Although Silent Hill: Origins reveals fewer secrets than implied, it is nonetheless an original and engaging addition, true to the series.
Although the movie adaptation took several liberties with the original storyline, Silent Hill: Origins puts it right back where it started. Graphics vary throughout the game from “okay” to “wow” and plays well on the PSP platform. Music and sound by Akira Yamaoka and Joe Romersa offer a chilling and melancholy ambience. Grappling with enemies is often frustrating and Travis tires easily. The game makes up for it with a plethora of improvised weapons, however, ranging from the practical to the amusing. Puzzles are just challenging enough to be satisfying. Promises of “mysterious secrets” fail to deliver for anyone who is the slightest bit keen to the series, but it does offer new ideas and character development for some familiar faces. Graphic violence and gore may make this game unsuitable for children or the faint of heart.
Seven years before Harry Mason loses his daughter in Silent Hill, a truck driver named Travis Grady decides to take a short cut and gets more than he bargained for. Travis lost both parents at a young age, but doesn’t remember how or why it happened. He would put it all behind him, but Travis is plagued by nightmares that he can’t remember, either. These inner demons weigh him down both mentally and physically…and have made him lonely. Seeking to help a young girl from certain death, Travis accidentally stumbles upon a plot more evil than he could have imagined. Through rich back story and heart-pounding moments, Silent Hill: Origins takes us to locals both familiar and new; and all the while, we learn why Travis is the only one who can uncover the truth.
Dark Reflections
Silent Hill: Origins offers something that no other game in the franchise has – the ability to move freely between foggy and dark Silent Hill dimensions. Travis learns that he can travel back and forth to the Other World through mirrors – and the player must strategically do so in order to solve puzzles and reach objectives. In this way, the act of traversing different locations is a puzzle in itself. Although this new element is fresh and makes sense with this particular story, many conservative fans may find it disappointing. After all, the town is notorious for toying with the main character, and a sense of control may take away from that experience.
Fight or Flight
Controls are basically the same as in previous installments, so you can jump right in without much instruction if you’re familiar with the Playstation. One noticeable change is the need to grapple with certain opponents by tapping the correct button at the correct time. I found this new element far more annoying than the mirror trick, personally, but after a while I got the hang of it. Travis does lose steam fairly quickly when you’re running, screeching like a school girl through the fog, but energy drinks provide a quick boost of stamina – enough to scream to safety, ha ha.
Don’t Make Me Use This Toaster
Throughout the game, Travis encounters many items that can be used as improvised weapons. By some miracle, he can carry as many as you can find; even drip stands, and all can be cycled through and selected for easy use. The zombie apocalypse lover in me appreciates the ability to think fast, grab an item and defend myself at will, as opposed to limiting my character to firearms and scarce ammunition. This is another feature unique to the series thus far.
Taking in the Sights
Although not as sharp and detailed as in some previous installments, the graphics in Origins do not disappoint. From foggy streets to abandoned buildings, the ambience of each location is well-designed and masterfully presented. Most cut scenes are of the same graphical quality as regular game play, but a few are stunningly detailed, which I found confusing – as there doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason for the difference.
I Heard the Sirens Singing
Renowned composer and sound designer, Akira Yamaoka returns to continue the series’ traditional ambient noise and music. Joe Romersa, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter who produced and sang on soundtracks for Silent Hills 3 & 4, returns as well. He told this Girl Gamer that he got to write all the lyrics for Origins, and thoroughly enjoyed the process. Almost immediately, the theme of the game becomes apparent through music; the sultry voice of Mary Elizabeth-McGlynn sings, “Does the darkness know your name?”
Secrets Revealed – Sort Of
Silent Hill: Origins promises to reveal mysteries about the town’s evil origins. Instead, it reveals secrets about Travis Grady’s past and merely expands (ever so slightly) on the original Alessa storyline. The two stories do not interconnect, but his back story does explain why the town chose him for this task, if you pay close attention. As with the entire series, the story unfolds very slow and methodically, and your path is often blocked by obstacles, puzzles and various foes. I found the Alessa “secrets” to be less than shocking, but Travis’ story was heartfelt and original.
Conclusion
Silent Hill: Origins marks the first time that “Team Silent” has entrusted the franchise to someone else, and the fans were understandably apprehensive. Although the movie adaptation took several liberties with the original story line, Climax puts it right back where it started. For conservative fans, the story line should be restored to its original glory. However, the ability to move freely between foggy Silent Hill and the Other World may prove disappointing for some. Versatility in weaponry makes for some interesting battles, and this Girl Gamer has been known to hunt zombie nurses down with night vision goggles and a toaster. This original story sets itself apart from previous installments in many ways, and the ability to take the game with you on the PSP will hopefully become a trend for this series.
