Silent Hill

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Feb 24, 1999
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 896 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 807 out of 896
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 896
  3. Negative: 41 out of 896
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  1. doodlerman
    Jun 9, 2011
    10
    Without a doubt, the best horror game in existence. To this day I've never played anything this frightening or uneasy feeling, and I'm a horror game fanatic. Nothing I've played on the Xbox 360 or PS3 or ANYTHING made today has had the same effect on me that this has. Before I played this game I thought things like Dead Space and/or Resident Evil games were freaky, then I figured it wasWithout a doubt, the best horror game in existence. To this day I've never played anything this frightening or uneasy feeling, and I'm a horror game fanatic. Nothing I've played on the Xbox 360 or PS3 or ANYTHING made today has had the same effect on me that this has. Before I played this game I thought things like Dead Space and/or Resident Evil games were freaky, then I figured it was about time I played Silent Hill games. I started with Homecoming, which wasn't really all that great, and then I figured I should start from the beginning and work my way forward - so I found it online, bought it, and found myself successfully freaked out. The visuals alone are groundbreaking. It's like a well-shot movie and a nightmare at the same time, and, though the mysteries are explained in later games, I was never completely sure what the hell was going on in the town in the first place prior to my playing of other sequels. The game resembles a psychological, nightmarish experience as perfectly as a game can - and the crappy graphics of the late 90s helps with this effect. Also, though many may complain about the difficult controls, I think they helped add to the experience and desperation of certain situations. Even now the effects of this groundbreaking game can leave you on the edge of your seat, and though it isn't an easy game to find (unless, of course, you're able to buy it on PSN, which I haven't checked to see if it's available), you should definitely consider it.… Expand
  2. NathanM.
    Apr 27, 2007
    10
    Excellent in every way. Claustrophobic camera angles, the Kafka-esque fog, and distorted enemies wandering the streets all contribute to this games scariness. Nothing freakier than playing this game at night and hearing the dreaded air-raid siren that signals your descent into the nightmarish Otherworld.
  3. Mad_Hatter91
    Mar 6, 2013
    10
    One of the most beautiful horror games ever made. The game manages to scare you with the atmosphere scary, dark places, abominable monsters and a great plot. A play that will never be forgotten.
  4. Carlitoxic
    Jun 19, 2014
    10
    Silent hill es el cielo de los juegos de terror. Nunca una atmósfera así nos había conducido por un mundo tan complejo y profundo, donde unos personajes maduros e inolvidables se abrían paso en un pueblo corrompido, de oscuros secretos y contínuas sorpresas y giros que marcaron un nuevo punto y aparte en el género.
  5. defpak
    Dec 31, 2013
    10
    The best of his generation!!!! It has good controls and mechanic, great story and sound. The original soundtrack still haunt me now and then. A MUST HAVE GAME FOR PSX
  6. ViperSquad
    Dec 22, 2005
    9
    Masterful atmosphere
  7. TheQuietGamer
    Feb 8, 2013
    9
    Pure survival horror excellence. Playing this game is a truly frightening experience, and will stick with you long after you've played it. I had trouble playing this game for extended periods of time because of how badly it would freak me out. The game reminds you that the dark is a scary place to be, especially alone. The game is a must play for horror fans, but keep in mind this is anPure survival horror excellence. Playing this game is a truly frightening experience, and will stick with you long after you've played it. I had trouble playing this game for extended periods of time because of how badly it would freak me out. The game reminds you that the dark is a scary place to be, especially alone. The game is a must play for horror fans, but keep in mind this is an old game and some aspects of this game haven't aged well, mainly the controls and graphics. The controls and graphics just take a little getting used to, I played this game on my PS3 and recommend playing this game with the D-pad rather than the analog stick just because the game is easier to control with the d-pad. I really don't have any complaints about the game, other than an irritating sound glitch that occurred every now and then when I used a gun where the game would make a horrible screeching noise until I left the area where I fired the gun. The glitch didn't occur often and may just have been because I was playing on a PS3. If your a horror fan and haven't played this game you really should. So get a copy of this game, lock your doors, turn off the lights and get ready to be scared.… Expand
  8. Magikarp
    Jul 19, 2013
    9
    Great story, amazing atmosphere, amazing soundtrack.. Amazing game overall.

    The graphics for its time are pretty darn good, the characters are good too and won't be easily forgotten. The feel of the game makes you think twice of playing this game, not because its bad.. Because it's so intense and scary that you'll love it and also fear it. There's no better word than masterpiece    Great story, amazing atmosphere, amazing soundtrack.. Amazing game overall.

    The graphics for its time are pretty darn good, the characters are good too and won't be easily forgotten.

    The feel of the game makes you think twice of playing this game, not because its bad.. Because it's so intense and scary that you'll love it and also fear it.

    There's no better word than masterpiece to describe this game.    … Expand
  9. fijiboy
    Apr 20, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I wish they made more games like this. Silent hill is the definition of survival horror. limited resources, chilling ambience, fear of the unknown, great atmosphere, well executed jumpscares, and most importantly, psychological scares. I have never came across a game that made me question my own sanity, such as the time where you enter a bathroom and you come out in a different hallway, or the part in the hospital where you check all the 3 floors in the elevator and you come back to find a fourth floor. this game is a masterpiece, a survival horror gem. but if you are not a survival horror fan, then you probably wont like this game at all to be honest… Expand
  10. kailoone
    Oct 18, 2015
    10
    What can I say about this game, I played it back in july of 2000 I remember already having played other titles such as Resident Evil 1 2 and 3, I had played Dino Crisis and also Parasite Eve and many other games that weren't exactly horror. Well I was not ready for this game it just blew my mind, the level of horror was set that day and this is the game I use to measure any other horrorWhat can I say about this game, I played it back in july of 2000 I remember already having played other titles such as Resident Evil 1 2 and 3, I had played Dino Crisis and also Parasite Eve and many other games that weren't exactly horror. Well I was not ready for this game it just blew my mind, the level of horror was set that day and this is the game I use to measure any other horror game. I loved this game back in 2000 and I love it now in 2015 I keep coming back to this game over and over throughout my life. Have to play it at least once every 2 or 3 years. Story 10/10 brilliant story involving the ocult. Graphics despite that they are old and outdated actually helped this game to be scarier, yes that's right the poor graphics make the game scarier, 9/10. Sound and music 10/10 best about this game is the music and the sounds are right on even the akward voice acting helps to that desolating feeling to the game(dreamlike), finally the gameplay and controls, they are a bit clunky but not as bad as other games 9/10 final veredict 10/10. Despite having outdated graphics and awkward controls the gameplay story and sound are perfect for a horror game hands down the best horror game ever created and I have played tons of titles before and after this one throughout the years.… Expand
  11. g
    Oct 8, 2016
    9
    Any video game with a story that concentrates on one character you control and go the next character to investigates what really happens in the game. Silent Hill is one of those video games with a fantastic elements and story of a town that people describes it's hell. One of the games you must play today in case you have still kept your PS1, a classic, horrifying and one of survival-horror's best.
  12. Captain_Faramir
    May 27, 2017
    9
    9.3 - Incredibly well made game. Controls and camera angles aren't the greatest but it doesn't take too much away from the overall experience. Puzzles are smartly made often using poems as clues, requiring the player to think about the words and not just interpret them literally. Besides a few really good music tracks, a lot of this game's soundtrack is atmospheric, and plays probably the9.3 - Incredibly well made game. Controls and camera angles aren't the greatest but it doesn't take too much away from the overall experience. Puzzles are smartly made often using poems as clues, requiring the player to think about the words and not just interpret them literally. Besides a few really good music tracks, a lot of this game's soundtrack is atmospheric, and plays probably the most significant role in making this game scary. Although the graphics do not seem to make the enemies appear scary to the player, the sounds they make combined with the music and environment makes them creepy. Silent Hill is also a largely story-driven game, and manages to do a decent job, but lacks the explanation of various details about the story.… Expand
  13. Panica3643D
    Jun 16, 2018
    9
    Игра для своего времени великолепная. Даже сейчас она актуальная, несмотря на устаревшую графику.
  14. Leontorres7
    Nov 13, 2018
    10
    Legendary game, play it, this game changed my life for good, all I have for this game is LOVE.
  15. BeboFett
    Dec 31, 2020
    8
    Although I am not a big fan of the saga, I have to admit that Silent Hill is a great work

    Its rough gameplay works for the genre. Most of all, its story is of great weight, the development of the plot is undoubtedly its strength, and I'm sure that at the time it marked many gamers.
  16. gameking
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This game is awesome. You are never be bored. Nowadays, other games are using one or two copy places or they are using open-world with stupid missions. This game has a lot of place such as hospital, school, park, port, sewers, cafes... All places has a lot of good puzzles. The athmosphere is very terrifying and, this game gives you a good horror.
  17. Mahmus
    Oct 26, 2020
    9
    Silent Hill uses genius tricks to give the impression of an open world that feels both vast and claustrophobic, with roads destroyed restricting the player and scry creatures emanating sound you'll grow to hate in the best way possible.

    The game, with it's impressive visuals and excellent soundtrack, touches on the psycholical apsects a bit less than subsequent entries, but creates an    Silent Hill uses genius tricks to give the impression of an open world that feels both vast and claustrophobic, with roads destroyed restricting the player and scry creatures emanating sound you'll grow to hate in the best way possible.

    The game, with it's impressive visuals and excellent soundtrack, touches on the psycholical apsects a bit less than subsequent entries, but creates an unnerving atmosphere that keeps you playing with ease and fright, even if you might need a guide to solve some of the most convoluted puzzles and a heads up on how to beat the real final boss in under a minute.    … Expand
  18. DartAnok
    Feb 5, 2020
    10
    One of the best game at PS and one of the best horror game ever. After so many years, it still playable and interesting.
  19. Frustrated4Ever
    Aug 9, 2020
    8
    I'm about to commit what many would consider blasphemy...

    Silent Hill is a superior survival horror game to Resident Evil. Allow me to explain: Everything Resident Evil did, Silent Hill did better. Dynamic gameplay design? Silent Hill has fully explorable 3D environments, the ability to move while shooting, unique enemies, and an entire town to explore. Meanwhile, the original    I'm about to commit what many would consider blasphemy...

    Silent Hill is a superior survival horror game to Resident Evil. Allow me to explain:

    Everything Resident Evil did, Silent Hill did better. Dynamic gameplay design? Silent Hill has fully explorable 3D environments, the ability to move while shooting, unique enemies, and an entire town to explore. Meanwhile, the original Resident Evil is restricted to a single mansion, has fixed camera angles (with 2D backgrounds), very few enemy types, and stand-and-shoot combat. Now, it's not totally fair to compare games that are three years apart in age, but both of these titles served as their respective franchise's debut. As for story, that's really subjective. Silent Hill certainly has more depth though.

    The only real gripes i have with the game are unimaginative enemy designs and shoddy voice acting. You can also get lost at times, but I kind of like not having my hand held.

    8/10    … Expand
  20. R4Zi3L
    May 12, 2011
    10
    Truly masterpiece of survival horror and artistic expression in games. Music and sound effects are hypnotic, same about graphics (for PS1). Must play for everyone.
  21. Sephiroth78
    Apr 17, 2011
    10
    By far the greatest game I've ever played. Chilling to its very end with a storytelling which no matter how many horror games will come will never be forgotten...
  22. diegoadc23
    Aug 31, 2013
    10
    9.2 is way to low. 9.7 is the least we can rate. This game didn't give fear as resident evil 1 and 2, but mess with your minds like no other. Unique game of horror.
  23. sprintinmario
    Feb 8, 2014
    10
    This game is down right amazing. The graphics music story voice acting writing weapons puzzels and bosses are all better then the original resident evil. So yeah i dont know what else to say
  24. Subject98
    May 31, 2012
    10
    One of the best horror games ever made, only a few ticks below the second game in my opinion. You owe yourself to play it if you haven't, it starts out slow but never stops getting better and more mind bending all the way to the end.
  25. SilentINU
    Jun 17, 2013
    8
    This is for sure one of the best horror games ever and the game that started a big series. The controls may be a little hard to deal and the fights are just annoying so the best it to run from everything you see, because that's being realistic, in reality you would really face a freaking jumping monster with a pipe? The fog is what made the series and this one has a incredible fog thatThis is for sure one of the best horror games ever and the game that started a big series. The controls may be a little hard to deal and the fights are just annoying so the best it to run from everything you see, because that's being realistic, in reality you would really face a freaking jumping monster with a pipe? The fog is what made the series and this one has a incredible fog that really hides your enemies making it harder to you to spot them. Overall the game is great, epic music, disturbing spot (one of the most disturbing ever).… Expand
  26. SenshudoTV
    Mar 11, 2014
    8
    Silent Hill does a great job in building up tension, plays with your imagination by showing you disturbing images and using creepy sound effects. This game separates itself from other popular titles of the survival-horror genre by taking a slight backseat on the action front and going for the more psychological approach. With replay ability, a good mix of action and puzzles wrapped in aSilent Hill does a great job in building up tension, plays with your imagination by showing you disturbing images and using creepy sound effects. This game separates itself from other popular titles of the survival-horror genre by taking a slight backseat on the action front and going for the more psychological approach. With replay ability, a good mix of action and puzzles wrapped in a nightmarish bow, Silent Hill is definitely a horror title worth playing.… Expand
  27. kasparius
    Jul 8, 2014
    10
    This is easily the scariest and creepiest game I have ever played. And while I might never play it again, it lives on in my mind as the greatest horror game of all time. The sequels had their moments, but nothing ever came close to the original. The game feels like a horrible nightmare and it plays like one too. Don't be put off by the aged graphics, because in fact they are part of theThis is easily the scariest and creepiest game I have ever played. And while I might never play it again, it lives on in my mind as the greatest horror game of all time. The sequels had their moments, but nothing ever came close to the original. The game feels like a horrible nightmare and it plays like one too. Don't be put off by the aged graphics, because in fact they are part of the reason why the game is so scary, the lack of clear definition of characters and places feel like one of those dreams where everything is a little blurry, rusty and confusing. Nightmares are not in high definition and neither is Silent Hill. The soundtrack of the game might be the most brilliant aspect of the game, it never ceases to keep you wondering what those sounds actually are and long after you are done playing the game, you will probably still shudder in the dark as you recall your visit to Silent Hill.… Expand
  28. SiAScORCH
    Nov 5, 2014
    9
    While this game could never compare to Resident Evil in terms of horror or making you feel on edge, it did do a great job as well. This game is simply amazing, and spooky. This is one of the few masterpieces I've had the chance to experience and I'm glad that I was able to. You shouldn't pass on the chance to get that same experience because I can promise you won't regret it.
  29. Darko84
    Feb 3, 2015
    9
    Silent Hill was the best survival horror game available on the PS1.
    The music, the enemies, the atmosphere and story are totally amazing and creepy at the same time.
    It makes you feel desperate and lost.
    Only the graphics are a little bit poor if you compare them to RE2 or RE3.
    If you really want to feel afraid, you need to play this game.
  30. Meraj
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    The real score for this game is 9.5 but since Metacritic doesn't support these types of numbers I gave it 10. Probably one of the best games of PS1. This game has several good things.
    - Horrible Atmosphere
    - Amazing sound effects (Really great for 1999) - Arcane Music - Cool gameplay with cool items, cool weapons, cool locations and ... - Good story and characters - Graphics are also    The real score for this game is 9.5 but since Metacritic doesn't support these types of numbers I gave it 10. Probably one of the best games of PS1. This game has several good things.
    - Horrible Atmosphere
    - Amazing sound effects (Really great for 1999)
    - Arcane Music
    - Cool gameplay with cool items, cool weapons, cool locations and ...
    - Good story and characters
    - Graphics are also very good for it's release time
    This game can compete with classic Resident Evil games.
    If you love horror entertainments like horror movies or survival horror games make sure to play this masterpiece at least once.
    I hope to see this franchise returns with high quality versions just like before.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best PS1 Game of 1999
2
#2 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1999
4
#4 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Absolute Playstation
    94
    It's a horrifying action/adventure that will set the pulse racing and put the mind on constant alert.
    Read full review
  2. PSX Nation
    91
    With multiple endings, secrets and hidden items you'll find replay value deep within the game.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    90
    From the inexplicable sobbing of an unseen child in a blood-stained school hall to the loud rattling of an invisible "something" underneath the floorboards that you're standing on, the game never sinks into predictability. Imagine all of this while never quite being able to see past arm's length into the darkness.
    Read full review
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