A Missed Opportunity
Playstation fans were eagerly anticipating the State of Play showcase, hoping for more details about Silent Hill 2. While they did get a glimpse of the highly anticipated game, they were also treated to a surprise release of Silent Hill: The Short Message.
Short on Scares
Despite its title, Silent Hill: The Short Message fails to deliver the scares that horror game enthusiasts crave. Clocking in at under three hours, the game attempts to weave a plot through text messages and FMV clips, but falls short in creating a truly terrifying experience.
Heavy-Handed Execution
One of the biggest issues with The Short Message is its heavy-handed approach to sensitive topics such as depression, self-harm, and bullying. The game's depiction of these issues comes off as clichéd and lacks the nuanced portrayal that would make them truly unsettling.
Repetitive and Frustrating
The gameplay in The Short Message is marred by repetitive chase sequences and trial-and-error gameplay. Getting caught by the monster means being sent back to a previous point, leading to a frustrating and never-ending loop of repetition.
A Lack of Depth
Unfortunately, The Short Message lacks the depth and subtlety that would make it truly frightening. While players are given extensive details about the characters' personal lives, the game fails to create a sense of genuine fear or unease.
A Disappointing Addition to the Silent Hill Franchise
Overall, Silent Hill: The Short Message falls short of expectations and fails to live up to the legacy of the Silent Hill franchise. Fans of horror games will likely be left wanting more from this lackluster release.
If you're interested in more gaming reviews, make sure to check out our Persona 3 Reload review.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
