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Platform: PSP

Genre: Survival Horror

Number of Players: 1
 

Resident Evil might have been the game that can be heralded as bringing survival horror to the masses, even though other games have existed in the “survival horror” genre before it, but there really is no arguing that Silent Hill redefined the genre and created something new. Instead of outright horror, Silent Hill often works on the premise of psychological horror, though action and fighting strange creatures are very much a part of the franchise. Through four legitimate sequels, we have ventured time and time again into the world of Silent Hill, and for all the information that we collect, the one thing that fans have wondered is about the events that have transpired prior. That’s what Silent Hill Origins attempts to answer.

The first PSP Silent Hill title is set before the events seen in the first game. Trucker Travis Grady is making what is a routine trip, but while passing by the sleepy town of Silent Hill, he sees a young girl in the road who suddenly disappears after he thinks he might have hit her. He begins trying to find her only to stumble upon a burning house with a survivor inside. Travis manages to save the horribly burned young woman but collapses after making his way outside only to awaken in Silent Hill. He wanders into the nearby hospital hoping to find out what happened to the girl he saved but finds that there is something much more. As Travis ventures further into the realm, he discovers that the girl, Alessa Gillespie, didn’t survive but there is more to this story that a simple death as Travis discovers the horrors that lurk within Silent Hill, the strange cult that exists within the town, and horrible, nightmarish creatures lurking in the shadows not to mention his own nightmares that have been plaguing him. Travis must try and put the clues together or become just another casualty of the foreboding Silent Hill.

My first real concern with Silent Hill appearing on a portable, though it’s not the first time (though we will probably never see the Japanese play novel released in the States) is that Origins wasn’t designed by Team Silent who I’m sure is quite busy trying to put the finishing touches on whatever it is they might currently be involved with. Climax Group has taken over the role of developer for this particular entry in the series, though Akira Yamaoka was still the composure of the soundtrack. There was a great deal of talk that this Silent Hill would be a remake of the original game which focused on the characters seen in the film, but that’s obviously not the case. You might fear changes, and there did seem to be that potential, but Climax Group has retained the feeling and look of the series quite well while exploring the back story of the Silent Hill mythology.

Silent Hill Origins play pretty much like the other games in the series, though the PSP does give some differences as far as controls. As Travis, you will explore the misty and macabre town known of Silent Hill, trying to piece together clues as far as what has happened and to work your way into other portions of the town. There are puzzles to solve, some which are fairly straight forward such as simply using an item to progress further while others will require you to collect clues to solve them in some way.

What is known to many players as “the darkness” was introduced in the third game. This was a sinister variation on your surrounds, a decayed and horrific version of Silent Hill that many disliked having to deal with, and it is present with Origins as well. By touching mirrors, players will take a trip over to the dark side of Silent Hill, and this is also where many of the nightmarish denizens of the game dwell. The vile nurses return to the series once again, and they aren’t alone as you’ll encounter monsters such as the remnant, Straight-Jacket (which looks similar to the Lying Figures seen in the second game), Carrion and the monstrosity known as Caliban as well as bosses. Travis will find a number of items that can be used as weapons, though over use of these can cause them to break, and there are handguns and other heavy weaponry that can be collected as well. Combat is done by selecting item either via the games sub-menu or by scrolling through your items with the D-pad. Once equipped you hold the right button to put yourself in a combat stance and then press X. Some enemies will try and get a little too close as well, but they can be fought off by pressing the X button when prompted. Travis will also find a number of healing items that can be used in the game, and like with nay Silent Hill, these quite important.

The sub-menu of Origins is again, just like the other games. You can access not only weaponry and accessories that you have found, but the notes that you’ve managed to find or your map, something that can also be opened by pressing the triangle button for fast access. Players will also have a flashlight to use, adding to the atmosphere of the game. You aren’t always required to use it, and while it can be a very helpful accessory, there are enemies who are attracted to it.

The lack of a second analog stick may seem as though it would pose some problems as far as controlling the camera, but that’s actually been resolved. The camera is very intuitive and follows your movements quite accurately, but if you want to center it on your movements, just press the L button and the view will once again be right behind you. Having played a number of games that featured some less than impressive camera controls, Silent Hill manages to outdo what the others have tried, but the problem is that you have no complete control over the camera which can often leave you trying to move around to try and get a better view of things from time to time.

But, is the same Silent Hill, just a little smaller really worth it? That is all in how you look at it. Origin certainly isn’t offering up anything new and exciting as far as the gameplay itself goes, and it does retain what many are familiar with. The game doesn’t try and fall into the Tomb Raider curse of simply adding one of two new moves, but too many changes can be even worse. Another Silent Hill that we have yet to see in North America is Silent Hill: The Arcade, a stand up version that plays more like House of the Dead instead of the Silent Hill we all know, and many Japanese gamers weren’t pleased with this approach, instead preferring the psychological aspect of the game instead of an action packed game filled with carnage.

Silent Hill Origins does look great on the PSP. It may not be up to par with what is seen in the PlayStation 2 titles, but it’s definitely beyond what the original Silent Hill had to offer. There are some very great, and often atmospheric, lighting effects, especially with the use of the flashlight, that can make the stages very creepy. Familiar locations like the hospital are faithfully recreated, though as this is the beginnings of the tale, it isn’t in quite such a state of disrepair, at least not until you make a trip to the reverse side, and the effect that accompanies this transition is very simple and yet very effective. The monstrous figures lurking in Silent Hill are also one of the high points and are done in the same mortifying fashion.

The addition of the grapple I can’t say is enough to make huge changes in the Silent Hill series, but Origins isn’t too far outside of the norm for the series. If this is your first introduction to the series, it really is a great starting point, though it also leaves a seven year gap in-between this game and the first Silent Hill that I’m sure will be filled in with something in the future. Those who have been following the series from quite a while may not find this to be a huge leap in gameplay, but it does help to further the story and I think ultimately, that’s what we’ve all been looking for. Just remember though, Konami isn’t going to be held accountable for dropped PSP’s, so hang onto it tightly while trying to find out what lurks just around that next, dark corner.
 

-mike-