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. Jackie_Jackson
    May 25, 2022
    9
    Я всего-лишь хотел проверить работоспособность эмупятора пс1 и теперь у меня глубокая моральная и психологическая травма ну спасибо сволочи кривоглазые
  2. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    9
    A good game. I'm only posting this review to gather a list of nostalgic games I've played.
  3. 3ls0ul
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.
  4. klaaz
    Jan 25, 2023
    9
    The best atmosphere ever created for a horror videogame. Inflict anguish and constant oppression without resorting to cheap horror resources such as jump-scare. We will be accompanied by a constant fear throughout the journey of Harry in Silent Hill.
  5. Mistofdeath
    Jan 29, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It has an amazing creepy atmosphere with an intriguing yet mysterious story but has clucky movement and combat. It has clucky combat. The puzzles can be a bit confusing and might need help online for guidance. Overall, it is an experience worth playing.… Expand
  6. Scwabzz
    Aug 31, 2023
    9
    Amazing game! I recently bought a PS3 so I can play this game and I was a bit skeptical going back to an old game due to being spoiled with modern gaming mechanics. However, I was blown away at how well this game has aged. The story and setting are fantastic and the puzzle solving fits so well into the atmosphere they set. The graphics of course are old but for me personally when it comesAmazing game! I recently bought a PS3 so I can play this game and I was a bit skeptical going back to an old game due to being spoiled with modern gaming mechanics. However, I was blown away at how well this game has aged. The story and setting are fantastic and the puzzle solving fits so well into the atmosphere they set. The graphics of course are old but for me personally when it comes to horror games sometimes the “worse” looking ones tend to be some of the best horror games. For the time this game is monumental and really set forth a series many gaming fans enjoy. The voice acting is the worst part for me personally but nothing that was game breaking for me.… Expand
  7. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    9
    Still one of my favorite games. Its, like most survival horror games of the time, way too hard. Also, extremely confusing, i never beat it as a teen because i never knew where to go and what to do. I did it later i college. The SH atmosphere is just amazing.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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!
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Rem
    Jan 20, 2017
    8
    The original Silent Hill began what was once considered the greatest horror franchise in videogames, but what did it do specifically to spark this? For one, it crafted an atmosphere so thick and dreadful, nothing could match it for the time. Combine this with horror that delivers through subtlety and anticipation, a complex but hidden story, and a haunting soundtrack, this first entryThe original Silent Hill began what was once considered the greatest horror franchise in videogames, but what did it do specifically to spark this? For one, it crafted an atmosphere so thick and dreadful, nothing could match it for the time. Combine this with horror that delivers through subtlety and anticipation, a complex but hidden story, and a haunting soundtrack, this first entry would undoubtedly pave its way into the horror classics.

    The focus point of Silent Hill centers around its own name, the eponymous town in which the game takes place. Once a peaceful resort town now has been corrupted by demonic forces and the protagonist, Harry Mason enters the town in search of his daughter following a car crash. For the PS1 era, Silent Hill was a technical marvel in crafting ambiance because of the hardware limitations. What was once terrible pop-in as a result of the poor draw distance has been masked in darkness and fog. This design choice only served to heighten the tension when traversing the town, either running or confronting its monstrosities. The visuals do not hold up today, but they work for the game well enough and conveys enough information amidst all the low resolution textures.

    I won't delve anymore into story details, but do know that it is a well-crafted story that at first seems to ride the "evil cult" schtick, but it is great at drawing in the player to learn more. The voice acting is monotone and flat and doesn't carry acceptable quality for a modern day playthrough, but the strangeness of it does exemplify Silent Hill in general. The soundtrack however is something to marvel at. The genius behind the ambient soundtrack is Akira Yamaoka, who would go on to craft the soundtrack for the other Silent Hill games. The mix of dark ambiance exudes mystery and uneasy foreboding, but when it wants to draw in the feeling of horror, the soundtrack melts into a rhythm of noises that shouldn't qualify as music, but is ever so effective at heightening the horror. It's not something to listen to on a slow day, but it accomplishes the feeling of horror like no other. The same can be said for the sound design in general. Absent are the loud crashing noises accompanied by a jumpscare, instead only subtle noises and complete silence compliment the game's different areas and it works fantastically, even for today's standards.

    Complimenting the horror is the gameplay, and this is where many today would find fault with (aside from the now blocky visuals). Silent Hill utilizes tank controls which at first is frustrating, but is ultimately easy to accustom to and almost necessary to make maneuvering with the constantly shifting camera angles that much easier. The main gameplay revolves around guiding Harry Mason around Silent Hill, taking him from locations such as a hospital to an elementary school. The game really pushes the survival aspect more than its predecessor. Ammo and health items are scarce to a point where I genuinely avoided enemies as much as I could which in turn added to the tension and horror aspect of the game. Confronting enemies isn't a frustrating mess as many would make it out to be, it's simply the game encouraging you to avoid it if possible. There are boss encounters in the game, though I would describe them as the worst part of the game. They do little to serve the game's purpose other than remind me I'm playing a videogame. On occassion, Harry Mason would come across puzzles, though these puzzles revolve more around deciphering text and messages on its own context. They are well-crafted and my complaint only is that they are sparse and few in number.

    Silent Hill, unlike Resident Evil, is so much more effective in horror not purely because of its seemingly arbitrary control scheme or mechanics, but how it uses them in conjunction with sound, atmosphere, and storytelling. Every monster is tied symbolically to the town and every line of dialogue isn't there to pass the time, but to hint at character motives or reveal subtle clues on the greater story at hand. It's psychological horror in full swing, and not a single mechanic is there as filter. Exploring the town is a test in itself and reaching the game's multiple conclusions is a direct result of the player's actions, not a stop in time and allowing you to choose one of two binary decisions. It respects the player's ability to beat it, and even if you find no challenge, the game's multiple difficulties surely will with the enticement of new endings and use of equipment.

    Silent Hill is far from perfect. It's dated look would hardly terrify you if it bothered you throughout. The bosses do little out of the ordinary. The controls, while intended, occasionally let me down when I needed them most and is an unfortunate tradeoff for the scares to take place. The voice acting is hardly average. But Silent Hill was above and beyond for its time and impresses to me to this day. It's a classic tale in how to create horror.    … Expand
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    8
    A Playstation 1 classic. A slightly diffenet take on the RE style survival horror of the time and still well worth a playthrough even by todays standards.
  17. vgm
    Oct 25, 2016
    8
    Despite I didn't understand much what happened during the game (I had to read online interpretations of the story after I finished it), I felt really absorbed by the creepy atmosphere in a way I couldn't stop playing it. The bad voice acting is perhaps the only bad thing about the game.
  18. frederik1478
    Oct 13, 2022
    8
    It was a good experience getting to play the first game in the Silent Hill series and I enjoyed my time even if I had to look up the answers to the puzzles to figure out.

    I am most of all just blown an way how good the atmosphere and graphics still on the PS1 the weird effect an origami figure character the side makes it a bit more horrifying when you don't really know what you're looking    It was a good experience getting to play the first game in the Silent Hill series and I enjoyed my time even if I had to look up the answers to the puzzles to figure out.

    I am most of all just blown an way how good the atmosphere and graphics still on the PS1 the weird effect an origami figure character the side makes it a bit more horrifying when you don't really know what you're looking at.

    The enemy designs were terrifying and annoying which is maybe good thing because I was really trying to avoid them as much as possible.

    If you're interested in playing a horror classic then this is a good place to begin.    … Expand
  19. LincolnClay
    Jan 10, 2017
    8
    This game right there is a true definition of horror,you control harry mason the dude who has lost his daughter on an abandoned hill called silent hill after an accident,you must face your nightmare in order to rescue you're daughter. the gameplay,jump scares,weapons,bosses and everything is a+.if you're an old school gamer and you're looking for a classic horror game then this is it,goThis game right there is a true definition of horror,you control harry mason the dude who has lost his daughter on an abandoned hill called silent hill after an accident,you must face your nightmare in order to rescue you're daughter. the gameplay,jump scares,weapons,bosses and everything is a+.if you're an old school gamer and you're looking for a classic horror game then this is it,go ahead,play it once and you'll never stop playing it. an amazing horror game for every horror video game fan out there.

    My rating for it would be 8.5/10    … Expand
  20. GiantFrisk
    May 4, 2017
    8
    one question why this game has soo **** controls is this because i play dualshock 4 controller because i play the game in to the ps tv ps1 classic game i buy the game but soo why is the game is bad controlls bad port? or this is the original ps1 the same problem? the game is look beatiful in the ps tv guys you not believe me i play this game 2017 seriously this is the final silent hillone question why this game has soo **** controls is this because i play dualshock 4 controller because i play the game in to the ps tv ps1 classic game i buy the game but soo why is the game is bad controlls bad port? or this is the original ps1 the same problem? the game is look beatiful in the ps tv guys you not believe me i play this game 2017 seriously this is the final silent hill game i played it and this is like the others good game but bad controls soo i give this 8… Expand
  21. DiogoOliveira
    May 7, 2018
    8
    Perfeito, só não dou nota máxima por motivos técnicos, mas é por sentido lógico, eu não joguei na época do seu lançamento. Quando foi lançado ele foi uma revolução, queria ter jogado na época que ele foi aclamado, mas ele não deixa de ser um game ótImo, suas mecânicas e referencia ate hoje, vemos em Rule of Rose o quanto Silent Hill é inspirador.
  22. Beeshu
    Dec 19, 2022
    8
    Through expert use of sound and taking advantage of the limitations of the visuals at the time, Silent Hill manages to become one of the most unsettling and horrifying games ever made. The gameplay may have aged poorly, but fans of horror will still find themselves lost in the rabbit whole of theories, mythology and strange lore. Silent Hill is a great starting point for the classic horrorThrough expert use of sound and taking advantage of the limitations of the visuals at the time, Silent Hill manages to become one of the most unsettling and horrifying games ever made. The gameplay may have aged poorly, but fans of horror will still find themselves lost in the rabbit whole of theories, mythology and strange lore. Silent Hill is a great starting point for the classic horror franchise.… Expand
  23. GenuineBruv2021
    Oct 29, 2018
    8
    Silent Hill is a really good game but its a bit difficult to play it 19 years later due to the outdated graphics. The story is relatively interesting, Gameplay is fun and satisfying as well. The puzzles can be a tad confusing as the game doesn't help you at all, but overall its a great game. Definitely worth your money.
  24. 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.
  25. lidwang
    Jan 8, 2022
    8
    The game is a great fundation for the rest of the sage, the level designs and aesthethics are great, and the tank control and item managment are servisable. The characters are kinda bland but really likeable(unlike most horror games). The story and voice acting could really get some work. But I see this game becoming a 9/10 for me in the future.
  26. Jackwill
    Mar 15, 2021
    8
    Первый Сайлент Хилл Великая конечно игра. Я не был знаком ни с одной игрой серии, но когда я впервые услышал музыку из оных, я сразу влюбился. Мистика, Жуть и Любопытство - Все эти чувства я испытал от одной только заглавной темы игры. И сама игра меня в этих чувствах не обмануло. Жуткий и таинственный город, по которому нам приходиться передвигаться, таинственные локации и приятные дляПервый Сайлент Хилл Великая конечно игра. Я не был знаком ни с одной игрой серии, но когда я впервые услышал музыку из оных, я сразу влюбился. Мистика, Жуть и Любопытство - Все эти чувства я испытал от одной только заглавной темы игры. И сама игра меня в этих чувствах не обмануло. Жуткий и таинственный город, по которому нам приходиться передвигаться, таинственные локации и приятные для размышления головоломки - все эти элементы делают сайлент хилл первый великой игрой. Из минусов неудобная стрельба, но первая сонька же так везде было. И некоторые сомнительные моменты как босс бабочка которого добавили в игру поход по приколу.… Expand
  27. 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
  28. BeeSting1
    Apr 10, 2022
    8
    Good

    - music really adds to the horror atmosphere and the fear factor. All kinds of creepy tracks and sound effects to increase tension. - some of the puzzles were too hard imo. I have no knowledge of the astral signs, so there was no chance I could've solved that puzzle. I wouldn't even know what to search up since I didn't know those images were of astral signs. - combat was    Good

    - music really adds to the horror atmosphere and the fear factor. All kinds of creepy tracks and sound effects to increase tension.

    - some of the puzzles were too hard imo. I have no knowledge of the astral signs, so there was no chance I could've solved that puzzle. I wouldn't even know what to search up since I didn't know those images were of astral signs.

    - combat was straight forward. It added to the horror without being over bearing.

    - the graphics were great for a PS1 game.

    - the fog and visual design of the environments were done very well. Made it all extra scary.

    - the story was mysteries which kept me wanting to know what was happening. New characters Harry came across also added to the mystery, like the nurse.

    - Voice acting was actually quite good, except for some of the awkward pauses they put between lines.

    Bad

    - lack of map in Nowhere had me very frustrated. Every corridor looked the same, every door looked the same. Backtracking was annoying.

    - the tank controls in some area were bad.    … Expand
  29. gotterpotter56
    Jun 17, 2023
    8
    Хорошая игра. Больше пугает своей атмосферой нежели противниками. Окружение неплохое, геймплей некомфортный.
  30. queondavatos
    Jan 29, 2021
    8
    muy buen juego d terror . en mi opinión creo q le falta un par d tipos de enemigos más y un par d bosses más para llegar al 10 . aunque el juego es bastante corto y tampoco supone un gran problema . el final bueno es increíble pero es difícil d conseguir , y el malo es bastante triste podrían haberlo hecho un poco mejor xd .
    84/100
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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
See all critic reviews »