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. GraceS.
    Jan 20, 2004
    7
    The awkward camera angles, dialogue and graphics are rather annoying but Silent Hill isn't without it's scares. This makes the Resident Evil series seem corny. Silent Hill is also very rare now. Anyway, Silent Hill is briliant and I love every newest instalment.
  7. ViperSquad
    Dec 22, 2005
    9
    Masterful atmosphere
  8. 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
  9. 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
  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. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. Panica3643D
    Jun 16, 2018
    9
    Игра для своего времени великолепная. Даже сейчас она актуальная, несмотря на устаревшую графику.
  15. Leontorres7
    Nov 13, 2018
    10
    Legendary game, play it, this game changed my life for good, all I have for this game is LOVE.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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...
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. Hugeonpluto
    Dec 26, 2020
    2
    Imagine some cottage cheese dumped out on the sidewalk for 20 years. That's how well this game has aged. It was probably good when it came out, but it's a chore to play now.
  27. 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
  28. crazydangerous
    Apr 11, 2012
    7
    This game is still fun in 2012. I have issues with the levels of secrecy of some of the things you do to get certain endings and the boss fights are a little weak but It's still a really entertaining game with the right expectations and mind set.
  29. nonaste
    Mar 15, 2019
    0
    This is 2019. I must be spoiled. Trying to play this game is an absolutely aggravating experience. The KB controls are clunky beyond belief. I gave up in utter frustration after an hour of trying to move around and defend myself. This thing is rated as the best horror survival game in existence. BS!! The dialogue and writing is just awful. The soundtrack is a joke. The graphicsThis is 2019. I must be spoiled. Trying to play this game is an absolutely aggravating experience. The KB controls are clunky beyond belief. I gave up in utter frustration after an hour of trying to move around and defend myself. This thing is rated as the best horror survival game in existence. BS!! The dialogue and writing is just awful. The soundtrack is a joke. The graphics suck beyond belief. Ok, sure it was made in 1899 so I understand that. But from what I saw in an hour the horror level is laughable. Nothing was there to create horror. Everything about this damned game created annoyance.… Expand
  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

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 »