PlayStation 3 Critic Reviews

Silent Hill Downpour may not be the most technically advanced game, nor boast the best polished gameplay, but it succeeds in what we were expecting from it : to be able to restore this icy, sweaty fear the series was known for.

It'll infuriate as many as it pleases, but Vatra Games has succeeded in crafting a true horror experience. [Issue#217, p.68]

From side quests to sound design, Silent Hill: Downpour isn't afraid of change. The restult is a captivating game more expansive than the series has ever seen.

It's a decent stab at resurrecting the atmosphere and sense of foreboding that the series was once known for, and if it wasn't for those frequent technical hitches, it could well have been one of the best in the series. As it stands, it's a very, very good survival horror title.

The surprisingly high share of puzzles and the appeal of exploring the open city and unlocking its' secrets gives you 20+ hours of entertaining horror. And even though the combat system is superficial and the engine shows some frustrating framerate issues this playable nightmare shows a lot of facets between creepy moments and pure terror.

It is not the Silent Hill you have been expecting for a decade, but it is not as bad as the most pessimist predicted. If you liked Homecoming you should give Downpour a chance, and although part of the story is predictable and the horror aspect has plenty of room to improve, the game is an interesting one and ultimately delivers, although far from the best times of the series.

Underneath all sorts of technical oddities, lies a strong Silent Hill game. Great use of many creative ideas, the excellent pacing and an atmosphere that always keeps you on your toes makes Silent Hill: Downpour the first Silent Hill game that shows that this franchise has the potential to return to greatness.

Despite clunky combat and various frame rate issues, Silent Hill: Downpour is still a solid survival horror romp that any fan of the genre should take a punt on.

Another disappointment for fans of the first four Silent Hill games. The controls during battle are unfair and dumb and the fact that you can only carry one weapon at a time is simply annoying. One of the few positive things is the rain-dynamic. The more it rains the more creatures prey upon you. The graphics are muddy and fall apart under technical issues like sudden freezing. The game looks less scary overall and reminds of Alan Wake. All things considered it is not Silent Hill anymore. There is no oppressive and dark atmosphere left.

Shines where it ought to, but much too soggy around the edges. [March 2012, p76]