truly fantastic Survival Horror, and when I say Survival Horror, I mean it. Siren: Blood Curse, also known as Siren: New Translation in Japan, is the first and honestly one of the only true Survival Horrors of the modern generation. Written by the same writer as none other than the Horror game Omega, Silent Hill, Blood Curse brings us the confusing yet constantly intriguing tale ofWhat a truly fantastic Survival Horror, and when I say Survival Horror, I mean it. Siren: Blood Curse, also known as Siren: New Translation in Japan, is the first and honestly one of the only true Survival Horrors of the modern generation. Written by the same writer as none other than the Horror game Omega, Silent Hill, Blood Curse brings us the confusing yet constantly intriguing tale of an American TV crew, a young American high school student, a little girl around age eight or nine, a disturbed cult leading woman, and a few others in a Japanese village gone ary. The first thing you will notice when jumping into this village aside from how dark things are and how dangerous things can get, is the awkward and stiff controls. I would like to focus on negatives first, well, honestly I don't have too many, and controls are barely one of them. These stiff controls are in fact a throw back to the old school era of Horror gaming. It would not be fair to rate the game lower due to difficult control because honestly they fall under preference as they are intentional to give the player the feeling of helplessness in terrifying situations. I recommend this game to original Silent Hill fans and of course players of older Siren games, so to be honest you should already be familiar with such controls. The only other issue I can really give is difficulty, once again intentional to add tension. The game on one hand spoon feeds you the answers on what to do, but on the other hand it will take strategy and possibly a frustrating amount of trial and error to conquer a task. Especially certain stages involving an aforementioned child, who cannot even defend herself. To me though, this all adds to the already nerve racking rush of fear and constant tension of survival. One other gripe I feel the need to mention briefly is that the American version of this game (only available on PSN) is actually a cut down censored version. Not much is censored, you have seen worse, but still some has been altered. My copy came from Europe on disc and I find that it was the right way to go as it also included a documentary making of. Japan imports also available in entirety. Siren is told through short episodes, much like a mini tv series. This will keep you playing and not wanting to stop. The game may seem short at first but eventually episodes become more difficult which naturally causes them to last longer. The story is a very confusing one, disjointed even, and may have you asking a hell of a lot of questions early in. Some will find it annoying, others interesting, but none can deny that it is intriguing. Your questions may or may not get answered, depending how well you pay attention or understand things first time around. The story does make sense in its own little J-Horror way, but still it will knock you around a bit if you are not prepared for it. Remember, this is a Japanese tale, and created by KeiichirÃ… Expand
  14. predikador
    Mar 27, 2012
    10
    the best survival horror of the new generation, and one of the best of history games. Its absolutely scary and so hard. i know it isn't a game for all people, but if you can, test it, won't disappoint you
  15. laxleonidas
    Sep 19, 2011
    8
    One of the best survival horror in gaming history. Check it out to convince how scary episodes can be. main flaw - navigation in the game world. Definitely.
  16. storygamer
    Sep 2, 2020
    8
    I´ve played many survival horror games and Siren: Blood Curse is maybe the creepiest! The whole atmosphere and style are just incredibly scary. The controls are a bit spongy but absolutely ok. The game can totally keep up with Resident Evil and Silent Hill titles!
  17. JoeSWAG
    Mar 11, 2011
    10
    A flawed masterpiece, intense and subtle, this is by far one of my favourite games and I cannot wait for a follow up to this wonderful game. Please Sony, make it happen.
  18. CasF.
    Jul 25, 2008
    10
    Superb game! The visuals are perfect for this and the tension created throughout the entire game (via the spooky graphics and sound) is fantastic. The levels are very well designed and the way the story keeps switching between characters is great. For me this jumps ahead of the likes of RE4 & Silent Hill 2 as king of the Survival horror genre.
  19. danny
    Aug 26, 2008
    4
    very hard to control and the short episodic levels make the game very disjointed. graphics good but too much fuzzy effects. very surprised at the high scores this is getting.
  20. wowlame
    Aug 14, 2008
    0
    Wow...the play control is utterly horrid...do yourself a favor and play RE-4 until resident evil 5 comes out....waste of time this game is.
  21. hollowfication
    Aug 27, 2012
    0
    this is worst game i got this game for 20 bucks i thought hey why not said zombie game so i tried it biggest mistake it took 15 hours to finish and guess what???? nothing the no reward no nothing it was pathetic worst game the zombie talking when shot them they die pop back up 10 mins later crap
  22. GamersLikeABoss
    Dec 16, 2012
    3
    I bought this game cuz now days have very rare horror games that is happening in Japan. Horror games based in Japan always scared me and i love how the style goes. I was looking forward to play this game and see how cool the story is. But...it really disapointed me is that the story is very VERY confusing and it doesnt make sense. The graphics have good quality but the game its very hardI bought this game cuz now days have very rare horror games that is happening in Japan. Horror games based in Japan always scared me and i love how the style goes. I was looking forward to play this game and see how cool the story is. But...it really disapointed me is that the story is very VERY confusing and it doesnt make sense. The graphics have good quality but the game its very hard to play. One easy mission, (doesnt really related to the story) takes 6 to 10 times to get mission accomplished on your screen. I wounldnt suggest u buying this horror game.… Expand
  23. YoutubeTGW
    Feb 21, 2014
    5
    The graphics are good. I only have a complaint about how dark everything is no matter she brightness setting the camera control is just ridicules. I try my best to enjoy it...
  24. wownd10405
    Feb 22, 2014
    6
    All graphics system changed, but still good to write down plate was impressed with the finish. I personally had more fun predecessor, but the fear of this game is really the best you can say.
  25. tsakiym
    May 12, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it............................… Expand
  26. Lonit
    Sep 16, 2019
    4
    Feels more like a puzzle game than anything else, so if you don't have the courage to look for a guide you won't get too far or progress slowly.
  27. Suguru
    Jul 31, 2022
    0
    Absolute garbage... I may understand that the idea was to be like Silent Hill, Resident Evil and Deadly Premonition in one package, but it failed spectacularly...
  28. Carlitoxic
    May 18, 2015
    9
    Siren is an original and very scary game of horror. One of the developers of this game was strongly involved in the legendary Silent Hill of PS1. And this is very notorius, specially in the narration, myths and the atmosphere. Anyways, Siren is not perfect in the character control or the graphic visuals, but there isn´t lot of games with an interesting and scary story.
  29. OwtDaft
    May 10, 2018
    6
    + The game is scary and tense with great atmosphere and sound.
    - The game play is very poor and at times frustrating.
    - The frame rate is horrible.
    - Story switches between characters, it leaves without a clear sense of what is happening.
    - The game recycles the same locations often, though they look amazing.
  30. winterhombre
    Aug 8, 2014
    9
    Just got this game last week for 20$. I had heard of it but because of the little promotion it got I ignored it thinking it would be like SH Homecoming (example) with little horror and more action. I've never been so wrong.
    The game's story is very intriguing, though you don't understand much of it in the first chapters, and it's also got some shocking plot twists that keep you on the    Just got this game last week for 20$. I had heard of it but because of the little promotion it got I ignored it thinking it would be like SH Homecoming (example) with little horror and more action. I've never been so wrong.
    The game's story is very intriguing, though you don't understand much of it in the first chapters, and it's also got some shocking plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what really happens or will happen next. I won't reveal any of it so as not to spoil anything, I'll just say it's very good. Another well done thing were the characters, they were given excellent facial expressions and unique traits and personas which gives it a more real, authentic feel.
    The gameplay is pretty simple (easy to learn, difficult to master) and effective when it's done right. The control can be a bit clunky and give you a hard time, but you get used to it. Since sight jacking is a very important part of the game you will need to learn how to use it properly because it's probably your saving grace, specially on stealth and weapon-less situations. Combat is simple enough, with only 1 button for attacks and shouldn't give you problems.
    The graphic are a minus point for the game, as it looks like it was poorly made with a low budget because of the noise filter seen throughout the in-game gameplay and cutscenes. If they took it away it would still be very dark, character models would still look a bit rough and textures washed but it would improve your view and look much better. But then again, I care more about the above so it's not a big deal.
    Overall, a great horror game (one of the few survival horrors of current gen) with very good story, character development and a real tense environment that gives you the feel like you're really there. The only downsides are the graphics, the story is separated into episodes which is weird if you buy the whole game and it also feels a bit short because you're kept interested and intrigued. Gladly there are collectibles and minigames so that you get more value for your money.    … Expand
  31. JAubrey
    Sep 21, 2014
    8
    Proyecto Zero, Silent Hill y...... Forbbiden Siren o Siren. Angustia, agobio, nervios, ansiedad....todo esto vais a sentir con este juegazo. No es apto para new gamers que han conseguido que Residente Evil parezca un Call of Duty. La ambientación es sublime, similar a Project Zero pero más rústica. La única pega es que técnicamente es limitado pero cumple 100%. Juego indispensable para losProyecto Zero, Silent Hill y...... Forbbiden Siren o Siren. Angustia, agobio, nervios, ansiedad....todo esto vais a sentir con este juegazo. No es apto para new gamers que han conseguido que Residente Evil parezca un Call of Duty. La ambientación es sublime, similar a Project Zero pero más rústica. La única pega es que técnicamente es limitado pero cumple 100%. Juego indispensable para los horror lovers.… Expand
  32. frederik1478
    Oct 8, 2022
    7
    An amazing tone of a mass but I enjoyed it.
    The game is a good blend of stealth and puzzles my best moment of the game where paly as little girl trying to survive in little house those what the most intense puzzle parts.
    The best and most fun mechanic other one se out of the enemy's eyes it feels fun and there are some good puzzles about it, but I wish there were more level where that    An amazing tone of a mass but I enjoyed it.
    The game is a good blend of stealth and puzzles my best moment of the game where paly as little girl trying to survive in little house those what the most intense puzzle parts.
    The best and most fun mechanic other one se out of the enemy's eyes it feels fun and there are some good puzzles about it, but I wish there were more level where that game was harder. So it make you forced to do it.
    The game feels like an American remake of A Japanese horror movie which is fun. It is very fun the acting and voice acting in this game and the ending is bonkers so I enjoyed it very much.    … Expand
  33. reallcer
    Dec 9, 2018
    9
    Alto juegazo, si te gustan los survival horror de los buenos tiempos en la epoca de la PS2 teni que jugar esta wea.

    No le doy el 10 por no llegar en fisico a Chile.
  34. Samervex555
    Mar 31, 2020
    6
    THIS IS A MASSIVE STEP BACKWARDS FROM FORBIDDEN SIREN 2. Don't get me wrong I think the game is ok but there is more negative than good. so what did I like the final boss was really really cool and the music and sounds in the game are incredible at being spooky and they fit perfectly. I also like the maggot shibito they are interesting. BUT THE GAME IS NOT SCARY THAT IS IT MASSIVE DOWNFALLTHIS IS A MASSIVE STEP BACKWARDS FROM FORBIDDEN SIREN 2. Don't get me wrong I think the game is ok but there is more negative than good. so what did I like the final boss was really really cool and the music and sounds in the game are incredible at being spooky and they fit perfectly. I also like the maggot shibito they are interesting. BUT THE GAME IS NOT SCARY THAT IS IT MASSIVE DOWNFALL maybe it is just me who has played all three siren games but I was expecting more FROM A REBOOT OF THE FIRST SIREN GAME that scared the crap of of me. the uncanny facial feature has gone from the other two siren games what was a disappointment because that was really scary. also THE SIGHT JACKING MODE IS HORRIBLE it is a real shame that they made it so badly. the cast in the other siren games are cool because they have different ability's and things also they have been interesting In blood curse they are annoying and I did not care for any of them also the combat is horrible it is really clunky I know it is not a combat heavy game I just wanted to put that out there. back to what the game dose right the atmosphere is amazing it really keeps you engaged in the game. I also love the sounds the shibito make when you site jack them it is very disturbing.
    All in All Siren Blood Curse is a massive step backwards from Siren and forbidden siren 2 but it is an ok game with a plot that is mediocre thanks for reading my revrew    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best PS3 Game of 2008
35
#35 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
8
#8 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 42
  3. Negative: 1 out of 42
  1. NZGamer
    70
    Siren is nothing new but is a short, spooky distraction.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer
    80
    Not quite unparalleled excellence, then, but more than enough chills to keep horror adventure fans gibbering.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    80
    It's genuinely unsettling. [Aug 2008, p.94]
See all critic reviews »