Customer Reviews

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I thought I'd write a review of Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (which I ordered from Amazon) to balance out the few bad reviews that were being written.

First off, it's a good game. It deserves a good review.

Second, it has NO load times. Apparently, Nintendo is good at this sort of thing. It's always fun opening up a door without having to wait for a load screen to get done. And it's really cool to see Harry's hand on the doorknob pulling or pushing open the door. Real-time transformation from normal Silent Hill to Nightmare Silent Hill is horror movie quality stuff.

Third, gorgeous graphics. Now, the thing is, a lot of people say that graphics are how you can tell a lot of love went into a game, and that's just NOT true. However, when gorgeous graphics ACCOMPANY gorgeous gameplay, that's when you can say "Wow, a lot of love went into making this game." And, yes, a lot of love went into making this game.

Finally, unique story and subplots. It kind of reminds me of Clock Tower. Lots of little stories involving several different people. Little scary stories. Think of it like this: if those newspaper clippings from all the other Silent Hill games could TALK and actually tell you their stories... what would it sound like, what would it be like? There is also the one big main story, which is great too, but I liked the smaller stories because they were a whole lot creepier.

Buy. This. Game. Period.

***UPDATE*** December 26, 2009

Those bad reviewers that I spoke of are now starting to rate the helpfulness of the good reviews, in an attempt to bring down the helpfulness ratings. Don't be fooled -- Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, for the Wii at least, is survival horror bliss.

Given this is Silent Hill and that I'm a pansy when it comes to anything in the horror genre I was expecting to be playing this from perching over the back of the couch, ready to grab one of my fluffy dogs and duck down at the first sign of eldritch abominations and hallways made of meat.

Turns out I didn't have to do that, and, really, this game may be better off for it.

Honestly, I'm not sure this game was meant to be frightening at all. I found the chases to be very tense, though that was mostly because of that lovely Wiimote totally spinning you around when you're shoving those meatbags off you. "ALL RIGHT, SHOOK IT OFF!! ...okay, what direction was I facing again? Oh bugger." Tense, very annoying when it caused you to be subject to the meatbags' erm... disquieting way of finishing you off. But definitely not scary.

My personal opinion is that the game was meant to be unsettling. The messages you receive? Unsettling. The static ghosts? Unsettling. That little nagging thought in your head that... no... no the game can't be about THAT. Definitely unsettling. And the big reveal at the end? OH GOD YES that was UNSETTLING.

As a horror game I have to admit that Shattered Memories fails. As a game that explores the psyche in ways that make you uncomfy I believe it succeeds admirably. In that way it truly is a Silent Hill game, because that knot in the pit of your stomach? It ain't from fear. It's from being mercilessly shoved outside of your comfort zone. And that is FANTASTIC and what I believe Silent Hill has always been best at.

Don't buy this game for shock terrors and cheap thrills. Buy it for that whisper in the back of your head that as you're playing tells you that something isn't quite right here...

I can't wait to start a new game.

As a person who has played most of the popular survival horror games over the last 10 or so years, (Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Penumbra, Fatal Frame) I can say without a doubt that this game is exactly what I've been looking for in a survival horror game. The atmosphere of Silent Hill is creepy, and the Nightmare parts are heart-poundingly scary, mainly because you have to run from the monsters, you cannot fight or kill them.

This game, as with Silent Hill 2 back in the day, is about putting you in the shoes of a realistic person, because really, if you were being chased by horrific (and surprisingly fast and smart) monsters, are you really going to stand your ground and fight them? And who's going to have a suitcase full of guns that they can magically find ammo for whenever they are low? (Keeping in mind that Harry, the main character is caught unaware about the monsters, I think with enough time to prepare, I'd make sure that I had a suitcase full of guns myself if I knew I was going to be in Silent Hill, haha.)

As for the game-play, I am very impressed by the Wii exclusive controls, such as the phone sounds coming out of the speaker in the wii-mote, and the ease of using the Wii-mote for the flashlight.

The graphics are what to be expected from a Wii game, they wouldn't be turning heads on the XBox 360 or the PS3, but it looks very good for a Wii game, one of the best so far in my opinion.

So essentially if you have been disapointed with the new horror games' style of run and gun action, and you have longed for the day you can play a game in the dark at night, and have trouble sleeping when your're done, pick up Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, you'll be glad you did.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is NOT a remake of the original Silent Hill on the PlayStation. This is a "re-imagining" which changes up many of the established mechanics and design elements of the series. The only relation it has to Silent Hill on the PlayStation is the title, the city's name, and the main characters. Apart from that, the only common element is Horror. Having said that, I loved the game!

There are no weapons or combat in SH: SM. When you do enter a hostile situation, your only option is to run and throw off any attackers that try to take you down. Puzzles take advantage of the Wii's motion controls and the Wiimote's speaker is used to great effect through the in-game cell phone. IT is also not very long. The game can be completed in roughly 6-8 hours, though multiple endings, changes in dialog, locations available, and puzzles can change based on your choices. This is also one of the best looking games on the Wii. The animation and character lip syncing is incredibly well done.

This is an excellent horror title with a heavy focus on story, puzzles, and a chilling atmosphere. This information should help you to know what to expect and you'll find a highly engaging and incredibly well told story based on your personal psychological profile.

I don't write reviews often, but Shattered Memories has left me with such an impression that I believe it to be one of the most emotional engaging games I've ever played.

I finally finished the game, and in my honest opinion, this is a MUST BUY for every Wii owner, or at least people who like Survival Horrors or games with exploration.

First of all, the length. The game may not be too long as some people finished it in a few hours, but if you're like me and like to explore every level, look every picture, book, or any small detail, then it will take you like 8 hours at least, not taking into account the replay value which is a must here. Me? It took me about 11 hrs.

Just after finishing it I started again and already see different things. Harry was more "secure" of himself, the cop was different (the first time was rude, then nice), and other things like a hut that was full of dead animals the first time and the second only a dead bear.... I really don't know why those events changed but it'll be fun to discover it. For curiosity I started a new profile, and surprise surprise! Once again things were different than before, I got the sexy cop and instead of meeting her at the restaurant I went to the bar and met someone else.

Small details like this give it a lot of replay value, and I'm not taking into account the Mementos, ghosts, etc I didn't find the first time... and a new unlockable thing you can look for... which I won't mention here :)

Speaking of the ending, this is the first Silent Hill I ever finish, so I didn't expected that at the end. I loved the ending, it was like... WTF!!!!! I don't know if I got the good one or what, I don't think so, but right now I can't imagine how much different it can be.

Anyway, the story in general is fantastic.

Graphics and music are great, some of the best graphics on Wii and the music is calm and atmospheric. It also makes a lot of use of Wii Remote speaker and it's really a cool detail. Voice acting is great and very well done.

The controls were almost perfect, the flashlight works fantastic. In the puzzles the motion controls work well for the most part with the exception of one or two. What about the nightmare scenes? I think the controls work really well, but you have to do the motions correctly. Don't shake like crazy, if you have someone at your back just move the controls in the desire direction. I found that when you're injured it's harder to get free from the enemies and must repeat the motion, but this is more of a design than a flaw in the controls. Overall I found them to work must of the time.

There's been some people that didn't like the nightmare scenes because you just run away. I think that is precisely what makes them cool and frightening.... oh and by the way! There can be a bit of stealth too! Not only can you hide in places, but you can turn off your flashlight and stop running so the enemies won't find you so easily.... of course this just works for a while but is a nice detail I found in my second playthrough (and after reading the manual )

On the negative side, the only things I didn't like much is that most puzzles are very easy, I would had liked more motion stuff, and when you're in the normal world there's no much scary things. You find the ocassionaly ghost, sounds, shadows... but I'd like more of them.



All in all, I think this is the third party game we've been waiting for. Great graphics, music, controls, story, replay value and some innovative things. Even if there are other third party games that are really cool, I think Silent Hill is one step above them all, and sits right there with the best Nintendo titles on Wii.

When things change like music (bands changing their style), or video games (bad sequels never living up to the original), I usually am not pleased with it. I fear change in a big way when it comes to these kinds of things, but SH: Shattered Memories proves that change isn't always a bad thing.

I've enjoyed every Silent Hill game for the most part, but Silent Hill 3 and up didn't really live up to what I had hoped for, although I have played them and liked them all. This game really surprised me and I definitely underestimated how good it would be.

#1. The wii controls with the remote and nunchuk are flawless. I was afraid it would be all glitchy with an awkward feel, but they did a great job making them feel very comfortable and fluid.

#2. Storyline is great, and it really makes you want to finish the game in one sitting.

#3. Interacting with objects and obtaining items is neat with the wii mote and nunchuk

#4. Very dark throughout with only your flashlight and an eery, dark feeling atmosphere is always a plus for any survival horror title.

#5. The 'escape' method during the nightmare scenes proves to be much more tense over the standing and fighting in the previous games.

#6. Graphics are great for the Wii and all you'd need or want in a Silent Hill game.

#7. Voice acting is top notch and in no way cheesy.

#8. The nightmare scenes involve ice freezing over everything in sight, I like this approach over the same worn out 'rotten' look.

#9. Being brought back to Dr.K's office for a psychiatrist session after each tense nightmare is great and it draws you in even more.

#10. Implementing the cell phone feature was done very well and made checking your inventory of messages and things a lot less hassle.

The ONLY thing the game could've used is maybe a little more variety in the kinds of creatures you face in the nightmares. This is really not that big of a deal since they look fine and scare you pretty good sometimes, and you're running away trying to escape anyway. I wouldn't even call it a complaint though. If you're a fan of Silent Hill I HIGHLY recommend you pick this up. It does run a bit short, but it's a guaranteed good time for you horror fanatics.

Lets face it, when it comes to the silent hill games, you can't top the 2nd one. SHSM does something different, so different it could have been a stand alone game. You spend most of the game exploring the environment searching for clues, getting from point A to B, solving puzzles etc. The game watches EVERY move you make. So if you're looking a a poster with bikini girls, the next person you meet might be wearing and acting different if you hadn't looked at the poster. This also effects the creatures in the game as well. When it comes down to it, it creates your own personal nightmare.

Now is the game scary? Well, sorta. I won't spoil anything here, but all I'll say is it creates a creepy atmosphere and sets you up for some scary moments. It scares you in a very different way then the past games.

Also the game has NO COMBAT. Instead you are forces to run away from face creatures who won't stop at anything to catch you. The animations and camera work on Harry when he is being chases are amazing. It makes you feel like you're in a horror movie. When they do grab you, you shake the remote in the direction they're on you. For example, if one is on your left side, you shake the remote to the left and he will knock them off. During these parts, your character leaps over chasms, jumps over fences, climbs under tables, and does it all in such a frantic and panic manner. It looks great and its a blast to play.

Also a little hint, at the start of each nightmare sequence, check your gps and look for the goal so you know which direction to go. This will save you a lot of time running around looking for the exit.

The game looks great. Probably the best yet on the wii. The motion controls are implemented very well and everything you do feels very natural.

If you have a wii, you owe it to yourself to get this game.

I wasn't annoyed by the wii movemnt system. I don't play survivle games much. My boyfriend does, but this was one of the first that I enjoyed playing because it simulates what I would do in real ife. RUN!!! this elemnt is uniqe and your not the big bad guy with awesome (impossible to carry) weapons. It gives you the feeling of panick as things start chaising you like a mofo!(I mean, it's just hilaririous how jacked up you get! "run this way! run that way! Ah! shake them off AHHH there's another one!!!" haha then ya get all pissed off but then play again. lol it's great) And personally, I love little puzzles, story lines, and detective work that you do on the game. Tyring to put together a story with what info they give ya. The psychologgical part was awesome too. Overall, it was great game. I usually don't stay up late with video games, but I stayed up with this one. ^__^ enjoy the game!

I've been a huge fan of the Silent Hill games silnce the first in came out for Playstation back in 99'.
I have played almost every Silent Hill game since then, but to be honet the last few installments kind of left me shaking my head, as I watches my favorite franchise circle the drain. Now the they released Shattered Memories I couldn't be happier, It's a re-imgaining of the Fist SH story with great graphics and every thing I come to love about the Silent Hill Series! and it's been a real blast playing it on the Wii. a great atmoshpere, awsome soundtrack, kick but controls. this is the best Silent Hill game since Silen hill 2! Take it from a long time fan, you own it yourself to try this game, you won't be dissapointed.. I wasn't.

I have been obsessed since purchasing the very first Silent Hill for playstation on a whim. This game, the first Silent Hill available for the Wii platform, did not disappoint. It is a re imagining of the first one. Besides the character names being the same, it is a totally different game. The game is suspenseful and really sets the mood for the player to be surprised at every turn. I don't normally 'jump' when things suddenly happen in games or movies, but with this game I have jumped a few times. I love the game play. In the game there is two worlds. A normal world, and an ice world. During the normal world you walk around using your GPS and try to piece the story together. At certain points during the game it will suddenly turn to ice. That is the only time you encounter monsters. The neat thing is in this game you don't fight back, which is even scarier than normal games. You are actually helpless against them! Using the wii mote and nun chuck your only option is to run and if a monster attacks you, you have to push them off and keep running. Rarely frustrating, its actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it, BUT the element of fear remains with you time after time. The controls could be a bit better though as some times they don't respond the way I would like them to, but since this game is the first of its kind for the wii, I can't really complain. What I really love about this game is how interactive everything is. From the first 'deadbolt' you remove from a door in the game, you will know what i mean. The graphics are amazing. The details are awesome. and the game is definitely amazing and awesome. Even though the game is a bit short for some (around 7 -8 Hours the first time through) I thought it was a good length because it is a game you need to play more than once. It psychologically profiles you as you play. Every so often it takes you back to your psychiatrists office where he asks you information that determines how things change in the game. It is awesome! I have beaten it 3 times so far and chose different answers each time and ended up with a whole different ending. I don't know yet how many there are total. I highly recommend this game to anyone (17 years and older. this game is NOT for children) looking to play a real survival horror game. It is easily now my favorite game for the wii platform and I can see me playing it time and time again.