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. 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 Graphics despite that they are old and outdated actually helped this game to be scarier, yes that's right the poor graphics make the game scarier, 9/10.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 Despite having outdated graphics and awkward controls the gameplay story and sound are perfect for a horror game hands down the best horror game ever created and I have played tons of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
  2. esbegan
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    The very second game I had to play only with other person in the house (after Alone in the dark), It's creepy and it goes under your skin. I just wanted to finish it because the story was so good and well written that I did not give a **** of being scared 100% of time. Excellent.
  3. tsakiym
    May 21, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  4. TheDestroyer
    Feb 24, 2015
    6
    I am The Destroyer. I will break games, complain about the littlest detail, and tell you whether or not you should buy this game. A lot of things to say but can't due to the 5000 character limit. The game will be judged under year 1999 video game standards.

    1. Story You play as a 32 year old man named Harry Mason. Out on a vacation with your daughter, Cheryl, you are suddenly involved    I am The Destroyer. I will break games, complain about the littlest detail, and tell you whether or not you should buy this game. A lot of things to say but can't due to the 5000 character limit. The game will be judged under year 1999 video game standards.

    1. Story
    You play as a 32 year old man named Harry Mason. Out on a vacation with your daughter, Cheryl, you are suddenly involved in a car accident on the outskirts of a town called Silent Hill. You awake unconsciously from the wrecked vehicle to discover your daughter went missing after the crash. As you search the streets looking for her, you begin to notice how deserted the town really is. Something is not right in Silent Hill, but the only thing that matters to you right now is your daughter...
    Silent Hill (video game) is filled with history. And it's the mystery behind it that will quickly have you attached. However, by the time you complete the game, there will still be a lot of unanswered questions that leave first-time-gamers confused. The first game's story lacks backbone. And the only way to correct it is to look up the history online, or play future instalments of Silent Hill. It's possible that some questions weren't meant to be answered during the game's creation - but whose to say?

    2. Voice Acting
    The voice actors & actresses were great in their performances, but the editors must have taken one-too many coffee breaks. Characters in this game will speak in a single sentence or two..... and then pause every 2 seconds.... "Did you know that my daughter...... is still out there somewhere? ..... I need to find her....." Expect speech pausing to happen often.

    3. Graphics and Visuals
    These graphics are nothing fancy, but will get the job done. The most important thing is that it must have you believing in it, and there's a mix of both here. The best comes from your own character's animations, while the worst comes from trying to figure out what doors in the town you can actually open.

    4. Gameplay
    Gameplay refers to survival horror, and the various puzzles you solve during the game. Put it all together and it's average!

    -Survival-Horror-
    In this game, your ammunition is limited, so your survival horror instants have to kick in if you want any chance to survive. There is not enough ammo to kill everything in the game on normal difficulty, so you're gonna be running away from a few battles. When you are battling, controls are perfect in responsiveness. Remember that Harry is a middle-aged man with no combat experience before the story, so it matches really well. Combat uses your standard weapons like handguns, shotguns, things one is familiar with. It also has melee weapons, though not recommended to use those unless you're freakishly good at the game. When using a gun, bullets have a have a chance of missing your target the further away you are from them. Even at 20-foot range with the gun pointing straight at them, bullets can still fly diagonally. So it's a good idea to get as close as you can without getting hurt before you unload that bad-boy. The enemies will start off extremely basic, but it's still recommended to save as much ammo as you can because the enemies later will give you a run for your money.

    -Puzzles-
    These puzzles were taken overboard in terms of difficulty. There's no balance here. When you have to use an FAQ or a guide just to get through a section, you're not playing the game, and that hurts it's value. I'm talking about first-time players here, and not veterans who already know everything. These can be ridiculously hard, and not everyone had an internet back then for the instant answer. Konami fails at designing a decently challenging puzzle.

    5. Soundtrack
    The only thing you'll remember is the static from your radio, and whatever the awkward screeching in the background Konami calls music. Not convinced? Search up the ost for this game and listen. It will have those with sensitive ears bleeding within a minute. There is hardly any music here for phrasing.

    6. Personal Enjoyment
    When it was time for combat or to dodge/avoid enemies, I did have a lot of fun. It's got story, and it sure has survival horror. But it doesn't have anything else. The replay value is low, and it's mainly because of the amount of running around you have to do. I spent 7 hours trying to beat this game because I couldn't figure out what doors were open-able. No doubt that there is potential in the franchise, but it isn't with this game. Silent Hill fanboys are free to down-rate this review, but everything I've said is still true.

    7. Overall Verdict
    The final verdict is a 6 out of 10 - slightly above average. Unless horror is your main genre and you're in to some really freaky stuff, there's not really a whole lot of reason to come back. Only buy if you're a curious cat.    … Expand
  5. 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.
  6. foxviewchannel
    Jan 7, 2015
    8
    Silent Hill is still one of the creepiest games I have played to date. It was a psychological horror with a disturbing and dark atmosphere. There were so many different set pieces that always kept things fresh and scary. The game follows our main character Harry Mason searching for his missing adopted daughter in a town called Silent Hill
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. lazatoy
    Nov 24, 2013
    9
    Fun and very VERY scary. This game is classical, and the real only reason I gave this a 9 out of 10 is PSP/PS3 Downloadable "PS Classic". While the PS3 version was fully functional, the PSP version was a nonfunctional DISASTER. The PSP version plays normally... until you get to the part where you HAVE to fire your gun or you die. This happened simply because SONY didn't fix this and simplyFun and very VERY scary. This game is classical, and the real only reason I gave this a 9 out of 10 is PSP/PS3 Downloadable "PS Classic". While the PS3 version was fully functional, the PSP version was a nonfunctional DISASTER. The PSP version plays normally... until you get to the part where you HAVE to fire your gun or you die. This happened simply because SONY didn't fix this and simply slapped the PSP also works too sticker on there. Yes, while you can change the controls, I found a strange type thing where I accidently pushed tons of buttons, and being the OLD game that it is there was NO WAY to change them back unless YOU remembered which button did which, making silent hill A DISASTER to play on the PSP, People DON'T BUY THIS JUST FOR THE PSP!… Expand
  15. sengork
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Even without considering that most of the Team Silent folk were not particularly successful at their previous projects they managed to succeed at creating a masterpiece. This game was and still is original and full of dense atmosphere with a lead character whom you cold relate to throughout the gameplay. Even though this was one of the first music scores Akira Yamaoka made he managed toEven without considering that most of the Team Silent folk were not particularly successful at their previous projects they managed to succeed at creating a masterpiece. This game was and still is original and full of dense atmosphere with a lead character whom you cold relate to throughout the gameplay. Even though this was one of the first music scores Akira Yamaoka made he managed to score a memorable main theme tune. To day this still holds as one of the most memorable games for me.… Expand
  16. Rox22
    Sep 15, 2013
    8
    This was the first game that really gave Resident Evil a run for its money in the survival horror genre. While it followed a similar method, it also felt more open and the atmosphere was utterly chilling.

    Graphically it was a little rough around the edges, even by PS1 standards, but some of the time it just added to the atmosphere. Sounds and music were just spot on, creepy as hell.    This was the first game that really gave Resident Evil a run for its money in the survival horror genre. While it followed a similar method, it also felt more open and the atmosphere was utterly chilling.

    Graphically it was a little rough around the edges, even by PS1 standards, but some of the time it just added to the atmosphere. Sounds and music were just spot on, creepy as hell. Voice acting was a little weak, but good enough not to ruin the experience.

    Combat was clumsy and for the most part you tried to avoid. To be honest this game did remind me allot of the first two Alone in the Dark games in this regard. Combat is a last resort, running away is the better option.

    Overall:
    This was a solid entry to the survival horror genre and cemented Silent Hill's reputation for decades to come.    … Expand
  17. 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.
  18. sjbn002
    Aug 3, 2013
    10
    Sin duda una de los mejores juegos de terror de todos los tiempos, en donde los graficos no importaban si no la atmosfera, los puzzles, esa sensacion de miedo, soledad y no se diga la musica de Akira Yamaoka....
  19. Goosedel
    Jul 20, 2013
    9
    Yes, the graphics are outdated. Yes, the dialogue isn't the best of the history. And, yes, the main character doesn't always work as I intend. But this is, yet with all of it's flaws, one of the greatest horror games ever made. The creepy foggy atmosphere, the incredible sets and landscapes, the uneasy sound of the radio when this strange and frightening animals come close to you, theYes, the graphics are outdated. Yes, the dialogue isn't the best of the history. And, yes, the main character doesn't always work as I intend. But this is, yet with all of it's flaws, one of the greatest horror games ever made. The creepy foggy atmosphere, the incredible sets and landscapes, the uneasy sound of the radio when this strange and frightening animals come close to you, the feeling of despair when you realize that you can't escape this cold hell makes this game a terrifying travel through the city of Silent Hill.… Expand
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. Cole123
    Jan 17, 2013
    7
    This game is an horror classic.Good storyline,good gameplay and puzzles,and opcourse this game scares the hell out of you since the begging to the end.The only reason i gave this game a 7/10 is because the graphics are bad (even for its time) and the controls are stiff.
  25. Speed4Runs
    Dec 2, 2012
    8
    The game that will always be remembered by all horror players: Silent Hill. A mind-blowing game, excellent plot, graphics, gameplay and horror... a game that, with Resident Evil, has started the great genre of Survival Horror. If you still haven't played it yet (quite impossible), do it!
  26. Rolento
    Nov 25, 2012
    10
    A classic, my favorite game, AND a childhood memory. My opinion on this game is biased, and rightfully so I say. It probably doesn't deserve a 10, and I'm usually of the opinion that if 10 is the maximum score it's supposed to represent perfection itself, but such a thing doesn't exist and Silent Hill is far from perfect. Still, with its tremendously unsettling atmosphere, itsA classic, my favorite game, AND a childhood memory. My opinion on this game is biased, and rightfully so I say. It probably doesn't deserve a 10, and I'm usually of the opinion that if 10 is the maximum score it's supposed to represent perfection itself, but such a thing doesn't exist and Silent Hill is far from perfect. Still, with its tremendously unsettling atmosphere, its intellectual approach to the survival horror genre that refused the mainstream Resident Evil-isms of "BOO" and precision shots, with its references... with everything, Silent Hill manages to steal my one and only 10/10 ever. Fanboyisms apart, even looking back at it after so many years the gameplay is not bad at all, the graphics make up for those times' technical limitations with a style that today is still considered a major influence on many works, and the soundtrack is beyond amazing. Yeah, about the flaws, the voice acting is terrible, we get it. Another flaw I found mentioned was the confusing camera movements, to which I definitely disagree, seem good to me.… Expand
  27. alex007
    Oct 18, 2012
    8
    Creepy, offbeat and unsettling. "Silent Hill" is a trippy horror game that seems to be inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Clive Barker. It blends "Resident Evil"-type gameplay with a surreal, yet nightmarish atmosphere. The title refers to a town with a shady history. And the protagonist is Harry Mason, a writer who is driving through Silent Hill while on vacation with hisCreepy, offbeat and unsettling. "Silent Hill" is a trippy horror game that seems to be inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Clive Barker. It blends "Resident Evil"-type gameplay with a surreal, yet nightmarish atmosphere. The title refers to a town with a shady history. And the protagonist is Harry Mason, a writer who is driving through Silent Hill while on vacation with his daughter. After he awakens from a car accident, he finds that his daughter, Cheryl, is missing. As Harry searches for her, he meets a number of crazy characters including a female cop who assists him. The game is creepy to the extreme with its fog-covered town, off-kilter camera angles and unsettling sounds. Since this is a PS1 game, the graphics aren't as effective as they should be, but the bizarre imagery can be trippy. Also, the hauntingly beautiful score is what really enhances the strange tone. "Silent Hill" is one of the best horror games of the PlayStation 1. It involves the player with its mystery and solid action/adventure gameplay. A companion piece of sorts to the original "Resident Evil", SH is a must play for fans of interactive horror. 8.5 out of 10… Expand
  28. LopsterPopster
    Aug 4, 2012
    8
    I played this one after the other Silent Hills and didn't expect much from it, being a Playstation game. But this game crushed those doubts and proved that it's a damn good game. Despite it's blocky ambiguous monsters and hard-to-manuever controls (Ibut maybe those helped add to the horror experience), it was still a chilling game (maybe the awful Playstation voice acting had something toI played this one after the other Silent Hills and didn't expect much from it, being a Playstation game. But this game crushed those doubts and proved that it's a damn good game. Despite it's blocky ambiguous monsters and hard-to-manuever controls (Ibut maybe those helped add to the horror experience), it was still a chilling game (maybe the awful Playstation voice acting had something to do with it).. That first taste of Otherworld still freaks me out to no end and is possibly the most unsettling environment you'll find in a Playstation game. This is truly a fight-or-flight game, unlike many other horror-survival games (the sequels didn't do this aspect justice) and I truly feel like I'm fighting for my life. Even though he doesn't have too much development as a character, I can't help but feel myself being drawn into Harry as if I'm being put in his shoes and actually feel like I'm fighting for my life in a horrific town filled with nightmarish creatures. Plus, my favorite aspect of all Silent Hill games, are the multiple endings. This was the first game to offer multiple versions of endings and it was revolutionary. It's a horror-survival classic and no Silent Hill, or any horror game fan, should go without playing… Expand
  29. pookie
    Jun 28, 2012
    9
    Truly Scary & eerie. The atmosphere and mood in this game are superb. The Resident Evil games can't compare. Silent Hill feels like a true breed of Survival Horror. The story and world suck the player in. This is survival horror at its finest with a genuine creep factor.
  30. 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.
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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

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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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