Silent Hill Discussion [Archive] - Page 8

ifirit

05-26-2006, 09:16 PM

Just wanted to make a quick update before heading off to PLAY! A Video Game Symphony (http://www.play-symphony.com) in Chicago. I'm getting the opportunity to meet Akira Yamaoka and there are countless questions that I've been wanting to ask him. (I'll post my questions and his responses here after I get back.)

Anyway, ...

Silent Hill: Bridge of Thread Update:
Site Update and Additional Pages Posted:
I just wanted to let you guys know that new pages have been added to the fan-fic comic based on the Silent Hill series. The comic stars David Garrett who becomes lost in Old Silent Hill after an evening out with his boyfriend that goes terribly wrong. Lead by his memories and by a drive to find his friend, David searches the abandoned town for answers that can heal his pain.

The highlight on this topic is that it uses computer animation and drawing to create the comic, which gives it a much closer feel to the game series, while still giving the appearance of a comic. There are lots of things that give this comic appeal, all of which make it definitely something you should check out.

Silent Hill: Bridge of Thread - Main Page (http://silenthill.chaobell.net/)
Silent Hill: Bridge of Thread - Archives Page (http://silenthill.chaobell.net/archive.html)

There's a couple of other things that I wanted to post, including some additional information and details about the upcoming Silent Hill 0rigins (http://www.konami.com/gs/gameinfo.php?id=194), but maybe I'll let Razumen tell you about that. (For those who watched the trailer, this marks the first official reprise of "Not Tomorrow" in an official Konami work, which is also the first game trailer to not feature original music for the game. Hmmm...)

Oh, before I forget, Konamistyle of America has re-released certain (http://www.konamistyle.com/b2c_kden/b2c/menuHandling.do?query=110799550000) T-shirt (http://www.konamistyle.com/b2c_kden/b2c/menuHandling.do?query=110799580000) designs (http://www.konamistyle.com/b2c_kden/b2c/menuHandling.do?query=110799620000) from Silent Hill 3 available for the first time in the US. Order one before supplies run out.

EDIT:
Akira Yamaoka/Silent Hill Live Performance Update:
PLAY! A Video Game Symphony Concludes Premiere Performance and Interview with Akira Yamaoka:
Well, having returned from PLAY! this weekend, I have to say that that was an experience to be had and as Mary once said, "We had [a] wonderful [time] together and I wouldn't trade it for the world." The concert was terrific and the meet-&-greet, though incredibly long waited for, was the most exciting part for me for reasons I will explain below. You can read up on the event in a post (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2432078#2432078) in the PLAY! Thread (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=79562&start=120&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=) made by SleazyC (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=6669), who put everything in a good context. (If I had known I was going to be seated so close to so many people, I would have made an effort to meet more of them. Also, StarZander is going to hate me forever, but I sat directly behind Koji Kondo and spoke with him briefly, congradulating him on his performance and giving him additional words of praise and fandom.)

So, let's focus on the parts that are revelent for this thread: Akira Yamaoka. First off, the performance he gave was exceptional. As expected, the Chicago Poplands Orchestra performed accompaniment to Akira Yamaoka has he performed "Theme of Laura" from Silent Hill 2. The piece was rearranged for orchestra and Akira performed all the lead guitar parts with an additional guitar accompanist. Above the stage were three monitors which showed FMVs from Silent Hill 2 during the performance (with no credit to Takayoshi Sato or SatoWorks, thank you very much). In general, the performance was simply driving, expressive and much more of a rock performance than an orchestral one. The entire audience, especially myself, exploded in cheering and clapping as Yamaoka-san picked up the main melody. It appears that all the rumors about Akira Yamaoka having a rock-star mentality were true as he broke out into the first solo and then enticing the audience to cheer and "make some noise" has he continued to play. The biggest surprise of the performance was that he also played a section of the "lost solo" from "Theme of Laura" that appeared in the first Tokyo Game Show trailer for SH2, yet did not appear on the Original Soundtrack. I cheered extra hard at that. All in all, the performance was astounding and noone in the audience did not feel the excitement. Although, the concert as a whole was very exciting and memorable as well as skillfully performed and executed, I feel that that performance was one of the greatest highlights of the concert.

Second, as part of the show, a full color booklet was available for $20 acting as the program for the symphony. The booklet contained information on each composer present at the concert with additional information on the game and musical selection for the concert. The section on Akira Yamaoka was to two-page spread showing images from Silent Hill 2 (all previously released) which talked about his compositional history at Konami and a small bit about the Silent Hill series. (The entire biography was about a paragraph long.) Although, I didn't purchase a program, as I had quite conveniently forgotten to bring cash or my ATM card with me, I did borrow my neighbor's for a short time. (A very nice guy for doing that for me.) The images that are most prominent are: James looking at the mirror at the Rest Stop, Angela from the opening FMV, Brookhaven Nurse (aka Bubblehead Nurse) concept CG image, Creeper (SH2 version) concept drawing, the Red Pyramid Thing concept CG image, and the FMV image from the prison cell between James and Maria. (If I can come across an image of the program, I post it here for archiving.

Lastly and most importantly, the meet-&-greet session with Akira Yamaoka. Unfortunately, I was towards the end of the line (about 50 people from the end), so by the time I reached the table to meet the composers, it was well after 1am, so both parties involved were very tired and eager to get some rest. As such, the questions were limited to only recent works and the responses were very brief. My apologies to you and to myself for not showing enough tenacity to ask everything that I wanted to. However, despite that, I still feel the interview was enjoyable, because, I made Akira Yamaoka smile and draw attention to me simply by wearing my Silent Hill (film) T-shirt.

At first glance, though I had been watching him the whole time as I was progressing down the line, he notices my T-shirt and begins pointing and smiling at it as though that were the first time he has seen a fan wear one. He begins speaking in Japanese and even nudges over to Yasunori Mitsuda to look, who does in interest. Needless to say, I was completely enamored. He begins:

Akira Yamaoka: Ahh, Silent Hill! You like [that] movie?

ifirit: Yes, I absolutely loved the movie. I loved what Gans had done to the original story.

Did you really like what he did with the film as you've said in interviews?

Akira Yamaoka: Uh-huh.

ifirit: The film featured some really great adaptations of the music, if you had the chance would you be willing to work on a sequel?

Akira Yamaoka: No, I wouldn't want to work on it.

ifirit: Really?!

Akira Yamaoka: Yeah.

ifirit: You had a really great performance on stage, do you like doing that type of performance?

Akira Yamaoka: Yeah, I do.

ifirit: Are you going to be doing anything else like that soon?

Akira Yamaoka: No, I don't intend to.

ifirit: Lastly, are you currently working on Silent Hill 0rigins?

Akira Yamaoka: Yes, I am.

ifirit: Could you give me a sample?

Akira Yamaoka: No, I'm sorry I can't.

ifirit: Well, thank you anyway. And thank you for taking the time to speak with me and to meet with everyone.

Akira Yamaoka: You're welcome.

Short and bitter-sweet. Still, I am completely excited that I had the chance to meet and speak with the composer and (present) executive producer of the Silent Hill series. I'm even glad that he shook my hand, something I was not expecting him to do at all. Just the fact that I was able to make Akira Yamaoka smile and get Yasunori Mitsuda to take notice of me makes my head spin.

In addition, Michael Salvatori also commented on my shirt and talked to me about how he had seen the film, never played the series, but still enjoyed the movie despite. He asked me to explain a little bit, but I was so nervous that the co-composer for Halo was asking ME about it that I stuttered and stumbled my way through my thoughts, leaving what I'm sure was a rather poor impression. (*sigh*)

I'll post some pictures and other stuff soon, but you can go ahead and see some of them in the PLAY! Thread (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2432078#2432078). (Too bad I couldn't find Nulion at the concert.)

EDIT 2:
Silent Hill 0rigins Update:
Meristation Interview with William Oertel, Producer for Silent Hill 0rigins (Translated):
An interview conducted by an online Spanish gaming magazine, Meristation, at the past E3 convention with William Oertel was posted on Friday, May 12, 2006. The interview was available only in Spanish and has not appeared in any other publications to date (likely because MGS is stealing all of the thunder away from Konami). Anyway, I've translated the article for you guys, as best I could.

Meristation.com - [E3] Entrevista a William Oertel, productor de SH: Origins (http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_articulo.php?pic=GEN&id=cw4464a700775a3&idj=)

[E3] Interview with William Oertel, Producer for Silent Hill 0rigins

The terror will take us back to the evil town. We spoke with William Oertel, producer for the new arrival on the PSP from Silent Hill, who revealed to us lots of things that as of now are unreleased. [The game] uncovers all the origins about Silent Hill...
-----------------------------------
By: Albert Gil Morera

During the current E3, we were given the opportunity to interview William Oertel, producer for Silent Hill 0rigins, who has given us the initial information referring to the premiere [title] in the saga on the Sony portable.

Meristation: Is Team Silent behind this Silent Hill 0rigins?

William Oertel: The game is not directly being developed by Team Silent, since it is being developed in Los Angeles, but I can assure you Akira Yamaoka's team is supervising the evolution of the game.

Meristation: And how is the music? Is Akira Yamaoka the composer for the soundtrack?

William Oertel: Yes, in fact, Akira has actually already composed themes for the game.

Meristation: The first rumors aimed at Silent Hill for the PSP were of a remake of the first game, for the PSone. Why did you finally opt for a prequel for the series?

William Oertel: While the intention was to transfer the first game to the PSP, we saw that we had to change many things: controls, cameras, graphics... the result that we wanted barely seemed anything like what we left with. Besides, it made no sense to tell a history that the whole world already knew, so this motivated our decision to create a prequel to the series, to understand more details that happened in Silent Hill.

Meristation: Does it have any relationship to the film?

William Oertel: Not directly. The game will be a prequel to "Silent Hill [1]," so a large part of the winks* will be from the first title. Nevertheless, we will also include references to the other three titles in the series.

Meristation: How is the playability? What changes were made to make the gameplay separate from the previous games?

William Oertel: Silent Hill 0rigins will be quite different from the other games, although always respecting the basic pilliars [of gameplay] from the series. The control, that has been obsolete from the previous titles, has experienced a complete make-over, being a lot more intuitive and simple. The camera is placed just behind the person, in a way very similar to Resident Evil 4. Otherwise, as the player will see, despite the changes it will be an authentic Silent Hill.

Meristation: Will we visit familiar places in Silent Hill?

William Oertel: Yes, in fact we have sufficiently advanced the designs for the hospital and other sites that have already appeared in the previous Silent Hill [games].

Meristation: When will the game arrive?

William Oertel: At the beginning of the next year, if no last minute delays arise.

Meristation: Is there a possibility that we will see the game converted for the PS2 or another platform in the furture?

Wiliiam Oertel: Hmmm... the truth is that I had not planned it, but if the game succeeds well financially, it's not a possibility to rule out. Anything's possible.

Meristation: Finally, can you tell us anything about Silent Hill 5?

William Oertel: Haha, would you believe that you are the first one to ask me that? I'm very sorry, I'm not permitted to say anything at the moment, although I can confirm that this Silent Hill 0rigins is the first of many other news that have been prepared for the future. (*laughs*)

Meristation: I understand... Well, that is all for the moment, thank you very much for assisting us, and [good] luck with the development of the game!

William Oertel: Many thanks to you, and I hope to see you again soon!
Apparently, SH0 is being produced independently from Team Silent and will not include any active development role other than supervising the direction that the American team takes it. This can be either good or bad news depending on those involved, particularly Scott Ciencin, writer for the Silent Hill comic series, known for descimating the series' reputation by reducing it to simple elements of gore and foul language.

As previously confirmed by other gaming news networks, Akira Yamaoka is working on the musical soundtrack for the game, however no indication was given on sound effects, voice-over sessions or ambient music. I expect that Konami Digital Entertainment of America's team will be handling these seemingly minor affairs. No indication if Zero Limit Productions will be providing voice talent for this game either. (I really hope that they can bring back Liz Mamorsky and Jarion Monroe for this game.)

StarZander

06-02-2006, 12:43 PM

Bump, for ifirit's sake.

Aetherius

06-02-2006, 01:37 PM

Hmm, despite the fact that Yamaoka said he liked the film, he doesn't want to work on a sequel...sounds like he didn't like SOMEthing about the production.

RazorOutlaw

06-03-2006, 09:36 PM

I was wondering about something, ifirit. Have you ever found any conceptual art from the Silent Hill movie?

BocoDragon

06-03-2006, 09:43 PM

My apologies to you and to myself for not showing enough tenacity to ask everything that I wanted to. However, despite that, I still feel the interview was enjoyable, because, I made Akira Yamaoka smile and draw attention to me simply by wearing my Silent Hill (film) T-shirt.

At first glance, though I had been watching him the whole time as I was progressing down the line, he notices my T-shirt and begins pointing and smiling at it as though that were the first time he has seen a fan wear one. He begins speaking in Japanese and even nudges over to Yasunori Mitsuda to look, who does in interest. Needless to say, I was completely enamored.
8O

Razumen

06-04-2006, 04:26 AM

I wish I had heard about Play earlier, as it sounds like none of the following showing will be quite as good as the first one.

Hopefully they'll produce a DVD or something later... :cry:

Parjay

06-20-2006, 06:02 PM

Wow, I'm glad you got to meet him Ifrit, if there was ever a fan that should it would be you.

ifirit

06-20-2006, 07:00 PM

I was wondering about something, ifirit. Have you ever found any conceptual art from the Silent Hill movie?
Unfortunately, at the moment there is no official pre-production work available, which includes concept art and designs. According to my information, gathered from interviews, articles, journals and other sources, it seems that Gans conceptualized the entire visual aspect of the film solely from memory and his vision. This means that he gathered all the necessary team members, artists and staff based on their ability to follow his direction, meaning that he had no visual aids to guide his vision or to use as a basis for the other artists to follow. Even some of the artists themselves were at times confused about what to create due to the lack of references, as one member of the CG team sought out help from fans to provide visual references to create what Gans kept refusing as an incorrect design.

However, I did say "at the moment." Although Gans himself did not create any visual references or aids for the film, the artisans underneath him did. Patrick Tatopoulos created many concept designs to verify with Gans on the look of the monsters, which he often does for many of his films and projects. Wendy Partirdge also has designs created before the final look of Rose's clothing was set. Of course as you remember, Rose had over 100 costume changes throughout the entire film.

Patrick Tatopoulos (http://www.tatopoulosstudios.net/) currently maintains two websites for his projects (http://www.tatopoulos.net/start.html) and his company (http://www.tatopoulosstudios.net/mainpage.html). He uses the company website to display finalized versions of his work as his portfolio and as a measure of what his team is capable of. His personal site displays all of his work, not just from his company, which includes concept art, progression reports and other pre-production materials. He has only recently gotten around to posting his work from Underworld: Evolution (his previous film), so it may take some time before he posts anything from Silent Hill. Check out the sites periodically to see when Patrick Tatopoulos posts his concepts.

Unfortunately, I cannot find a personal website for Wendy Partridge, so I cannot determine whether or not she has posted her concepts from the film. If I do find anything, I will inform you guys. In the meantime, feel free to check out this interview (http://www.deathfall.com/feature.php?op=showcontent&id=59&page=1) (Warning: Link contains Film Spoilers) with Evan Jacobs (http://www.evanjacobs.com/), visual effects supervisor for Silent Hill and supervisor for Mr. X Inc. (http://www.mrxfx.com/home.html) visual effects studio. These sites are also behind on posting their latest works on their sites, so don't expect anything soon on Silent Hill. The interview, however, shows some behind the scenes material of the film before and after CG effects and visuals. The interview, posted on Deathfall (http://www.deathfall.com) talks about the process that went into the development of the atmosphere and background design from the technical end. What's most interesting about the article is that it shows a side-by-side comparison of before and after CG effects footage of the film.

You can also check on the other two visual effects production companies that worked on Silent Hill (C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures (http://www.coredp.com/default.asp) in Canada and BUF (http://www.buf.fr/) visual studios in France) in the future to see production material from the film, but I wouldn't expect to see anything in the near future. Don't worry, I'll keep you guys posted if anything comes up.

Until then you guys can check out from fan-created pre-production materials, courtesy of the members of the Silent Hill Forum (http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk).

Silent Hill Fan-created Storyboards (http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=21437)
Silent Hill Fan-created DVD cover (http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=23975)
Silent Hill Fan-created Red Pyramid Statuette (http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=26659)
Silent Hill Fan-created Grey Child Statuette (http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=26716)
Silent Hill Fan-created Red Pyramid PEZ dispensers (http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=25988) (Okay, this one has nothing to do with the actual film, but it was made in response to the idea of marketing schemes for the film.)

Silent Hill Film Update:
Silent Hill DVD Announced + Cover and Details:
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has finally announced the release date for the DVD, August 22, 2006. The film will be released in both wide-screen and full-screen formats both with 5.1 surround-sound audio. The DVDs will include a variety of special features, but no extended version. Retail price is expected to be $28.95. Blu-ray and UMD versions are also expected to be released. Check the thread linked below for additional details.

Silent Hill Forum - Official DVD Release! - Details + Cover Art (http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=27027)

EDIT: The article originally appeared on DVDActive.com (http://www.dvdactive.com) and has included all the details including news about the Blu-ray version, which is also set to be released on August 22, 2006 for $38.95. (A little high for a movie disc, if you ask me, but I suppose not terrible considering that the technology is still in its infancy.) The official special features to be added to the DVD and Blu-ray versions include:

- Audio Director Commentary
- English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround-Sound Audio
- Deleted & Extended Scenes
- Featurettes: 6 Part Production Diary++ Silent Hill Origins
++ Casting Silent Hill
++ Building Silent Hill
++ Stars and Stunts
++ Constructing the Creepy Creatures from the Film
++ Creature Choreography
Please note that these are the initial reports, although many fans are expecting much more out of the special DVD release, there's only so much room that can fit onto a DVD and the film itself is going to take up a lot of room on it's own. If Sony truly plans to give fans everything that they ask for, I'll suggest that they release the film on a two-disc set (one for the feature and the other for the special features).

Still, the biggest change fans want right now is on the DVD cover art, which, by-the-way, has revived the Silent Hill poster contest among the fans for the DVD cover. So, if you feel that you've got a better idea for the DVD cover, feel free to post it here, or email it to Sony Pictures directly.

DVDActive.com - News - Releases - Silent Hill (US DVD R1 | BR R1) (http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/silent-hill.html)

Official Film Soundtrack Confirmed:
Despite the fact that Jeff Danna had previously announced that he was unsure about releasing an official soundtrack from the film, this month he has now confirmed that he will be releasing the official soundtrack later this year. Specific details about the soundtrack are unknown at this moment, but Jeff Danna has said that he will not be including all the tracks from the film, but only the most prominent ones. I'll have to retrace my sources, as I've lost them for the moment. But, we can all finally breathe easier knowning that there will be an official film soundtrack.

Silent Hill Premiere Report and Footage:
The premiere was quite a long time ago, but I finally found footage from that event. This video has been provided by GameTrailers.com hosted on YouTube.com. Enjoy.

GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill Premiere (http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=10168&type=wmv&pl=game) (.wmv file / 32.3 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill Premiere (http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=10168&type=mov&pl=game) (.mov file / 30.8 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill Premiere (http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=10168&type=mp4&pl=game) (.mp4 file / 18.4 MB)
YouTube - Silent Hill Premiere (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKqyFHSXrG4)

EDIT 2:
Horror.com - Exclusive Footage:
This article which was post on Horror.com (http://www.horror.com) on May 1, 2006 has somehow slipped out of the mainstream for a while. I'm surprised at this since the article includes video footage from the film's premiere along with a cast interview and 3 raw files of behind-the-scenes footage. Truly something that should have been on everyone's list of must-see events. (And, yes, I am aware that they caption Kim Coates' character as "Henry Townsend." It's a mistake on the production staff part, likely due to a misguided team member going off a rumor.) Anyway, enjoy this one, too.

Horror.com - Silent Hill - Exclusive Footage (http://www.horror.com/php/article-1225-1.html)

Aetherius

06-20-2006, 09:01 PM

guh. I don't want to have to wait ages before a special edition DVD comes out with things I actually want on it.

StarZander

06-21-2006, 08:02 AM

Oh yeah, I saw the movie last week, on the Swedish premiere. It was average. They could have made several things better, and I laughed at some things that probably wasn't meant to be laughed at, but it was still a very satisfactory game movie. Best one yet, imo.

I think they should have portayed Pyramid Head a bit more. Now he was just like any other monster, although more gruesome. When Rose was going down to see the demon, I though PH would be there. But no. When Alessa was going to kill all the churchpeople, I thought she would call out PH to do her dirtywork. But no. I thought we would get so see a bigger fight with PH. But no. I just wanted more PH.

I liked the way they ended the movie. It could have ended with them just driving into the mist, and then roll the credits, but when they were driving home, I suspected something was wrong, because of all the mist, so I kept hoping it wouldn't have a "happily ever after"-ending, with Rose and Sharon reuniting with Christopher. I liked what they did there, a lot.

Also, they skipped Samael completely, and set Alessa as the "God" instead of the mohter of God. They should have kept the original story on that part.

I'm pretty happy though, that they won't be making another film. They got everything they could out of the games, without ruining them.

wintermadness

06-21-2006, 09:23 AM

I'll have to buy the US DVD release. It won't be released here until late aug/early sep :( :(

The Instrument of GAWD

06-22-2006, 12:47 AM

It's 3 months later and it hit me today; the movie sucked. :cry:

UnforgivingEdges

06-22-2006, 12:52 AM

It's 3 months later and it hit me today; the movie sucked. :cry:

:whatevaa:

wintermadness

06-22-2006, 04:30 AM

Hopefully a soundtrack will be coming for this movie. I've got all SH soundtracks but a movie soundtrack would top off my SH CD collection ;)
Any news on this?

wintermadness

06-22-2006, 04:30 AM

Hopefully a soundtrack will be coming for this movie. I've got all SH soundtracks but a movie soundtrack would top off my SH CD collection ;)
Any news on this?

Aetherius

06-22-2006, 04:52 AM

ifirit

06-23-2006, 08:46 PM

Hopefully a soundtrack will be coming for this movie. I've got all SH soundtracks but a movie soundtrack would top off my SH CD collection ;)
Any news on this?

I wouldn't recommend buying it.
It'd be like buying a 'the worst of silent hill, in 5 different versions each, plus You're not here' album.

Or rather...you've already got the soundtrack, it's just spread across your 4 game OSTs. Don't waste your money.
That seems kinda harsh. I know that the selection may not have been the best in the world, but speaking for myself, found the remastered versions of the music to be refreshing, exciting and heartfelt. I know a number of people who would love to own a copy of the revised "Dance With Night Wind," "I'll Kill You" or "Magdalene."

Besides, who knows what's going to be included in the soundtrack itself. Are there going to be full versions of the revised tracks, or will they be editted to flow together, like the first OST. (Which by the way isn't really an original soundtrack, but is actually an arranged album, since direct comparisons with the ripped soundtrack, will show unnoticed variations and additional accompaniments. Hell, it even says that it's an arranged album in the linear notes themselves.) Will there be bonus tracks on the disc? Unreleased tunes? Live performances? Audio commentary? DVD-Rom extras? Music Videos? CD-only web-access to additional bonuses on the website? The number of possibilities and benefits to owning the CD are astounding and heart-provoking. Just thinking about it makes me excited.

Warning: Silent Hill Spoilers
Also, they skipped Samael (EDIT: Incubus) completely, and set Alessa as the "God" instead of the mother of God. They should have kept the original story on that part.

That part got to me as well after first viewing the film, but it was intended to be different from the original story. There are speculations as to why this aspect of the story was changed, but when one thinks about the change itself, it inspires one to think in about the cult in a different manner.

One theory suggests that the cult is actually still based on the original cult from the game and that they do seek to bring "god" into the world, but through different means than the cult from the game. The theory states that rather than drawing "god" (or the "devil," whichever you want) into the world, "evil" must be driven out in order to make room for "god." Burning evil is the most common way of accomplishing this. Meaning that burning people is still a purification ceremony, but purifying to drive out evil rather than purifying to cleanse the spirit. (A subtle difference, I know, but still an important one.) However, what the cult views as evil is not truly what is evil and the cult is only able to drive away negative emotions, particularly sadness and revenge. Their prayers do not bring purity or goodness, but solely numb and disassociate one's negative emotions, such is a cult's nature. As such, this is how the cult is able to subdue the darkness that covers Smokey Silent Hill (a variation on the Misty Silent Hill since the movie makes the fog smoke and ash). They do not drive away Dark Alessa's power, but subdue it by numbing Alessa's anger and sadness.

Dark Alessa thus needs Rose's help to pass through this numbing agent created by the cult in order to let Alessa's feelings of pain, sorrow and revenge penetrate the cult's prayers. Rose's feelings of duty and patronage cover over Alessa's feelings and allow her to be unaffected by the cult's numbing agent. (I'm not entirely sure if this is refering to the cult's faith or to themselves personally, or because of something else entirely. But something about the cult is making Alessa's feelings numbed.) The symbiote relationship that Dark Alessa creates with Rose thus penetrates through to Sharon's personality. The invasion of the church is a metaphor for the invasion of Sharon's soul. So, it isn't until the end of the movie that Alessa's soul is made whole. Which brings up some even deeper questions about what Dark Alessa's power actually is and why Sharon is sought out, because to me, it seems that Dark Alessa doesn't really need Sharon at all, but Rose, as indicated by the line, "Why me?" "Because you chose her, you chose Sharon." If Sharon was simply bait for Rose, why would Dark Alessa want Sharon back? (The only thing that comes to mind is that Dark Alessa simply was retrieving what was her's. It seems too simple an answer though.)

All in all, evertime I start thinking about the film, the more I uncover and the more obvious it becomes that the film is hiding a deeper, fully conceptualize narrative made for fans to enjoy. Something I find great for fans, but bad for the general audience, since the experience isn't as well executed narratively as it could have been. A fault that I believe lies in the flow of the story. Still, let's see what other people think.

Thread Weekly Update:
Anyway, for today's weekly update, it's another Choose-Your-Own-Direction post. That means you guys choose what I post. But, to make things interesting, you guys choose a theme and I'll post based on the theme. So, choose one of the below, but choose carefully:

1) Leave (Traditional, Warm)
2) In Water (Sad, Thought-Inspiring)
3) Maria (Deceptive, Inticing)
4) Rebirth (Untraditional, Revealing)
5) Dog (Humorous, Irrelevent)
6) UFO (Unknown, ???)

Aetherius

06-23-2006, 10:19 PM

The number of possibilities and benefits to owning the CD are astounding and heart-provoking. Just thinking about it makes me excited. Sometimes you're just irretrievably poofy, and it both saddens and frightens me. The benefits of owning a defibrillator are heart-provoking. The benefits of owning a magical mystery box full of wonder are astounding. the benefits of owning re-arrangements of songs I've already heard arranged better by someone else are fanatic and few.

Thread Weekly Update:
Anyway, for today's weekly update, it's another Choose-Your-Own-Direction post. That means you guys choose what I post. But, to make things interesting, you guys choose a theme and I'll post based on the theme. So, choose one of the below, but choose carefully:

1) Leave (Traditional, Warm)
2) In Water (Sad, Thought-Inspiring)
3) Maria (Deceptive, Inticing)
4) Rebirth (Untraditional, Revealing)
5) Dog (Humorous, Irrelevent)
6) UFO (Unknown, ???)

I choose rebirth, because I shudder to think what the others will be like.

UnforgivingEdges

06-24-2006, 07:58 AM

In Water.

Best ending ever.

StarZander

07-07-2006, 01:05 PM

Bump.

http://www.deviantart.com/view/20122254/

http://www.deviantart.com/view/1573593/

http://www.deviantart.com/view/19388834/

ifirit

07-14-2006, 09:40 PM

I know that it's been a while and that this is probably really not the best update, but I figured I do it anyway to keep interest up. (Seeing as how Silent Hill 0rigins is still at least 6 months away with no updates yet and the Silent Hill DVD/Blu-Ray hasn't sparked much conversation. I still think that the film has more to it that what most people do.) Anyway, here's another...

Silent Hill Weekly(?) Update:
Video Footage of "Theme of Laura" from PLAY! A Video Game Symphony:
I've kinda had this on my plate of things to post for a couple of weeks. I was kinda of looking around for a downloadable version of this file before posting it, but since I figured that it has already been more than a month and a half, a downloadable file would have already been available.

Anyway, this is the video footage of Akira Yamaoka's performance with the Chicago Popland Orchestra conducted by Arnie Roth at the Chicago premiere. The performance on film is just as exciting as I remember it and have grown to love this performance of "Theme of Laura" much more that the original. It's just so very vibrant and organic when it's played live, especially by the composer. As far as the video quality goes, I would have perferred better, but considering the circumstances, this is as good as anyone would hope. The camera shakes a lot and goes in and out of focus on a number of occassions, but still it manages to capture the overall performance and highlights. Please note that the beginning of the performance was cut off. I'm not sure as to why this was. (Possibly due to the fact the camera operator is a known Final Fantasy fan and was simply waiting for the performance of "One Winged Angel" before realizing that this performance was worth capturing. Or simply due to the possibility that they didn't get the camera started in time, or even more possibly due to file size and quality constraints.)

The file is hosted on YouTube, posted by imnickjamesbitch (http://youtube.com/profile?user=imnickjamesbitch). (I know a lot of you hate YouTube, but if you only run a minimum of applets while surfing and wait for the entire file to load before playing it, you can minimize any complications that may arise.) Additional photos of the performance (http://img.underthefade.com/main.php?g2_itemId=17&g2_page=11) and the rest of PLAY! A Video Game Symphony can be found off Nick James' gallery page (http://img.underthefade.com/main.php?g2_itemId=17). Additional photos of Akira Yamaoka's performance (http://community.webshots.com/photo/550848303/2888349130055445031jXaENp) can be found here (http://community.webshots.com/album/550848303GIhppk), providing graciously by the.miker (http://www.last.fm/user/the.miker/). I hope you guys enjoy it.

YouTube.com - PLAY: Theme of Laura (with Akira Yamaoka) (http://youtube.com/watch?v=G8lfUjEn7Yw)

EDIT: There is also a small video clip of the performance from the Stockholm concert available. However, it does not include Akira Yamaoka and is simply the orchestral version with an additional guitar player. Honestly, the performance Akira Yamaoka gave was much better. Anyway, enjoy.

YouTube.com - Play! VG Symphony, STH Sweden 140606 - Theme Of Laura (http://youtube.com/watch?v=OmO4IPvuidI)

Poiso

07-14-2006, 10:07 PM

That video would be sweet if you could hear any of it.

Nulion

07-15-2006, 09:50 AM

Ohh man, good memories, good times...Thank you VERY much for the clip ifirit, I didn't think I'd ever hear that song a second time played like that :D

Admittedly it loses the effect when you listen to it on headphones as recorded by some guy's camcorder, but DAMN it was impressive to hear in person.

Aetherius

07-15-2006, 06:52 PM

That performance reminded me of....Born to be Wild, only cooler, but remarkably less cool because of shitty recording quality.

RazorOutlaw

07-17-2006, 12:05 AM

I agree, the quality is a problem.

But then I never thought I'd see a clip from PLAY! let alone one actually catching the entirety of Akira's performance. What can I say, I truly appreciate Ifirit's searching ability.

A++ will watch again.

StarZander

08-09-2006, 10:14 AM

BUMP

Can't let this thread just die. Too much information lies here!

ifirit

08-10-2006, 09:39 PM

I might as well throw in some more information, then.

Silent Hill Film Update - Japan:
For those who may not have been keeping score, the japanese release of Silent Hill was set on July 8th, with the premiere on July 2nd. And, since the film opening occured further away than the US release, Japan got to see a few more promotions than us.

"Shocking House" Set-up in Japan to Promote Film:
In Kabuki-cho Shinjuku, located in Tokyo, Japan, Konami (in conjunction with Davis Films) opened up the Silent Hill Shocking House on June 22, 2006. At the opening of Shocking House, which was a single room haunted house in which you could find actors dressed in familiar Silent Hill monster costumes (notably the "Red Pyramid" and the "Nurses"), Akira Yamaoka lead a procession of Japanese actresses dressed in caps and (provacatively short) nurse's gowns to a stage where they assembled for an audience. The opening marked the beginning of promotion for the film and followed very shortly after Akira Yamaoka's appearance at PLAY! and between sessions of recording music AND dialogue for the upcoming Silent Hill 0rigins.

Silent Hill Shocking House was available for free public viewing from 11am to 6pm (UTC) running from June 22 to July 2 (the premiere of Silent Hill in Japan). Photos (http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=movies&message.id=166258) of the event abound on the internet (Warning: Panty-shots). And you can read more about it from a number of articles released online. However, to read about the event in full detail, including the other two female hosts for the event, you'll have to refer the Japanese article on Dengeki (http://www.dengekionline.com).

Dengeki - News: 歌舞伎町に磯山さやかさんの悲鳴が響く！「サイレントヒルショッキングハウス」開設 (http://www.dengekionline.com/data/news/2006/6/22/4762444c025014892d8d1acf2261cbc1.html?3)
Famitsu.com - 映画『サイレントヒル』の恐怖をイチ早く体験！　"サイレントヒルショッキングハウス"が期間限定オープン！ (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/06/22/103,1150958081,55419,0,0.html)
QJ.net - Tokyo's Silent Hill Shocking House (http://pspupdates.qj.net/Tokyo-s-Silent-Hill-Shocking-House/pg/49/aid/56850)
Kotaku - Silent Hill Promotion in Japan: Crazy, Sexy Scary! (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/top/silent-hill-promotion-in-japan-crazy-sexy-scary-182545.php)
Horror.com Media - Silent Hill Special Event Held In Tokyo, Japan (http://www.horror.com/php/article-1291-1.html)
DemoNews.de - Silent Hill Shocking House: Der Albtraum in der realen Welt! (http://www.demonews.de/kurznachrichten/index.php?shortnews=8782)

Silent Hill at The Japanese Maid Cafe:
As part of the promotion for the film that Konami and Davis Films were supporting, the Amusement Cafe Maid in Japan (http://maidin.jp/index.html) held a special luncheon featuring the Silent Hill theme. (For those who may not be aware, japanese maid cafes are restuarants and cafes that have waitresses, or waiters [called "butler cafes"], who dress in frilled, often skimpy, maid uniforms. Most are centrally located in the Akihabara district.) The luncheon which ran from June 26th to July 9th, feautured a special "Red Pyramid Curry (http://www.akibablog.net/archives/img/2006-06-21-508.html)" (curried chicken skewers served on a bed of white rice and curry sause on triangular-shaped plates, served with tomato juice and a skinless tomato). The waitresses dressed in short nurses' cap and gowns (again shortened for viewing pleasure). The walls were decorated with posters and banners from the film, while special coasters were used to serve drinks on (viewable in the photo above).

Akira Yamaoka appeared in person on July 7, 2006 at the Amusement Cafe to promote the film. As a treat to diners and wayward guests, a special sneak-screening of the film was shown. Details of what exactly was shown are not available for the moment. However, hopefully, Akira tried the "Red Pyramid Curry." The original link to the flyer and article (http://www.akibablog.net/archives/img/2006-06-21-511.html) on the Amusement Cafe's website has been taken down, but I'll post the link for posterity.

Amusement Cafe Maid in Japan - Silent Hill (http://maidin.jp/silent.html) (Link No Longer Available)
Dengeki - News: 『サイレントヒル』の山岡氏による映画公開記念トークライブ (http://www.dengekionline.com/data/news/2006/7/3/b49cccb6db3cd37fb18f08fcd9943a33.html)
AkibaBlog.net - 映画「サイレントヒル」のサイレントヒルナース喫茶が始まる (http://www.akibablog.net/archives/2006/06/post_597.html)
Kotaku - Silent Hill: The Japanese Maid Cafe (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/top/silent-hill-the-japanese-maid-cafe-183235.php)

Volunteers Sought to Play Nurses at Silent Hill Opening:
In addition, it seems that Konami/Davis Films held an open casting call for actresses who would cosplay as nurses for the japanese opening of the film. According to the article, the "volunteers," as none who participated would be financially compensated, would be asked to dress as nurses, march down the street to the Marion theater complex in Tokyo, and pass out flyers to incite streetwalkers to view the film. The volunteers would be able to keep their costume after the event and would also receive Silent Hill merchandise.

Unfortunately, no news of this event having ever taken placed has appeared. Either the promotional event didn't gather enough volunteers to gain attention or that there was a problem with having people carry rusty scapels in an open street. If anyone knows what happened to this event, feel free to post it here.

GameSpot - Scary Nurses Sought for Japanese Silent Hill Premiere (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6153439.html?part=rss&tag=gs_pc&subj=6153439)
ITmedia +D Games - KONAMI、映画「サイレントヒル」特設サイトで携帯アプリなどを配信 (http://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0607/05/news070.html)

Silent Hill DX - Mobile Gaming:
Konami Digitial Entertainment of Japan is set to release (if it hasn't already) a revised version of the "Silent Hill Play Novel" for cellular gaming devices, particularly cell phones. Not much information is available in English and it would be complete unlikely that it will release in the US, but if anyone in Japan would like to share some info, please do.

All I can gather from links and other internet sources are that this game offers a card system similar to the original Silent Hill Play Novel for the GameBoy Advance, yet the cards are newly created/revised. The image of the title card with the words "Silent Hill Cage of Cradle" interest me most since it may be the official title of the game. Although links from the movie site direct you to the game page (and movie images are clearly present in the game page), I'm still not sure what the connection is between this version of the Play Novel and the official film. However, I figured that I might as well inform you guys of it. Also, the site http://573.jp was used to host some further information on the game and may still be used in some function on the cellular devices.

Konami Digital Entertainment - Silent Hill (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/special/sh/index.html)
GameWatch - ＫＯＮＡＭＩ、コナミネットDX「SILENT HILL 特設コーナー」設置 FOMA90Xシリーズ対応ゲームアプリ「SILENT HILL」も登場 (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20060705/sh.htm)
GPara - コナミネットDXに映画「SILENT HILL特設コーナー」OPEN (http://www.gpara.com/news/06/07/news200607052629.htm)

EDIT:
Silent Hill 0rigins Update:
Video Interview with Producer William Oertel:
A new interview with producer William Oertel is available for viewing on GameTrailers.com (http://www.gametrailers.com/). As previously known, William Oertel is producing the newest chapter in the Silent Hill saga with the help Akira Yamaoka and Team Silent. However, what you may not know is that William Oertel is the producer not for Konami Digital Entertainment of America, but for Climax Studios (http://www.climaxgroup.com/). The interview (taken from this year's "Comic-Con International" at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA) discusses most of the same details already posted in the last interview just after E3, however, they come directly from the producer's mouth. This gives one a sense that the creator has a very good grasp on the series and understands more than the average fan (and even the average hardcore fan, in my opinion), not simply in terms of story, but in the experience as well. Such sense comes from the way he discusses controls and camera angles, from level design to overcoming technical challenges for the PSP. He understands the technology and in traditional SH fashion is using the PSP to it's full advantages. This is a very critical interview to watch for those who may still not be convinced that this chapter should be made.

In addition, it seems that many other gaming magazines have picked up the story as well and decided to conduct their own interviews. Luckily, William Oertel has not turned them down and is working to get out as much press on the game as possible. I'm sure there are those who are a little skeptical about such shameless propaganda, but there are a few things that one should understand about Oertel and Climax Studios.

Climax Studios is a company that has been around since the Amiga and Commodore 64 days, however, most of the games that they have created since then have been licensed products, such as movie-to-game titles and sports titles (most notably, ATV OffRoad Fury 3 and ATV Quad Power Racing 2). This suggests that until recently, the studio has been struggling to obtain noterity in the gaming world, and with the recent string of original titles appearing in their development list, it seems that Climax is trying hard to break out of it's mold and become recognized as a serious game developer. Being such, Silent Hill 0rigins will be their first test to prove their ability to produce top-selling games. So, suffice it to say, they don't want to screw this up. ('Cause no one here wants to see this screwed up either.)

GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill Origins - GT Interview (http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?type=wmv&id=11957) (.wmv file / 18.7 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill Origins - GT Interview (http://www.gametrailer.com/player.php?type=mov&id=11957) (.mov file / 18.3 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill Origins - GT Interview (http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?type=mp4&id=11957) (.mp4 file / 10.5 MB)
Game Informer Online - Silent Hill Origins - The William Oertel Interview (http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200607/N06.0724.1920.38992.htm)
ShackNews.com - Silent Hill Origins Interview (http://www.shacknews.com/extras/2006/080206_silenthill_origins_1.x)
Dread Central - Oertel, William (Silent Hill Origins) (http://www.dreadcentral.com/index.php?name=Interviews&req=showcontent&id=4728)

SH0 Newsletter, Concept Art and New Screenshots from Silent Hill US Official Site:
For those who registered onto Konami Digital Entertainment of America's Official Silent Hill (http://www.konami.com/silenthill/) site, you were given a newsletter last month that revealed exclusive new information about the game as well as new images. The newsletter, which has been archived by SilentHillOrigins.com (http://www.silenthillorigins.com), is somewhat more personal that the average newsletter that one receives from most official sites. It discusses in brief the current status of the game and it's music, which has since been completed, as well as giving an open invitation to fans to submit their comments, suggestions and ideas to the developers themselves. (An incredibly generous thing to occur in these days.) In addition to this, the newsletter is looking for a new name, to coincide with the more intimate feel of the letter than its current "Silent Hill 0rigins Newsletter." To do so, please send your emails to travis.grady@konami.com and title your email "Answer My Question!"

The new images that also appeared in the newsletter are currently available on the Official US Silent Hill (http://www.konami.com/silenthill/) site. To view them, you must be a registered member to the site (free to those over 18 years of age); click on Media, followed by Miscellaneous, then SH0. The images include some original concept paintings of two environments (one featuring a girl in a white dress, hmmm...), two images from PLAY! A Video Game Symphony in Chicago, two images from the recording session for SH0 with Akira Yamaoka and two new images from one of the game's settings, "Silent Hill Fresh Meats" (one of the stores from Silent Hill, viewed from the pre-production photographs).

Images from the official site have also appeared in some forums. I'll post the links for those who cannot register on the site and for those who wish to download the images.

Konami Digital Entertainment of America - Silent Hill (http://www.konami.com/silenthill/)
SilentHillOrigins.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Update (http://www.silenthillorigins.com/?subaction=showfull&id=1153529101&archive=&start_from=&ucat=4&) (Archived Newsletter)
SH Lost Memories - Silent Hill 0rigins Concept Art'al (http://www.sh-lostmemories.net/sh_origins/arts_lt.htm) (Archived Images) / Akira Yamaoka 01 (http://www.sh-lostmemories.net/main/main_pics/news/021_sho_01.jpg) / Akira Yamaoka 02 (http://www.sh-lostmemories.net/main/main_pics/news/021_sho_02.jpg)

Japanese Text from "Silent Hill NEXT" Transcribed, Partially Translated:
A fan of Silent Hill has managed to transcribe the Japanese text from the promotional video for Silent Hill 0rigins called Silent Hill NEXT. The author has choosen to remain ananymous, but it's not entirely important. The text appears in the comments section of an article featured on GamersReports.com (http://www.gamersreports.com) on the same subject. I'll repost what was written for archiving purposes.

人間はったものを水めき

時には白分のむのむの中で

時にはとてもパーンナルで

そんな白分の水のとなり

それを見つけたとさ

その火が入らないかもしれない

人間はーーったものを水めき

時には白分のむのむの中で

時にはとてもパーンナルで

そんな白分のーー水のーーとなり

それを見つけたとさ

そのーー火がーー入らないかもしれない

Ignore the first half of the japanese. something screwed up. overall i couldnt really make out most of the kanji because of how blury the picture was and just guessed what i thought it looked like and even so most of it makes no sense.

Heres a bable fish translation ommitting those kanji i absolutely coulnt recognize:

As for the human - - the っ it is the thing the water め coming Time in む of む of white amount The time very being the pirn null Such a white amount - - the water - - with it becomes, That you found that, Perhaps that - - the fire does not enter - -,

PS: you need the japanese lagnuage pack to see it.

The full article, as well as the comments can be viewed in the site below.

GamersReports.com - Silent Hill NEXT Video Footage (http://www.gamersreports.com/news/2308)

ifirit

08-16-2006, 07:01 PM

I hate double posts, but this is exciting enough to break that restriction.

Silent Hill 4: The Room / DanceDanceRevolution Extreme Update:
Cynthia Music Video from DDR Extreme:
The music video from DDR Extreme featuring Cynthia's character model singing Mary Elizabeth McGlynn's (aka Melissa Williamson) and Akira Yamaoka's remix of "Your Rain," "Your Rain (RAGE MIX)." The song was featured on the limitedly released North American version of the Silent Hill 4: The Room soundtrack, available only by pre-ordering the game. The video itself was released on DDRX well before the game, but few people knew what they were watching.

Fortunately for us, a fan has uploaded the music video and offered it for viewing on YouTube (http://wwww.youtube.com). The video begins very much in the traditional Silent Hill manner with Cynthia singing in an alley from Building World from SH4. This is followed by a short montage of footage from the game itself shown in black & white. However, what proceeds that is somthing completely unexpected and will probably catch you off-guard. I won't spoil it here, but it's well worth checking out. Enjoy.

YouTube.com - Akira Yamaoka feat. Elizabeth McGlynn - Your Rain (RAGE MIX) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4YuBMWfTRk&NR)

SpaDED

08-16-2006, 08:51 PM

Silent Hill was one of the scariest games I ever played in the dark.

Aetherius

08-16-2006, 10:07 PM

man...that video was...almost pukesome :D

haha. Lately, I've been playing Fatal Frame 3, and I've decided that (though it's not nearly as complicated as silent hill) It ranks right up there as one of the better survival horror games that doesn't involve killing zombies with a machine gun.

Deathtank

08-17-2006, 08:15 PM

I liked the movie :oops:

Weretiger_Rei

08-17-2006, 08:20 PM

Never played the games, survival horror scares me good...

Saw the movie though, damn good for my taste, bad acting though. Pyramid head rocked, and those DAMN BURNING BABIES ARE TEH SKARYEST THENG EVAR!11one

Seriously, I couldn't sleep for a week... they aren't actually scary scary, but you don't wanna look at them and they make a spine chilling sound in the movie.

speculative

08-23-2006, 01:43 AM

Movie is out to rent today. I am seriously thinking about giving it another go to see if my opinion of it would be any different. (Well, there just isn't anything else out to rent now, either.)

ILLiterate

08-23-2006, 01:47 AM

Well, there just isn't anything else out to rent now, either
The Wizard just came out on DVD :D

Yea, not buying the DVD because of lack of extras

Aetherius

08-23-2006, 09:06 PM

note: extras DVD may not be released if sales of the original lame DVD are poor. :(

ILLiterate

08-23-2006, 09:58 PM

Yep, that sucks. Not much else to say except what is currently there isn't worth paying for imo

ifirit

08-23-2006, 10:24 PM

Silent Hill Film Update:
Silent Hill Released for Home Entertainment (DVD / Blu-Ray / UMD):
I pretty much don't have to tell you guys that the North American (Region 1) version of Silent Hill has been released for home video on August 22, 2006 in DVD (Fullscreen & Widescreen), Blu-Ray (Widescreen only) and UMD (Widescreen only) formats. Although, many of the people who have viewed the film in theaters don't feel that the film is worth owning at the moment, I urge everyone to at least check it out again. (Granted many people disargree about the quality of the film, I find that it was just as exciting and fun as the first time I saw it.)

The film itself has a little problem with the CG when on the small screen. Some of the monster scenes look clearly computer animated, almost "Clash of the Titans" animated. I'm not exactly sure why this is, because in the theater, everything looked very polished. Also, it is almost recommended that you view the film with surround-sound, since when played on a normal television set-up (2.1 stereo), the sound is dampened a little. Other than the craptastic job on the film's home video cover, any other complaints I have would be entirely subjective. However, one could complain about the number of previews (http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/movies/movie.aspx?sc=on&v_id=V+++293457&prodid=&type=features) for other films available on the disc.

The extra "behind-the-scenes" documentary on the film, titled Path of Darkness and directed by Chris Sikorowski (http://imdb.com/name/nm1106398/), is actually something worth viewing as well, because unlike the STARZ or BET featurettes, this documentary gives you a much more intimate and technical look at the making of the film. You'll clearly see where all $50 million of the budget went: the scenery, monster and costume design. As you may know the documentary includes the parts: "Silent Hill Origins"; "Casting Silent Hill"; "Building Silent Hill"; "Stars and Stunts"; "Creatures Unleased"; "Creature Choreography" I found "Stars and Stunts," "Building Silent Hill" and "Creature Choreography" to be the most illuminating parts of the documentary and really give you a sense of the scale of production involved to get this to the big screen. The run-time for Path of Darkness is 59 minutes.

If you'd like to view clips from the documentary sections of Path of Darkness, particularly "Stars and Stunts" and "Creature Choreography," you can view them legally on MTV Overdrive (http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?launchedFrom=/overdrive/#/overdrive/?launchedFrom=/overdrive/). Click on Channels --> Movies --> "DVD of the Week: Silent Hill" to bring up the list of videos from the film.

SonyStyle.com - Silent Hill (DVD / Widescreen) (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=GLTlTS-uTEvliWtCrrfvRmCifUnQeDbmHVU=?CategoryName=mtv&Dept=moviesmusic&ProductSKU=CTR13884DVD&aecURL=Movies%2fMovie%2easpx%3fprodid%3dCTR13884DV D&DCMP=SSE_CTH&HQS=CTR13884DVD#)
SonyStyle.com - Silent Hill (DVD / Fullscreen) (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=bd&ProductSKU=CTR15406BR&aecURL=Movies%2fMovie%2easpx%3fprodid%3dCTR15406BR #)
SonyStyle.com - Silent Hill (Blu-Ray Disc) (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=bd&ProductSKU=CTR15406BR&aecURL=Movies%2fMovie%2easpx%3fprodid%3dCTR15406BR )
SonyStyle.com - Silent Hill (UMD Disc) (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=bd&ProductSKU=CTR15406BR&aecURL=Movies%2fMovie%2easpx%3fprodid%3dCTR15406BR #)
imdb.com - "Path of Darkness: Making 'Silent Hill'" (http://imdb.com/title/tt0814250/)

New Website for Silent Hill Launched:
In addition to the release of the film for home video, a corresponding website has been launched as well. Although the site contains much of the same information as the official theatrical site (http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/silenthill/), with the addition of information about and the ability to purchase the film for home video, the site does contain a page on the synopsis of the film (as printed on the home video case), a set of film stills (some previously released, some not) and a section of preview clips (Now Available), as well as a new game called "Control Your Fear."

The flash-based game is a very simple maze puzzle that you navigate with the directional keys, cleverly based on the scene where Rose must travel to the Brookhaven Hospital basement. As you traverse the maze, you'll be treated to a set of clips from the film (Warning: Clips Contain Film Spoilers).

Sony Pictures - Silent Hill (http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/silenthill/index.html)

Silent Hill Nominated for a Teen's Choice Award (Catagory: Thriller):
Yes, this is the worst award ever. Yes, it did not win. Yes, the film is rated R. Yes, my heart has been ripped out of my chest. I just thought you'd want to know.

Fox Broadcasting Company: TEEN CHOICE 2006 - TCA 2006 Nominees (http://www.fox.com/teenchoice/features/nominees/movies/)

Aetherius

08-24-2006, 03:48 AM

hmm...that didn't make it seem more buyable...
Granted, if a new version isn't released by like...christmas, I'll probably buy the crappy one...

ifirit

08-25-2006, 12:16 AM

hmm...that didn't make it seem more buyable...
Granted, if a new version isn't released by like...christmas, I'll probably buy the crappy one...
A lot of forum speculation exists that a "special version" of the home video release will appear at a later date this year. Many people even suspect that the release will contain special features that were seemingly left out of this release on purpose. While the prospects of this are viable in concept, especially IF said "special version" is released on a two-disc set, I have a greater suspicion that the release will not be in Region 1 (North America).

Christophe Gans and his production company Davis Films are based in France. The lengths that he went through to obtain the rights, funding and freedom to create the film were very difficult and I'm sure tiring, considering how seriously he took fan and public critism. The hour-long documentary that was added to the home video release feels like it took as much effort to create as one could expect. My general impression is that he has filled any preceived obligation to an American audience, especially when you consider that his original intention was to create a film version of the second game as it was released in Europe. The project greatly expanded beyond it's original intention, making it a world-wide box office release.

When you deal with numbers that range into the millions, it becomes difficult to satisfy the entire market at once. So, it becomes much easier to satisfy a single market of preferance, allowing the other markets to receive the trickle-effect. In Gans' case, that market happens to be France (Region 2). (You may not realize it, but Gans had previously released a director's two-disc cut for Le Pacte des Loups, aka Brotherhood of the Wolf, exclusively in France. So, it's not unlikely that he will do the same for Silent Hill.) It's not that Gans has anything against the North American market, especially seeing how the US was the first country to premiere the film, but it's just a case where Gans has a greater affinity for his homeland.

In addition to this, you also have to consider the added factor of the Blu-Ray and UMD formats. If Sony were to release a "special version" of Silent Hill for DVD, it would also feel an obligation to release said "special version" on Blu-Ray and UMD as well, which is quite costly considering the slow pace that both formats are currently moving. This would mean a greater loss in revenue than gain from re-releasing a film simply to include MORE special features. Plus, you'd have to deal with a public that would critize a decision to re-release the film simply to include said features. ("I just saw/bought that film a few months ago on DVD! Why would I want to see/buy it again for just a few extra features?!") This could further diminish the prospect of sales for Sony/TriStar. If one were to simply consider this case in the absence of Blu-Ray and UMD from the market, I would be inclined to think differently, but seeing as how Sony is trying to push Blu-Ray as a new media format, I really don't see a prospect of having a "special version" of Silent Hill in the next six months.

In short, I suspect this is probably the best that the US is going to get in terms of a home video release. If a "special version" of Silent Hill is going to appear anywhere it will most likely be in France or, to a greater extent, Europe.

EDIT:

Silent Hill 0rigins Update:
Second Official Trailer, Gameplay Videos Released Online:
Konami released the second trailer for "Silent Hill 0rigins" yesterday, August 23, 2006 during this year's Games (http://www.gc-germany.com/) Conference (http://www.gc-germany.com/progr_highlight_e.shtml?5) held in Leipzig, Germany. In addition, Konami held a simultaneous press-event in San Fransico, CA hosted by William Oertel. The twin events displayed the new trailer which featured a new vocal track for the game (YEA!!), as well as gameplay videos of the game itself in both an indoor and outdoor setting. At the Konami-sponsored San Fransico event, William Oertel was on-hand to address questions about the game with much more information about the progress of the game from the technical aspect and about the specifics of the gameplay itself.

The trailer is the first video to show exactly how the game uses the first-person view as well as how the over-the-shoulder third-person view works. While the trailer uses more special effects, filters and atmosphere to express the specifics of the game, the gameplay videos give you a much more accurate picture of the current gameplay progress. Personal opinions aside, the game is following suit with the tradition of atmosphere and detailed environments, which are apparent from the video. Please note that there is a clear lack of "atmospheric effects" in the gameplay. The reason behind this is that the game takes place before the events in SH1, meaning that the fog that has previously encompassed the town has not taken over yet. (Although I realize this logically, a part of me is still urging for some type of atmospheric weather, being that the previous graphics engines for this were the best ever for weather effects. I'm hoping that an artistic direction will compensate for the lack of fog.)

I must also point out that before you make complaints and remarks about the current gameplay of SH0, I ask that you view the interview with William Oertel conducted by GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com). The interview explains, in its own words, the amount of technical work needed to complete the game. Because this game is still a work-in-progress, there are issues that must be addressed. Yet, hearing from the producer himself that he plans to address all of these issues before game's release helps to subdue the initial frustration of the game's appearance. Also, Mr. Oertel has finalized the soundtrack to "Silent Hill 0rigins," being that it contains 14 individual tracks, four of which are vocal tracks and of which one is featured in this new trailer.

You can currently download both the trailer and the gameplay videos from either IGN (http://www.ign.com) or GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com). Public downloads are available for low resolution videos of the trailer and gameplay videos, but membership registration is required to download the high quality videos and GameSpot's exclusive interview with William Oertel. Video files from IGN are available in both Windows Media Video (.wmv) and Quicktime's Movie (.mov) formats, while GameSpot only offers Windows Media Video.

Konami Digital Entertainment of America - News (http://www.konami.com/gs/news.php)
IGN.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Preview (http://psp.ign.com/articles/727/727816p1.html) / Videos (http://media.psp.ign.com/media/826/826999/vids_1.html)
GameSpot.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Hands-on (http://www.gamespot.com/psp/adventure/silenthillorigins/news.html?sid=6156434) / Media (http://www.gamespot.com/psp/adventure/silenthillorigins/media.html) / Interviews (http://www.gamespot.com/psp/adventure/silenthillorigins/media.html?mode=interviews)
PlaystationPortable.de - GC06: Erste Bilder zu Silent Hill Origins (http://www.playstationportable.de/news/1156340550.html)

Monobrow

08-25-2006, 11:31 PM

never debate crap about Silent Hill with people on IMDB...also bump

RazorOutlaw

08-27-2006, 12:40 AM

Three things ifirit:

In Resident Evil 4, I mean, Silent Hill 0rigin's gameplay videos I noticed that the flashlight effect looks exactly the same as the one in the first Silent Hill. The edges of the light's circle (whatever you call it) are jagged. I realize this is a work in progress, but that's just something I found a amusing.

Additionally some of the camera angles while NOT in combat look exactly like Silent Hill. The later games in the series played around a bit with different camera angles and such, but the developers for 0rigins seem to have taken a look at the original game at least.

Third, you mentioned a lack of fog. Did you see the "outside combat" video? There's plenty of fog in that one...perhaps the fog doesn't come until later in the game? :O

Bigfoot

08-27-2006, 01:49 AM

Poiso

08-27-2006, 03:50 AM

I'm currently having a discussion with a friend regarding links between the movie and the games and the continiuum of the game's plots in general. It's weird stuff. Any insights on these questions?
Is Dark Alessa really Sammael?
What are Alessa's final motives post-SH1 in the games? Why does she seem to be spending her time helping out dudes like James?
Is Rose dead or is she currently conscripted into servitude under what her daughter has become? It could lead into the SH1 cult, or something.

ifirit

08-28-2006, 08:41 PM

Warning: Silent Hill, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill 3 & Silent Hill Spoilers
I'm currently having a discussion with a friend regarding links between the movie and the games and the continiuum of the game's plots in general. It's weird stuff. Any insights on these questions?
Sure, I love questions about Silent Hill.

Is Dark Alessa really Sammael?
No, Samael does not exist. Metraton is also an improper name to use for the god that resides in Alessa from the games. It's simply know as the god or "God?", sometimes as the Devil; it really has no name.

Anyway, Alessa in the film universe is never clearly shown as having any sort of "special power" as she is in the games. Although it is not completely clear whether Alessa Gillespie's (Age 14) powers were derived from the god inside her, Alessa (Age 10) gained the power to change the world from an otherworldly being, manifeasted as Dark Alessa. The being has powers and an agenda of its own, but for Alessa (Age 40) all that she wants is revenge. The being (Dark Alessa) combined with Alessa to create the otherworld of Silent Hill (both the Smokey and Alternate worlds). Also as a by-product, by combining together, Alessa gave birth to Sharon. Dark Alessa (also known as the "Dark One") sent this incarnation of Alessa into the "real world" to spare her from the terror that they would enact upon the "church of Silent Hill."

In the film, the cult has grown beyond a few individuals and actually has a church available to them. The first game had the cult performing their ceremonies in basements of buildings and in secret places beyond the view of the public. The film cult seems to actually practice out in public, thus, I label them the "church." Because most of the "church" was sent to the otherworld in the last burning, I don't know what has happened to church in the present-day, real world. (I suspect that because of Officer Thomas Gucci, all, if any, would be driven underground.)

It could be argued that the manifeastation of Dark Alessa is the god, because it refers to itself as having many names and coming upon hearing Alessa's cries. However, that is never really made clear or even present. You can decide.

What are Alessa's final motives post-SH1 in the games?
Alessa (in the Incubator's form) dies at the end of SH1, she reincarnates herself (Alessa and Cheryl) as a baby, which she places in the care of Harry Mason. Harry then returns to his life in Portland to begin with Cheryl again. Because of an attack on him in his home several years later by a "religious fanatic," he entered into hiding by moving to another city and changing his name. And in the process, he changes his daughter's name as well. It seems that Heather whole-heartedly accepted Harry's decision at the time.

So, Heather/Cheryl/Alessa continues to live a (somewhat) normal existence, living at home, going to the mall, doing chores around the house for some extra money from her father, etc. She has forgotten about her past and chooses not to think about it. Despite her previous incarnations and the presence of the god inside her, Heather has no manifeastation of "special powers." At least, until Claudia comes around.

I know that you might be thinking that this in no way answers your question, but that's because you're asking the wrong question. The power that Alessa has and the power that exists in the town are two different things. The power of the land on which the town was built has pre-existed long before Alessa was even born. Alessa's powers extend only to making manifeastations of her thoughts, using her "special power" or the god inside her as a source of that power, whichever you believe. The town is inhabited by a power inate to itself. The early native americans that resided in the area held the place as sacred, believing that spirits inhabited the land, which may be the origin of that power. Also, these were not simply spirits of dead people, but spirits of all things: rocks, trees, water, etc.

After the colonization of the area by Europeans, the land was built upon and this is the first appearance of the town. The town that was built was eventually lost (literally, "went missing") and a second town was built in its place many years later. The second town was named "Silent Hill" and was originally settled on the south side of the lake (where South Vale currently resides). South Vale's history then centers around the events of the Civil War era, being that Brookhaven was the prominent hospital and that the Tocula Prison Camp was used for P.O.W.s of the Civil War.

Around the beginning of the 20th century, the mines were openned on the north side of the lake and as jobs were available, most of the residents moved to the north, closer to the mountains. This is where "Old Silent Hill" is located. This area became a prominent location and where most of the town settled. After the mines closed, however, the residents turned toward tourism for economic growth and began building a resort area near the north shore of the lake. The resort area was named "Paleville" and the stretch of town that connects Old Silent Hill to the resort is called "New Silent Hill" (includes Central Silent Hill), which will be featured in greater detail in the upcoming "Silent Hill 0rigins."

So, from north to south, here's the geography (http://www.silenthill.co.za/map/) of Silent Hill:

Wiltse Mines -------------> X
Old Silent Hill --------> X
New Silent Hill ----> X
Paleville ---> X
X <----------Brahams
Lake Toluca ----------> X
South Vale ------> X
Observation Deck -----------------------> X
Pleasant River -----------------------------------------------> X
North Ashefield and South Ashfield ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> X

Okay, so the power that inhabits the land includes the area around Lake Toluca, between the mountains on the north and the swamps on the south. The power of the town itself is what causes events that occur in later chronological games. However, I must mention that the power of the town has become greatly distorted from what it originally was.

Why does she seem to be spending her time helping out dudes like James?
Because of the answer I made above, I'll assume that your question is then, "why does the town seem to be spending time helping out dudes like James?" People like James, Michael and Travis are attracted to the town because it draws upon people who have a great guilt upon their conscience. The town draws out that guilt to "feed upon" (Note: this is not the correct term to use, but is closest in concept). Whether having that guilt brought up to the surface of the individual is benefitial for them is irrelevant to the town or the story in general. The idea is that the town uses its power to intice individuals to venerate the spirits that inhabit the land. (i.e. James sees manifeastations of his inner desires and experiences shifts in time and space to relive a traumatic event that then encourages him to perform the Crimson Ceremony.)

The town sends out its power to call people in the surrounding area and has to an extent called people from other states, as people have been called to Silent Hill from as far as Ashfield. Please note that this does not imply that the town is conscious of this or that the land itself has a will of its own. The will of the town is determined by the people and spirits on the land. The greater the desire, the more strongly the town reacts to the individual or wish.

Is Rose dead or is she currently conscripted into servitude under what her daughter has become? It could lead into the SH1 cult, or something.
Rose is simply acting as Sharon's mother. She loves her child and will protect her from any harm. Rose has not left the Misty world of Silent Hill, because the "Dark One" hasn't opened the door to allow her through. Whether this means that Rose is simply in another dimension than the real world waiting for the "door" to be opened for her to pass or that she has died and is stuck in some sort of limbo is not for sure. Whether Sharon, now posessed by the being of Dark Alessa, can perform the same powers as Alessa (Age 40) is not known either.

Poiso

08-28-2006, 11:30 PM

ifirit

08-28-2006, 11:50 PM

Cool, thanks. So what's to indicate that the SH1 Alessa has been reborn into Heather other than that the SH3 cult seems to be convinced of that? If I'm not mistaken, SH1 ends with Alessa staying back on the far side of that portal after tossing Heather to you, not exactly dying or disappearing.
Heather, the reincarnation, specifically says,

After the god was killed, the girl reappeared. She was holding a baby in her arms. Before she died, she gave the baby to my father.
Can't argue against a clear-cut statement like that.

Bigfoot

08-29-2006, 02:15 AM

I really wanna play SH games again. I only have a PS1 though anda Jap PS2. It'd be cool if they came out with an anniversary collection or something on PC.

Poiso

08-29-2006, 04:00 AM

Avoli

08-29-2006, 04:48 AM

I really wanna play SH games again. I only have a PS1 though anda Jap PS2. It'd be cool if they came out with an anniversary collection or something on PC.

Oh but they sort of did. Too bad its Europe only as far as I know right now. Oddly enough, it's also ONLY the PS2 games, no SH1. That blows.

Note the link says Europe...bah... (http://uk.gs.konami-europe.com/game.do?idGame=111)

ifirit

08-30-2006, 02:49 AM

I assumed that the Silent Hill Collection and the Silent Hill Complete Set were the same item and just browsed over them. (They also seemed like old news since other forum members here already made light of the European version.) However, looking back, I've realized that no news had been made about the Silent Hill Complete Set (Japanese Version). So,...

*Ahem*

The Silent Hill Collection / Complete Set Update:
The Silent Hill Complete Set Released in Japan:
Konami Digital Entertainment (http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp) released the Silent Hill Complete Set on July 6, 2006 in Japan. This collection contained the Japanese versions of Silent Hill (PS), Silent Hill 2: Director's Cut (PS2), Silent Hill 3 (PS2), and Silent Hill 4: The Room (PS2). The games were all individually packaged and placed inside a solid black box. As a bonus for those who ordered online, they also received 5 collector's cards (one for each game and a fifth for the film) in addition to a poster for Silent Hill. Originally, Konami had promised to include a special projection light keychain with online orders, but that the release retracted it in place of the movie poster. The Silent Hill Complete Set was printed in limited quantity (not sure why exactly, because all the versions of these games are the budget releases) and many sellers have already sold out, including importers. So, the only place to get one on the internet is through EBay (http://www.ebay.com). (But, I've already checked and no copies are available right now.)

The main differences between the Silent Hill Complete Set (Japan) and the Silent Hill Collection (Europe & Australia), aside from formatting, are that the copy of Silent Hill 2 in the European version is simply the first release of the game (not the director's cut), Silent Hill (PS) is not included with the set, and all three PS2 titles are set inside a single box (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/sh-coll-pal-1.jpg). The European version's only unique feature is a special advertisement for the Silent Hill Experience included with the manuals.

"The Silent Hill Complete Set" retails in Japan at 8,200 yen (~55 EUR, ~70 USD), while the selling price is 7,380 yen (~49 EUR, ~64 USD) online at KonamiStyle.jp (http://www.konamistyle.jp). "The Silent Hill Collection" retails on KonamiStyle.se (http://www.konamistyle.se) for 529 SEK, Swedish Kronor, (~57 EUR, ~74 USD). Other online retail prices may vary.

"The Silent Hill Complete Set" includes:
"Silent Hill (PSOne Books)" (Konami Ultimate Selection edition)
"Silent Hill 2: コナミ殿堂セレクション" (Director's Cut / Konami Ultimate Selection edition)
"Silent Hill 3 コナミ殿堂セレクション" (Konami Ultimate Selection edition)
"Silent Hill 4: The Room コナミ・ザ・ベスト" (Konami The Best edition)
KonamiStyle Special Post Cards (Online Orders only)
KonamiStyle Silent Hill poster (Online Orders only)

Konami Digital Entertainment - News - 映画「SILENT HILL」の原作ゲームソフトなど、「サイレントヒルコンプリートセット」を販売開始 (http://www.konami.jp/topics/2006/0705/index.html) (News Announcement)
KonamiStyle.jp - Silent Hill (http://www.konamistyle.jp/sp/silent/) (Home Page)
KonamiStyle.jp - The Silent Hill Complete Set (http://www.konamistyle.jp/ecitem/item30608.html) (Order Page) (Out-of-Print / Out-of-Stock)
PlayAsia.com - Silent Hill Complete Set (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-43-49-en-70-1fpe.html) (Out-of-Print / Out-of-Stock)
Zone-of-Gamers - Image Gallery - Silent Hill Collections (http://z-o-g.org/gallery2/silenthill/shboxes/)

KonamiStyle.se - Silent Hill Collection (http://www.konamistyle.se/m3.asp?intItemId=211&CaId=&CaId2=&Cu=1) (Out-of-Print / Available)
Amazon.co.uk - Silent Hill Collection (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000F3RUNW/202-9857865-3294217?v=glance&n=300703) (Out-of-Print / Out-of-Stock)

Silent Hill Film Update (Japan):
Online Retailers Taking Pre-Orders for Silent Hill Premium and Ultimate Box Editions:
A large number of japanese online retailers have begun taking pre-orders for the first printing of Silent Hill in Japan. Dubbed "Silent Hill Premium Edition," this will be the first printing of the film on a 2-disc DVD set. (Yes, that's right a two disc set.) The first disc will apparently contain the feature film plus the bonus documentary "Path of Darkness: Making Silent Hill." The second disc will contain a game-to-film comparison video created by the Konami development team.

In addition to the two DVDs, Sony also plans to include a Blu-Ray version of the film with the limited printing of the "Silent Hill Ultimate Box" package. The Blu-Ray disc will contain all the features of both DVDs. A custom case and booklet will also be available with the limited edition set and while available for the "Premium Edition."

The "Silent Hill Premium Edition" will retail at 5,800 yen (49.99 USD), while the "Silent Hill Ultimate Box" edition will retail at 8,800 yen (~76 USD), although pre-order prices range from 5,177 yen for SHPE and 6,930 yen for the SHUB. Both special versions of the film will be available on November 22, 2006. You can find more information by tracking the collections by their catalogue numbers:

Silent Hill Premium Edition: PCBE-52444
Silent Hill Ultimate Box: PCBE-52450

CDJapan - Silent Hill Premium Edition (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCBE-52444)
CDJapan - Silent Hill Ultimate Box (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCBE-52450)
YesAsia.com - Silent Hill Premium Edition (http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/aid-21603/section-videos/code-j/version-all/pid-1004493865/)
YesAsia.com - Silent Hill Ultimate Box (http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-j/section-videos/pid-1004493869/)
(Usually, I post other links as well, here, but decided against it since I've listed the catalogue numbers already and since no other sites list this information in English.)

Silent Hill 1 Update:
Silent Hill Original Soundtracks Available for iTunes/i-revo:
Konami has officially released the original game soundtracks for the first three titles of the Silent Hill series for download. The soundtracks are available for purchase through the iTunes Music Store of Japan (AAC format) or the i-revo MUSIC ICE (WMA format). You can download the "Silent Hill OST" for 1,500 yen (~ 15 USD) and the "Silent Hill 2 OST" or "Silent Hill 3 OST" for 1,800 yen (~18 USD) (much cheaper than the cost of the original OSTs at release).

Although, many fan sites have offered downloadable versions of the Silent Hill soundtracks in past, the discretion has always been that you needed to own the CD to download the files. With the first three CDs now out-of-print and only available from online auction sites (expensive) or third-party printers (being essentially bootlegs), it's very difficult to obtain the original soundtracks as CDs. However, now that the soundtracks are officially available for purchase on an online music store, fans can obtain high quality audio files of this great music without the hassle of first obtaining the hard-to-find CDs. ('Cause I know that noone has ever downloaded the music illegally. :roll: )

Konami Digital Entertainment - Music Downloads (iTunes Music Store) (http://www.konami.jp/music/dl/aac.html)
Konami Digital Entertainment - Music Downloads (i-revo MUSIC ICE) (http://www.konami.jp/music/dl/wma.html)

Silent Hill: The Novel
With the popularity of the Silent Hill series at it's height right now, it's no surprise that Konami has gone so far as to novelize the first game. Considering that the "Silent Hill Play Novel" is essentially the same thing (although so much more since it includes "Cybil's Scenario"), creating a novel of the first game seems trivial. However, because Konami is trying to make the series accessible for more people, the novel acts as a way to experience the game for people who have been too afraid of horror games to play them or simply for those who like the story but not the gameplay.

This adaptation of the game was written by Sadamu (http://www.sfwj.or.jp/member/YAMASHITA-SADAMU.html) Yamashita (http://www14.plala.or.jp/hidal/) and features new illustrations by Masahiro Ito (http://www.geocities.jp/nobu_hill/) (the series monster designer, Warning: Link Contains Non-Work-Safe Material), who, by the way, explains on his website what Silent Hill Cage of Cradle (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/special/sh/index.html) actually is: a multimedia comic featuring Lisa Garland before the events of SH1. (Awesome!) Masahiro Ito also states that it may be coming out in paperback form in 2007. (Sweet.) Anyway, back to the novel.

The book is printed in paperback with a glossy sleeve and and a smaller glossy sleeve advertising, ironically, "Silent Hill Cage of Cradle." The novel is written in Japanese (obviously) in a traditional japanese format, meaning that the sentences are written vertically (start at the top and read straight down) from right to left. Throughout the novel, black-and-white concept and CG images from the game are interlaced, sparingly, with the pages to give an illustration of what is going on at that point in the story. The coolest part of the book is that there are 8 full-page drawings featuring reinterpretations of the monsters from SH1. There are 4 full color images and 4 black-and-white images. The full color drawings include: the hanged body that appears throughout the game, a group of Clawfingers (aka "Mumblers" aka "Child #4") emerging from the dark, the Incubus and the scene of the Incubator giving the child to Harry. The novel's black-and-white drawings include: Cheryl (anime style), the Split Head (aka "Lizard"), the Puppet Nurse (aka "Alchemilla Nurse") and Lisa's transformation in Nowhere.

The novel retails at 933 yen (~9 USD) and has the ISBN number: 4-86155-815-8. If you'd like to view a sample of the book including the full-color illustrations, you can see it here (http://www.konami.jp/book/tachiyomi/nm0815.html).

Konami Digital Entertainment - コナミノベルス「サイレントヒル」 (http://www.konami.jp/book/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?goods_key=ISBN4-86155-815-8)
Amazon.co.jp - コナミノベルス「サイレントヒル」 (新書) (http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/4861558158/250-9345783-5050653?v=glance&n=465392)
Yahoo.co.jp - コナミノベルス「サイレントヒル」 (新書) (http://books.yahoo.co.jp/book_detail/31755797)

Alternatively, there is a novelization of Silent Hill (film version) available as well. It's written by Paula Edgewood. If you want you can track that book by it's ISBN number: 4-04352-208-8.

Konami TV News Update:
Official Konami Press Videos of Previously Released Silent Hill Material:
Going back and looking up information on Konami's website, I began searching the video news archives for information on Silent Hill, particularly SH0 and SH5. To my surprise, Konami's TV News network has covered a large portion of this year's news on Silent Hill, no doubt thanks to the film release this year and the increased publicity. Unfortunately, all of the news is only available in Japanese. Anyway, here's a look at what they covered.

- Silent Hill Film Premiere at Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, California (with Akira Yamaoka) / ifirit post (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2461000#2461000)
Embedded Stream (Broadband) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20060427&2=%b1%c7%b2%e8%a1%d6SILENT+HILL%a1%d7%a5%ef%a1%bc% a5%eb%a5%c9%a1%a6%a5%d7%a5%ec%a5%df%a5%a2+%a1%c1%b b%b3%b2%ac%b9%b8%a5%a8%a5%b0%a5%bc%a5%af%a5%c6%a5% a3%a5%d6%a1%a6%a5%d7%a5%ed%a5%c7%a5%e5%a1%bc%a5%b5 %a1%bc%a4%ac%bd%d0%c0%ca%a1%c1&3=2006%c7%af4%b7%ee20%c6%fc&4=%a5%a2%a5%e1%a5%ea%a5%ab%a1%a6%a5%ed%a5%b5%a5%f3 %a5%bc%a5%eb%a5%b9&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2eco%2ejp%2fja%2fnews% 2ftopics%2f060422%2findex%2ehtml&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0820&BIT=br&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200604)
Direct Stream (Broadband) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0820/br.asx)
Embedded Stream (Dial-up) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20060427&2=%b1%c7%b2%e8%a1%d6SILENT+HILL%a1%d7%a5%ef%a1%bc% a5%eb%a5%c9%a1%a6%a5%d7%a5%ec%a5%df%a5%a2+%a1%c1%b b%b3%b2%ac%b9%b8%a5%a8%a5%b0%a5%bc%a5%af%a5%c6%a5% a3%a5%d6%a1%a6%a5%d7%a5%ed%a5%c7%a5%e5%a1%bc%a5%b5 %a1%bc%a4%ac%bd%d0%c0%ca%a1%c1&3=2006%c7%af4%b7%ee20%c6%fc&4=%a5%a2%a5%e1%a5%ea%a5%ab%a1%a6%a5%ed%a5%b5%a5%f3 %a5%bc%a5%eb%a5%b9&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2eco%2ejp%2fja%2fnews% 2ftopics%2f060422%2findex%2ehtml&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0820&BIT=na&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200604)
Direct Stream (Dial-up) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0820/na.asx)

- Silent Hill Film Screening to Konami Executives in Tokyo, Japan (with Akira Yamaoka)
Embedded Stream (Broadband) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20060606&2=%b1%c7%b2%e8%a1%d6%a5%b5%a5%a4%a5%ec%a5%f3%a5%c8 %a5%d2%a5%eb%a1%d7%b4%b0%c0%ae%c8%e4%cf%aa%bb%ee%b c%cc%b2%f1&3=2006%c7%af5%b7%ee23%c6%fc&4=%c5%ec%b5%fe%a1%a6%cd%ad%b3%da%c4%ae&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2eco%2ejp%2fja%2fnews% 2ftopics%2f060422%2findex%2ehtml&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0835&BIT=br&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200606)
Direct Stream (Broadband) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0835/br.asx)
Embedded Stream (Dial-up) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20060606&2=%b1%c7%b2%e8%a1%d6%a5%b5%a5%a4%a5%ec%a5%f3%a5%c8 %a5%d2%a5%eb%a1%d7%b4%b0%c0%ae%c8%e4%cf%aa%bb%ee%b c%cc%b2%f1&3=2006%c7%af5%b7%ee23%c6%fc&4=%c5%ec%b5%fe%a1%a6%cd%ad%b3%da%c4%ae&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2eco%2ejp%2fja%2fnews% 2ftopics%2f060422%2findex%2ehtml&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0835&BIT=na&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200606)
Direct Stream (Dial-up) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0835/na.asx)

- Akira Yamaoka at the Chicago Premiere of PLAY! A Video Game Symphony / ifirit post #1 (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2429220#2429220) / ifirit post #2 (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2492806#2492806)
Embedded Stream (Broadband) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20060627&2=%bb%b3%b2%ac%a5%a8%a5%b0%a5%bc%a5%af%a5%c6%a5%a3 %a5%d6%a5%d7%a5%ed%a5%c7%a5%e5%a1%bc%a5%b5%a1%bc%a 4%ac%a5%b2%a1%bc%a5%e0%b2%bb%b3%da%a5%b7%a5%f3%a5% d5%a5%a9%a5%cb%a1%bc%a4%cb%bd%d0%b1%e9&3=2006%c7%af5%b7%ee27%c6%fc&4=%a5%a2%a5%e1%a5%ea%a5%ab%a1%a6%a5%b7%a5%ab%a5%b4&5=&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0842&BIT=br&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200606)
Direct Stream (Broadband) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0842/br.asx)
Embedded Stream (Dial-up) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20060627&2=%bb%b3%b2%ac%a5%a8%a5%b0%a5%bc%a5%af%a5%c6%a5%a3 %a5%d6%a5%d7%a5%ed%a5%c7%a5%e5%a1%bc%a5%b5%a1%bc%a 4%ac%a5%b2%a1%bc%a5%e0%b2%bb%b3%da%a5%b7%a5%f3%a5% d5%a5%a9%a5%cb%a1%bc%a4%cb%bd%d0%b1%e9&3=2006%c7%af5%b7%ee27%c6%fc&4=%a5%a2%a5%e1%a5%ea%a5%ab%a1%a6%a5%b7%a5%ab%a5%b4&5=&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0842&BIT=na&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200606)
Direct Stream (Dial-up) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0842/na.asx)

- Akira Yamaoka at the Opening of Silent Hill Shocking House / ifirit post (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2533089&sid=a83a5f9952b618457a6009a5804f4db9#2533089)
Direct Stream (Broadband) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0847/br.asx)
Direct Stream (Dial-up) (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0847/na.asx)

Konami sure does love Akira Yamaoka, essentially making him the face of the Silent Hill series, despite the fact that this is really an ensemble effort between the writers (Hiroyuki Owaku (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51457/), Suguru Murakoshi (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51458/)), designers (Masahiro Ito (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51456/), Sato Takayoshi (http://www.satoworks.com/), Minako Asano (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51474/)), programmers (Akihiro Imamura (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51529/), Norihito Hatakeda (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,67887/), Hidehisa Harada (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51467/)) and directors (Keiichiro Toyama (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,67761/), Masashi Tsuboyama (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51455/), Kazuhide Nakazawa (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51496/) & Suguru Murakoshi (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,51458/)), as well as all others involved.

StarZander

09-13-2006, 11:39 AM

Here's a nice little bump. For all of you who have enjoyed Knickknacks Silent Hill 2 Chibi comic, here is the first part of its flashversion. More will come soon.

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/334798

ifirit

09-15-2006, 06:25 PM

Silent Hill Rumor Control:
SH5 To Appear At Tokyo Game Show 2006 (Autumn)?:
According to many internet sources, a rumor has been spreading about the appearance of a game demo for Silent Hill 5 at this year's Tokyo Game Show. Granted, it's been more than 2 years since Konami executives have made mention of a Silent Hill game for the next generation of consoles, too little information has appeared about the game and the list of games scheduled to appear at TGS 2006 have had some inconsistency in listing SH5 as a hosted item. Even further to this rumor, SH5 is listed on these lists as a PlayStation 3 title, something that Konami has yet to confirm. Although, their history and placement of business contacts in the past have dealt primarily with Sony and their line of PlayStation products, Konami has always remained independent from the "Big 3" and garnered deals that best suited both the companies they deal with and themselves. Still, many people believe the Silent Hill franchise will remain under the PlayStation name. Still, Konami has a way of surprising people, so you never know.

Silent Hill 5 Teaser?:
A video has appeared on YouTube (again) claiming to be a video from the upcoming Silent Hill 5. Not much information is given, as the caption only reads "SH5_Test" and the poster has no other videos alotted to his/her profile. The poster boombooooom (http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=boombooooom) is listed as a person of 30 years of age living in Japan. Considering how Silent Hill 0rigins was leaked two weeks before it appeared at E3 2006, there is a possibility that this is a true teaser.

However, by watching the video, you can see that it is mostly editted stock photage of an abandoned building, spliced between some distorted CG images. At the end, the official PlayStation 3 logo appears. While the images are professionally done and the video as a whole seems viable, I do not believe that this is a teaser for Silent Hill 5. Mostly because the mood and music of the video are laced by Japanese tones and sentiments. (It feels more like a video for Siren/Forbidden Siren than one for Silent Hill.) Likely, this is a project for the PlayStation 3 conceived by another company as a horror game under a different title. While, I'm excited about the possibility of seeing imagery from a Silent Hill game on PlayStation 3 technology, this does not seem to be it, at least not something that would take 2 years to make.

YouTube.com - SH5_Test (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ukSGUCp7tw)

Silent Hill 5 Trailer?:
Please don't be fooled by this trailer on YouTube. It's completely fan-created by some fans in Spain and has nothing to do with the next game in the series. But, I'm disclaiming it now in the case that someone may confuse this as something real. (It's obviously not.)

YouTube.com - silent hill 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef22dOynJec&NR)

Furin

09-21-2006, 09:26 AM

I dont think its an SH5 teaser. Konami dont tend to hide the characters away like that, also the music wasnt very Akira and the "coming soon" text at the end looks pretty poor. xD

Also, I love that SH2:CE :p

CIaude

09-24-2006, 08:58 PM

Razumen

09-24-2006, 11:29 PM

So... There are some Silent Hill Origins trailers featuring gameplay on IGN http://media.psp.ign.com/media/826/826999/vids_1.html

I think it actually looks pretty good. They got the flashlight right, so it's already got an advantage over SH4. Regarding the camera angle, I can't really say. It worked for Resident Evil 4, why shouldn't it work for Silent Hill?

I rather liked the third person camera in the SH games, it allowed them to do some neat stuff with the camera angles while still doing a good job in keeping what you needed to see on the screen. As far as the comparison to RE, well that series has always been more based on action, so the behind the shoulder camera move really helped it a lot. As for Silent Hill, I think they should either stick to their classic third person style, or (some may hate me for this) move completely to first person for real immersion into the environments.

Aetherius

09-25-2006, 01:47 AM

ifirit

09-25-2006, 08:29 PM

Silent Hill 0rigins Update:
New Trailer (Official #3) Released at Tokyo Game Show 2006 (Plus New Music!):
A new trailer for Silent Hill 0rigins has been released for the Tokyo (http://tgs.cesa.or.jp) Game (http://tgs.cesa.or.jp/english/) Show to attract potential buyers and distributors. The now third official trailer to be released by Konami Digital Entertainment (http://www.konami.jp/tgs2006/) features a design similar to that used for The Silent Hill Experience trailer, featuring a similar camera shift and swing between screens from the in-game action. It appears that Climax Studios, developer in charge of gameplay design for SH0, has embraced the more violent, action-oriented style that was it initially teetering on. The use of very quick actions and purely brutal carnage create a disturbing atmosphere of its own, suggesting that the game will exploit the brutal flairs that have only been subtly applied in previous titles. While this aspect does deter most fans because of the similance to other "all-gore, no scare" stylings of many horror genre pieces, it appears that Konami is maintaining the sense of subtlety by keeping the images at a distance while layering other images in the foreground (particularly the the meat hooks). This blend of the liminal and subliminal is trademark for the series and shows no sign of being lost through the involvement of a third party. Let's hope that the finished product gives us a new experience in terror and maintains its self-proclaimed title of "Master of Horror-Adventure."

Speaking about the use of liminal and subliminal stylings, the new music featured in the trailer (composed by Akira Yamaoka with vocals performed by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn) has an especially tender approach suggesting that there is a deliberate attempt to place the player at a distance from the particularly bloody and violent way that the gameplay is appearing onscreen. If one is to then couple this sense of visualization with the story, you may draw connections between the time Travis was institutionalized and the concept of forming a disassociation from people and society. I wonder how that will play out in the story. Anyway, check out this trailer, the awesome reinterpretation of the main Silent Hill theme, "Silent Hill," and everyone give a big welcome to Furin (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2597209#2597209), webmaster for Silent Hill Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com), who has generously offered the trailer for download and who has recently become an affliate of Silent Hill Media (http://shm.dustfungo.com).

Konami Digital Entertainment - Tokyo Game Show 2006 Konami Special Site (http://www.konami.jp/tgs2006/)
Konami Digital Entertainment - Silent Hill 0rigins Tokyo Game Show 2006 Trailer (http://stream.i-revo.jp/event/tgs2006/broad/mv_031.wvx) (Direct Stream / Broadband)
Konami Digital Entertainment - Silent Hill 0rigins Tokyo Game Show 2006 Trailer (http://stream.i-revo.jp/event/tgs2006/narrow/mv_031.wvx) (Direct Stream / Dial-up)
Silent Hill Origins - Silent Hill 0rigins Tokyo Game Show 2006 Trailer (http://silenthillorigins.com/silent-hill-origins-tgs-2006-trailer.php) (Furin's Mirror)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Tokyo Game Show 2006 Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9MUVkRdcPU)

Major gaming sites and other Silent Hill Fan sites have yet to post this trailer on their sites, but when they do, I'll post the links here.

EDIT: Almost forgot to post the lyrics to the music from the trailer, which is currently rumored to be titled "Hope."
...emptiness, dead eyes,
and lost what you've found.

Maybe there on the edge
is your hope
but you don't look down.

Why?

There you go,
saying nothing.

Is my mind unclear
or could it be
maybe something
has a hold of me?

??? [unknown word]
The last lyric in the song is some word ending in an "i" sound, like "die" or "fly." All I know is that it rhymes with the preceeding "why."

EDIT 2:
The official Japanese trailer has been placed on GameTrailers.com (http://www.gametrailers.com) in various formats. Visit the page to download the trailer.

GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins (Japanese Trailer) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=13376&type=mov&pl=game) (.mov file / 7.9MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins (Japanese Trailer) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=13376&type=wmv&pl=game) (.wmv file / 9.0MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins (Japanese Trailer) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=13376&type=mp4&pl=game) (.mp4 file / 5.8MB)

Nulion

09-25-2006, 09:24 PM

ifirit, I have to ask...Where was that reinterpretation of the main Silent Hill theme? I can't find it for some odd reason.

*Thank you* though for the trailers, as I hadn't seen these anywhere else...And damn, I am loving the music. Yamaoka just doesn't seem to let us down, does he?

I'll admit though, I didn't like the song in the TGS trailer as much as I did the last official trailer, the one that showed the first samples of gameplay. Gotta be one of the better SH songs in recent years, for sure!

Razumen

09-25-2006, 09:51 PM

I think that the story would be restricted by a first person view point. It helps to be able to see the character in their entirety to relate to them as someone involved in the story. The story is limited by replacing the personality of the main character with the players'.

Yes, because watching Henry/Heather/James bludgeon that misshapen monster to death for the 532nd time really helps us to empathise with them and further the plot. :roll:

I know for a fact that a first person view would affect me a lot more than the current third person one, for instance in games with large, lifelike spiders, I get really creeped out when I have to fight them in first person, just because they seem that much closer to you. Considering the main appeal of the SH games is to creep people out, a first person perspective seems like a obvious choice to me.

And it's not like you couldn't still have cutscenes and the like, nor does the character you play as has to suddenly become a mute. I'm also sure that any of the previous silent hill games could be played from the first person (with control changes and the like of course) and not only would they not be lessened by it, but it would actually enhance the experience. (Graphics-wise notwithstanding)

Furin

09-26-2006, 09:48 AM

everyone give a big welcome to Furin (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2597209#2597209), webmaster for Silent Hill Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com), who has generously offered the trailer for download and who has recently become an affliate of Silent Hill Media (http://shm.dustfungo.com).

Aww thanks alot, Ifrit. ^_^ Good thread you're keeping up here. :P

I love the music in the new trailer. although the trailer shows nothing new other than a closeup shot of that lying figure type thing for one second it was still a cool trailer. ;p The only thing i am disliking at the moment is the way he runs. :/ but then i guess its because he's carrying a sledgehammer.

Where was that reinterpretation of the main Silent Hill theme? I can't find it for some odd reason.

Do you mean the music at the end of the TGS trailer when the origins logo appears? I believe thats unique, for origins. :p

I like the new camera angle, although it is a really bad rip off of RE4 XD But i understand how the PSP has a small screen and the old style camera angle would be annoying. :/

Nulion

09-26-2006, 04:31 PM

Oh yes, welcome Furin :)

And thank you, although...I just don't hear the Silent Hill theme in that music at the end. I must be the only one too, haha, since I've looked up the trailer elsewhere and heard comments about the SH theme there...but I still don't hear it, unless it's being played backwards. It probably is a unique song though.

And very nice job on the site by the way...You had the only copy of the SH:0 trailer 2 song I could find (For free) on the net, and the rest of the site is just packed with info :)

Furin

09-26-2006, 05:56 PM

Thanks, and thats quite alright, thats what the sites for. :p

I think the music at the end is, as you said, the theme played backwards or something so when people say the "silent Hill" theme i think they mean the new mix of it. :p

Aetherius

09-26-2006, 07:09 PM

calling it a "new mix" is pretty misleading.

It's really only about 3 seconds (if that) of distorted theme over the bassline from the original. Not even really worth calling it a 'mix'

Furin

09-26-2006, 07:37 PM

Well its obviously the old Silent Hill theme which has been changed, i didnt know what else to call it. O_o

Edit: You can download the MP3 of that trailer song here (http://silenthillorigins.com/silenthillorigins/ost/Silent%20Hill%20Origins%20-%20Trailer%203%20mp3.mp3).

ifirit

09-28-2006, 05:37 AM

Silent Hill 1 Update:
"Making of Silent Hill" Featurette Rediscovered and Translated:
While searching around the net, I came across an SH website called Night's Hell Hole (http://www.freewebs.com/nightwaker83/index.htm), a freesite based on lots of media for Silent Hill, most of which is obtained personally by the webmaster. While searching through the site, I found some rather curious information on a video showing an interview with director Keiichiro Toyama about the first Silent Hill game. While the video turned out to be a commercial promoting the game in Japan prior to it's release in 1999, it contains some behind the scenes footage, featuring Takayoshi Sato and Masahiro Ito, showing how the characters were designed for the game.

The interview itself is fairly dated, as it refers to groundbreaking techniques and effects that are not only in common practice these days, but have been surpassed. Still, you have to appreciate the amount of thought that went into the design of the game and how the creators wanted to create a truly open-world style for a horror game. This becomes increasingly important if one then considers that Keiichiro Toyama went on to create Siren (http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/siren/siren.html) (Forbidden Siren (http://www.forbiddensiren.com/)) and Siren 2 (http://www.jp.playstation.com/scej/title/siren2/) (Forbidden Siren 2 (http://www.forbiddensiren2.com/)), which are truly open-world horror games. In addition, seeing Takayoshi Sato explain in his own words what is important in character design helps in understanding how his style is so unique and interesting. So, for all intents and purposes, this is a "making of" documentary, which means that every game in the series has now had a "Making Of..." film to accompany the game.

In spite of this product that just seemingly comes out of nowhere, one has to show one's appreciation for all the hard work that actually went into translating the feature into English as is documented on the site and in the thread where this project began. The process to get the feature to appear with English subtitles wasn't directly from the original Japanese. In fact, the dialogue was originally transcribed and translated into Chinese and then translated into English. Although this may raise doubts about the accuracy of the translation, it remains very clear and coherent. However, if you feel that the translation is lacking in any way, please feel free to inform the translators on the Memory of Alessa (http://www.memoryofalessa.com/) forums.

The Silent Hill feature is currently available off of Night's Hell Hole (http://www.freewebs.com/nightwaker83/index.htm), though the file is actually located on FileFront (http://www.filefront.com/)'s servers. However, it's best that if you cannot read any of the subtitles, you use the directed site as a reference. The video is encoded in DivX and requires that you have a DivX player (http://www.divx.com/) or DivX codec (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/FFDShow.htm) for your video player. I'm also providing a link to the YouTube (http://www.youtube.com) page for those who are unable (or too lazy) to install a DivX program. (Please note that the quality of the YouTube video is much lower than the DivX file, so you may have some trouble reading the subtitles.)

Night's Hell Hole - Translated Media (http://www.freewebs.com/nightwaker83/silenthillbasedmedia.htm#85424833)
FileFront - Silent Hill Feature (http://files.filefront.com/Silent_Hill_Feature_en_DivXdivx/;5139692;;/fileinfo.html) (.divx file / 10.5 MB)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill Featurette with English Subtitles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmpFGFfcxBY)
Memory of Alessa - SH1 - Feature! (http://www.memoryofalessa.com/read.php?tid=640&fpage=&toread=&page=1) (Translation Discussion Thread)
--------

The Silent Hill Experience Update:
Creating the Experience - The Silent Hill Experience "Making Of" Featurette:
Well, it seems that we have another Silent Hill documentary film to add to the collection, this time for The Silent Hill Experience (http://www.konami.com/silenthill/she/). This video was originally released as an extra disc featured with the DVD release of Silent Hill on August 22, 2006 from Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/) retailers in the US. (Alternatively, Circuit City stores offered a Silent Hill comic with their purchases of the DVD, which turned out to be just IDW's Silent Hill: Among the Damned. Not the best offer, but the better of the comics released.) The special disc, which retailed at $19.99, appeared in only participating Best Buy stores and was marked on the front with a special yellow sticker. The disc itself was wrapped in a paper and cellophane envelope placed inside the film's DVD case. In addition to containing the featurette "Creating the Experience," the disc also contained two trailers for The Silent Hill Experience and the first official trailer for Silent Hill 0rigins.

The DVD featurette on the Silent Hill Experience basically explains what the UMD disc is and why it was brought to the PSP UMD format as opposed to DVD format. (Ironic.) Anyway, it turns out that the creators for the Silent Hill Experience were no other than William Oertel and his team. [cue organ music] He explains in greater detail how the experience of the Silent Hill franchise is important and how it allows North American audiences to view material that would have otherwise been lost. He also explains a little bit more behind the original comic featured on the UMD, "The Hunger."

For those who have not played the UMD, "The Hunger" is an original comic created by Oertel's team as a precursor to the other comics and to reveal a little more about the origins of Silent Hill. (Odd, that sounds really familiar...) In the featurette, William Oertel explains the art design behind the comic and how it changes from the beginning to end. This featurette really makes you want to pick up the UMD to see what exactly is on the disc (or just to watch it over again).

Check it out if you haven't already. If you can still find the special disc on sale at your local Best Buy store, I suggest that you get it before it costs $100+ on ebay. If not, you can view "Creating the Experience" from your friendly-neighborhood Silent Hill Media (http://shm.dustfungo.com). (Please note that bandwidth has been exceeded for the month, but will be restored at the beginning of October, except for those who joined the Silent Hill Media Club, who have unlimited access to all the files and more.) However, I'm made the video available by mirroring it on MegaUpload (http://www.megaupload.com).

Silent Hill Media - The Silent Hill Experience Page (http://shm.dustfungo.com/she.htm) (.wmv file / 24.4 MB)
Creating the Experience [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9VKJCU9X) (.wmv file / 24.4 MB)
YouTube.com - Creating the Experience (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NRffHTCPXs)
--------

Silent Hill Comics Update:
Silent Hill Cage of Cradle Preview Images Available:
Recently, Konami Digital Entertainment featured the digital comic, Silent Hill Cage of Cradle, on their weekly promotional website. The site featured three selected pages from the comic featured in black and white. Although, Masahiro Ito has not said much about it in English, there seems to be quite a bit of discussion on it in Japanese on his BBS channel (http://8226.teacup.com/hill_nobu/bbs). All that he has revealed is that it is written by Hiroyuki Owaku and will feature Lisa Garland, Alessa Gillespie, Dahlia Gillespie and a fourth, male character. From the images I obtained, it appears that the male character is featured on the pages.

Unfortunately, due to an unexpected system crash at home, I've only got the second page available for viewing. Also, Konami has since taken down the images and replaced them with this week's flavor (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/weekly_konami/index.html), so unless you've also downloaded the pages, this is the best I can offer. Yet, there is some good news, a few japanese sites have managed to get some other exclusive images from the digital comic. Check out the sites below to get a sample.

Konami Digital Entertainment - Converting Games to Manga to Distribute on Mobile Phones (http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp/press/2006/006/index.html) (Japanese Page)
Konami Digital Entertainment - Converting Games to Manga to Distribute on Mobile Phones (http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp/press/2006/006/index-e.html) (English Page)
Konami Digital Entertainment - Converting Games to Manga to Distribute on Mobile Phones (http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp/press/2006/006/006.asx) (Streaming Video Announcement / Japanese)
GPara.com - 『ランブルローズ』『幻想水滸伝』がケータイ漫画に！ (http://www.gpara.com/article/cms_show.php?c_id=456&c_num=14) / Image (http://www.gpara.com/article/pop_show.php?c_id=456&c_num=3&c_num2=2)
Famitsu.com - ゲーム、映画に続いて『サイレントヒル』が漫画化！ (http://www.famitsu.com/k_tai/news/2006/07/28/607,1154057236,57716,0,0.html) (Contains 4 new images)
Cage of Cradle - Preview Page 02 (http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/?action=view&current=silent_02.jpg&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch1) (ifirit's Mirror)

I did manage to find a translation (http://www.silenthillforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=175334&sid=5329d643e26743f212148a05aaa396cd#175334) for the images featured on the weekly promotional page for the comic on Silent Hill Heaven's Forums (http://www.silenthillforum.com), provided by "Burning Man."

EDIT: Konami Digital Entertainment Mobile (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/d53/index.html) has released an official preview of the Silent Hill Digital Manga/Comic on their main page. The pages shown in this preview differ from the initial weekly promotion that they listed before. These pages will likely not be previewed for very long so grab them while you can.

Konami Digital Entertainment Mobile - Silent Hill Cage of Cradle Preview (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/d53/comic01.html)

IDW's Angela In Ashes Character Design Leaked:
In addition to finding images for Silent Hill's Cage of Cradle, I've also obtained the exclusive character designs for IDW's Angela In Ashes, announced for next year. For those who may not be aware, Angela In Ashes is a comic that will feature Angela Orosco's version of the story from Silent Hill 2. For many fans, this is stepping into dangerous territory, as Silent Hill 2 is the most covetted story of the series and IDW hasn't exactly shown that they can handle the material from the games well. In spite of that, IDW still holds the licencing agreement for the US rights to the graphical novels, so they can do whatever they want, especially considering that none of the core members of Team Silent are even supervising the project. (Man, I wish Konami and ComX (http://www.comxcomics.com/) would get their Silent Hill Comic deal finalized and published.)

Anyway, according to a member of the Silent Hill Heaven's forums (http://www.silenthillforum.com), Oliver Dark, he/she managed to obtain an image from the artist of the character design for Angela. Although originally he/she posted some of the artist's original works, claiming that they were for Angela In Ashes, and after the artist agreed to allow the image to stay online, we were treated to the exclusive character design. Enjoy.

Silent Hill Heaven Forums - "Angela In Ashes" new comic from IDW (http://www.silenthillforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=8091) / Post to Image (http://www.silenthillforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=175458#175458)
Angela Character Design (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/angela.jpg) (ifirit's Mirror)
--------

In other news, I have joined the team at Silent Hill: Origins (http://silenthillorigins.com/) and will be posting information about the Silent Hill series there in the future. Although, I will not be abandoning this thread, this move does benefit the community, because it now allows me to sort and filter topics by type. This, in turn, benefits you guys because, you'll now be able to easily search for posted information about the series that has been previously found here. Over the next few weeks, I will be logging in all the information and links I've posted over the years (has it been years already?) on Furin's website. I'll also be providing Silent Hill: Origins with material that has since been pulled from other sites and will archive some of the rarest information around. I guess William Oertel was right, "it's never been a better time to be a Silent Hill fan."

ifirit

10-23-2006, 07:57 PM

A rescue from the heart of darkness.

Silent Hill Fan Projects Update:
Silent Hill Oneiro Mini-series Completed:
Unfortunately, not much has been happening in the official Silent Hill scene, so I'm taking this time to highlight a recently completed fan project that I found to be very well made. So, we turn our focus onto Silent Hill Oniero, a live-action mini-series creating an original story around the Silent Hill videogames. The project originated on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com) as part of the director's (Tim Connery) blog (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=52680821), but later moved to YouTube (http://www.youtube.com), due to file size issues. The team has been releasing the episodes one at a time over the course of this year. What makes the mini-series worth mentioning is that unlike many live-action fan films, which tend to be very amatuer, this project has a similance of professionalism. Everything is taken into consideration from set locations and props, from the narrative and flow, to the cinematography and filming perspective. The level of attention to detail is so prevelent in the episodes that it is often overlooked due to its non-invasiveness. This alone is a sign of a creative mind.

The mini-series itself is character-driven as are most of the games, with this chapter focusing on our protagonist, Edward Bauer. Edward was heading to Silent Hill in order to join a therapy support group, but wakes up in the Paleville area on the shores of Lake Toluca. However, after a chance meeting with Trevor Brachman, things begin to take the traditional (and somewhat cliche') turn for the worst as strange things start to appear. The word oneiro itself is derived from greek and means "dream." The title is fitting for this mini-series as the character has an inherent fear of nightmares and will often avoid sleeping for extended periods of time or sometimes altogether just to avoid dreaming. (Additional movies, books and music use the word oneiro in their titles, but I've found no particular significance with this project.)

As for characters, our protagonist, Edward, is your average sloppy-joe, who doesn't really mind being by himself, which could account for his lack of social graces. He doesn't usually raise objections and generally tends to go-with-the-flow of things. As such, after waking up in Silent Hill without reason or purpose, rather than searching for signs of life or a way out, he takes a smoke break. As such, you really won't see him raising too many eyebrows at the occasional dead body or out-of-place object. Yet, despite of this, Edward's saving grace is that he manages to maintain his focus on the bigger picture at hand. He questions the reasons for the current state of things and helps to focus the audience's attention on what's important in the midst of his series of mundane tasks and actions.

One really has to appreciate the effort that went into creating the narrative of this story, because not only does it remain faithful to the general writing style of the game series, but it also incorporates many of the major characteristics of the franchise. What I found great were the incorporations of the games' HUI into the live-action elements, giving it a familiar feel and allowing a progression in the narrative without relying on vocal dialogue. I'm most particularly pleased with the use of an actual loop in the story, which so many fan projects tend to overlook. Plus, there's even a toilet reference. Definitely check this one out.

Silent Hill Oneiro:
YouTube - "New Silent Hill Oneiro Trailer" (http://youtube.com/watch?v=YwHXFCGk5Fw) / Director's Commentary (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52680821&blogID=90610191&Mytoken=3BAAB015-0AE0-47DE-B326F0F8ED42F8B525972950)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Part 1 - Toluca Awake (http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZC-vVEuX8Mg) / Director's Commentary (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52680821&blogID=106740379&Mytoken=3BAAB015-0AE0-47DE-B326F0F8ED42F8B525972950)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oniero: Part 2 - The First Foci (http://youtube.com/watch?v=m_1bUenKOs8) / Director's Commentary (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52680821&blogID=107561405&Mytoken=3BAAB015-0AE0-47DE-B326F0F8ED42F8B525972950)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Part 3 - The Downtown District (http://youtube.com/watch?v=iISMoOzafwo) / Director's Commentary (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52680821&blogID=108524749&Mytoken=C395B405-A857-4B96-8220F935AC6EACB727987640)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Puzzle (Part 3.5) - Nine Black Statues (http://youtube.com/watch?v=AsbGQk9Bbvg) / Director's Commentary (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52680821&blogID=110909763&Mytoken=C395B405-A857-4B96-8220F935AC6EACB727987640)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Part 4 - Basement Narrow (http://youtube.com/watch?v=hA8Z8LnY1YA) / Director's Commentary (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52680821&blogID=111806295&Mytoken=C395B405-A857-4B96-8220F935AC6EACB727987640)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Part 5 - Faith's Flame (http://youtube.com/watch?v=vPLIHqcr-fw) / Director's Commentary (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52680821&blogID=114600024&Mytoken=C395B405-A857-4B96-8220F935AC6EACB727987640)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Part 6 - God of Nightmares (http://youtube.com/watch?v=sWpAIOlnIK8) / Director's Commentary (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=52680821&blogID=133528405&Mytoken=C395B405-A857-4B96-8220F935AC6EACB727987640)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Ending 1 - Dreamless Nights (http://youtube.com/watch?v=p6YuyF23CXU) (Good Ending)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Ending 2 - The Awakening (http://youtube.com/watch?v=uX5Pj6HgwMw) (Normal Ending)
YouTube - Silent Hill Oneiro: Ending 3 - Lakeside Resurrection (http://youtube.com/watch?v=u8lfsGo8g7M) (Bad Ending)

I managed to rip and convert the flash files into .mpg format. Unfortunately, in order to maintain the visual clarity and screen size,the files required a large amount of memory, so expect large files and long download times. If you can find, create or help me make reduced-sized files, please do so.

Silent Hill Oneiro - Trailer + Parts 1-3 + Puzzle [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F547JPQV) (.zip file / .mpg format / 227 MB)
Silent Hill Oneiro - Parts 4 - 6 [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N88H1Z5J) (.zip file / .mpg format / 219 MB)
Silent Hill Oneiro - Endings 1-3 [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SBXUX26B) (.zip file / .mpg format / 49.3 MB)

Crew and Cast:
Directed by Tim Connery
Written by Tim Connery & Raleigh Moon
Music by Akira Yamaoka; Encomiast

Edward Bauer............. Raleigh Moon
Trevor Brachman......... Sean Hulburt
Steven....................... Tim Connery
The Second Foci......... Ian Scheideberg
The Third Foci............. Tina Heer
Basement Monster...... Drew Bissell
Dead Body In Park...... Chris Metcalf

StarZander

10-27-2006, 08:38 AM

So, the Silent Hill movie (finally) came out on DVD here in Sweden, Wednesday this week, and sometimes we get some extra stuff, since we get everything so late, but not this time. The only extra stuff on the DVD was the "Making of..." video, and I think we've all seen that by now. Too bad.

Just a little bump.

The Joker

10-29-2006, 09:12 AM

I barely got a chance to hear the new tracks for the trailers. I dig 'em.

Aetherius

10-31-2006, 04:48 PM

That Silent Hill Oneiro show was pretty good (albeit a little thrown together).

It took me 'til the middle for me to get into it, but once I did, that same feeling of "holy shit, what's going to happen next?" that I get when playing the game appeared.

If you haven't yet, check it out.
It's nothing mind-blowing, but it's pretty good.

ifirit

11-04-2006, 12:44 AM

Silent Hill Weekly Update:
Jimmy Kimmel Live Silent Hill Parody:
After the first week release of Silent Hill in theaters in the US, the film reached the No. 1 spot on the Box Office list, promting Jimmy Kimmel's show to do a parody. (This is the only mainstream reference to Silent Hill in parody form, to my knowledge.) Although it's a bit on the bland side, it does explain a lot weird references on some Silent Hill forums.

Jimmy Kimmel Live - Silent Hill Parody (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahR9Gl1NInE)

Silent Hill Parody - Silent Hill 2?:
It's not a unusual thing for popular series to see parodies made on the internet. As such, here's an interesting take on the film by Shadow Circus (http://shadowcircus.tribe.net/), a group of marionette street-performers. Their take looks at a possible Silent Hill sequel. In this possible sequel, Rose DeSilva has lost Sharon in the deserted town of Silent Hill, AGAIN! Oh, what terrors could possibly in the depths of the fog this time? Evil dogs? Puppet doctors? Red Pyramid menage-troi? Watch and find out!

The Shadow Circus - Silent Hill 2: Exclusive First Look! (http://shadowcircus.tribe.net/thread/59034a1e-ab26-4997-84c0-ba12f102d9bd)
Silent Hill Film Parody (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah6rEPCPBf0)

Aetherius

11-15-2006, 09:10 AM

wow...both of those were...pretty...not funny at all. Let's dance!

ifirit

11-17-2006, 07:57 AM

wow...both of those were...pretty...not funny at all. Let's dance!If you're not much into those, maybe I'll have to pull out some big guns.

Silent Hill Weekly Update:
Silent Hill the Fxxxen Movie:
Although the origins this video have never been clearly known, this video has gained a sort of popularity from the YouTube crowd. There's not much to explain about the film, as the title can give you a clue as to the film's dialogue.

Essentially, it tells the story of a psuedo-James (hence forth refered to as Fxxxen James) as he wanders around his house, just so happened to be filled with monsters and Silent Hill style puzzles. One gains the impression that this was conceptualized as a response to if a more proactive person was cast as James (particularly a college student with a very foul mouth). So, for the most part every other word spoken is "fxxx" (with the rest of the dialogue rounded out with "shxx").

The concept is essentially so simple that it works. But, when you include the mannerisms and expressions of Fxxxen James, it brings the idea to greater life. Add in some decent camera work and good music, and you've got yourself the makings of a classic.

You'll have to forgive the number of amateurish touches in the first film (camera operators and actors laughing, added extras on set, unsteady camera shifts and ad lib remarks). But, it's important to have a background grasp on the first film to really appreciate the second and to understand where it comes from a little better.

Warning: Links Contain Strong Language (Not Work Appropriate)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill the Fxxxen Movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ-b3JZiI5o)
Silent Hill: The Fxxxen Movie [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2GXA9OX0) (.mpg file / 41.2 MB)

Silent Hill the Fxxxen Movie 2:
As was with the first film, this sequel has unknown origins, but was also placed onto YouTube by the same user, suggesting either that their friend was either well caught-up on the creators, or was directly connected to them. Either way, we get to see a much better film.

This film picks right up where the last one left off as Fxxxen James wakes up trying to recall the last few moments on consciousness. After recalling the previous events, he makes his way through the house to find a way out.

Everything about the original has been well polished and made much cleaner and more refined. The continued use of profanity now serves a greater role in the story and is used toward more logical and thus funnier results. The lighting and camera direction is better adjusted to resemble the games. There is greater variation in the flow and pace of the film, making all the more compelling to watch.

Like their counterparts, the Fxxxen Movie 2 is a much improved successor. Enjoy.

Warning: Links Contain Strong Language (Not Work Appropriate)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill the Fxxxen Movie 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4-OzrDzZ1Q)
Silent Hill the Fxxxen Movie 2 [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6Y6UJ1EE) (.mpg file / 52.24 MB)

Silent Hill Rumor Control:
Silent Hill 5 Test #3???:
In a previous post, I had found a video showing what was supposed to be test footage from the as yet unannounced Silent Hill 5. I had claimed that this footage was just a rumor and probably not connected to anything made by Team Silent. However, I have now come across another video posted by the same user claiming that this is new footage from the game.

While the video itself does contain what looks to be more computer animated imagery, I'm still somewhat unconvinced that this is connected to the same project as SH5. However, with this turn of events, I feel inclined to at least let you guys be aware that there is a rumor floating around. William Oertel has confirmed that Team Silent is working on a new project, though declined to suggest that it was part of the Silent Hill series, so if this is real and the project is nearing completion, then it could be very likely that we hear about it at Konami's Gamer's Day 2007 in San Fransico, California.

As I'm sure you're wondering, where is SH5_Test2? Well, I'm currently looking into it, but I feel that if it was posted, it was also removed by the same user. Hopefully, if it was posted, I can track down a copy.

YouTube.com - SH5_Test3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7yf64jS87E)
SH5_Test3 [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ONNTBLSV) (.mpg file / 2.28 MB)

UnforgivingEdges

11-25-2006, 11:43 PM

Silent Hill 5 coming to a next-gen console near you. (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130794)

ifirit

11-28-2006, 04:40 AM

Finally, I've got some official news to post.

Silent Hill 2 Update:
Silent Hill 2: The Novel:
Konami has just released the novelization of the second main game in the Silent Hill series. This adaptation of the second game's story was released on November 22, 2006 on Konami's online store (http://www.konami.jp/book/index.html). Silent Hill 2, as a novel, is written by Sadamu Yamashita (http://www14.plala.or.jp/hidal/) and is illustrated by Masahiro Ito (http://www.geocities.jp/nobu_hill/) (Warning: Site Contains Non-Safe Work Material). Similar to the first book, the novel is printed in paperback with a glossy sleeve covering the book. It is written in the same Japanese format as the first book (sentences written vertically from top to bottom, running from right to left). The novel also contains CG images interlaced within the novel to accompany the writing at a certain point in the story, though the majority of the novel is still text. And, just like the first novel, this one contains new images reinterpreting the monsters from Silent Hill 2 by Masahiro Ito. Unfortunately, Konami has yet to post a preview of the novel on the order page, so it is yet unknown what the images are and of which monsters. (I suspect though that there will just be the classics: The Red Pyramid Thing & Mannequins, Lying Figure, Abstract Daddy, Marya, et al.)

This second novelization comes as quite a surprise considering that the film only covers the story of the first game. Likely, this was one of the number of "projects" that Konami had been working on, as hinted by William Oertel. One has to now wonder if there will be a third novelization in the series. However, I really don't think there will be a novelization through or beyond the fourth game, since it is still a part of the current season.* The novel serves to promote the release of the Premium Edition of Silent Hill, released on the same day. (See below for details.)

The novel retails at 933 yen (980 yen with sales tax, ~9 USD) and has the ISBN (catalogue number): 4-86155-832-8. If Konami does not place a preview of this novelization on their site, I will provide one here when my copy arrives.

*Footnote: Team Silent has broken up the series into seasons, where the first season of the series included influences from the original creators and that the second (current) season is noted by the influence of new members and heads-of-staff. Each season will reflect the style and direction of the current members of staff. Personal feelings aside, the current season has a very different presentation than the first.

Konami Digital Entertainment - Items of Silent Hill 2 (http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/sh2/goods/goods.html) (Main Page)
Konami Digital Entertainment - コナミノベルス「サイレントヒル」 (http://www.konami.jp/book/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?goods_key=ISBN4-86155-832-8) (Order Page)

EDIT: I've received my copy of the novel yesterday and it is very similar to the first novel, except that this one is dedicated to Mary (where the first was dedicated to Cheryl). The novel, however, only contains four full page illustrations by Masahiro Ito, where as the first contained eight. The drawings are in color and feature the Red Pyramid Thing Duo (on a two page spread) and two images of Marya. I'll try to have a preview available by tomorrow, including the full page illustrations.

Silent Hill Film Update:
Silent Hill Premium Edition Released; Silent Hill Ultimate Box Edition Release Revised:
As previously reported (http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2555566#2555566), the Silent Hill Premium Edition was release in Japanese retail stores on November 22, 2006 by Shochiku Home Video. The set, which was originally stated to be a 2-disc set, is actually a 3-disc set. The set contains the feature film (on the first disc), the "making of" documentary Path of Darkness (on the second disc), the game-to-film comparison created by the development team at Konami (on the third disc) and additional cast and crew commentaries and interviews (on the second and third discs). The DVD also includes a large number of additions that are not available to the North American (Region 1) release, which include film trailers, game trailers (SH0, TSHE, novels, etc.), TV spots and English & Japanese subtitles.

The first disc included in the Premium Edition of Silent Hill has the main feature with 5.1 Surround Sound in either English or Japanese dub. The subtitles can be displayed in either English or Japanese. The credits montage at the end of the film features the Japanese version only (being that it uses the song "Lovin' You" performed by Anna Tsuchiya [written by Anna Tsuchiya, Joey Carbone, Anthony Mazza and Ron Harris] instead of "You're Not Here" performed by Mary Elizabeth Mc Glynn [written by Akira Yamaoka, Joe Romersa and Hiroyuki Owaku]). Additionally, more trailers were added (for other films) than was featured on the original (regular) DVD version.

The second disc contains "Path of Darkness: Making of Silent Hill," broken up into it's individual chapters: Origins, Casting, Set-Design, Stars and Stunts, Creatures Unleased, and Creature Choreography. Like the regular edition, it also features a "Play All" feature for the documentary. Also, there is a "Behind the Scenes" interview with Radha Mitchell, which runs at 14 minutes. The last features on the second disc are the promotional material for the film, which includes the North American theatrical trailer, 2 North American TV spots, 3 Japanese TV spots and 4 Japanese theatrical trailers.

The third disc* contains the game-to-film featurette called "The Truth of Silent Hill." This includes a number of game materials provided by Konami. The first is an interactive town map of Silent Hill. The next features are a backstory of the original Silent Hill game, broken down into sub-sections: Story (text only; Japanese), Characters (text only; Japanese), Opening Movie and Alternate Opening Movie, and Ending Movie. There is also a backstory available for Silent Hill 2, also broken down into sub-sections: Story (text only; Japanese), Characters (text only; Japanese), and Opening Movie. Next, is the direct game-to-film comparison, which is separated into sections: Scene Comparison, Character Comparison, and Creature Comparison. The Scene Comparision compares 15 scenes from the film with 15 scenes from the games. The Characters section compares 10 characters from the game with the film cast. And, the Creature Comparison looks at 6 different monsters from the games to the film's menagerie. The disc also contains interviews with Akira Yamaoka about both the game and the film (Japanese dialogue only, no subtitles available). The disc rounds itself out with promotional material for other related products: trailers for Silent Hill 0rigins, The Silent Hill Experience, Silent Hill 3 and the Silent Hill novels.

In addition to the three disc set, with the limited production of the first printing of the DVD set, you'll get a custom case to fit all three discs and a booklet entitled "Silent Hill - Guide to Chaotic Town."

*Footnote: Some users have had problems with the first printing on the third disc, citing both skipping issues and and video errors. No idication was given as to whether this was a problem with the Region 2 encoding or player decoding.

The Ultimate Box Edition of Silent Hill is set to release on December 13, 2006 in Japanese retail stores. The Ultimate Box Edition will include all the features of the Premium Edition with the addition of a special Blu-Ray disc which will contain only the contents of the first two discs. The custom case and booklet "Silent Hill - Guide to Chaotic Town" will be available with the limited printing of this set.

Play-Asia - Movies - Silent Hill Premium Edition (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-ad-49-en-70-1ow6.html)
CD Japan - Movies - Silent Hill Premium Edition (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCBE-52444)
YesAsia.com - Movies - Silent Hill Premium Edition (3 Discs Edition) (Japan Version) (http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/aid-21603/section-videos/code-j/version-all/pid-1004493865/)
Other Japanese online retailers and importers are available, but these are the most prominent sites in English.

Silent Hill Premium Edition Contents:

Disc One
- Main Feature (125 minutes)
- End Credits (with alternate music)
- Subtitles
- Previews (Other Films)

Disc Two
- "Path of Darkness: Making Of Silent Hill" Documentary (59 mintues)
++++ Origins
++++ Casting Silent Hill
++++ Set-Design
++++ Stars and Stunts
++++ Creatures Unleased
++++ Creature Choreography
- "Behind the Scenes" interview with Radha Mitchell (14 minutes)
- Promotional Material
++++ North American Theatrical Trailer
++++ North American TV Spots (2)
++++ Japanese Theatrical Trailers (4)
++++ Japanese TV Spots (3)

Disc Three
"The Truth of Silent Hill"
- Silent Hill Town Map
- Original Game
++++ Silent Hill
--------- Story (Text Only; Japanese)
--------- Characters (Text Only; Japanese)
--------- Opening Movie
--------- Alternate Opening Movie
--------- Ending Movie
++++ Silent Hill 2
--------- Story (Text Only; Japanese)
--------- Characters (Text Only; Japanese)
--------- Opening Movie
- Game Vs. Movie
++++ Scene Comparison
++++ Character Comparison
++++ Creature Comparison
- Akira Yamaoka Interview
++++ About the Game (Japanese; No Subtitles)
++++ About the Movie (Japanese; No Subtitles)
- Related Products
++++ Trailer for Silent Hill 0rigins
++++ Trailer for The Silent Hill Experience
++++ Trailer for Silent Hill Novels
++++ Trailer for Silent Hill 3 (PS2)

Subtitles:
English, Japanese (Optional)

Picture Format:
2.40:1 Anamorphic NTSC

Sound:
English Dolby Digital 5.1
Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1

Case & Extras (First Printing ONLY):
Amaray (Keep) case with plastic slipcase
Booklet - "Silent Hill - Guide to Chaotic Town"
Personal Note: I'm interested in the trailer for the Silent Hill novels, because I'm interested in seeing if a novel for Silent Hill 3 will be coming out. If so, I wonder which date it will be: December 13th or January 22. The first date corresponses to the release of the Ultimate Box set, the last of the releases for the film, but the second date could be more interesting, since it is both the exact two month period between the previous novel releases, but also the same day as another major release.

Monobrow

12-03-2006, 03:54 AM

ifirit

12-04-2006, 12:14 AM

Nulion

12-05-2006, 07:30 AM

ifirit, I've got to ask...About the Silent Hill Premium/Ultimate Edition, is that a Japan only release? For now it sure seems like it is, but are there any plans at all for it to be brought over to the US?

If not....GHA! >.<

Just looking at that feature list makes me jealous! >.<

Monobrow

12-05-2006, 03:24 PM

hey ifrit, do you ever frequent any SH forums?

edit: or does anyone else here for that matter?

also, I'm starting to realize that this thread is like a mini website...it has so much information...I just can't believe it.
I usually lurk in the Silent Hill Forum (http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk) mostly to hear about what's new or what cool project someone is cooking up next. I used to look up Silent Hill Resort (http://www.silenthillresorts.com) for info on the film before it's release, and also to check out the podcast, but recently they've become a little too side-tracked by other non-SH related news to stay relevent. Recently, I've been trying to build up a relationship with Silent Hill: Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com/forum) to make the information here a little more accessible to the public, but there are a number of kinks that I've still got to work out. Silent Hill Heaven's Forums (http://www.silenthillforum.com) had quite a long dry spell, especially with the main site closing and all, but recently with the revived interest in the series and it's subsequent publications, I'm finding myself reading more and more from that site.

I recently joined the sh forum... They are pretty receptive to just figuring out what makes the games really tick... I think their atmosphere is warm and friendly.

The silent hill heaven forum is pretty much full of a lot of snobbery, but they know their stuff... A lot of the people there seem to take themselves way too seriously... especially the mods, which is not good. I take that place with a grain of salt. I am pretty much taboo there myself. The site's content was great, and hopefully the newer edition will be good as well when it is released.

I've never visited the other places, I will have to take a look. If you ever post at the places I visit, drop me a pm and I will take a look. :J

roque

12-07-2006, 02:34 PM

I read somewhere that the third disc of the Premium Edition just has the same stuff from the Silent Hill Experience on PSP; anyone know if that's true?

RazorOutlaw

12-12-2006, 02:06 PM

In my Literary Genres class, we had to mak a film based on a literary work or a work of our own. My mind practically exploded with possibilities, because I kind of always wanted to try my hand at doing something scary and/or psychological. Being that my campus is creepy in some areas (actually as a general rule, its just creepy anywhere inside the buildings) I figured this would be an easy task.

But I also recognized that my plans were ambitious, and the group I was working with came up with the simpler idea of adapting Frankenstein.

So I kind of pushed the idea to the back of my head until I visited a friend last night and she showed me the music video she made for her Media class. It was put to the song by Greenday, y'know the one that goes "There's something unpredictable but in the end its right/I hope you had the time of your life"

However the music video itself centered around a couple, one of whom died in a wreck, and the girlfriend left behind who couldn't let go. Fortunately the music video ended happily, but it got my mind turning as to what the music video would have been like if it hadn't been put to a popular and upbeat song. ANYWAY, as I watched her video I thought that it'd be a bitchin' idea if someone had adapted the Theme of Laura song to their own music video. I'm a bit disingenious on this part, but it occured to me just how much I'd like to see the original video adapated with real people. And then it occured to me just how much I'd like to direct that video myself.

Just to satiate my curiosity as to how the intro to Silent Hill 2 was directed, in the off chance that I'd take up time next semester for this extracurricular activity, I looked up the old song and then I found this odd little gem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehCB_AkD0ac

And that was an unecessarily long introduction, sorry!

ifirit

12-14-2006, 02:59 AM

Silent Hill 2 "Theme of Laura (Trip-Hop Remix)" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehCB_AkD0ac)
Ahh, I see you've uncovered the infamous Trip Hop version of Theme of Laura. Yet, it seems that this is completely new to you, so I'll offer a little explanation, though I've only got a partial origins of this version of the song. Also, I'll have to work backwards, as I wasn't there in the beginning.

The video above is an official trailer for Silent Hill 2, which was used to promote the game in Europe before it's release on November 23, 2001. It was first shown at a press release at the French Juillet Event by Konami Computer Entertainment of Europe (KCEE), now KDEE. It was a special treat for the European market to make up for the delayed release of the sequel. The trailer was officially released on the second disc of the PAL version (Catalogue No.: SLES 50382), Silent Hill 2 Special Version.

The music from the trailer was available (in .mp3 format) from Nursery Cryme (http://www.nurserycryme.net) (Dead Link) in two parts, labeled as "Theme of Laura (Trip Hop Remix Part 1)" and "Theme of Laura (Trip Hop Remix Part 2)." The mp3 in the first part originally did not contain the lyrics from the trailer. The trailer itself was later released by Letter From Silent Heaven (http://www.agony.igotaletter.com) on their rarities page, though copies of the actual video file did float around the forums beforehand, ripped from the second disc DVD. For some reason, the video was not included in the Art of Silent Hill DVD, suggesting that the trailer was not created/owned by Konami, as was the "Making of" documentary.

The video was commissioned by Konami from Mook Productions, but here's where it gets a little hard to trace. I can't determine whether the Mook Productions listed as the makers of the trailer are the same trio (formerly quartet) of professional slap-stick artists, The Mook Brothers (http://www.themookbrothers.com/). Looking into the background of the trio, I found that the Mook Brothers ("mook" being slang for moron) had formed Mook Productions back in 2001, when it's initial members Bobby Timothy and Peter Timothy joined with Rob Pedini and Truman Clark McCasland. The company was developed to produce shorts and other video recordings for the group and to take on commissions. So, the timing seems right, but I have doubts because of the difference in artistic consistency between the trailer and the group's slapstick origins. As it is, there is no record of this group though having made the trailer.

Also, because of the doubt I have about the creation of the trailer, I also have doubts that the music was remixed by Akira Yamaoka. Before the release of Silent Hill 2 in Europe, Konami of Europe commissioned (or maybe received) remixes from other prevolent musicians in the music industry. The artist that comes to mind is Skeewif who created the music for the Caramel Mix video. (If your site has this song attributed to Akira Yamaoka, please edit your text.) As such, I cannot verify currently whether or not this was remixed by Akira Yamaoka.

Anyway, if you'd like to download either the trailer or it's music you can do so from your friendly neighborhood Silent Hill Media (http://shm.dustfungo.com).

Silent Hill Media - Silent Hill 2 Movies & Trailers (http://shm.dustfungo.com/sh2movies.htm) (.wmv format / 13.9MB)
Silent Hill Media - Silent Hill 2 Music (http://shm.dustfungo.com/sh2music.htm) (.mp3 format / 6.39MB)

I read somewhere that the third disc of the Premium Edition just has the same stuff from the Silent Hill Experience on PSP; anyone know if that's true?
It's likely that the interviews given by Akira Yamaoka for The Silent Hill Experience are the same interviews that appear on the third disc of the DVD set, but the rest of the media on both The Silent Hill Experience and the Silent Hill Premium Edition are different from each other.

The Silent Hill Experience contains media such as interactive comics, selected music, music videos and game trailers. The extra material from Silent Hill contains an interactive map, film and game comparions, and game backgrounds. Likely, the only possible shared material from either are the interviews and trailers, but there were multiple trailers and interviews released in Japan and North America.

In short, The Silent Hill Experience is NOT the Silent Hill Premium Edition / Ultimate Box Set

Deathtank

12-15-2006, 04:33 AM

I bought the Silent Hill DVD today, all I have to say is: its a pity they didnt put any parts/videos from the game in the "making of"... :cry:
They didnt even mention Konami at all...
I hope they do a SH 2 :wink:

leokef

12-15-2006, 04:55 AM

Has anyone seen Silent Hill on blu-ray? I'm just curious as to what the experience is like--I loved the film's visuals myself.

UnforgivingEdges

12-22-2006, 03:23 AM

More SH5 info, courtesy of Famitsu (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134875)

ILLiterate

12-22-2006, 03:32 AM

More SH5 info, courtesy of Famitsu (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134875)Based on that post, and the post under on that message board, RE5 & SH5 are the same game

DarkPoinko

12-27-2006, 10:05 PM

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news06/061226b.php

According to Christophe Gans, Roger Avary and fantasy author Neil Gaiman will team up to write "Silent Hill 2" reports DVD Rama.

Avary will get to work on the project just after he completes work on his "Driver" script.

Gans, who helmed the first film along with French genre feature "Brotherhood of the Wolf", may or may not direct the sequel as he is busy prepping his adaptation of "Onimusha".

Manic Cinq

12-28-2006, 03:12 AM

Gans...is busy prepping his adaptation of "Onimusha".

Nooooooooo! My precious Onimusha.

I like Brotherhood of the Wolf (a little) and Silent Hill (except what they did with the cult and Dahlia), but I always get worried when a series I like gets translated onto the big screen. It very rarely turns out well. I mean they might change the genma into christian demons and then samanosuke-realized-as-a-woman will fight satan to the death in a rediculous wire-fu battle.

Hmm... lets see: Disney is distributing it if it happens and there's a production company involved. Reported $50M budget. Most of the news I find about it is 3 years old.

StarZander

01-09-2007, 08:43 AM

Bump!

Just don't want this thread to disappear. You never know what might happen!

ifirit

01-12-2007, 03:10 AM

Based on that post, and the post under on that message board, RE5 & SH5 are the same game
Actually, based on that post, RE5 & SH5 are the same game environment.

However, I do get the point that they just seem to be following the Resident Evil series rather than blazing their own trail anymore. I'm beginning to have doubts about Team Silent's ability to really touch on the human experience further. The last string of luke-warm releases since 2004 hasn't helped to restore any of that faith back either. Without the original members involved anymore, there just seems to be something lacking in the series right now.

I don't really know if it's just personal or if it's from over-exposure, but the series seems to be lacking in some intellectual sense of wanting to find something deeper amidst the random chaos and decay that exist in the game world: a philosophical curiousity, if you will, the essense of artistic desire.

I'm really hoping that Team Climax can bring that back to the series with SH0. If not, then who knows if it will ever return.

RazorOutlaw

01-23-2007, 05:14 AM

Indeed, I found Silent Hill 4 to be the most lacking in terms of relating to the characters. Although there was characterization in the game, it was either too subtle or nonexistant. I never picked up on much, if at all. That lead to a lot of disappointment in the end of course.

Personally my fear is that by SH4 they had run into "How do you tell the same story again?" At the base level, and I hope I'm not going too far as to hastily generalize the entire game, SH4 repeated the mad-person ressurecting a darker power for their own ends. The Star Wars EU ran into a problem of constantly trying to up the "threat" level the heroes faced. Every new villain had a super weapon or a grand army. It became boring because everybody wanted to have the next Darth Vader on their hands! In the same universe just how often would that be possible? Not every general is Alexander the Great just as every muscician doesn't end up being Kurt Cobain. Thus with the exception of SH2, people just seem to want release demons into the world for the purpose of domination.

Now I guess we could fall back on that oh-so-human story of Silent Hill 2, but how many times have fans repeated the motif of a guilty party being judged for their sins?

I dunno, maybe I'd just like to see a good person get fucked over for once. No cosmic justice, just plain old bad luck ala ALIEN.

ifirit

01-23-2007, 10:43 PM

Thus with the exception of SH2, people just seem to want release demons into the world for the purpose of domination.
Same could be said of a lot of horror and psychological media that has occult tendencies. Personally, I think that the genre itself has reached somewhat of a plateau and needs a good innovator to push things along a bit. I like to see stories of a much more mundane nature, but not any less complicated. Too many stories aren't complicated enough. For the most part things are pretty much cut-n'-dry. Too one-sided. (Anyway, I hope Siren 2 gets released in the US.)

Now I guess we could fall back on that oh-so-human story of Silent Hill 2, but how many times have fans repeated the motif of a guilty party being judged for their sins?
True (http://www.vgmusic.com/music/console/sony/ps2/true.mid), but does a personal conflict necessarily need to involve ones sins? Right now, I'm intregued by the idea of potential and shared guilt. Fear of having to do something, because you fear its outcome and the fear of taking action because of what others have done or are capable of. Problem is though that these are concepts more commonly attributed to feminine perspectives than masculine ones, which have generally dominated the Silent Hill series. Also, though they probably make good stories, these ideas have trouble with translation to an interactive medium since they utilize inactive roles.

Somehow, I feel that things need to go back to the whole isolation concept, where people have to deal with being alone.

I dunno, maybe I'd just like to see a good person get fucked over for once. No cosmic justice, just plain old bad luck ala ALIEN.
Have you played Siren? Twelve characters and only one survivor.
----

The Silent Hill Experience Update:
The Silent Hill Experience on Sale for $9.99:
Konami Digital Entertainment of America (http://www.konami.com) has placed the UMD on sale for $9.99 USD, half of the original $19.99 USD. While the shipping costs from Konami tend to negate any and all savings from their store, the price drop means that it may carry over to other merchants as well, if they have not already dropped the price. In fact, CompUSA.com has already dropped the price to $7.99 USD

The Silent Hill Experience is an interactive media disk that runs on the PlayStation Portable (PSP) gaming system. It includes digital comics, film director and producer interviews, composer-selected custom soundtrack, game and film trailers, and original music videos. While the main attraction is the digital comics, I tend to go back to the UMD for the original music videos and custom soundtrack. Not to mention, it has a really great user interface and animations. For $9.99, it makes those of us who paid $29.99 for it muttering under our breath.

Konami Digital Entertainment of America - The Silent Hill Experience (http://www.konami.com/Konami/ctl3810/cp22600/si1588431/cl1/silent_hill_experience)
CompUSA.com - The Silent Hill Experience (http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?ref=froogle&pfp=froogle&product_code=52067023&cm_ven=froogle&cm_cat=&cm_pla=&cm_ite=feed)

Silent Hill Merchandise Update:
KonamiStyle of Europe Re-Opened; Merchandise Back In Stock:
KonamiStyle of Europe (http://www.konamistyle-europe.com/) has completed its online remodeling and is now back online. With a better overall structure set-up than the previous website (or more accurately, websites), the stores make it easier to shop and find merchandise relating to all the popular Konami brands, including Silent Hill. Which brings me to the point, as some of the limited edition merchandise exclusive to KonamiStyle of Europe are now back in stock.

The official Silent Hill 3 Radio (http://www.konamistyle-europe.com/de/product_info.php?info=p93_Silent-Hill-3---Radio.html) is again available at KonamiStyle of Europe, but this time at the Germany Branch rather than the former France Branch. The radio which costs 24.95 Euros (~$32.28 USD) is your standard AM/FM radio placed in a very sleek, slim metallic casing, silver color with black lettering. Like I've said before, you're not really a Silent Hill fan until you own an official Silent Hill Radio.

The Scandinavian Branches of KonamiStyle of Europe have also now extended the availability of the Silent Hill 2 Statuette (http://www.konamistyle-europe.com/fi/product_info.php?info=p166_Silent-Hill-2---Statue.html) from the Sweden Branch to Norway and Suomi. However, in the last twenty-four hours since I've spotted the item, quantities have sold out. While it was available, the statuette retailed at 42.95 Euros (~$55.56 USD). Well, if the quantities are restocked, I'll let you guys know.

KonamiStyle of Europe - Main Site (http://www.konamistyle-europe.com/)
KonamiStyle of Europe - Germany Branch - Silent Hill 3 Radio (http://www.konamistyle-europe.com/de/product_info.php?info=p93_Silent-Hill-3---Radio.html)
KonamiStyle of Europe - Suomi Branch - Silent Hill 2 Statuette (http://www.konamistyle-europe.com/fi/product_info.php?info=p166_Silent-Hill-2---Statue.html)

Aetherius

01-23-2007, 11:01 PM

While we're on the subject of cool horror games to tide us over:
Fatal Frame 3, while short, is probably one of the better horror games I've ever played (excluding silent hill).
Sure it asks you to suspend your disbelief long enough to accept that you fend off ghosts with a camera, but the overall mystery (the mysteries are what really draw me to the psych/survival-horror genre) is pretty gripping, and it has some neat visuals.

Unfortunately, I've had a heck of a hard time finding Fatal Frame 1 or 2 :/

The Instrument of GAWD

01-24-2007, 06:52 AM

You know what, I really fell out of liking Silent Hill. I blame it on pretensious fans, and fanart. Really sick of seeing characters from SH being portrayed as normal, fluffy lovable people.

The Joker

01-24-2007, 06:56 AM

StarZander

01-24-2007, 07:34 AM

I always wondered what a Silent Hill game could do with a decent human being as the focus. Like, how exactly would the World appear to him/her. What kind of monsters would be constructed, what kind of plot devices. It owuld make for an interesting game.

Like in SH4? Henry hasn't done anything bad. At all. Not really anything good either. He was just at the wrong place, at the wrong time, having no real purpose whatsoever. It bothered me. He had no personality either.

EDIT: The Chibi Silent Hill 2 Comic is now finally completed. People have been waiting for the last few endings to be portrayed, and now they have. If you haven't read CSH2, then you're missing out on something wonderful. At first it's just really funny, but later on gets really deep, and gives new perspective to the game. Quite ingenious at times.

Link: http://knickknack.deviantart.com/journal/2864652/

The Joker

01-24-2007, 10:46 AM

Nah, Silent Hill 4 was based around Walter's mind. the monster's, locations, & overall feel of that incarnation of silent Hill revovled around him, rather than Henry. I meant, like maybe we have a really nice, likeable, stand up guy who gets sucked into Silent Hill. It would be interesting to explore the metatron/samael angle, maybe blurring the fog worlds with the decaying world.

Though, maybe Origins will delve into it. Who knows.

ifirit

02-05-2007, 11:32 PM

Silent Hill Weekly(?) Update:
Konami Gamers' Day 2007 Event and List of Releases for 2007:
Konami Digital Entertainment of America sent out their monthly newsletter on Friday, February 2, 2007 announcing that their annual Konami Gamers' Day 2007 was held at : club Mighty (http://www.mighty119.com/) (119 Utah St.) in the SOMA district of San Francisco, California. The newsletter mentioned briefly what the event was about and what games were announced so far. Although the newsletter listed all the officially announced games so far for 2007, no mention of anything relating to the Silent Hill series appeared. It wouldn't be until the following Monday when the official KDE announcement would be made that information about the series was given.

In Konami's Official Press Release Statement, the corporation officially announced it's line-up for the year 2007, which included not only the list of video games to be released, but other items as well, such as toys, mobile games and other media. Under the digital media/mobile games section is listed a new title for Silent Hill to be released on mobile devices, such as cellular phones. The only information listed is that it will be an Action title created by Team Silent itself to be available sometime in 2007. While the information does suggest some interesting prospects, no real information has been given such as content, story, style of gameplay or even an exact release date, which leads me to believe something else.*

The announcement made no mention of Silent Hill 0rigins nor Silent Hill 5. However, due to a lack of information about the corporation's other big series, it's possible that more information is to be released later.

*Personal Note: Because of the information about the title given suggests that it has something to do with the original title in the Silent Hill series and because Konami already released a mobile game of Silent Hill in Japan last year for mobile gaming devices, I'm inclined to believe that they are just going to be releasing "Silent Hill DX" in other regions outside Japan (which was previously exclusive to the region). However, it is also possible that they could be releasing "Silent Hill Cage of Cradle" to mobile devices outside of Japan, but that probably wouldn't be listed under the games section.

"Silent Hill DX" was the re-released version of the Silent Hill Play Novel (originally on the GameBoy Advance) made for mobile gaming devices. Read my earlier post (http://www.ocremix.org/forums/showpost.php?p=131144&postcount=1787) for more information on "Silent Hill DX."
EDIT: Because of new information regarding "Silent Hill DX" as not being a remake of the Play Novel Silent Hill, please disregard the end of my personal note. "Silent Hill DX" is a recreation of the original Silent Hill game for mobile gaming devices.

Konami Digital Entertainment of America - Konami News - February 2007 (Page 1) (http://www.konami-data.com/newsletter/february07/page1.html)
Konami Digital Entertainment of America - Konami News - February 2007 (Page 2) (http://www.konami-data.com/newsletter/february07/page2.html)
Konami Digital Entertainment of America - Press Releases - Konami Announces Blockbuster 2007 Line-up (http://www.konami.com/ctlimg/konami/pressrelease/02_02_07_gd2007_lineup.pdf) (.pdf file / 62 KB)
Konami Digital Entertainment - コナミTV Ch - Konami Gamers' Day 2007 News Report (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20070219&2=%a5%b3%a5%ca%a5%df%a5%c7%a5%b8%a5%bf%a5%eb%a5%a8 %a5%f3%a5%bf%a5%c6%a5%a4%a5%f3%a5%e1%a5%f3%a5%c8%a 4%acGamer%27s+Day%a4%f2%b3%ab%ba%c5&3=2007%c7%af2%b7%ee1%c6%fc&4=%a5%a2%a5%e1%a5%ea%a5%ab%a1%a6%a5%b5%a5%f3%a5%d5 %a5%e9%a5%f3%a5%b7%a5%b9%a5%b3&5=&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0941&BIT=br&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200702) (Imbedded Streaming / Broadband / Japanese)
Konami Digital Entertainment - コナミTV Ch - Konami Gamers' Day 2007 News Report (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0941/br.asx) (Direct Streaming / Broadband / Japanese)
Konami Digital Entertainment - コナミTV Ch - Konami Gamers' Day 2007 News Report (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20070219&2=%a5%b3%a5%ca%a5%df%a5%c7%a5%b8%a5%bf%a5%eb%a5%a8 %a5%f3%a5%bf%a5%c6%a5%a4%a5%f3%a5%e1%a5%f3%a5%c8%a 4%acGamer%27s+Day%a4%f2%b3%ab%ba%c5&3=2007%c7%af2%b7%ee1%c6%fc&4=%a5%a2%a5%e1%a5%ea%a5%ab%a1%a6%a5%b5%a5%f3%a5%d5 %a5%e9%a5%f3%a5%b7%a5%b9%a5%b3&5=&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0941&BIT=na&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200702) (Imbedded Streaming / Dial-Up / Japanese)
Konami Digital Entertainment - コナミTV Ch - Konami Gamers' Day 2007 News Report (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0941/na.asx) (Direct Streaming / Dial-Up / Japanese)

Nulion

02-17-2007, 01:26 AM

O.o

What do you guys make of *this*?

http://ps2.ign.com/articles/765/765395p1.html

A Silent Hill arcade gun game? That's a little much, don't you think? Admittedly, I'd *love* to know exactly what happened on the Little Baroness, since the game never exactly said what happened, if I recall.

EDIT: Here's a link to a thread with a bunch of screenshots. This *definitely* does NOT look like anything in the Silent Hill canon (Even if, somehow, the story actually seems to be - just not in the gameplay sense of canon, I guess)....and it's just weird...but it does kinda look fun! There's pictures on both the first and second pages of that thread there.

http://forums.ffonline.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47508

The Phalanx

02-17-2007, 01:42 AM

Sure it asks you to suspend your disbelief long enough to accept that you fend off ghosts with a camera, but the overall mystery (the mysteries are what really draw me to the psych/survival-horror genre) is pretty gripping, and it has some neat visuals.

I don't see anything that requires a sense of disbelief; it seemed more like it was tied to that whole urban myth that a camera will steal your soul. And considering a ghost is often considered a lost soul of some kind, then using a camera to fend them off seems logical...in a semi-backwards kinda way.

Petara

02-17-2007, 03:50 AM

Razumen

02-17-2007, 12:42 PM

ifirit

03-15-2007, 09:56 PM

Silent Hill Cage of Cradle Update
Masahiro Ito Leaks Information Regarding International Release:
A post on Silent Hill: Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com) has an email response from Masahiro Ito about the English translated version of Silent Hill Cage of Cradle. In the email, Ito states that there will be a translation of the comic available in English to be published sometime between May and July of 2007. However, he stated that the release will not be published by Konami but by another major third party publisher. As it stands, the manga, which was released in Japan via digital distribution, is still not available in print form. Although Masahiro Ito did not say so, it is believed that the manga will be published in print form for the international release. No other details are available at the moment, but I'll keep you guys updated in the future.

Silent Hill Cage of Cradle was written by Hiroyuki Owaku and illustrated by Masahiro Ito, two original members of Team Silent. The manga follows the story of Lisa Garland during her residence at Alchemilla Hospital.

Silent Hill: Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com/) (part of Next-Gen-Network)
Image copy of Email sent by Masahiro Ito (http://silenthillorigins.com/images/Cage%20of%20cradle%20news.JPG)

Silent Hill Fan Projects Update:
SHINSPA Nearing Completion, Website Launched:
For anyone that's been keeping their eye on the DeviantArt Silent Hill scene, you're probably already aware of this project. Yet, if you are not, it not a bad one to check out, though there is not a plethera of material available online. SHINSPA, originally a fan project, is an original novel (soon to be published) that is inspired by the Silent Hill visual asthetic. It's an odd concept to consider (a novel based on a game's graphics), but beyond the novel (and to tie back to the inspiration) are plans to release a supplement called the "Art of SHINSPA" which creates a visual and audio representation of what the novel in trying to create.

The novel is written by DorianWildeGray and will be a 10 chapter paperback described by the author as an experimental writing piece to see how well [he] can cram as much surreal storytelling [and] symbolic situations with as much emotional detail of things most people don't realize. (Or more accurately, "a expremental writing peice to see how well i can cram as much as sureal story telling in with symoblic situtations with as much emotiaonl detail of things most people dont even realize"). The plot itself focuses on an Unknown Journalist who details her mental breakdown while inexplicably traveling to an alternate dimension of personified manifeastations. The writing style is focused on getting into the frame of mind of the Unknown Journalist. As such, it places predominance on the unraveling of the character's emotions and sentiments over grammatical structure or correct spelling, thus the experimental part.

While a skeptical point-of-view might suggest that the writing resembles a fifth-grader's English skills, DorianWildeGray has a reputation of creating some pretty great stuff; the sketches for the novel itself should be proof enough.

The supplemental material, "Art of SHINSPA," is basically a complilation of the artwork used to create the basis of the story and is just plain ol' nice-to-look-at. Released so far are the sketches by the Unknown Journalist, the book covers and a two short music videos. While the music is created by Jillian Ann (http://www.jillianann.com/), she is not officially affliated with the author or the project. Currently, the project is running off a MySpace.com (http://www.myspace.com) webpage, but will move to it's own page in the future.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/DorianWildeGray/User3.gif (http://www.geocities.com/gonk_0/SHINSPA.html) (10% Complete)
MySpace.com - SHINSPA (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=71455225)
MySpace.com - SHINSPA - FAQ Page (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=86954158&blogID=137525554&MyToken=d635c54b-b297-462a-86bf-fd347e7c5296)
MySpace.com - SHINSPA - Art of SHINSPA - Main Theme (http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=674073379&n=2)
DeviantArt.com - SHINSPA Gallery (http://dorianwildegray.deviantart.com/gallery/) (Contains all material for "Art of SHINSPA")

Silent Hill Skit - "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life":
The Instrument of GAWD (http://www.ocremix.org/forums/showpost.php?p=222785&postcount=1853) will probably kill me for posting this, but I found this little piece of sunshine on YouTube.com (http://www.youtube.com). This fan video is a musical parody of the Silent Hill series performed by Gomu-Gomu no Cosplay (http://www.acparadise.com/display.php?a=100&t=archive), Sakura Mochi (http://community.livejournal.com/sakura_mochi/) and company, who apparently like the shell-shocking effects of the Silent Hill series and the happy-go-lucky stylings of showtunes. The video, created for the Pacific Media Expo (later reprised at other conventions, such as Anime LA, Fanime, Anime Expo, and the San Diego Comic Convention), is a montage of the four main titles in the series set to the music of Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo) from the film Life of Brian with some appropriate lyrical adaptation. Cheese is the name of the game here and these cosplayers provide the nachos. The video file runs for 4 minutes and 5 seconds, but the skit itself ends around the 3'14" mark.

While I will admit that the video is a mix of bad lighting, off-tune notes and midi greatness, the overall charm, fun and accuracy of parody make the piece more than enjoyable. Check it out to add a little fun to your day.

YouTube.com - Silent Hill Skit - Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2CsKRKAn3E)

StarZander

03-24-2007, 03:15 PM

That Monty Python/Silent Hill skit was awesome! Laughed my ass off. :)

In other news, I just read in a Swedish gaming magazine about the Silent Hill arcade game. I'm not sure if this is old news, but it was shown at the japanese AOU, and the story will have ties to SH2 and there will be a number of different endings to the game. The people from the magazine tried the game (after a long wait. the line was apparently huge and they had to wait atleast 45 minutes to play)and they thought it was a really good arcade game, with a promising future. Everyone there were very sceptical at first, but everyone seemed to be very satisfied afterwards.

Citris

03-24-2007, 03:22 PM

That Monty Python/Silent Hill skit was awesome! Laughed my ass off. :)

Ummmm.....That wasn't Monty Python....

Razumen

03-24-2007, 04:32 PM

Ummmm.....That wasn't Monty Python....

Yes, yes it was:

is a montage of the four main titles in the series set to the music of Monty Python's "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from the film Life of Brian with some appropriate lyrical adaptation.

Effector

03-24-2007, 04:35 PM

What? Always Look on the Bright Side of Life was indeed Python.

EDIT: Ouch, beaten to it.

Nulion

04-23-2007, 04:12 PM

Just wanted to post this real quick, found it just this morning.

http://pspupdates.qj.net/Silent-Hill-Origins-gameplay-videos/pg/49/aid/90216

New Silent Hill: Origins gameplay videos. It looks really awesome, actually :) Keep in mind while watching that the camera can be changed back to an over-the-shoulder view by pressing L at any time, but apparently the guy playing in these videos doesn't do that.

ifirit

04-24-2007, 04:05 AM

Radical, but damn, I'm falling behind in my reports. Screw it, I'll make one anyway for posterity's sake. Also, I'll post links to the Game Informer article which came out on the 20th.

WARNING: Possible Silent Hill 0rigins / Silent Hill Spoilers

Silent Hill 0rigins Update:
New Screenshots, Teasers and Gameplay Videos:
On Friday, April 20th, 2007, Game Informer (http://www.gameinformer.com) posted their exclusive hands-on report with Silent Hill 0rigins. In the report, they detailed their experience with the latest version of the game. The report showed videos and screenshots of the footage, as well as detailed the changes made to the game compared to the previous gameplay from the demo released in August of 2006. There were a total of 11 screenshots and two short teasers (approx. 40 seconds in length) revealed. The screenshots and videos can be downloaded from the story page as well as from the mirrors linked below.

In addition to the new videos, there is also new music previews in the background of the teaser videos displaying some ambience from the completed soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka.

Game Informer - Silent Hill 0rigins Exclusive Hands-On (http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200704/N07.0420.1747.34108.htm)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Gameplay Teaser 1 (http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_silenthillorigins_psp_gptrailer.mov) (.mov file / 5.4 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Gameplay Teaser 1 (http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_silenthillorigins_psp_gptrailer.wmv) (.wmv file / 5.1 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Gameplay Teaser 1 (http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_silenthillorigins_psp_gptrailer.mp4) (.mp4 file / 2.9 MB)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Gameplay Teaser 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6swa0bracDw)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Gameplay Teaser 2 (http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_silenthillorigins_psp_gptrailer_2.mov) (.mov file / 5.2 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Gameplay Teaser 2 (http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_silenthillorigins_psp_gptrailer_2.wmv) (.wmv file / 5.1 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Gameplay Teaser 2 (http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_silenthillorigins_psp_gptrailer_2.mp4) (.mp4 file / 2.9 MB)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Gameplay Teaser 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvp7hr07tZ0)
Silent Hill 0rigins - Game Informer Screenshots (04/20/2007) (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JGBDHH4F) (.zip file / .jpg files [11 images] / 270 KB)

----------

A few days after the Game Informer (http://www.gameinformer.com) article was posted, the PSP branch (http://www.pspupdates.qj.net) of QJ.net (http://www.qj.net) posted an article providing a much deeper look at the current demo version of the game. The article provided some raw video files of the gameplay of SH0. Although the videos appear to be exclusive to the article, they were originally posted on GameVideos.com (http://www.gamevideos.com) on April 20, 2007 and later posted on YouTube / QJ.net. Please note that the video files contain possible spoilers for the game and, although I may not need to point it out for anyone in this thread, definite spoilers for the first game. The video files are supposedly listed in chronological order (in terms of gameplay) and include FMV sequences from the demo, thus the spoilers. Links for the videos are available for viewing from the YouTube (http://www.youtube.com) links in the QJ.net (http://www.pspupdates.qj.net) article, but I've also included the download links from GameVideos.com (http://www.gamevideos.com)

New music does appear in these videos like the Game Informer (http://www.gameinformer.com) videos, but for the most part, the demo contains reused music files from the original Silent Hill.

Links Contain Possible Spoilers for SH0
QJ.net - PSP Updates - Silent Hill 0rigins Gameplay Videos (http://pspupdates.qj.net/Silent-Hill-Origins-gameplay-videos/pg/49/aid/90216)
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Raw Gameplay Video 1 (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/10907) (.wmv file / 20.4 MB // .mov file / 26.3 MB)
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Raw Gameplay Video 2 (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/10909) (.wmv file / 38.9 MB // .mov file / 43.1 MB)
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Raw Gameplay Video 3 (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/10908) (.wmv file / 25.2 MB // .mov file / 31.7 MB)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Raw Gameplay Video 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bGfkhP2vlU)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Raw Gameplay Video 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytjgxiZNTGI)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Raw Gameplay Video 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arOXxh7uiJc)

-----------
Personal Notes: I'm incredibly excited about the new trailers/gameplay videos out, because of the return to a more established tradition. Even in a 1 to 2 minute teaser, I got creeped out by the game's form. However, I'm disappointed by the abundant recycling of materials from previous games, particularly the sound effects and music. While I smile whenever I hear the traditional "buh-dum" sound when picking up items in the demo, I frown at the re-use of footstep/attack/miscellaneous/etc. sounds from SH2. While I smile at the new ambience playing in the background of the burning building level, I frown at the re-use of the clanging music from SH1 in the alternate world. Still seems like they are holding on too tightly to the old staples and not trying new things with the portable medium.

Anyway, it looks like a certainty that they're not going to have Jarion Monroe or Liz Mamorsky reprise their roles as Dr. Kaufman and Dahlia Gillespie in this title. It's such a shame too, since they still live in the San Francisco area, where the game was originally being developed.

The menu system could be streamlined more to access items and equipment easily. The text font is a little to large and block-y for the screen ratio. The screen flashing red every time an enemy attacks is pretty annoying and has some glitches. And, the flashlight aims too low. Otherwise, the game looks great. Using your fists is awesome, but melee' weapons that break sucks.

Although still unconfirmed, the game is expected to release in the fall of 2007.

Nulion

04-26-2007, 06:26 PM

Extremely great post yet again, hehe. Always blows mine out of the water.

There's one thing about Origins that actually has me confused, though. I know that early in development, the game was to have a Resident Evil 4-esque camera system, but now it seems to have lost it. I've heard conflicting reports that the RE4 system is still in, and can be switched back and forth by using the L1 button...but then I've heard people saying that there's no more RE4 camera, and that the L1 button merely centers the camera behind Travis, similarly to the older SH games on PS2.

No idea which one is the truth...any ideas?

ifirit

04-27-2007, 06:33 PM

I heard the same things to the effect and for the most part it seems uncertain. However, there are a few things that you have to consider when looking at the information. For one, the guy/gal controlling the game in the gameplay videos doesn't seem to use the L button at all during his/her play. I've been trying to determine why since there were certainly opportunities for him/her to do so.

I suspect that the controls do allow you to switch the camera angle between "Silent Hill 4" mode and "Resident Evil 4" mode, but that the player didn't like the switch very much so they didn't use it. The reasoning is in the way that he moved the character around the stage, wavering in and out of corners and hallways rather than changing the camera angle to see down those areas. It's very similar to the demo gameplay videos from Silent Hill 4: The Room back in 2004. Players in certain areas of the demo stages could not press the L2 button to re-center the camera and so would wander around in odd patterns in order to have the camera see as much as it could. (Needless to say, it makes you a little dizzy to watch.)

Yet, in the last video there is a little bit of a problem with my suspicions because while fighting the nurses in the alternate world, the camera centers behind Travis on fallen nurses that you can kick. I can't quite tell if the camera switch is automatic or player-controlled. If the switch was automatic it would confirm that the camera switch mode is the "SH4/RE4" style, but if it was player-controlled, then it would mean that the mode centers on objects/items/events of importance. This control-scheme, though, is the worst of the two since it requires timing in addition to proximity to control on the player's part.

Personally, I think it's a matter of poor word choice in describing the camera system as the original GameInformer article only writes one sentence about the camera set-up. The vagueness of the description has thus caused many other sites and news forums to interpret the information as they can. We'd need another game magazine to perform their own demo-run to verify the matter. (I hear PSM (http://www.psmonline.com/) has an interview scheduled for their next issue.)

Schwaltzvald

04-27-2007, 07:08 PM

ifirit

04-27-2007, 11:17 PM

Hey sorry for breaking into this thread without adding anything relevant to this wonderful thread, but will some one please sticky this thread. I ask because the other thread "Internet Videos II" disappeared :-(

I'm thinking it has to do with s post count..?
It would be a nice gesture to sticky this thread for the community. But as far as the site is concerned, this thread has little relevence to this forum as a whole, much less the entire site. Making this a sticky would be preferencial treatment and I don't see much reason why the moderators would do that. Besides, the thread's been around for almost four years without much problem. No reason to worry about it dying now.

Anyway, with SH0 being back on track and development for SH5 beginning (according to a recent interview with Akira Yamaoka), I think that there will be plenty of information to keep the thread going for a while.

Speaking of SH0...

WARNING: Possible Silent Hill 0rigins / Silent Hill Spoilers

Silent Hill 0rigins Update:
IGN's William Oertel Interview; Additional SH0 Videos and Screenshots Released:
On Monday, April 23, 2007, IGN Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.ign.com/) revealed their hands-on review of the Silent Hill 0rigins demo in addition to interviewing William Oertel (Producer, Climax Studios (http://www.climaxgroup.com/)) about the changes to the game. Along with the demo-review and the on-hand interview, IGN also revealed some additional screenshots and gameplay videos from the demo.

In the interview with Mr. Oertel, he talks about the importance of the experience created by previous Silent Hill games and how his team has attempted to recreate those experiences on the PSP. The important aspects that IGN focused on were the inclusion of the self-shading lighting and the particle/weather effects, items that defined the console games' environments, and character/plot developments, which Mr. Oertel believes combine the best of the series'. All in all, the article didn't necessarily reveal anything that wasn't already mentioned in previous Oertel interviews. Yet, it did provide greater details into the thinking behind the development and from the look of things, that thinking seems justified.

In the demo review, IGN reveals that the game will allow players to "portal" between the Misty and Alternate Silent Hill's by pressing against mirrors marked by a bloody handprint. The player will also be able to access items and weapons using the directional buttons on the PSP ala' SH4, however, unlike the previous game, players seem to be able to carry all of their items with them at once. Weapons include Travis' fists, breakable weapons with varying durability limits and special one-hit weapons that can kill ordinary monsters with a single attack. According to reviews, these weapons are environment dependent and cannot be moved from room to room. Lastly, is the inclusion of the ciner-active elements in the game, which have been added for the development of the player's tension. However, it allows players the opportunity to avoid attacks from behind by pressing these on-screen commands making it a little more tense to play, but easier to respond to.

In addition to the public videos, through IGN's Insider membership, you view their premium demo-preview which features 9 minutes of extended gameplay (from title sequence to the first enemy encounter). The premium footage is definately worth checking out because you recieve a much more full experience of the game as it enters it's beta stage and it's pleasing for fans of the previous games due to the number of references to those titles. Fortunately, Silent Hill: Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com) has partnered with IGN to allow you guys to view the extended gameplay video and also offered it for download. It provides a nice alternate to subscribing to IGN Insiders just for this single video.

The extended gameplay video also features more of the original soundtrack, including the introductions for both of the previous trailer songs from the German Games Conference trailer and the Tokyo Game Show trailer.

WARNING: Possible Silent Hill 0rigins / Silent Hill Spoilers
IGN.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Impressions and Interview (http://psp.ign.com/articles/782/782865p1.html)
IGN.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Images (http://media.psp.ign.com/media/826/826999/imgs_1.html)
IGN.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Videos (http://media.psp.ign.com/media/826/826999/vids_1.html)
SilentHillOrigins.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Intro (First 9 minutes) (http://silenthillorigins.com/first-nine-minutes-of-silent-hill-origins-game-play.php) (.wmv file / 102.64 MB)**
Silent Hill 0rigins Extended Gameplay Video [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=X9VE9DAF) (.wmv file / 102.64 MB)

**Footnote: Because of the way that Silent Hill: Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com) has set-up their page for this story, many of you may only be able to stream the video from the site. However, there is a way to download the video, but rather than betray the site by jakcing their bandwidth, I'm posting a mirror on MegaUpload.com (http://www.megaupload.com). If you wish to download the preview directly, please use the mirror to conserve SH:O's bandwidth.

Personal Note: It seems that after looking at the extended preview provided by IGN, the camera system has completely removed the "RE4" camera mode. Tapping on the L button recenters the camera on Travis ala' Silent Hill 4: The Room. It's a little disappointing to see that, considering that the RE4 mode is better suited for the handheld device and that frankly, SH4's camera system bites hard.

Silent Hill theorists are going to have a field day with these preview trailers because of the amount of insight that the game provides on the later installments. I myself was skeptical on how Climax would be able to reference later titles in the game aside from the original, but seeing the demo has completely erased those doubts and made it even cooler than I could have possibly imagined. Sweet stuff.

Nulion

04-28-2007, 12:13 AM

Razumen

04-29-2007, 01:58 AM

Downloading the video now :) Thank you VERY much for posting these, and equal thanks to Silent Hill: Origins (The website, of course) for getting past IGN's Insider thing to get this video available to more people.

Was killing me that I'd have to pay for a preview to a game, ugh >.<

Also, it's a shame to hear about the removal of the RE4 camera...but then at the same time, there's a bright side to it. I think that if Origins had kept the RE4 camera, there might've been a little TOO much of a reminder of RE4 in there...and to be blunt, RE4 didn't scare me all that much; the camera angle was a large part of this.

It's really weird and even paradoxical, at least for ME (Not sure who else this affected), since the over the shoulder camera angle of RE4 brought the player up closer to the action. At the same time though, for some odd reason (And combined with lots of other subtleties), it made you as a player feel much more capable of handling whatever went on in the game. That made sense when you played as a guy like Leon.

The SH games derive some of their scare factor from NOT feeling capable. If Travis had a laser sight on his gun and could precisely shoot nurses and other atrocities with pinpoint precision, it would lessen the scare factor, and give the player a sense of "I can do this, those things can't possibly kill me!". I'm wondering if the developers got this feeling, themselves.

Did any of you guys feel less afraid of RE4 because of its camera angle? Not that I'm putting RE4 down at all; that was an amazing thrill ride of a game. Problem was though, was that it was a thrill ride; not truly a frightening experience...at least, when compared to how the SH series can do it.

The Resident Evil games never were truly frightening experiences, at least for me. Basically all of the games were thrill rides, RE4 just got it down to a tee.

I believe there's more to a game than it's camera, yes it helped in RE4, but the real reason you feel so capable is because Leon is just that much of a badass in that game. If you weren't roundhouse kicking a zombie (parasite-infected human, whatever) you were suplexing him or blasting his head off with a shotgun. Sure, the game threw horrific monsters at you, but it also continually gave you ways to blast away at those same crearures.

Personally I feel that SH could work wonders with a first person view. It might even add some new life and innovation into the series, the way RE4 did. To some extent, I think developers have taken the easier route with similar games, using third person with there's a lot that can be done from with a first person viewpoint. Such a view doesn't mean there should be things like headshots, or less of a emphasis on characters and plot, but would serve to add a lot to the immersion of the game's creepy settings, which will undoubtedly benefit a lot from the capabilities of the next-gen consoles.

Nulion

04-29-2007, 06:14 AM

Yeah, I suppose that's true with what you said there Razumen. There was a lot more to the badass factor of RE4 than the camera, but then again it was the camera that seemed so relevant when compared to SH:0 :)

A first-person Silent Hill game though, when done right, could be amazing just as you said.

Then again, it could be awfully easy to screw up, a la Silent Hill 4. I love SH4 of course, but I, like a lot of people it seems like, like it the least. I'd even just started helping a friend get into the series, and when we got to SH4, he told me that the first-person scenes just didn't at all feel anything like what should be in the series as a whole.

In order to make a first-person SH game work right, it'd need to be almost *perfect*, and to be honest I'm not really sure how you'd keep a first-person game with guns from turning into an all-out shooter fest, aside from simplistic fixes like fewer enemies or scarce ammo. (And to be honest, not having enough ammo in a FPS game DOES get me to panicking...just a little, hehe)

There's gotta be a right way to do it in there though, a way to make the player kinda handicapped, as a normal, inexperienced person with a gun would be, without dampening either the fun or the scare/psych out factor.

There's tons of untapped stuff out there though, and really, this is one kind of game style that's pretty much untapped. I really hope someone, hopefully Konami with the SH series, can figure this out.

ifirit

05-18-2007, 09:50 PM

Just a quick bump and place holder to remind everyone that Konami will be attending the new version of E3 this year and that a Silent Hill 0rigins announcement may be present. (Release date, anyone?)

Stay tuned for updates.

Also, keep an eye out for the international release of Silent Hill Cage of Cradle, which is set to release between now and July.

Nulion

05-18-2007, 10:15 PM

New version of E3 is in June this time, isn't it?

....Damn, how I miss the media blitz of new and awesome stuff every May :( Hopefully the new E3 will have some good stuff. Hopefully.

Also, there's two new SH:0 videos that are out, if anybody would like to watch them. The first one is more or less the opening of the game, except it goes on for a bit longer, so you can hear more of that new Yamaoka song that plays in the beginning.

http://gamevideos.com/video/id/11581

The second one is actually a bunch of gameplay in the beginning sections of Alchemilla Hospital, and it's at least nice to watch.

http://gamevideos.com/video/id/11582

Enjoy :) ...even if there really isn't that much new to enjoy, hehe.

StarZander

06-03-2007, 12:30 PM

Won't write much now, but here you can enjoy my recording of Akria Yamaoka playing Theme of Laura at the PLAY! concert in Stockholm. The quality of the video is not what it could be, but is still pretty okay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W15eNv5VbHs

StarZander

06-08-2007, 08:10 AM

Another bump:

Tatopoulos Studios finally updated their website! You can now see some images from the Silent Hill movie, and there are some of just the creatures. Check it out! Go to Project Portfolio, adn then click on Silent Hill.

http://www.tatopoulosstudios.net/mainpage.html

Nulion

06-09-2007, 06:48 PM

Those are some really interesting pictures over on Tatopoulous's website there, especially the ones that look like concept art for the nurse and the mumbler. I...think that's what they were called, at least.

Probably the neatest one, though, was of that little insect-roach creature that hasn't been shown in such clear detail before. I'd for some reason never noticed before looking there, that the thing had little arms and legs.

Freaky, yet cool.

And thanks for the recording of Yamaoka in concert, too. I was at the Chicago PLAY! concert last year and heard him playing like that, and it's the biggest pain to try and find a recording of the song the way HE did it. Ah, the memories :)

ifirit

06-26-2007, 02:31 AM

Just a quickie before I have to leave for the day.

Silent Hill Novelizations Update:
Silent Hill 3 the Novelization Release Announced:
Konami Digital Entertainment (http://www.konami.jp) has announced the release date for the novelization of the third game in the series. The official release will occur on July 27, 2007. The novel will again be written by Sadamu Yamashita, who wrote the previous two novelizations. Although there is no current confirmation, it is assumed that the novel will again contain revised images of the monsters from the game by the series' monster designer Masahiro Ito. Again, the book will retail at 933 Yen, 980 with sales tax (~9 USD). The ISBN for the novel is 9784861558429.

More information will be provided once the novel is released (and I get my own copy).

Konami Digital Entertainment - コナミノベルス「SILENT HILL ３」 (http://www.konami.jp/book/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?goods_key=ISBN9784861558429#)
KonamiStyle of Japan - ◆送料無料　コナミノベルス「SILENT HILL3」 (http://www.konamistyle.jp/ecitem/item40828.html)

Personal Note: Every time a new Silent Hill novel gets released, there is a major Silent Hill announcement made. Considering that the release date for the novel was given ahead of time this go-around, expect something interesting to appear. In fact, Masashi Tsuboyama has already given the exact date and time for which Konami will be giving a press conference: Wednesday, July 11th, 2007 @ 5:45pm UTC. Get ready.

Inimitable

07-12-2007, 09:22 PM

Short Silent Hill 5 teaser released at E3. Note it's a TEASER, not a TRAILER.

http://www.gametrailers.com/game/5159.html

Aetherius

07-13-2007, 06:13 AM

:/ unnacceptable voice acting. I hope that's not the main character's voice/dialogue. Sounds like an angsty teen.

I-n-j-i-n

07-13-2007, 06:19 AM

That was barely even a teaser..

Nulion

07-13-2007, 08:12 PM

I'm pretty excited for the next game, even if the voice acting wasn't exactly what I expected...but then, if you take into consideration that the main character is a man returning home from a war, I can actually picture a young military man as fitting the voice in that teaser.

Ah well, it could actually end up being really good; you never know.

Hopefully we'll at least *SEE* more of SH5 in EGM's cover story for the October issue. ( http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3161061 )

They say it should be on sale in September, with Silent Hill 5 as the cover story.

EDIT: As for where I got the details on the story of the game, that can be found here; http://games.ign.com/articles/803/803921p1.html

ifirit

07-17-2007, 02:49 AM

Man, I'm never there to see these major announcements everytime they make it. Oh, well, I'll just give a clean format for the announcement of the game.

Silent Hill 5 Announcement:
Silent Hill 5 Announced (FINALLY!!!):
On July 11, 2007 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Santa Monica, California, USA, Konami Digital Entertainment made their official announcement regarding Silent Hill 5 (working title), which will release on the PlayStation 3 and the XBOX 360. The announcement states that the creation of the game will involve an "international and cross-cultural production" of the game and attempt to "raise the bar even higher for the incredible series."*

In terms about the specifics of the game, the announcement boasts that it will be a tour-de-force of action adventure and for the series as a whole. Citing that the game will be "building upon the series trademark foundations of atmosphere, adventure and storytelling; Silent Hill 5 introduces players to a whole new experience." The soundtrack and sound design will be composed/created by Akira Yamaoka.** In regards to story, the main character is introduced as Alex Shepherd, a young man returning to his hometown of Sheperd's Glen to search for his missing brother, Joshua, leading to a return to the silent town on Lake Toluca.

Additional screenshots from the game are available from the US Konami website.

Silent Hill 5 is expected to release in 2008. Additional news and a possible demo will be revealed at the German Games Conference in Leipzig, Germany this August.

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. - Press Releases - Konami Announces Silent Hill 5 (http://www.konami.com/ctlimg/konami/pressrelease/2007_07_11_e3_sh5.pdf) (.pdf file / 138 KB)
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. - Press Releases - Silent Hill 5 Screenshots (http://www.konami-data.com/pr/sh5.php) (.zip file / .tif files / 2.8 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 5 - Teaser (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21611.html?type=flv)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 5 - Teaser (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21611.html?type=mov) (.mov file / 6.5 MB) / [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GP7HVPTX)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 5 - Teaser (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21611.html?type=wmv) (.wmv file / 6.0 MB) / [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OYT9ZF9V)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 5 - Teaser (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21611.html?type=mp4) (.mp4 file / 3.5 MB) / [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I331MES0)

*Footnote 1: Although many pre-E3 interviews and internet articles have suggested that Team Silent will be heading the project for SH5, the press announcement suggests otherwise. From the press release (http://kotaku.com/gaming/e307/silent-hill-v-first-screens-developer-named-277532.php), interviews conducted with Konami representatives at E3 and official announcements on the developer's website, the truth is that development for the game will actually be conducted by The Collective (http://www.collectivestudios.com/), part of Foundation 9 (http://www.foundation9.com/) studios. Games belonging to The Collective's resume include: Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure (http://www.atari.com/gettingup/), Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb (http://pc.ign.com/objects/017/017460.html), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (http://xbox.ign.com/objects/016/016348.html), Star Wars - Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (http://store.lucasarts.com/catalog/category.xml?category_id=479) as well as other licensed video game titles. The Collective is another struggling gaming studio with good talent at creating very realistic graphics and visuals in a video game, but have always suffered from poor gaming mechanics and overall level of fun. (Personal Note: I'm very unsure as what will happen to the series now that development is completely out of the hands of Team Silent. I think that it is too early to critize a studio simply because their previous works don't include A-list titles. However, because development of a Silent Hill game requires a huge understanding of the games and their influences, it will be a long and challenging road for these new developers, as Climax Studios will attest to with their long-delayed release of Silent Hill 0rigins.)

**Footnote 2: If you had been following pre-E3 interviews and internet articles, you've probably heard different things about Akira Yamaoka's involvement in the development of Silent Hill 5. In certain ones, he mentions acting as producer, overseeing the complete development process of the game. In another, he talks about possibly directing the game, but stated that it was too early in the development process to solidify that comment. In others, still, he talks about simply working on the music and nothing more. All of these reports say different things and Akira Yamaoka nevers says with certainty where his position in the development will be, simply defering to his statement that it's too early to make any commitments. (Personal Note: If Konami plans on trimming back Yamaoka-san's involvement in the actual development of the game to just music creation, I think it will mark the official end of the involvement of the original 15 members of Team Silent. That doesn't sit well with me. However, The Collective is currently hiring programmers and level designers at this time... Maybe it's time Takayoshi Sato jumped EA's ship.)

EDIT: You can view a portion of the raw video file from the official press release of Silent Hill 5 from the Scandinavian gaming network, GameReactor (http://www.gamereactor.se).

GameReactor.com - Gamereactor TV - E3 Silent Hill 5 Presentation (http://www.gamereactor.se/grtv/player/popup.php?partner=&cat=E3&id=1088)

EDIT 2: Konami has also released an official news press video of the E3 presentation in Santa Monica, California, USA. I'll link the videos below. (My apologies, but these are only available in Japanese.)

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Konami News Network - E3 Media & Business Summit (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20070723&2=%a1%d6E3+Media+%a1%f5+Business+Summit%a1%d7%a4%c b%bd%d0%c5%b8&3=2007%c7%af7%b7%ee11%a1%c113%c6%fc&4=%a5%a2%a5%e1%a5%ea%a5%ab%a1%a6%a5%b5%a5%f3%a5%bf %a5%e2%a5%cb%a5%ab&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2ejp%2ftopics%2f2007%2 f0712%2f&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0985&BIT=br&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200707) (Imbedded Stream / Broadband)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Konami News Network - E3 Media & Business Summit (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20070723&2=%a1%d6E3+Media+%a1%f5+Business+Summit%a1%d7%a4%c b%bd%d0%c5%b8&3=2007%c7%af7%b7%ee11%a1%c113%c6%fc&4=%a5%a2%a5%e1%a5%ea%a5%ab%a1%a6%a5%b5%a5%f3%a5%bf %a5%e2%a5%cb%a5%ab&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2ejp%2ftopics%2f2007%2 f0712%2f&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0985&BIT=na&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200707) (Imbedded Stream / Dial-up)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Konami News Network - E3 Media & Business Summit (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0985/br.asx) (Direct Stream / Broadband)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Konami News Network - E3 Media & Business Summit (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0985/na.asx) (Direct Stream / Dial-up)

Silent Hill 0rigins Update:
New Trailer and Demo Released at Sony E3 Press Conference:
Also released on July 11, 2007 were new information, a trailer and demo for Silent Hill 0rigins. In the trailer, additional CG cutscenes were added showing some of the best animation to appear in the series, yet. While the PSP limitations hinder the appearance of character models and actions in game, the environments and effects rendering are on par to those of it's PS2 bretheren. Early reviews of the demo remark on the formulaic approach to the gameplay, but say that it is solid none-the-less while also remarking on the addition of new elements.

The new gameplay elements to be added included additional items and objects used as throwing weapons, which usually break after a single use. Additionally, the character's eyes will now be drawn to doors that are unlocked as well as to items that can be picked up, making checking doors less cumbersome. Lastly, the radio has now been replaced by a visual static effect that appears on the screen whenever monsters approach and attack, ala' SH4's victim encounters.

William Oertel was also on hand to provide an interview about the game (though doesn't say anything new about the game itself) and his experience in how creating the game is so similar to creating art. It has become very apparent how much the experience has changed his personality when you compare this interview with one of his first ones last year. (A sophisticated game indeed.)

The new trailer and various gameplay videos are available at various gaming sites for download, but you can get a High Definition version at GameTrailers.com as well as the interview with William Oertel.

GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - E3 2007 Trailer (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21745.html)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - E3 2007 Trailer (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21745.html?type=mov) (.mov file / 10.3 MB) / [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J5O3OJR5)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - E3 2007 Trailer (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21745.html?type=wmv) (.wmv file / 10.3 MB) / [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WZ4WCOEC)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - E3 2007 Trailer (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21745.html?type=mp4) (.mp4 file / 6 MB) / [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HKW745HQ)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - E3 2007 Trailer (High Definition) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21755.html)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - E3 2007 Trailer (High Definition) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21755.html?type=mov) (.mov file / 33.7 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - E3 2007 Trailer (High Definition) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21755.html?type=wmv) (.wmv file / 32.1 MB)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Interview with William Oertel at E3 2007 (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21909.html)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins - Interview with William Oertel at E3 2007 (High Definition) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21908.html)

Silent Hill Manga Announcement:
Silent Hill Double under Dusk Released Via Digital Distribution:
On July 2, 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment Co, Ltm. (http://www.konami.jp) posted an announcement listing a new Silent Hill digital manga that was released last week. The new digital manga is titled Silent Hill - Double under Dusk and is distributed via their mobile network which began on July 6, 2007. Currently, very little information is available in English about the details of the manga, including the author and illustrators. (Though the artwork does greatly resemble Masahiro Ito's, particularly the method of depicting oversized breasts on the female character.) Double under Dusk is exclusive to the Konami Mobile Network.

The manga features a story around two new characters, Brian Dawson (40 years of age) and Lindsay Crystal (age 20). It is currently undeterminable where or when the story is set or what it is about, but I'm currently looking into getting a translation of the Japanese webpage.

This new manga follows after the success of the previous digital manga Silent Hill Cage of Cradle, which was written by Hiroyuki Owaku and illustrated by Masahiro Ito. Although, Ito-san has stated that a printed version of Cage of Cradle is scheduled for the international release this summer, there has been no announcement pertaining to Double under Dusk about a printed release.

To access the Konami Mobile Network, you must have a compatible mobile device, namely a cellular phone with access to either i-Mode (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/i-mode/index.html), EZweb (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/ezweb/index.html), or Yahoo Keitai (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/ykeitai/index.html). You can subscribe to the manga by entering the special http into your phone and sending an email to the subscription url to join.

Konami Digital Entertainment - Konami Mobile News - Silent Hill Double under Dusk (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/d53/comic_silent2.html)
Konami Mobile News - Video Preview (http://www.konami.jp/visual/movie/d531122.asx) (Stream Video File / .asx file)

Aetherius

07-17-2007, 05:15 AM

hm, Origins looks exciting, though, I find the change in character design a little jarring. They look a little too cartoony to me.
Let's hope that Climax can handle telling what appears to be a "here's what Alessa did" story.

If only I had a PSP...

DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff

07-17-2007, 06:14 AM

I'm incredibly leery about SH5. The more I read about it, the more it sounds like they're gambling with the franchise.

0rigins looks pretty awesome though. A handheld survival horror game, if done correctly, could be the scariest thing ever.

Nulion

07-17-2007, 06:56 AM

I wouldn't worry too much about Silent Hill 5....honestly, crazier things have been done with beloved franchises, only to have them turn out great. Case in point; Metroid Prime.

Can't believe it was Retro Studios' very first game...Even if there will be another developer doing Silent Hill 5, you can bet that Team Silent/Konami will be watching CLOSELY. At least, I really hope so. It's hard to say how the game will really turn out without seeing more of it...I can't wait for October's EGM >.<

As a side note though...hot damn that SH:0 E3 trailer was good! I actually like to see that they seem to be using the Silent Hill movie's method of showing the transition from foggy to alternate Silent Hill, with the bits and pieces of the world floating up into the sky and all. Very cool.

Here's some other Origins-related stuff....some gameplay videos that show off some gameplay, as well as some of the actually very cool creature design.

The first link has just one video, the second link has *three* videos

http://pspupdates.qj.net/index.php?pg=49&aid=97307

http://pspupdates.qj.net/E3-three-new-Silent-Hill-Origins-gameplay-videos/pg/49/aid/97486

ifirit

07-17-2007, 10:14 PM

I have to agree with you, Nulion, on the point of not judging a studio for taking a game series in a new direction, because in many cases it often brings new life to that series. However, and this may only be my lingering attachment to the old way of thinking about the games, I worry that the series will become so unfamiliar that it will no longer appeal to my taste. (Though, it won't stop me from checking them out.) Still, this is the second season and as I told myself before, it will incorporate the style and presentation of the new members of staff. I've just got to get with the program.

Anyway, what I really wanted to bring up was a discussion on the concept of placing the theme of war in a Silent Hill game. This topic has crossed a number of people's minds since the second game, because the concept has such great potential to probe a person's psyche and change their character and envoke great sadness, etc. But, my concern is that the concept is so complex and difficult to explore because of the fact that you can't simpify that topic to an easy answer, enough so to properly present a comment that can represent a generational state of mind. Previous attempts to explore the anguish of war in official ( Silent Hill: Among the Damned) and unofficial Silent Hill works (various fan works) have created extremely lackluster and often cliche'd, angst-filled stories that bring no satisfying resolution, either good or bad.

When it comes to the concept of fighting for god and country in the Silent Hill universe, things are incredibly warped from the traditional versions of it in American society. In the Silent Hill universe, nothing is selfless, not even acts of charity. Patriotism cannot be obtained from a sense of duty or responsibility, but from a sense of self-destruction. Our main character Alex Shepherd seems to allude to his own self-destruction in the brief teaser, citing that he neither wished to come home nor felt that his hometown could empathize with his experiences. Though these feelings may have some foundation in truth (we've yet to see), it can only be assumed that he is speaking to no one in particular during the trailer, which is rather self-deprecating.

As such, it seems that our main character is displayed as a volitile, young man with a burden of guilt that extends beyond merely facing the fear of killing and dying that comes with war. Place such a character in the reflecting pool of Silent Hill's Otherworld and I can only foresee a tragic fate for everyone involved in his story. Maybe that's not such a bad story after all. We'll have to hope that the developers keep that in mind.

Nulion

07-18-2007, 12:03 AM

That is true...Several different takes on the 'tortured war veteran' theme have been tried before, and it would be all too easy for that sort of story, told just as it is, to become trite.

If Silent Hill 5 *does* take the story of Alex's time in the war and bring it into the picture, I would expect them to add layers of depth to that story.

A troubled past (Cliche'd, I know), a failed relationship, problems with his brother, a family oath, that sort of thing could come into play and really give this game some personality outside of that war-angst you mentioned, Ifirit.

What I really see this game ending up as becoming, especially since the game was already described as being much more psychological than the past several games in the series, is more of a character study on Alex as he comes to terms with coming home, yet not *actually* coming home, from a war.

Maybe he will deal with what people must think of him afterwards, or what kinds of things he missed while on his tour of duty. Maybe the theme of the place he's coming back to just not being the same as when he left, leaving him feeling as if he has no rightful place there anymore.

Of course I bet you there'll be themes of war, of what it feels like and of what it means to the "entity" that pulls the strings behind the scenes of Silent Hill...but then, I really think that for the most part, this story will be about Alex, and his relationship to his brother, Joshua.

It could even wind up like the Father/Daughter (SH1, SH3) Husband/Wife (SH2) Neighbor/Neighbor (SH4) relationships of past games...only this time, it is Brother/Brother.

There could be some seriously disturbing things coming into play, in a Brother/Brother relationship scenario...

DJ Skratch 'n' Sniff

07-18-2007, 12:28 AM

I guess as long as it doesn't feel like a direct Jacob's Ladder rip-off, I'm down with it.

Actually, that's not true. After listening to the Silent Hill 3 soundtrack earlier today, I decided that no gaming franchise has managed to mix music, gameplay and mood as masterfully as the Silent Hill franchise. When you hear a song from a Silent Hill game, even if you aren't as familiar with the score as others, you can say, "This totally sounds like Silent Hill." Akira Yamaoka practically created a new genre of music and it's become synonymous with series. If he becomes less a part of the games' development from now on, it doesn't matter how great the games may be, they won't quite feel like Silent Hill.

Nulion

07-18-2007, 01:49 AM

Oh, I completely agree....And it is interesting to think that Yamaoka-san's music has become a kind of genre in itself, like you said there. It really has, and every time I hear something like it, the first thing that comes to mind are the games.

I really, really doubt that Yamaoka is ever going to distance himself completely from the games though,be it his choice or otherwise...You should have seen him at the PLAY! concert in Chicago last year; the man really looked like he loved doing what he does best.

Not only that, but in almost any press release involving a new Silent Hill anything lately, a major selling point that they make CERTAIN to plop into there, is Yamaoka's involvement, be it soundtrack or otherwise. They did this with Origins, with the movie, and now with Silent Hill 5. Even they know that Yamaoka just seals the deal, as far as a Silent Hill game goes. They probably do know that without him, their franchise just wouldn't be the same.

Aetherius

07-18-2007, 02:50 AM

I suppose they've thrown out the idea of doing a story linked to the Alessa arc in every odd numbered game. Origins is carrying it on, but I wouldn't have called it Canon, especially since it's for handheld, which is usually spin-off type stuff instead of main-game junks.

I liked the Way Silent Hill 4 connected itself with Silent Hill 2, so, hopefully, they'll make some effort to connect this story with the others.

As far as the soldier thing goes, I think it's a tired gimmick, and I don't really care much to play a character who's got his knickers bunched up over the horrors of war. I hope he's done something unspeakable.

Schwaltzvald

07-18-2007, 02:22 PM

...I don't really care much to play a character who's got his knickers bunched up over the horrors of war. I hope he's done something unspeakable...

Or some one else did, died and left the blame on the protagnonist. Constantly haunted with supposedly being responsible for something he had no hand in. The accusations echo and ring loudly enough in his head to the point where he accepts the false reality as a truth; one which manifests itself into a physical pain in regular life.

Read somewhere when mental stress manifests physically like a nasty tooth ache when all the teeth are perfectly healty. Needs a placebo effect to allow him to see through the pain, to see the truth...

(yeah I'm just pulling it out my ass...)

ifirit

07-18-2007, 08:48 PM

I guess as long as it doesn't feel like a direct Jacob's Ladder rip-off, I'm down with it.Actually, I was going to say that if Tim Robin's costume from Jacob's Ladder (aka James' clothing) isn't unlockable in SH5, I'd be disappointed. :P

Anyway, I'd be more interested in knowing what happens to the story-arc involving the connection to the Otherworld through Room 302 created by Walter? Although, it seems like that part would just be surmised as being another "haunted place," we already know that the Otherworld is directly connected there. I'd like to see where that gets taken to, since it seems like a waste of a decent story-arc to ignore it.

Oh, before I forget...

Silent Hill Double under Dusk Update:
Japanese Webpage Translated; New Information Revealed:
Thanks to a tip from Burning Man from the Silent Heaven Forums (http://silenthillforum.com/index.php), I've received new information about this digital manga, including a translation of the japanese webpage and description. Many thanks to Burning Man for providing the translation. Citing the text directly:
Silent Hill Double under Dusk[/i] Webpage"]Silent Hill -Double under Dusk- (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/d53/comic_silent2.html)

Illustration: Masahiro Ito
Original Work: Hiroyuki Owaku

Since losing his most beloved son, Ronny, Brian spends day after day in emotional and spiritual apathy. One day, he meets Lindsay, a woman whom looks exactly like the woman from his nightmares. Together, they will take a visit to Silent Hill.

Characters
Brian Dawson
This chapter's main character.
Male in his early 40's, resident of Augusta, Maine.
He has a warm atmosphere about him, possesses a strong sense of duty, and is a philanthropist who won't pass by someone in need.
Yet currently, after losing his most beloved son, Ronny, he spends day after day in emotional and spiritual apathy. This also causes him to lose his job and become divorced from his wife.
Tempted by Lindsay, he will take a visit to Silent Hill.
His already passed away father is from Silent Hill, but personally, he is not familiar with that knowledge.

Lindsay Crystal
This chapter's heroine.
Female of about 20 years of age, resident of Orono, Maine.
She is earnest and mature, but has an obstinateness in the core of her mind to push her way through once she makes a decision.
A bright side can be seen within her quietness, but a gloomy sadness can also be seen within her eyes.
A college student majoring in folklore, she visits Augusta to research Silent Hill, "a town where the dead return," and she runs into Brian at the library there. Her appearance is exactly like that of the woman that Brian saw so many times in his nightmares.
In addition to this description provided about the characters, Burning Man also notes that the creators of the manga are, in fact, Hiroyuki Owaku and Masahiro Ito, the previous creators of Silent Hill Cage of Cradle and members of Team Silent.

There is also a suggestion that this comic will be side-linked to the story in Silent Hill The Arcade, which has completed it's testing phase, and will officially release in Japanese arcades in August.

There are two preview images available on Yahoo's Japan Blog (http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/gemaga1985/11838569.html) page.

Silent Heaven Forums - Silent Hill Media - Silent Hill Double under Dusk (http://silenthillforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=12495)
Silent Hill Double under Dusk - Preview Page 01 (http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/?action=view&current=silenthill_doubleunderdusk_preview1.jpg[/url) [Mirror]
Silent Hill Double under Dusk - Preview Page 02 (http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/?action=view&current=silenthill_doubleunderdusk_preview2.jpg) [Mirror]

EDIT: (I don't want to do this. Do I really have to do it?) Shut-up, Inner-Dialogue Voice, and let's just get through this.

Silent Hill The Arcade Update:
Official Release Date Announced, Website Posted and Sample Footage Leaked:
Now that Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltm. has completed the testing phases of Silent Hill The Arcade, the official release date for the game in arcades across Japan has been set. In addition to the release of the game, a corresponding website has been set up to inform gamers about information regarding the title and its features. The arcade console will use Konami's e-AMUSEMENT PASS (http://www.ea-pass.konami.jp/), which allows players to save their progress and high scores from the game and transfer them to other machines on the e-AMUSEMENT PASS network. The e-AMUSEMENT PASS does allow on-line play with other players on the network, but it is not currently known if this is compatible with Silent Hill The Arcade.

The story of this game begins with a brief explanation of the tragic event of the sinking of the Little Baroness, a sight-seeing tour boat, which occurred in 1918. The introduction begins 75 years later, circa 1993, with the sudden reappearance of the Little Baroness on the shores of Toluca Lake. Eric and Tina and their two friends decide to go to Silent Hill to check it out. Eric is stated as having "deep connections to the Little Baroness," while Tina is going to visit a pen-pal who lives in the town and had conversed through correspondence. The game begins the morning after staying in a local motel when their friends mysteriously disappear.

This game is an obvious House of the Dead rip-off, with monsters appearing everywhere and random doors and walls breaking to be followed by more monster encounters. There's a floating-through-hallways first-person-perspective, shooting health items to pick them up, killing monsters to save other survivors, etc. In addition, every monster from the Silent Hill repetoir is present in the game. Sited so far are: Creepers (SH2), Gumheads (SH4), Bubblehead Nurses (SH2), Brookhaven Nurses (SH3), Double Heads (SH3), Hummers (SH4), Scrapers (SH3), Red Pyramid Thing (SH2), et. al. Two players can play at one time, but the story itself does not change regardless of the number of players. The only circumstances that effect the story are the routes taken through the game, which are noted at various locations by a pause and then a prompt on which direction to take. All-in-all, the game is very non-canon to the series, but not a bad game if you liked the House of the Dead series, or other stand-up arcade shooters.

Although, neither developers nor Konami reps have stated that the game will appear in regions outside of Japan, testing stations have been set-up in the UK, with fans having captured footage of the gameplay at these testing locations. Supposedly, if these testing stages prove successful, it may appear that the release of the game may occur in other regions as well, likely in Europe first.

Anyway, feel free to discuss the title and the gameplay based on this footage. I'm going to go take a 3-day shower.

Konami Digital Entertainment Co, Ltm. - Silent Hill The Arcade (http://www.konami.jp/am/silenthill/)
AcradeHeroes.com - Silent Hill The Arcade - Test Location Videos (http://arcadeheroes.com/2007/07/13/silent-hill-the-arcade-uk-location-test-videos/)

EDIT 2:
Silent Hill Comics Announcement:
Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward Unofficially Announced:
On the Silent Hill Heaven Forums (http://www.silenthillforum.com), assistant editor and writer Tom Waltz for IDW Publishing (http://www.idwpublishing.com) unofficially announced the creation of another Silent Hill graphic novel to be released in 2008. Although, the announcement only showed the cover art and the writer's and artist's names, the announcement seems genuine.* I'll post more about this release as information is presented.

Writer: Tom Waltz (previously written Children of the Grave (http://www.idwpublishing.com/titles/cotg.shtml))
Illustrator: Steph Stamb (previously illustrated Salvador)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/SHSR.jpg

Silent Hill Heaven - Media - Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward (http://www.silenthillforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=12801)

*Footnote: Whether or not the announcement is true or a complete hoax, the point of this announcement is show that IDW still holds the license to the Silent Hill series as it pertains to graphic novels in North America. In addition to this, IDW Publishing seems to still have an interest in creating derivative works for the series, much to the shagrin of fans everywhere. (Personal Note: I can only hope and pray that this work, which features a new writer and artist, isn't a big piece of crap either. However, there is some fortunate news...)

Silent Hill Comics Update:
ComX Artist Releases Images from Unreleased SH1 Comic, Plans to Release Entire Work:
Thanks to some major, intensive research by KnickKnack (http://www.acamoth.net/oekaki/) (creator of the Silent Hill 2 Chibi (http://knickknack.deviantart.com/journal/2864652/) and active member of Silent Hill Heaven (http://www.silenthillforum.com)), she has located the original artist, Steve Huge, from ComX (http://www.comxcomics.com/index.html), whose Silent Hill (1) graphic novel was originally going to be released by Konami way back in 1999, but never came to be. Through her correspondence with him, the artist agreed to release the comic on his DeviantArt page in its original form (without textboxes, without watermarks). He also stated that he plans to post the graphic novel in its entirety. I'll link and mirror the pages posted so far, but keep your eyes open for more released images.

DeviantArt.com - Steve Huge (http://steve-huge.deviantart.com/)
DeviantArt.com - Steve Huge - Silent Hill (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/49140665/) (.jpeg file / 456 KB)
ComX Silent Hill by Steve Huge (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/ComX_unmarked_by_Steve_Huge.jpg) [Mirror]
DeviantArt.com - Steve Huge - More Silent Hill (http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/49140821/) (.jpeg file / 353 KB)
ComX More Silent Hill by Steve Huge (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/ComX_unmarked.jpg) [Mirror]
Silent Hill Heaven Forum - Media - Silent Hill ComX Artist FOUND (http://silenthillforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=259425&sid=a959a5bdfb58a18ff57605fe689dd35c)

ifirit

08-04-2007, 08:12 PM

Stupid 15,000 character limit. Won't let edit my text. (Grumble, Grumble...)

Silent Hill: The Arcade Update:
Silent Hill: The Arcade Officially Releases in Japan:
The official release of Silent Hill: The Arcade, an arcade console version of the series' first enterance into the arcade shooter genre, was released on July 25, 2007 in select arcades in Japan. The arcade console, which features two player gameplay, is designed in the motif of the more recent releases, primarily the Silent Hill film. Players can choose to either play as the male or female protagonist, Eric or Tina. The gameplay itself is stardard for many arcade, lightgun-based shooters, popularized by games like the House of the Dead series. Creatures and locations from the various incarnations of the games make an appearance as enemies, including fan-favorites the Red Pyramid Thing, Nurses and even, Robbie the Rabbit*.

One of the exclusive features for the arcade version of the game include Konami's e-AMUSEMENT PASS (http://www.ea-pass.konami.jp/), which allows players to save their progress and scores onto their e-AMUSEMENT PASS (http://www.ea-pass.konami.jp/) card which can be transfered to any console on the network. Players can also review and compare their scores across the internet via the e-AMUSEMENT PASS (http://www.ea-pass.konami.jp/) website or from the official Silent Hill: The Arcade website (http://www.konami.jp/am/silenthill/ranking.html). In addition to these features, Konami has also announced that there will be ties between this game and the digital manga, Silent Hill Double under Dusk (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/d53/comic_silent2.html#info). Exact details of these connections are currently unknown.

The website officially established for the game (only available in Japanese) includes information about the game as well as it's compatibility to the e-AMUSEMENT PASS network. There are also sections describing how to play the game, introductions to the story and characters, creature information and a mysterious "Special Section," which has yet to reveal it's contents. Check out the website for more information about the game. If you'd like to see it in action and/or with gameplay footage, check out the official news press video (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20070803&2=KONAMI%a4%ce%bf%cd%b5%a4%a5%bf%a5%a4%a5%c8%a5%eb %a1%d6SILENT%a1%a1HILL%a1%d7%a4%ac%a5%a2%a5%df%a5% e5%a1%bc%a5%ba%a5%e1%a5%f3%a5%c8%bb%dc%c0%df%a4%cb %c5%d0%be%ec&3=2007%c7%af7%b7%ee25%c6%fc&4=%c1%b4%b9%f1&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2ejp%2fam%2fsilenthill %2f&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0990&BIT=br).

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/poster.jpg

If you are a prospective buyer of arcade consoles, you can purchase one of these new consoles through Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltm. (http://www.konami.co.jp)'s GameShop webpage (http://www.konami.jp/am/gameshop/).

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/FMT_top_banner_070720_b.jpg (http://www.konami.jp/am/silenthill/)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Silent Hill: The Arcade - Official Website (http://www.konami.jp/am/silenthill/)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Konami News Network - Silent Hill: The Arcade Press Video (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20070803&2=KONAMI%a4%ce%bf%cd%b5%a4%a5%bf%a5%a4%a5%c8%a5%eb %a1%d6SILENT%a1%a1HILL%a1%d7%a4%ac%a5%a2%a5%df%a5% e5%a1%bc%a5%ba%a5%e1%a5%f3%a5%c8%bb%dc%c0%df%a4%cb %c5%d0%be%ec&3=2007%c7%af7%b7%ee25%c6%fc&4=%c1%b4%b9%f1&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2ejp%2fam%2fsilenthill %2f&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0990&BIT=br&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200708) (Imbedded Stream / Broadband)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Konami News Network - Silent Hill: The Arcade Press Video (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/cgi-bin/tvch.cgi?0=20070803&2=KONAMI%a4%ce%bf%cd%b5%a4%a5%bf%a5%a4%a5%c8%a5%eb %a1%d6SILENT%a1%a1HILL%a1%d7%a4%ac%a5%a2%a5%df%a5% e5%a1%bc%a5%ba%a5%e1%a5%f3%a5%c8%bb%dc%c0%df%a4%cb %c5%d0%be%ec&3=2007%c7%af7%b7%ee25%c6%fc&4=%c1%b4%b9%f1&5=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ekonami%2ejp%2fam%2fsilenthill %2f&6=br.asx&7=na.asx&8=&9=news/0990&BIT=na&SH_RESULT=&WORD=200708) (Imbedded Stream / Dial-up)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Konami News Network - Silent Hill: The Arcade Press Video (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0990/obr.asx) (Direct Stream / Broadband)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Konami News Network - Silent Hill: The Arcade Press Video (http://www.konami.co.jp/ja/tv/news/0990/na.asx) (Direct Stream / Dial-up)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - GameShop - Silent Hill: The Arcade Purchase Form (http://www.konami.jp/am/gameshop/main.php?model=silent&image223.x=113&image223.y=26)

*Footnote: It should be noted that this arcade version of Silent Hill is very non-canonical to the series as it mixes locations, creatures and even story elements completely out of context. If this is likely to upset you, consider the game as a fan homage' to the series from Konami creators/executives. Enjoy it as one would any non-canonical fan work of the series and always look on the bright side of life.

Silent Hill Novels Update:
Novelization of Silent Hill 3 Released:
On July 27, 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (http://www.konami.jp)'s KonamiStyle of Japan (http://www.konamistyle.jp) released the third novelization of the book series, which covers obviously the third game in the series. As has been mentioned before, the book is again written by Sadamu Yamashita and features revised illustrations by Masahiro Ito (the series monster designer).

The novel is written in the traditional Japanese style (sentences reading from right to left, in vertical columns). The novel also features CGI images from the game and its pre-production interlaced sparingly to visually indicate what is written at that point in the story. There is currently no translation of the text in any other language and Konami has expressed no plans to do so in the future, but keep an eye out for updates from fan translators.*

The Silent Hill 3 novel is available from KonamiStyle of Japan (http://www.konamistyle.jp) as well as from other Japanese book sellers. The novel retails at 933 yen (980 yen after sales tax) and is listed under the ISBN: 9784861558429.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/nm0842.jpg

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Books - コナミノベルス「SILENT HILL ３」 (http://www.konami.jp/book/cgi-bin/detail.cgi?goods_key=ISBN9784861558429)
KonamiStyle of Japan - Books - 送料無料　コナミノベルス「SILENT HILL3」 (http://www.konamistyle.jp/ecitem/item40828.html)

Nulion

08-04-2007, 09:59 PM

Very nice as always, ifirit :)

...Is it just me, or would anybody else here love to at least *TRY* the Silent Hill arcade game? Just out of curiosity...I mean, sure, it's as non-canonical as can be, and the graphics don't look too great, but a shoot-em-up is always good fun at the arcades, and one with some Silent Hill flavor can't be *that* bad.

I'm thinking about maybe getting that Silent Hill 3 manga too, as very honestly, Silent Hill 3 really sparked something with me. I'm not exactly sure why people are so divided on its quality, but I loved that game so much....just felt to me like it was the most fun to play, with some of the most endearing characters of the series so far. The manga's gotta be great, too :) And who knows, there more than likely would be some extra scenes in it. Usually, those things don't copy their source material verbatim, right? Too bad it's in Japanese though >.<

TomWaltz

08-09-2007, 10:15 PM

All--

Please let me confirm to everyone here that SILENT HILL: SINNER'S REWARD is not a hoax and is slated to be released by IDW Publishing in January 2008.

And, let me assure you that artist Steph Stamb and myself are both honored and excited to have this opportunity to be a part of the Silent Hill universe, and are VERY serious about making this comic into something diehard Silent Hill fans (like ourselves) will be proud to own. We can't wait for the first issue to hit store shelves in January 2008.

Until then, I hope everyone keeps an open mind and spreads the word far and wide about the coming of a new Silent Hill tale.

Thanks!

Tom Waltz
Writer: SILENT HILL: SINNER'S REWARD

Oh, and here's some more preview art from the fantastic Steph Stamb -- more to come soon:

http://www.tomwaltz.com/SHSR4_nologo.jpg

DarkPoinko

08-09-2007, 10:53 PM

Nulion

08-10-2007, 01:20 AM

TomWaltz

08-10-2007, 06:14 PM

A novel? AH! ....Man, I should check my facts better before posting >.<

About that "Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward" thing up there though....Wow. That little snippet of art there actually looks great....and very heavily reminds me of Silent Hill 3, what with the reddish-orangeish tones throughout the picture..

Not to mention, if that really is the writer of the comic right there (Sorry, in the internet it pays to be suspicious, hehehe - no offense whatsoever :) ), then that's quite an honor for us :) ..So far Tom, it looks very promising!

The rest of the IDW comics though...well, they get mixed reactions, but I for one am always willing to give them more chances, especially when more people are involved to diversify them and give each comic its own distinctive touch :)

Thank you though for the heads' up, and the picture! I'll keep my eye out on this one for certain.

*prays to have gotten the facts right*

Nulion--

Yep, it's really me, and thanks so much for the kind words!

And, truth be told, I'm honored to have the chance to play in the Silent Hill universe and to share my adventures will all my fellow SH fans. We're ALL in this together, as far as I'm concerned -- I was a huge fan before I came a SH creator. This is a dream project for both Steph and myself and nothing makes us happier than to share the creative process with every person in this world who loves SH as much as we do.

Thanks again!

Best,

Tom Waltz

Nulion

08-10-2007, 06:35 PM

Very cool :)

Got to love that about the whole SH series, that pretty much anybody can contribute to it and enhance it, as long as they have the right mindset, the talent, and the determination to do so. It's all so open to interpretation, and that's really the beauty of it.

I'm curious, have you seen the short movies "Silent Hill: No Escape"? ( http://noescape.rateofinjury.com/downloads.htm )

They're an amazing set of fan-made videos, I believe there's five or six chapters to the story....but for being made by just one guy (Who has also posted on this thread :) ), it's enormously impressive.

I'm always looking forward to anything SH-related, as are a lot of people here, and I for one really appreciate you coming around to let us know about this :)

Although if you didn't, I'm positive ifirit would. When he comes around, you might enjoy a chat with him; practically nothing seems to escape that guy's notice, and he's always letting us know about whatever it is that's going on :)

Have a good one Tom, and thanks again!

ifirit

08-20-2007, 10:38 PM

Silent Hill 0rigins Update:
Silent Hill 0rigins Demo Leaked via Torrent Distribution; Reviews & Media Posted:
On Sunday, August 19, 2007, a pirated version of the demo for Silent Hill 0rigins was leaked across the internet via torrent distribution. The demo version of the game is suggested to be the final version to be displayed for the upcoming German Games Conference in Leipzig next Thursday, however, based on screen captures and videos, the demo appears to be the same one in the IGN.com preview, which was also shown to the press at this year's E3 conference.

As mentioned, players have captured various screenshots and videos from the demo. In addition, players have also posted reviews of the demo and are rating about the same as many of the press who played the demo during E3. If you would like to know more about the demo, please go to the thread on Silent Hill: Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com).

As an affliated member of Silent Hill: Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com), I must warn OCR forum members that the demo is a pirated version and if you so choose to download it, you do so at your own risk. WARNING: Downloading pirated materials is illegal. As such, I must also warn members that the demo is only available as an ISO file, which means that it is only operational on a custom firmware PSP, i.e. downgraded PSP. Also note that if you choose to downgrade your PSP, you do so at the risk of destroying (or "bricking") the system. WARNING: Downgrading your PSP firmware runs the risk of destroying, or bricking, your PSP system. The current custom firmware versions successfully tested are versions 3.52 M33 and 3.40 OE-A.* Please do not attempt to install a custom firmware onto your PSP without proper instructions.

(EDIT: Due to new information, the demo version that was leaked has been confirmed to contain the full version of the game.** The demo restricts access to the full content files when played normally, but because it was presented as an ISO file, hackers have cracked those restrictions and accessed the full game, including cut-scenes and music. Please do not download the cracked demo of Silent Hill 0rigins.)

*Footnote: Currently, the demo is only playable on the PSP on a custom firmware. There are no PSP emulators available, nor is the file playable as a PSX emulation file. (Personal Note: So don't ask.)

**Footnote: Although Climax Studios claims to not have released or leaked the demo of SH0, the fault of releasing a demo that contains the full game within the coding is still their responsibility. However, that does not give free-reign for players to take advantage of this situation.

Silent Hill: Origins - News - Silent Hill 0rigins Demo Leaked? (http://silenthill5.net/2007/08/19/silent-hill-origins-demo-leaked.html)
Silent Hill: Origins/Silent Hill V Forums - Silent Hill: Origins - Silent Hill 0rigins Demo (http://silenthillorigins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=979)
GameSpot Forums - Silent Hill 0rigins - Just finished the demo... Little review here! (http://uk.gamespot.com/psp/adventure/silenthillorigins/show_msgs.php?topic_id=m-1-37636858&pid=933072) / Silent Hill: Origins - News - Silent Hill 0rigins Demo Summary (http://silenthill5.net/2007/08/20/silent-hill-origins-demo-summary.html)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Demo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw-rZvddGwA)
MegaUpload.com - Silent Hill 0rigins Demo Images (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IUHLKMKH) [.zip file / .bmp files / 2.05 MB]

Introduction Song Ripped from SH0 Demo:
In addition to players ripping videos and screenshots from the game, a full version of the introduction song from the demo has been recorded and placed online for download. Please note that this song is the full version of the one featured in the Tokyo Game Show 2006 Trailer. Many thanks are given to 2nd_gig from Silent Hill: Origins (http://www.silenthillorigins.com) for ripping and posting the song online.

The song can be downloaded from the thread in the Silent Hill: Origins forum, but I'll also provide a mirror.*

The song is still currently untitled, but never-the-less fans insist on giving it one.** The lyrics are posted below.

Is it lonely where you are?
In there?
Dad...

Does the darkness know your name?
Does Mom?
What's it like...?

Can you feel
she said
her blood
turns to ash?
Laughing...

Dad, do you know
what you've done
this time
to me?

Huh?

Burning eyes,
can't forgive you.
Lonely moon
drives on.

And...

Deep in me,
your illusion.
What you see
in me...

is...

Did you have that dream again?
Release...
Breathe...

You're receiving what you said,
said she...
...Never mind.

Emptiness,
dead eyes,
and lost
what you've found.

Maybe...

There on the edge
is your hope,
but you don't
look down.

Why?

There you go,
saying nothing.
Is my mind
unclear?

Or...

Could it be
maybe something
has a hold
of me?

Lie.
*Footnote: Please note that the audio recording is not of the highest quality and that there is both some hiss on the track and dampening of the audio output.

**Footnote: Previous fan titles for this song have included, "Hope," "Hope of me" and "Lonely." Currently, fans are titling the track, "Lost in Here" and "Alessa's Theme." No titles are yet official, as a release of the official Silent Hill 0rigins/Silent Hill Zer0 soundtrack is planned for release around the time of the game release. (Personal Note: Neither of the current fan titles seem appropriate considering that the nature of the emotions expressed in the song seem to reflect Travis' feelings rather than Alessa's.)

Silent Hill: Origins - News - Silent Hill 0rigins Akira Yamaoka Vocal Track Extended (http://silenthill5.net/2007/08/20/silent-hill-origins-akira-yamaoka-vocal-track-extended.html)
Silent Hill: Origins/Silent Hill V Forums - Silent Hill 0rigins - 0rigins Akira Yamaoka Vocal Track Extended (http://silenthillorigins.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10584) / [MegaUpload Mirror] (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=LV6C6XB0) / [.mp3 file / 4.04 MB]

EDIT: There's like some new SH5 scans and all posted up somewhere. Liek check it out, y'alls.

09-01-2007, 03:29 PM

I thought it was worth dusting off my account for this, unless it turns out I'm just way behind with my SH news.

http://silenthill5.net/silenthill5/scans/silenthillvegm.jpg
http://silenthill5.net/silenthill5/scans/silenthillvegm2.jpg
http://silenthill5.net/silenthill5/scans/silenthillvegm3.jpg
http://silenthill5.net/silenthill5/scans/silenthillvegm4.jpg
http://silenthill5.net/silenthill5/scans/silenthillvegm5.jpg
http://silenthill5.net/silenthill5/scans/silenthillvegm6.jpg
http://silenthill5.net/silenthill5/scans/silenthillvegm7.jpg
http://silenthill5.net/silenthill5/scans/silenthillvegm8.jpg

All from http://silenthill5.net/, surprisingly.

Nulion

09-01-2007, 08:10 PM

Haha, hell yes! I just got the EGM in the mail the other day myself...but it's great someone posted that.

Honestly, looking at those screenshots just dissolved whatever worries I had about an American developer doing Silent Hill V; it looks *amazing*, if I say so for myself.

....

And as a footnote....I don't even know if I'm allowed to say this, but somebody has managed to rip the full soundtrack of Silent Hill 0rigins, and has posted a link to it over on the GameFAQ's forums.

I'm not going to post the link here, as I know that IS forbidden...but go on over to the GameFAQ's message boards for Silent Hill 0rigins, and you'll find it.

ifirit

09-14-2007, 12:52 AM

Silent Hill 5 Update:
Silent Hill 5 Article posted in EGM Issue #220:
The article posted in the October issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly (Issue #220) was released on Monday, September 4, 2007. The article provided the first major details about the development of the game as well as details about the game itself. In addition, the article hosted a number of new concept drawings and models of the game's monsters, lead character, and environments.

The article states that The Collective was able to obtain the development rights to the newest title in the series by creating a playable demo of their vision for the game, noting that many other developers were also in the running. That demo convinced Konami executives to choose them for the development. The article also stated that Akira Yamaoka, who had previously been confirmed to record the music soundtrack for SH5, will be the Konami consultant for the overall LOOK and FEEL of the game.*

In terms of details about the story, the article details the introduction of the story, quoting, "he's a 22-year-old veteran who's recuperating from a war wound in a military hospital when he has a premonition that his little brother, Joshua, is in trouble. He returns to his New England hometown of Sheperd's Glen to find his mother nearly catatonic, his father and brother missing, and a creepy pea-soup fog blanketing everything."

The article also announced the appearance of a new character in the game, an old female friend, Elle. Although, the article did not mention if she was a playable or non-playable character, they do mention that she will play a critical role in the development of the story, citing that, "she definitely has a heart, and she's trying to warm [Alex] up to the town's plight." The article notes that the creators are trying to create very multi-dimensional characters with their own strengths and flaws, in a similar vein as Silent Hill 2.

This is where the article transitions over to the discussion on the visual aesthetics of the game, noting a use of both HD-quality detail in combination with the traditional use of noise and grain filters. The creators will attempt to utilize various types of filters and grain effects depending on the situation and environment. As a result, the game will adjust the visual static based on the actions of the player. The camera controls will be wider than in previous titles allowing players to see more of the environment. In addition, the transition into the alternate universe will retain the visual aesthetic of the film, where the environments will crumble and fall away, revealing the rusted Otherworld underneath. The article states that this transition will occur in real-time gameplay showing off the new technology, with the intension of creating a very unsettling effect. Lighting and shadow manipulation will play an important role in the visual style of the game as the creators' philosophy lies on seeing less being more.

Also, the game will utilize the Havok physics engine to create realistic interactions with objects and items in the environment. "So now, when you accidently bump into a chair, it might collide with a table, noisily knocking junk to the floor... which may alert nearby enemies of your presence." While the game will also include fog and other atmospheric effects, the demo presented for the article had a significant lack, due to the visual aesthetic not being quite up to par as the rest of the visuals. The creators hope to remedy this in future months, stating that they want the fog to be completely immersive.

In terms of the combat system, as the lead will be more capable of fighting, the gameplay will reflect it in the area of combat. Alex will be capable of new moves and fighting techniques that will keep the game from being the traditional awkward, jerky bash-fest that the creators find stagnant for the series. As a result, the monsters will also be more capable of fighting back against Alex with significant upgrades in the A.I. The developers have yet to reveal the shooting mechanics of the game, but have stated that like the combat improvements to the game, firearms will also see an upgrade, though keeping the gunplay short of being a third person shooter.

The article also released a short list of monsters and their respective traits. These include the film version of the nurses, the Schism, the Smog and the Siam. While these creatures were available in the demo version presented for the article, it cannot be certain that they will appear in the release version of the game. The monster animations will include motion capture technology in combination with the traditional hand-animations. In addition, the creators hope to create incredibly grandiose boss battles in the game, citing that they hope to "outclass those in past installments."

The article stated that the appearance of puzzles and multiple endings will also appear in this sequel, though did not give much specific information about the two.

All-in-all, the article helped to provide for fans the information that they were hoping to obtain on the game's announcement, but which was not released. The development for the game has only just begun, but the game already looks to have a good headstart.

The game is expected to release in the fall of 2008 on the PlayStation 3 and X-Box 360 consoles.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/egmfrontpageot2.png
1up.com - Electronic Gaming Monthly October Issue 220 Site (http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3162069)
Silent Hill 5.net - Silent Hill V Magazine Scans (http://silenthill5.net/silent-hill-5/silent-hill-v-magazine-scans.php)

EGM Scans [ifirit Mirrors]:
Cover (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/egmfrontpageot2.png) / Article Page 1 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthillvegm.jpg) / Article Page 2 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthillvegm2.jpg) / Article Page 3 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthillvegm3.jpg) / Article Page 4 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthillvegm4.jpg) / Article Page 5 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthillvegm5.jpg) / Article Page 6 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthillvegm6.jpg) / Article Page 7 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthillvegm7.jpg) / Article Page 8 (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthillvegm8.jpg)

EGM Releases New Interview and Gameplay Videos on 1up.com/GameVideos.com:
Electronic Gaming Monthly has also released several gameplay samples, an interview with the SH5 staff and a two-part retrospective with Akira Yamaoka on 1up.com (http://www.1up.com) (hosted on GameVideos.com (http://gamevideos.com)) on Thursday, September 7, 2007. The videos provide viewers with the first real look at the game and its creation. In addition to this, EGM takes a look at the series as a whole with Akira Yamaoka as he gives his perception of things. The interviews (with both the SH5 staff from The Collective and Akira Yamaoka) were conducted by EGM executive editor Shane Bettenhausen.*

The interview with the staff from The Collective (Lead Artist - Brian Horton, Lead Designer - Jason Allen, Lead Scripter - David Verfaillie) discusses much of the same content as the printed article in the October Issue of EGM, but also elaborates more on the specific details of each aspect. For example, while talking about the new combat system, lead scripter David Verfaillie talks about the specific combat moves that they incorporate into the gameplay and the seer versitility becomes apparent how staggering it is to accomplish. The lead artist Brian Horton elaborates about how the team wishes to create an experience that is more than simply the summation of its parts, because the game was established a tradition of emotional and intellectual involvement on part of the players.

The discussion on said emotional involvement is highlighted by the lead designer Jason Allen, who talks about the need to establish certain connections between the story and the characters. Yet, what the Team seems most excited about is the way they have implemented the technology in the engine to create the various effects and imagery seen in the demo/gameplay videos.**

The gamplay videos show off the atmosphere, Havok physics midware, and transitions between the alternate and otherside versions of Silent Hill/Shepard's Glen. The videos are very short, but still impressive.

Lastly, the retrospective interview with Akira Yamaoka conducted by Shane Bettenhausen discusses Akira Yamaoka's experience with the series with each individual title and then as a whole. While fans who've kept a close note of Akira Yamaoka's interviews won't be surprised, the interview does give things a better perspective as a whole.*** It becomes clear how the development of the series changed from Yamaoka-san's account, but only because of the continued changes in the development staff. A good interview to watch for retrospective purposes.

GameVideos.com - 1up.com /The 1up Show - Silent Hill 5 "Exclusive First Look" (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/14542)
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill 5 "Continuous Gameplay" HD (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/14579)
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill 5 "Transition Gameplay" HD (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/14578)
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill 5 "Mood Gameplay" HD (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/14577)
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill "Akira Interview" (1/2) (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/14522)
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill "Akira Interview" (2/2) (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/14523)

*Footnote: Please ignore all of the stupid sounds that Shane makes as he pulls out each of the titles during the Akira Yamaoka Interview. (Personal Note: I get the feeling that the interview was just an excuse for Shane Bettenhausen to just show off his collection of Silent Hill materials. Pay particular attention to his T-shirt.)

**Footnote: Please note that the engine created for the game will use a variety of middleware software, because the entirety of the game will be constructed completely from the ground up. (Personal Note: This is a very risky decision on Konami's part, since they are having an established series developed for a relatively new platform and without technical consultation from Team Silent. Yes, Akira Yamaoka is a consultant from Team Silent, but as has been stated numerous times in the article on the LOOK and FEEL of the game, not it's construction or technical detail. As such, the transition into Otherside Silent Hill occurs much too quickly and loses any sense of sublty needed to establish a psychological fear. OMG, what have they done to Robbie?!)

***Footnote: The interview does a great job of explaining certain details about the previous games' development, such as how SH2 finally came together and the real reason why SH4 was such a departure and experiment for Team Silent. (Personal Note: It seems that because the core staff was involved with SH3 during the initial development of the game, that SH4 was created as the new director's [Suguru Murakoshi] personal vision of the game. The game was originally SUPPOSED to be a Silent Hill game from the start! I was right!)

Silent Hill Mobile Announcement:
Silent Hill Orphan Announced for Mobile Devices:
Announced at this year's German Games Conference in Leipzig, Germany, was a new mobile game set in the Silent Hill universe. Although little as been revealed about this new title, the basic premise of the game is that players will play as one of three new characters who will explore an abandoned orphanage. The gameplay will consist of point-and-click puzzle solving and exploration from a first-person perspective.

The game was demo-ed at the German Games Conference in Leipzig, but there are currently only screenshots of the gameplay. The game, along with other Konami titles, were said to release this autumn, but whether this is a regional release or an international release is uncertain. More news to follow...

Blog Guardian - Keith Stuart - Console giants get mobile at Leipzig (http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/games/archives/2007/08/24/console_giants_get_mobile_at_leipzig.html)
Silent Hill: Origins - Silent Hill General News - Silent Hill goes mobile again (http://silenthill5.net/2007/08/26/silent-hill-goes-mobile-again.html)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/133180019fc30552d36eh0.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/133180026c2685fded0jk8.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/133180037e6e6bc704bvg5.jpg

In other news, I've been added to the team at Silent Hill: Lost Memories (http://www.silenthillmemories.net), a Russian and Lithuanian Silent Hill fan site, for the opening of their new English Branch. I've been signed on as a reporter and English consultant.

RazorOutlaw

09-18-2007, 08:13 AM

Good to hear about the new job, ifirit. They made the right choice, I'm certain!

Now I skimmed the article and saw the mention of the havok physics engine and my concern with is how the bodies will react to falling. If you've ever played Oblivion or any other game that incorporates physics engine (such as Half-Life 2 or even a few strategy games) I'm sure you'd notice that the bodies seem to lose all weight the character/creature dies.

So, for instance, a finishing move in Oblivion has sent a dead enemy spiraling up into the air and flailing like a rag doll. Literally. Nearly every game that using the engine seems to have this problem and I hope they avoid it. Nothing could seem sillier to me than blasting a monster in the face with a shotgun, killing it, and watching its body can spiraling upwards into the air.

ifirit

09-21-2007, 07:38 AM

Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Update:
Silent Hill Zer0 Appears at TGS2007; New Trailer & Music Released:
On Thursday, September 20, 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltm. (http://www.konami.jp) gave a press conference before their attendence at this year's Tokyo Game Show discussing the appearance of games at the event, among which is Silent Hill Zer0 (Silent Hill 0rigins) for the PSP. Konami discussed the release of the game, which is planned for a North American (Region 1) and European release on Wednesday, November 6, 2007, with a Japanese release on December 6, 2007.

Although the event did not post any new information about the title, a new trailer was released via the official Japanese website (http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/sh0/). The trailer is streamed from the official site, but can be downloaded (albeit with a watermark) from GameVideos.com (http://www.gamevideos.com). The new trailer also features a newly released song* from the original soundtrack composed by Akira Yamaoaka featuring vocals from Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (a.k.a. Melissa Williamson). Lyrics** for the track are posted below. Enjoy.

Swear at the walls,
they make fun of me;
Day after day,
eyes that follow me.

Is it you again?
Endless ????? forever.

Sing for ya eyes,
Child's heart that cries;
Raven flight flies,
and the meaning dies.

As it was before,
it will be no more.
Time does that...

"Say it again,
like you said";
does it sound like you?

Where are you now?
Does the young one
know you're here?

Breath on the grass
Once again,
feel 'em pull you in.

Nobody leaves;
You won't let you...
You're affected...

*Footnote: This song is newly, officially released; yet for those who've downloaded the ripped soundtrack, this song is featured on that tracklist. (Personal Note: I really love how this new song is a call back to the song "She" from the original game and how this trailer is set up similarly to the E3 1999 trailer shown just before that game's release.)

**Footnote: I've transcribed the lyrics from the trailer, but I cannot, for the life of me, accurately transcribe the lyric in the second verse. (Personal Note: Possible lyrics are "endless feeling forever" or "endless pedaling forever.")

WARNING: Possible Silent Hill 0rigins Spoilers
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltm. - Silent Hill Zer0 - Official Japanese Site (http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/sh0/) / Direct Stream (http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/sh0/pv.asx) [.asx file (Windows Media Player) / 29.8 MB]
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins TGS 2007 Trailer (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/25105.html)
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins TGS 2007 Trailer (Quicktime Video) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/25105.html?type=mov) [.mov file / 16.2 MB]
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins TGS 2007 Trailer (Windows Media Player Video) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/25105.html?type=wmv) [.wmv file / 17.2 MB]
GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill 0rigins TGS 2007 Trailer (MP4 Video) (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/25105.html?type=mp4) [.mp4 file / 10.6 MB]
GameVideos.com - Silent Hill 0rigins "TGS 2007" Trailer (http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/14894) [.wmv file / 29.8 MB; .mov file / 32.3 MB]

New Silent Hill 0rigins Box Art:
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.konami.com) has released a new box art cover for SH0 on their website. The new box art image is currently exclusive to North America, though has not been set as the official box art. Again, Silent Hill 0rigins will release on November 6, 2007 in North America.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silenthilloriginsofficialboxart.jpg

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. - Silent Hill 0rigins (http://www.konami.com/Konami/ctl3810/cp20113/si1727641/cl1/silent_hill_origins)

Silent Hill Mobile Announcement:
Silent Hill: The Escape Announcement for Mobile Gaming Devices:
In addition to the announcement for Silent Hill 0rigins/Silent Hill Zer0, Konami's Online Contents executive producer Kazuya Takahashi announced a new game for mobile gaming devices (i.e. cellular phones) called "Silent Hill: The Escape." Hot off the trails of Silent Hill: Orphan announced at this year's German Gaming Conference in Leipzig, Silent Hill: The Escape will be available for most cellular devices.*

The game will be a mostly combat-based adventure-horror title, whose gameplay has been noted by the implementation of something Takahashi calls "gesture technology." By using the mobile device's built-in camera, the game will be able to use motion-imaging feedback for input commands. Although the details are still unclear, early reports suggest that this will be used for character actions, such as in-game movement, camera-orientation, and firearms aiming.**

Silent Hill: The Escape is among three games that will be available for mobile gaming devices to be released this autumn. (Announced so far are Silent Hill: Orphan and Silent Hill: The Escape.) Information on this game is scarce, but I'll post more as it becomes available.

*Footnote: Although Konami stated that the game will be available for mobile cellular devices, the implementation of their "gesture technology" makes it very unlikely that the game will see a North American release, as most cellphones and content providers cannot meet these technology demands. (Personal Note: While I can say that my cellphone could probably handle the game's performance, the game itself would probably take up more room than I have available on my SIM card.)

**Footnote: Most of the reports about this game agree that the "gesture technology" will be used for aiming and firing ranged weapons, but there are conflicting reports about the other aspects of the game, such as camera-orientation and character movement. (Personal Note: Although I think this would greatly help to overcome the sense of awkwardness of playing a combat game on a cellphone, it seems that in practice the idea of having to walk, change directions, and swing your phone around in real life would be more awkward.)

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltm. - News Release - Konami Lineups for Tokyo Game Show 2007 (http://www.konami-digital-entertainment.co.jp/press/2007/004/index-e.html)
1up.com - News - TGS 2007: Konami Loves Cell Phones (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3162941)
Wired.com - Blogs - Game|Life - Konami Press Conference: The Live Blog (http://blog.wired.com/games/2007/09/konami-press-co.html)

Silent Hill Mobile Update:
Silent Hill: Orphan Leaked via Forums; Information and Media Posted:
On the Silent Hill 5.net/Silent Hill: Origins.com forums (http://silenthill5.net/forums/), an official version of the mobile game, Silent Hill: Orphan was leaked. The game, which is a point-and-click puzzle game, with bits of combat scatter about, set in the first person perspective, is set to release in late September.

The game allows players to play as three characters (Ben, Moon or Karen), each played in succession, similar to the Silent Hill: Play Novel. The game is set in Sheppard's Orphanage and takes place 30 years after an event.* Each of the direction buttons are used as well as the number pad to explore and interact with the environment.

Although, the game is going to be released for purchase/download from Konami Mobile Games distributors this month, the game was leaked onto the internet this week. And, fans have gone crazy with it. The game is relatively short, as would be expected for a mobile game. As such, gameplay videos and walkthrough guides have already been created for the game. There are also plot analysis guides as well.

Like the leak with the Silent Hill 0rigins demo, if you choose to download the leaked version of Silent Hill: Orphan, you do so at your own risk (i.e. WARNING: Downloading pirated materials is illegal). As such, in order to play the game, the file is compatible with certain phone models; yet, the game is also compatible through emulation with MidpX software.**

You can find various images, walk-throughs, plot guides, and videos available from the thread on the Silent Hill 5.net forums.

*Footnote: The event that is mentioned in the game is an event within the game's story (which is a spoiler), not an event occuring in another game's plot. (Personal Note: The game is very heavily influenced by the SH film and as such derives it's story that way. So, for those looking to play this game, note that the story is not canon, despite being produced by William Oertel, who claims he does follow canon.)

WARNING: Contains Silent Hill: Orphan Spoilers
Silent Hill 5.net/Silent Hill: Origins.com Forums - Silent Hill General - SH Orphan - on cellphones? (http://silenthillorigins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1008) (Original Thread)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill Mobile Phone Game Orphan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c90WKI0HCI&NR=1) (Video Walkthrough 1)
YouTube.com - Silent Hill Mobile (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhEZ6ui_JE8) (Video Walkthrough 2)

Silent Hill Fan Projects Announcement:
Liminality: The Silent Hill Inspired Album Released for Public Download:
Liminal Records, formerly United Composers (Unicom-Music), has released a Silent Hill inspired fan album of music for public download, called Liminality: The Silent Hill Inspired Album. The release, which occured on September 9, 2007, contains a two-CD collection of music inspired by the games' music composer, Akira Yamaoka. The label has collected a number of artists and musicians from various Russian forums, where the project originally began. As a collective, they created some very outstanding music that is both respectful to the sources and highlights the individuality of each of the artists featured here.

Liminality* contains 35 tracks of music ranging from the very dark and tense atmospheric style to more rhythmic and melody-driven songs. It is available in .mp3 format, recorded at 192 kb/s, and runs 2:00:41. The album was constructed under a theme of what it feels like to travel around the deserted town, attempting to form a whole that flows well together, while also highlighting the variety of styles present. Each song clearly displays the traditional style of the series' music, yet also manages to bring a little something more to the mix.

The artists featured on the album include (in alphabetical order) Clinic Brothers, Er| Naem, Fellirium, Gasgruel, KAVver., Mr. Somnabula, Os1R!s, SinFearSilence, Soaring Man, Technology of Silence, Wialenove, and Y-Ring. The album lasts just over the two hour mark and, like it's counterparts, The Silent Hill Fan Soundtrack and Broken Notes (R.I.P.), is great at creating a classic Silent Hill mood.

Many thanks are also extended to Silent Hill: Lost Memories (http://silenthillmemories.net/) for hosting the track-by-track album.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH_sigs/various_-_liminality_the_silent_hil.jpg

*Footnote: Liminality is a Latin word meaning "threshold." (Personal Note: The title seems appropriate considering that it sits on a threshold between arranged and inspired influence.)

Silent Hill: Lost Memories.net - Music - Liminality: The Silent Hill Inspired Album (http://www.silenthillmemories.net/music/liminality_en.htm) [.mp3 files / total: 166 MB]
Liminal Records - Liminality: The Silent Hill Inspired Album (Disk 1) (http://www.liminalrecs.com/releases/(2007.09.09)_limrec018_-_various_-_liminality_the_silent_hill_inspired_album_(2xcd,_ 192)/Liminality_-_The_Silent_Hill_Inspired_Album_Disc_One.rar) [.rar file / .mp3 files / 88 MB]
Liminal Records - Liminality: The Silent Hill Inspired Album (Disk 2) (http://www.liminalrecs.com/releases/(2007.09.09)_limrec018_-_various_-_liminality_the_silent_hill_inspired_album_(2xcd,_ 192)/Liminality_-_The_Silent_Hill_Inspired_Album_Disc_Two.rar) [.rar file / .mp3 files / 74 MB]
Silent Hill 5.net/Silent Hill: Origins.com Forums - Silent Hill Music - Liminality: The Silent Hill Inspired Album (http://silenthill5.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1183)

Now I skimmed the article and saw the mention of the havok physics engine and my concern with is how the bodies will react to falling. If you've ever played Oblivion or any other game that incorporates physics engine (such as Half-Life 2 or even a few strategy games) I'm sure you'd notice that the bodies seem to lose all weight the character/creature dies.

So, for instance, a finishing move in Oblivion has sent a dead enemy spiraling up into the air and flailing like a rag doll. Literally. Nearly every game that using the engine seems to have this problem and I hope they avoid it. Nothing could seem sillier to me than blasting a monster in the face with a shotgun, killing it, and watching its body can spiraling upwards into the air.
Watching the video from the "continuous gameplay" video from The 1up Show, it looks like the Havok software is already being integrated into the game (watch the chair as it rolls down the stairs). Like other games that use the engine, there is little account for momentum or resistance on the objects that are bumped into or moved. And as you said, it's all very silly looking. Yet, I think the developers are aware of this detraction in using ragdoll physics.

Reading again through the article, it states that the game will also use motion-capturing in the creature actions, which will more-than-likely include deaths and attacks. So, although Havok is a great physics engine, it sounds like the game will use a mixture of middleware to create the correct actions and reactions in the game. (For this, I know Akira Yamaoka will be used to determine the correct level of reaction.)

All-in-all, the game looks to be doing very well for being in the priliminary draft phases. So, in terms of an announcement for Silent Hill 5 in regards to the TGS, all that has been released is that the game will appear in the fiscal year 2008 (meaning after March of 2008 ). Don't expect to hear any real news until Konami Gamers Day 2008 in San Francisco, CA.

StarZander

09-21-2007, 09:39 AM

I just, um... aquired the Silent Hill Mobile game, and I've just played a little bit, but it seems like a good game. The controls are working great so far, no fighting yet though. When I've beaten it, I'll post a short review (unless someone beats me to it).

TomWaltz

09-27-2007, 07:07 PM

All --

Thought I'd share more great preview artwork from SILENT HILL: SINNER'S REWARD with you. This is a shot of the story's main character, Jack Stanton, as rendered by series' artist Steph Stamb.

More to come soon.

Best,

Tom Waltz

http://www.tomwaltz.com/jacknew.jpg

TomWaltz

09-27-2007, 08:50 PM

A bit more for you from SILENT HILL: SINNER'S REWARD. This time we have fantastic variant cover art for issue #1 by artist Justin Randall. Enjoy!

Best,

Tom Waltz

http://www.tomwaltz.com/SH%20variant%20cover%201%20v6%20sample.jpg

Omega

09-27-2007, 08:54 PM

I usually just stay away from these parts of OCR, but to be honest...

...no wait; screw that.

I've played SH 2, 3 and 4. I'm rather annoyed about this subject, because I dropped playing the 4. I really liked the beginning. The plot was well written, monsters well palanced and the game play easy enough. Pluzzes were a let down, really. No challenge and mostly just to stretch the game. At some point I'm starting the just to end. Now I got this hospitalized chick following me around and offering me more headache than Friday night while I'm fighting my way through these stupid ghosts that you can't kill and just trying to make to the final boss. But no; the bastard just won't show up. Suddenly I'll find myself back from the burned orphanage and find out that I'll have to gather 5 pieces of bodyparts to start some kind of ritual that'll probably take me to prison/other-kind-of-child-holding-tower-thingy-building-thing where I'll have to fight against even more ghosts and one of those murder victims (which I'm really starting to loath, especially when my crippled side-kick gets stuck at beating them with what ever weapon I've been able to arm her with). But yeah, I'll have to get five body parts while this flame-ghost-hill-billy-murder-victim tries to kill me and my better side while the murder fellow follows me around and tries to shoot me. Frigging shoot me. It's a surival horror game. Enemies don't supposed to have guns! I can't even run away from him, because you know who will stick with him and try to hit him with a purse or whip or whatever. It's just grazy! And I can't heal myself in my apartment any more now that the fan has come down. At least I was able to get rid of those stupid spirits with my candels, but I'm just not enjoying this game anymore. It just pisses me off that I can't (or more like don't want to) finish the game.
I really liked the 2nd and 3rd, but this is just beating yourself with a +2 flail.

Nulion

09-27-2007, 10:57 PM

Omega, I and a lot of other people will agree with you about the low points of Silent Hill 4....and really, it wasn't anywhere near the best game in the series, but oddly enough the game is still enjoyable once you get all the way through it. I actually did like the endings, but the problem was that I didn't enjoy *getting* to the endings. Things like the unkillable ghosts and Walter with his pistols coming out of nowhere (Although that was scary!), and the fact that you never once set foot inside the actual town of Silent Hill were really bothersome for most people. Despite all of that though....really, there are MUCH worse games out there :)

Annd....I'm kinda shocked nobody's said anything about those two *NICE* pieces of artwork up toward the top of this page courtesy of Mr. Tom Waltz. Really, those are great...The first picture of the main character, oddly enough, reminds me of Harry from the first game. Seems to have slightly similar clothing, although he does also seem to have a more determined and angry air about him...

The second picture, really is also great stuff. It has a real strong SH2 vibe, as I see it. That real dilapidated look stuck in the pea soup fog, as if it was just a rotten urban corpse...Very impressive :) I also really wonder who that woman is...Guess we'll find out, hehe. Kudos to you guys, I hope the comic turns out well!

The other comics, though, have been....well, they were difficult to follow. The Dying Inside series didn't seem to be too well-received, since it was just so.....so *weird*, and hard to follow. The one I have seen that I loved though, was Silent Hill: Hunger that came bundled with the Silent Hill Experience UMD that was released along with the movie awhile back; that was terrific, and it stayed very oddly true to the atmosphere of the series, which is always the most important thing.

This one does look more like Silent Hill: Hunger though, and that's a great thing :)

Anyway, keep up the nice work, and thanks so much for sharing this with us! When is the comic due to release, by the way? This might have been mentioned, but....I'm lazy ._.

The Joker

09-27-2007, 10:59 PM

Don't know if it's been mentioned here yet, but Gametrailers has some SH5 gameplay trailers up.

http://www.gametrailers.com/game/5159.html

They made the fog world/hell world transition almost exactly like it was in the movies, with the layers peeling away & red rash taking over. Looks pretty sweet.

StarZander

10-04-2007, 07:38 AM

So, I've beaten the Silent Hill Mobile game (AKA: Silent Hill Orphan, but they don't call it that in the game) and as I promised, I'll go through a bit what it's about and write a short non-spoiler review. If you don't want to read the spoilers, then scroll past the next part.

WARNING!!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! WARNING!!!

You play in an orphanage, assumed to be in Silent Hill but it's never confirmed, and you start out as Ben. Ben used to live in this orphanage, but hasn't for the last 30 years. 30 years ago, every child in this place was murdered in their beds, except for three. Ben was one, and then two girls called Moon and Karen. As Ben you explore the small orphanage, and you occasionally here a voice talking to you, but you don't recognize it. Ben also has a great fear of the showerroom in the basement, for that was where he hid when all the other kids were slaughtered. He won't go in there, but the door opposite to this is a storeroom, and inside is Karen, trapped for some reason. None of them know how they got to where they are. You try to get her out, but you can't. After a few puzzles you can unlock a toiletbooth in the bathroom, and inside there is the mark you used for saving in SH3. When gazed upon, you change into the otherworld. The mark exists there aswell, so you can change back at any time. The otherworld looks like it usually does. Barred "prison"-doors, burned and torn walls etc.
Here you meet your first enemies, and get to do a few more puzzles. You keep hearing the voice more and more, and eventually it tells you to enter the showerroom and confront what happened back then. You do so, and the screen goes black. Suddenly, you're back in the room you started in, but no longer as Ben. You now play as Moon, the other girl to survive that horrible night. All the puzzles and progress that you made with Ben is still done, but you don't have his stuff. Moon also starts hearing the voice, and eventually it tells her to go to the showerroom aswell. You enter, and find the bloody corpse of Ben. You also find his backpack with all his items. You take the ones you need automatically, and then move on. Do some more puzzles, while the voice keeps telling you about that day. When entering the otherworld, there is a toiletbooth that is closed, but you won't open it because it is too disturbing. (NOTE: I believe this is where Moon hid during the night of the murders. You will know why, later on.) There is also a hole in one of the booths with bloodtraces and clawmarks, as if someone's been dragged down there.
Explore some more, do some more puzzles and finally you are told by the voice to go back to the bathroom. (I'm not saying anything about their journeys through the orphanage because it's mostly just puzzles, enemies and cryptic messages from the voice that won't tell you much)
When you arrive at the bathroom, the same thing happens as when Ben entered the showerroom.
You now start as Karen in the storeroom. First you hear the strange voice, and then you talk a bit with Ben through the ventilation system (same conversation as before) and after realizing there is no way out of this room, you choose to take a nap. When you wake up, the door is open. You now start where Moon left off. The voice keeps talking to you, and reveals herself as Karens sister. She also reveals herself as Alessa! So, she is Alessas sister. After some exploring and some disturbing findings (I won't tell you what) and going to the completely bloodcovered otherworld-bathroom, you find Moon's backpack. The disturbing booth is now open, and Moon is nowhere to be found.
Alessa keeps telling Karen about how she found the safe place, the good place. After reaching this room, Karen is told and also realizes that she was the one who killed everyone 30 years ago. You shoot some monster that is somehow connected to Alessa, and then Alessa is disappointed in you. She says some cryptic things, and the game says "To be continued...".

END OF SPOILERS!!! END OF SPOILERS!!!

Now, for the review. Without any music, and very few soundeffects, the atmosphere isn't very Silent Hill-ish, but it does actually get creepy from time to time. Puzzles can be a bit difficult at times, but that is mostly because it can be hard finding the required objects as they are sometimes very small and hard to spot.
The interface and controls work, and they do so by having a cursor and when clicking something a meny comes up with four buttons. Look, Use, Speak and Inventory. These are really all you need, and make it simple enough to advance through the game. Fighting controls can be a bit clumsy, but they are okay. You press a button to change the cursor into a crosshair, and when you put it over the enemy it will turn red, and then you should shoot. If you don't wait until it is red, you will miss.
The story of th game is a bit thin, and confusing if you've played the other games in the series, but it is still exciting and worth playing, although it is short.

Those are my two cents.

UnforgivingEdges

10-20-2007, 05:08 AM

I did an interview today with Mr. Musical Legend himself, Akira Yamaoka. You can read it here (http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=8404).

He touches on how he approached the musical creation process for SH0 and SH5 as well as some other stuff.

ifirit

10-24-2007, 05:27 AM

Just wanted to post a quick report before bedtime.

Warning Possible Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Spoilers
Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Update:
Figurine Pre-Order Bonus with Silent Hill Zer0 from KonamiStyle of Japan:
KonamiSyle of Japan (http://www.konamistyle.jp/) is offering a free figurine with pre0rders of Silent Hill Zer0 on their website. The figurine is an exact scale model of a new creature from the game, called "The Butcher." The figurine will be a block of crystal/glass with the design of the "Butcher" laser-etched inside.* The measurements of the figure are 40mm (length) by 60mm (height) by 40mm (width), approximately 1.5"x2.33"x1.5". The cost to pre-order Silent Hill Zer0 from KonamiStyle is 4,480円 YEN (~39.10 USD), 4,704円 YEN after sales tax (~41.05 USD), almost $10 more than the pre-order price available from KonamiSyle of North America (http://www.konami.com/Konami/ctl3810/cp20113/si1727641/cl1/silent_hill_origins).

The figure will be shipped with pre-order purchases on December 6, 2007, the game's Japanese release date. Currently, the offer is only available in Japan through the KonamiStyle website.**

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/sh0preorder.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/itemVP045-J1p3_1.jpg

*Footnote: The description indicates that the actual figure will not be exactly as shown on the website. (Personal Note: I'm expecting that the figure will likely be much more like the in-game model of the "Butcher" than the sketch shown in the drawing on the webpage.)

**Footnote: The figure is likely to be a bonus for the Japanese market, for which the game will be delayed from the official worldwide release of November 6, 2007. Many other sites and forums speculate that a similar offer will be made for the North American and European releases, yet the possibility of said offer being an official Konami bonus is unlikely. (Personal Note: I'm expecting to see a pre-order offer for SH0 from a large North American game distributor like EBGames or GameStop, since previous North American pre-order offers in the US were not available from the Konami store itself, but from EBGames.)

KonamiStyle of Japan - Silent Hill Zer0 - SILENT HILL ZERO」　予約開始 (http://www.konamistyle.jp/sp/sh_zero/)
KonamiStyle of Japan - 【特典つき】SILENT HILL ZERO （PSP） (http://www.konamistyle.jp/ecitem/item42928.html)

EDIT: For those looking to purchase the SH0 preorder offer from KonamiStyle of Japan with the figurine, I've found a source.

KonamiStyle Pre-Order Offer Available from PlayAsia.com:
PlayAsia.com, an online Japanese videogame and anime importer, is offering the limited edition preorder bonus of Silent Hill Zer0 and the "Butcher" figurine to North American buyers. However, it comes with a hefty price. The offer includes the game Silent Hill Zer0 (the Japanese version) for the PSP along with the laser etched glass figurine for $69.90 USD.*

The Japanese version of the game is encoded in Region 2 format, but offers no region protection, which means that PSP's in other regions may still play the game.** The item is expected to be in stock on December 7, 2007 and will ship out from then on. Shipping in the US will cost $3.10 USD.

*Footnote: This price is nearly double the cost of the same offer in Japan, and more than double the cost of the game itself. (Personal Note: If you feel you are an avid collector of all things Silent Hill, and live outside Japan, this offer may be just what you've been waiting for, but don't put yourself into debt because of it. For rabid fans only.)

**Footnote: Please note that although PSP games are not region protected, there may be problems in the PSP reading the coding, which could lead to various gameplay problems and possibly even hardware problems. (Personal Note: I strongly advise players to refrain from playing the Japanese version of the game on non-Japanese PSP's, until proper testing reveals a stable interaction.)

PlayAsia.com - Buy Silent Hill Zero [Konamistyle Edition w/ Crystal Art Butcher] (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-9f-77-4-49-en-15-Silent+Hill%253A+Origins+-70-2cbh.html)

Nulion

10-24-2007, 05:41 PM

It's...oddly enough, like an alternate form of Pyramid Head, isn't it? More butcher-like than PH is, what with the enormous meat cleaver...But really, he looks pretty damn scary too :)

Ugh, I *really* hope we in the US get this! >.<

ifirit

11-06-2007, 07:04 AM

WARNING: Possible Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Spoilers
Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Update:
Silent Hill Zer0 To Be Shown at Games Japan Festa 2007; Sub-Site Opened & New Media Posted:
On November 5, 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (http://www.konami.jp) opened their main site for Silent Hill Zer0 officially announcing information and details about the game, in correspondence with the Games Japan Festa 2007.* The site features standard areas of information about the game, such as the premise, Silent Hill background, and the Tokyo Game Show 2007 Trailer.** In addition, new gameplay images and a new box art cover for the Japanese market were released.

The box art is a painted cover that features the image of a young Alessa Gillespie in the Otherworld from the E3 2007 Trailer. The game will retail at 4,980円 (YEN), 5,229円 (YEN) after taxes. The game is set for a Japanese release on December 6, 2007.***

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/AP_silent_pac.jpg

*Footnote: The site was originally posted on November 2, 2007, which linked from the original SH0 site: http://www.konami.jp/gs/games/sh0/. Yet, Konami did not officially post the link to the site via the main page (http://www.konami.jp) until November 5, 2007.

**Footnote: The official Tokyo Game Show 2007 trailer for SH0 that can be viewed from the Japanese site or Konami's Tokyo Game Show page is an editted version of the full trailer which contained spoilers from the game and was thus editted. The full trailer can be viewed or downloaded from GameTrailers.com. (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/25374.html)

***Footnote: Previously reported was that the worldwide release was expected for November 6, 2007. However, this information was inaccurate, as the North American release of the game will occur on November 6, 2007, with a European release on November 16, 2007 and lastly a Japanese release on December 6, 2007. (Personal Note: Sorry about that, guys. I'm really sorry about that to any of the European readers who were thinking that they'd get the game today.)

Additionally, the box art for the European version of the game has also been released.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/000361698.jpg

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Products - Silent Hill Zer0 (http://www.konami.jp/products/silenthill_zero_psp/index.html)
Silent Hill: Origins.com - News - New Silent Hill Zero minisite and Japanese boxart (http://silenthill5.net/2007/11/03/new-silent-hill-zero-minisite-and-japanese-boxart.html)

Silent Hill Rumor Control
An Unusual Message Left on the SH0 Japanese Website Hints at Another Supplemental Silent Hill DVD:
When reading through the Japanese website for Silent Hill Zer0/0rigins, if one clicks on the fifth tab in the sidebar, you'll see a list of announcements regarding the game. The newest announcement made on November 5, 2007, says in its 0riginal Japanese, "新作ガイドにて紹介。付録DVDにてなんと映像も収録！" Roughly translating this into English, the message says, "New production introduction/referal tour guide. Supplementary DVD [something] image compilation!"

The information could be interpreted from the site as suggesting that a new The Art of Silent Hill DVD is coming out sometime soon.

Yet, I don't believe that this is the case, as the section under which it's posted is in the press page, as a statement from Electro Shock PS2 Magazine (http://www.mediaworks.co.jp/), a sister publication of Dengeki Magazine. This is further evidenced by the other listing also being Japanese gaming magazines, with quotes regarding their reviews.

Konami Digital Entertainment Co, Ltd. - Products - Silent Hill Zer0 - Press (http://www.konami.jp/products/silenthill_zero_psp/magazine.html)

EDIT:
Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Update:
Official SH0 North American Site Opened:
On November 6, 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.konami.com) officially opened the North American version of the Silent Hill 0rigins website. The site is a Flash-based page with a deserted building motif and allows visitors to view different information about the game by clicking on the various doors in the main hallway. These sections include "About Silent Hill 0rigins," "The Game," "Downloads/Videos" (Coming Soon), and "Gallery." Each section contains additional subsections of information. A flowchart is displayed below to show what sections and subsections are contained on the site.

- About Silent Hill 0rigins
---- Synopsis
---- Features
---- Press

- The Game
---- Characters
---- Monsters
---- Weapons

- Downloads/Videos (Coming Soon)

- Gallery
---- Screenshots
---- Concept Art

While the site information is fairly standard fare for most promotional sites, what the North American site offers is additional artwork*, newly released CG images**, and new concept art previously unreleased.*** Also included on the site is a complete list of the monsters in-game with corresponding images, allowing visitors to see all the creatures from the game before playing, possibly spoiling some of the surprise. A list of the characters is also shown, but is lacking the spoiler characters for obvious reasons.****

The site will also feature downloads and videos in the near future from the game, which will be reported when added.

As a final note, the North American Silent Hill portal site (http://www.silenthillusa.com) has been shut down (if permanently, is yet unknown) and the exclusive media that was on the site available to registered members is no longer available. So, if you missed it, you'll have to track it down from one of the various Silent Hill fan sites. I suggest Silent Hill: Lost Memories (http://www.silenthillmemories.net).

*Footnote: The additional artwork released includes images of all the characters, monsters, and weapons usable in the game. (Personal Note: The images are much more impressive than any of the artwork images released so far, though they still contain some measure of retrograde appearance to maintain the visual style of the PSP graphics.)

**Footnote: The newly released CG images are used in many parts of the background on the various sections and are much more consistent with the visual style of the CG videos from the game than the in-game style. (Personal Note: The CG images are a much improved take on the original interation of the game, seen when the game changed development offices to the European braches of Climax Studios. It's too bad that the game couldn't have been further developed in this style.)

***Footnote: The concept art contained on the site contains a revised version of the one of the original concept art images originally posted on the North American Silent Hill portal site. This image was of the girl in the white dress on the steps of a large building. Also, the stetches featured in the concept art sub-section are storyboard drawings from one of the pivotal cutscenes in the game. (Personal Note: While I understand the purpose of having storyboard images for the development of a game, what I don't understand was why these very stetchy images were posted in lue of the earlier painted concept images which contained a greater level of detail and expression than the ones used for the promotional site.)

****Footnote: While recurring characters like Alessa, Dr. Kaufmann, Dahlia and Lisa have some level of spoilers expressed, the characters that relate to Travis' personal dilemma are more of a spoiler for the game itself. (Personal Note: What the deal is up with the character descriptions, particularly of Lisa Garland? "...fliratious, and innocent." Not only is that an oxymoron, but it's also a grave misinterpretation of the original character who's life was consumed by verbal abuse, small-town pressure and drug addiction. Personally, I found Lisa neither flirtatious nor innocent. Also, Dr. Kaufmann is noted as being a "cold and scientific man," which I, too, find to be a misinterpretation of the character, since Kaufmann showed quite a bit of emotion in the first game, mostly anger and frustration, yet always with a passionate demeanor. Anyway, I'm rambling. I'll shut up now.)

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. - Silent Hill 0rigins (http://www.konami-data.com/officialsites/silenthillorigins/)

Silent Hill Cross-Overs Announcement:
The Red Pyramid Thing to Appear in Konami's New International Track & Field (NDS):
At this year's German Gaming Conference in Leipzig, Germany, Nintendo announced the development of a new title for the Nintendo DS portable gaming system called, "New International Track & Field." The game would act as an updated version of the original arcade/NES game, Track & Field. Among the list of characters announced via the game's website was Silent Hill 2's Red Pyramid Thing (a.k.a. Pyramid Head).

Featured in the revised design from the film Silent Hill, the Red Pyramid Thing will be playable in all 24 competitions and events in the game. The design for New International Track & Field displays the Red Pyramid Thing in the helmet from the film with the traditional ceremonial robes from the cult of Silent Hill (ruined to match the original concept) and shown holding a javelin in place of the traditional spear.*

The bio for this character is quoted as:
Pyramid Head is the ‘nickname’ of the most fearful creature from a small town called Silent Hill. Recently back from a brief but highly enjoyable killing spree in Hollywood, Pyramid (to his friends) loves nothing more than to strangle or wield his ‘Great Knife’ at anything living! His identity completely anonymous, Pyramid’s only language is the grunts and moans that emanate from inside his helmet. A fearful competitor and a very sore loser, Pyramid Head has been sent from the depths of the hell to compete against mankind and show that demons can go for gold!

Age: Timeless
Home: The depths of Nightmare
Likes: Torment and Execution
Dislikes: Everything you hold dear
Skill: Strengh
New International Track & Field is scheduled to release in 2007 for the Nintendo DS.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Other/pyramid_head.png
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Other/InternationalTrackField-RedPyramidT.png**

*Footnote: Although the appearance of this character in any setting outside of the context of Silent Hill 2 is considered non-canon by fans, the design and treatment of the character within this game is much more faithful to the original than first speculated, though still beyond what is considered canonical. One such example is the depiction with the javelin, similar to the traditional spear, in place of the Great Knife (which was an invention of James' mind not of the town's history of the executioners of the Toluca Prison Camp). (Personal Note: Although, many people haven't taken much notice of it, one of the traditional events of track & field include target skill with firearms, notable a rifle or shotgun. Needless to say, the idea of having the Red Pyramid Thing using a firearm, even out of the context of SH2, doesn't sit well with me. Also, am I the only one who finds the descriptions of this character to be incredibly morbid for a title targetted towards the family demographic? They might as well say that the character is a euphamism for the act of committing rape. :S)

**Footnote: There are additional images available of the New International Track & Field version the Red Pyramid Thing, but these forums only allow 4 images to diplayed in one post. Check out the rest on the site.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH - New International Track & Field (http://www.newtrackandfield.com/)
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH - New International Track & Field - Characters (http://www.newtrackandfield.com/atg/characters)

ifirit

11-28-2007, 04:58 AM

Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Update:
SH0 Official Soundtrack Announced, Pre-Orders Accepted:
On November 16, 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (http://www.konami.jp/) announced the release of the official Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 soundtrack. The soundtrack, which contains 30 tracks from the game, will be released on January 25, 2008 from KonamiStyle of Japan (http://www.konamistyle.jp). The soundtrack will be sold in a new "tall case"* which will feature an exclusive cover jacket and comic book, designed specifically for this release.** The soundtrack was, of course, directed/composed/performed by Akira Yamaoka, with lyrics by Joe Romersa and vocals by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (a.k.a. Melissa Williamson). Unfortunately, a tracklist is not available, but it will likely feature all the music from the game.

KonamiStyle of Japan is currently accepting pre-orders for the soundtrack, which cannot be bundled with pre-orders for the game. The soundtrack will retail on KonamiStyle of Japan for 2,400円 (YEN), 2,520円 (YEN) after sales tax. The soundtrack will be a limited edition release, with no plans to reprint or re-release the album once quantities are sold out.*** The catalogue number for the soundtrack is: LC1627.

*Footnote: Currently, detailed descriptions of the supposed "tall case" are not available. However, the description suggests that it will be large enough to contain the limited edition comic book bundled with the package. (Personal Note: The design of this special case seems to me that it will be the width of standard CD jewel cases with a height of standard DVD jewel cases.)

**Footnote: Again, currently, the information regarding the content of the limited edition comic book are unknown. However, the site suggests that the content will be exclusive to the soundtrack and feature content based on the new game. (Personal Note: My suspicions lead me to believe that the comic will feature content regarding Travis' journey in Silent Hill as opposed to something regarding the town's history. I also believe that this will NOT be a reprinting of the Silent Hill Cage of Cradle or Silent Hill Double under Dusk digital mangas written by Hiroyuki Owaku and illustrated by Masahiro Ito. Sorry, if that disappoints you.)

***Footnote: KonamiStyle of Japan is offering this soundtrack bundle as a limited edition offer. As such, KonamiStyle cannot accept cancellations of orders once they are placed. In addition, KonamiStyle has no resale schedule for this soundtrack bundle once quantities are sold out, so get it before it's gone. (Personal Note: Because KonamiStyle is not promoting this offer as a "bundle" but as the official soundtrack, it can only be assumed that Konami does not plan to release the soundtrack in any other physical form, which suggests there will not be an international release of the soundtrack as a physical CD. Likely, Konami will release the soundtrack via digital distribution on their iRevo/iTunes, Rhapsody or Napster pages.)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/itemLC1627p1_1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/bs_sh_zero.jpg

KonamiStyle of Japan - Silent Hill Zer0 & Original Soundtracks (http://www.konamistyle.jp/sp/sh_zero/)
KonamiStyle of Japan - Silent Hill Zer0 Original Soundtracks (http://www.konamistyle.jp/ecitem/item44650.html)

Addendum: If you are looking for a way to import the soundtrack CD from Japan, a number of japanese importers are also currently taking pre-orders for the Silent Hill Zer0 soundtrack. The best recommendation would be with PlayAsia.com, who have the soundtrack retailing at $34.90 (USD), with shipping at $2.60 (USD).

PlayAsia.com - Video Game Soundtrack - Silent Hill Zero Original Soundtracks (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-na-77-2-49-en-15-silent+hill-70-2f3o.html)

Also, to get you guys excited about the soundtrack, here are samples of the four vocal tracks from the game.
YouTube.com - SH0 - Vocal Track #1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8dru2BCnqw)
YouTube.com - SH0 - Vocal Track #2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_PvRq4ldBo)
YouTube.com - SH0 - Vocal Track #3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tILaYTn61Ts)
YouTube.com - SH0 - Vocal Track #4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9mMgsWujtg)
--------------------------------

SH0 Official Konami Strategy Guide Announced, Pre-Orders Accepted:
On Tuesday, November 27, 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (http://www.konami.jp) announced the release of the official Konami strategy guide, Konami Official Books: Silent Hill Zer0 Official Guide. The guide will be released on December 20, 2007 and be an exclusive available on KonamiStyle of Japan.

The guide will feature character and monster profiles, maps, puzzle hints and solutions, and ending guides. It will be published in A5 format and be 160 pages long. The ISBN is: 978-4-86155-210-6, with a catalogue number of NK0210. The book will retail at 1,238円 (YEN), 1,300円 (YEN) after taxes.

*Personal Note: If you've ever purchased a strategy guide from Konami, you'll notice the clear difference between it and those published by other third party publishers, like *cough*BradyGames*cough*, who own the publishing rights in North America. The Konami guides are always published with a separate cover on glossy paper. The guide itself tends to have higher quality images (CG, in-game and concept) with occassionally unreleased images as with the SH4 Complete Guide and the SH3 Ushinawareta Kioku.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/nk0210.jpg

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Silent Hill Zer0 - Official Guide (http://www.konami.jp/products/nk0210/)
--------------------------------

SH0 European Website Official Launched:
On November 16, 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment Gmbh (http://www.konami-europe.com/) launched the official European site for Silent Hill 0rigins.

The site is flash-based with an HUI designed like the PSP. Visitors can view the various sections of the site by pressing/clicking on one of the glowing buttons (Square, Circle, Triangle, or Cross) and using the directional buttons to scroll through images or rewind/fast forward through the videos. The site features both the IGN trailers released in April of this year (listed under the "Trailer" and "Gameplay" buttons). The "Packshot" button shows an image of the UMD packaging and the "Screens" button shows screenshots from the game in Widescreen format.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH - Silent Hill 0rigins - Microsite (http://www.konami-silenthillorigins.com/)
--------------------------------

Interviews with Silent Hill Staff:
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Focus Panel at Anime Expo 07:
At this year's Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn was honored as one of the few English speaking focus panel guests. While the majority of the focus panel pertained with her anime work, she did begin the presentation with a sample of her work on the Silent Hill 0rigins soundtrack with a brief discussion about her collaboration with Akira Yamaoka. This is one of the only interviews/discussions where she discusses her experiences in the creation/performance process.

While the first part of the series of videos is the only part that discusses her work on the Silent Hill soundtracks, you can view the rest of the series of videos to hear about her and her works in anime. I'll post them all just in case.

YouTube.com - Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Focus Panel (Part 1) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTi3NAX2t2g) (<---- This one has the Silent Hill music discussion.)
YouTube.com - Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Focus Panel (Part 2) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTrCFUqTyXs)
YouTube.com - Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Focus Panel (Part 3) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y3V-3rK04Q)
YouTube.com - Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Focus Panel (Part 4) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPOxnfDjnVI)
YouTube.com - Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Focus Panel (Part 5) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK_c6jsxnXs)
YouTube.com - Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Focus Panel (Part 6) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U21Zj0yLho8)
YouTube.com - Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Focus Panel (Part 7) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U9wfoEz3CY)

Additionally, in a written interview with Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, she manages to talk a little more about the music of Silent Hill, particularly with the recording process and with the song "Waiting for You." She explains that Joe Romersa is the contact between Akira Yamaoka and herself, and that Joe Romersa is the one who writes the lyrics for the songs. Additionally, she reveals that "Waiting for You" is indeed a studio recorded song and not live public performance. However, they also bring up the idea of having a concert of Silent Hill music performed at the next Anime Expo in 2008. (Hmmm... Meet up, anyone?)

TokidokiJournal.com - Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Interview (http://www.tokidokijournal.com/article.php?id=737)

Nulion

11-28-2007, 06:47 AM

A concert of Silent Hill music...? Ohhh man, what I'd give to be able to go to THAT.

Sadly, money is an obstacle :(

Thank you again for the great info, ifirit :)

While I'm babbling on about nothing, has anybody here beaten Origins? What're your thoughts? I'd beaten it myself, twice, and have yet to beat it a third time so I can attempt getting the UFO ending. It's a small game, maybe half as long as other SH games, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Plus, it had a much greater scare factor, in my opinion, than SH4 did.

There's tons of funny, great extras, too; the costumes alone are a lot of fun, especially the one unlocked by the Konami code.

Leeroy the Bunny

11-28-2007, 06:55 AM

I have been awakened at the speaking of that name...

Silent...Hill.

ifirit

11-29-2007, 01:31 AM

A concert of Silent Hill music...? Ohhh man, what I'd give to be able to go to THAT.

Sadly, money is an obstacle :(
It was just a suggestion. But, of course, there would have to be a definite announcement saying that said concert would take place. I'm sure that if the concert were to be held, bands across California would be lining up for auditions. You'd hope those people running the event would pick the best one. But, that's completely in the realm of speculation.

While I'm babbling on about nothing, has anybody here beaten Origins? What're your thoughts? I'd beaten it myself, twice, and have yet to beat it a third time so I can attempt getting the UFO ending. It's a small game, maybe half as long as other SH games, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Plus, it had a much greater scare factor, in my opinion, than SH4 did.

There's tons of funny, great extras, too; the costumes alone are a lot of fun, especially the one unlocked by the Konami code.
Yep, I've played it and beaten it, several times, and have been dying to post a review of the game. Especially since every review posted so far doesn't really evaluate the game with much depth. Being so, I'd like to post my thoughts.

Warning: Minor Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Spoilers
First off, a part of me really, really wanted to hate this game. I wanted it to be so bad and so wrong that development would have had to be handed back to Team Silent. But, I couldn't hate it. It's just a very solid game. The atmosphere and level design is very deep and familiar. (At times, perhaps a little too familiar.) The mood and tension created by the environments and sound design are gripping and, when taking the suggestion to play it in the dark and with headphones, will creep you out to no end.

The environments do a great job of combining the aesthetics from the first game and the film; it's a subtle application used throughout the entirety of the outdoor environments. An example would be the incorporation of the light fixtures from the film replacing the normal street lamps of Central Silent Hill. Another example is the use of textures and motifs from the film's sets filling in areas that were too blurred in the original, such as building walls, trim and store windows. You'll notice the film motif used throughout the design of the exterior of the streets of Central and New Silent Hill.

However, when it comes to the building interiors, the use of the film's motifs are much more subtle restricting their usage to posters and objects added in the environment. The otherworld on the otherhand does not imploy much of its inspiration from the film, opting to focus on the look created by the four main games, yet adding a bit of reinterpretation throughout. (In particular, are the use of living plants and various fluids dripping from above to give the environments a more "living world" feel.

One of the most unusual aspects of this design, however, is that these things are sectionalized between the different "levels." The SH1 Otherworld motif is very apparent in the Motel level, while the SH2 Otherworld motif is confined to the Theater level. The SH3 motif is restricted to the Hospital level and the SH4 motif to the Sanitarium level. (Yes, just when you thought they couldn't add another hospital in Silent Hill, they did.) This adds a very distinct flavor to each level, but makes the interpretation of the game on an overall sense somewhat muddled. (Actually, I mean to say that this design makes it difficult to establish an overall concept for the Otherworld in SH0 since the representations of it change throughout the game.)

If you're looking to compare the size of the game with that of previous games, SH0 is just physically, slightly smaller than SH2, but larger than SH1. SH0 and SH2 both contain the same number of levels with roughly the same amount of space on the interior. However, the exterior environments are smaller than SH2, but only because SH2 made use of extendedly long hallways and streets. SH1 can be beaten on a speedrun of about an hour, SH2 in about just over 2 hours and SH0 can be beaten on a speedrun of just about an hour and a half. The only reason why SH0 seems shorter is that the game has virtually no retraversal of the environments. The game basically leads you all over the map, but you rarely ever have to cross the same areas twice. (I'm counting the Alternate and Otherworld maps as separate parts of the levels, since the game has separate maps for each.) It's this type of level design that really makes the game feel linear, because it's not really a maze, so much as a path with branch off sections. (I'm particularly disappointed with this simplification of the level design.)

Having gone over all the general aspects of the environments, let's look at the combat and gameplay. First off, the game starts you out with the two key items that have always been essential gear in a Silent Hill game, the flashlight and the radio. These two items are considered to be your lifelines in the game, since they help your survival. Well, guess what, you don't need either. In previous installations, you had to use the flashlight in order to pick up items in the dark and the need to use the flashlight to search for items in the presence of enemies added to the tension. Well, don't EVER bother turning on your flashlight, because every item in the game can be picked up without it. In addition, using the flashlight only draws monsters to you. It's no longer a double-edged sword, only a dull blade.

Second, the radio, which was the only guide in previous games that let you know the general presence of monsters in the environment. Leave it off, between the sounds emitted by the monsters, the visual static effect and the use of QTE (Quick Timing Events) you'll always know where the monsters are. Well, you think, "what's the big deal? You've got two items you don't need to use, they're sectioned out for you anyway. It's not like you'll have an endless supply of useless items, right?" Well, you're wrong.

Weapons in the game are breakable, limiting their use and lifespan. The game provides you with enough weapons in every room to never be without and the use of your fists means that even when a weapon breaks, you're never unequipped. But, here's the deal. 60% of the weapons in the game suck. Either the weapon is too weak to fight enemies with promptly, or the lifespan of the weapon won't last through a single fight. Also, because of the weapons breakable status displayed on each weapon, the game will not filter weapons as multiples, so you can end up with a dozen pieces of broken wood planks, all of which you can't rely on, taking up space to switch over to the one good weapon you have which gets shuffled to the end of the list. Throwing weapons aren't much use either since they have no range when tapping the attack button and no accuracy when used as a charged attack. In addition, because of a glitch in the QTE, if a throwing item is used and a QTE follows, the weapon will simply break causing no damage to the monster.

You'll find that there are a number of glitches that occur when playing the game. One of the most apparent is the fatigue glitch. SH0 revives the stamina feature used in SH3, where your stamina determines Heather's ability to run, fight and block attacks. When your stamina reached zero, you had to find a place to rest to recover. However, in SH0, when your stamina reaches zero, the stamina gauge automatically returns to 100%, so the need to recover is not needed and you can essentially outrun any monster. The developers had also added in an energy drink which could be used to immediately recover stamina, but with the glitch, they're essential useless outside of tight corners.

So, once you've found a good weapon to fight with and used the stamina glitch to avoid the hard to fight monsters and walked past the monsters with the flashlight turned off, fighting is still reduced to the ackward bash-fest that it had been in the previous games. Because you can only do 1-2 combos, you'll have to hit once or twice, backup, avoid the monster attack and repeat. This NEVER changes, even with bosses. However, with the large variety of monsters in each area, you don't really get bored with the attack pattern until your third playthrough. But, by then, you'll hopefully have gotten the special weapons making fights last only a few seconds.

The puzzles in the game are suprisingly good, but simple for any returning Silent Hill fan. The variety is good, ranging from the traditional collecting items to place in corresponding locations, to matching and memory puzzles, to even algebraic problems. Sadly, there are no word puzzles or cryptic poems to interpret. (This kinda takes out the lyrical, poetic nature of the past games.)

The acting and cutscenes in the game are only so-so. While the acting is more fluid than in the first, which numerous references to SH1 are made in the dialogue of SH0, there are not as many memorable scenes as previous games. Encounters with recurring characters are so stripped of the original personalities, you have to really look hard at these scenes to draw out what personality there is, especially since there are so few cutscenes in the game. One exception regards a particular nurse in red, with which it eventually goes nowhere. But, the acting never really gets past its rigid, scripted form, which at times can be ackward. ("I could be a STAAAR!!!!" is one particular reference. "Dr. Kaufman wants to meet me..." is another.)

My biggest problem with this is that the story regarding Travis' background is really, really good, with hints given both in the scenes and throughout the game itself. However, the small number of cutscenes and character interactions cause the story to develop too slowly and it gets trailed off near the end. The part that I am particularly referencing is the climax, where there is a confrontation between Travis and the girl in blue, that is ultimately dropped in order to bring the story back to the Alessa arc. This brings me to another point, because at this point, the game seems to be trying to wrap everything together so quickly that it feels rushed or forced. The Good Ending is a particularly good example, since it doesn't explain how the characters even got out of their situation at the final battle and relies on the interpretations made by the film to explain the bridge between this game and the first game.

As a final sentiment, I can only summerize the game as having the polish, sheen and soul (i.e. Akira Yamaoka) of past games, but lacking the breadth and depth.

StarZander

01-08-2008, 09:34 AM

UnforgivingEdges

01-09-2008, 07:12 AM

I just beat the game the other day, too. I really liked it. It's on a portable, so there are some limitations, and it doesn't play very deep or complex, but it's a nicely built game. For the first time since SH3, I felt that familiar sense of "hey, I am uncomfortable, this is Silent Hill. I know this place, it makes me uneasy, but I want to keep going and exploring." Some great level environments, too.

I was very impressed that the chill and scare factor was present when I played with headphones in the dark; kudos to Climax. Overall, it's not the best SH game, but it's a nifty little time killer with some nice touches. My favorite moment in the entire game was

when I went to the Otherworld Motel and glanced through the peep hole into the room I HAD JUST COME OUT OF and saw the Butcher standing in the doorway just not even moving. That just creeped the fuck out of me.

I don't think you can be disappointed if you're a SH fan, especially considering the game was in the hands of a development team halfway around the world with no previous SH experience.

ifirit

01-18-2008, 02:37 AM

I finally beat the game for the first time this morning, and I must say I'm really pleased with it. My biggest fear was that it would be too short, but it wasn't. It could have been longer, but it didn't need to be. I really liked the story, the mood, the enemies and locations. It all felt very much like Silent Hill should. Reviewers all complain about the fighting system, but I think it worked really well. Doesn't really matter if a weapon broke, because you always had a shitload of others (it could get a bit ridiculous at times, but that's the way it's always been). The only thing that really bothered me was the great lack of healing items, and the overabundance of ammo as a compensation.

I'm looking forward to getting all the endings and extras. I can probably play this game over and over and over again!
I'm really glad to hear that there are still people playing this game, since the discussion here has been waning recently. However, there's been a relatively large amount of discussion on this game over at Silent Hill: Origins' Forums (http://www.silenthillorigins.com/forums/). (How appropriate.) Though the discussion has focused mainly on the relationship between Travis and the Butcher and comparisons between the Butcher and the Red Pyramid Thing, it has been rather fruitful. One of the biggest revelations has been in understanding the Butcher's role in the game and story. This understanding has been key into determining other related connections in the story and ultimately ties a number of story elements surrounding Travis together.

Since I prefer to leave the discussion open a little, I'll refer you to some interesting threads. But, if anyone wants a deeper explanation of certain aspects, or just want to know what happens in SH0, feel free to ask. As I've said before, I love answering questions about Silent Hill and creating discussion.

WARNING: Threads Contain Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Spoilers
Silent Hill: Origins' Forums - Theories - "The Butcher (two new interpretations SPOILERS)" (http://www.silenthillorigins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1859)
Silent Hill: Origins' Forums - Silent Hill 0rigins - "The Butcher and the Pyramid Head" (http://www.silenthillorigins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1748)
Silent Hill: Origins' Forums - Silent Hill 0rigins - "strange things" (http://www.silenthillorigins.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1774)

The "strange things" thread is simply a list of strange things that happen or appear in the game. These things range from glitches and programming errors to placements of objects and enemies to things that just creep people out. It's a fun thread to read and then find the numerous strange things in the game. You'll have to forgive a number of repeated entries, but if you have an original observation feel free to contribute to the thread.

Alternatively, The Escapist (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/) has released Ben Croshaw's Zero Punctuation (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/) review of Silent Hill 0rigins (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2791-Zero-Punctuation-Silent-Hill-Origins). Granted the review is harsh, as is to be expected, he does make a number of valid points and basically summerizes what everyone was thinking when they heard Silent Hill was being outsourced. It's still iniquitously amusing.

The Escapist - Zero Punctuation Reviews - Silent Hill 0rigins (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/2791-Zero-Punctuation-Silent-Hill-Origins)
--------------------------------

With that said, let's get into some news and updates.

Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Update:
SH0 Soundtrack Tracklist Released & Cover Art Unveiled; Additional Special Offer Bonus Announced:
On December 6, 2007, the tracklist for the Original Soundtrack to SH0 was released by Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (http://www.konami.co.jp) via the KonamiStyle (http://www.konamistyle.jp) website. The tracklisting features 26 songs on the album.* The tracklisting also notes the four vocal tracks that will feature Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (a.k.a. Melissa Williamson).

Additionally, the cover art for the soundtrack has been unveiled, featuring artwork by Masahiro Ito (monster designer for SH1-3). The cover art shows an exclusively new picture of the ...Red Pyramid Thing? Masahiro Ito explains via his website (http://www.geocities.jp/nobu_hill/).**
it's Japanese SH zero (silent hill origin) original soundtracks
with 6pages comic booklet.
That pyramid head has no connection to "silent hill origin".
Comic booklet, that story is my another pyramid head world.
Coming in Jan.25 of 2008

サイレントヒルゼロ・サントラのジャケット、6ページコミック（小冊子）、担当
2008年1月25日発売予定
The comic details reveal that the story about the comic features a backstory for the Red Pyramid Thing set in an alternate Silent Hill universe. (A detail that really brings up the issue of "how canon is SH0?", since Masahiro Ito has now set up the idea of an alternate universe for the series to be accompanied with this game's soundtrack.)

Again, the album will release on January 25, 2008 and retail exclusively from KonamiStyle of Japan (http://www.konamistyle.jp). Also, the production is limited with no schedule for reproduction, so get it while you can.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/lc1627.jpg

SH0 Soundtrack Tracklist:
Shot Down in Flames (featuring Mary Elizabeth McGlynn)
Meltdown
Evil Appetite
Wrong Is Right
Not Tomorrow 3
Monster Daddy
King Of Adiemus
Don't Abuse Me
Underworld 4
Acid Horse
O.R.T. (featuring Mary Elizabeth McGlynn)
Insecticide
Raw Power
A Million Miles
Battle Drums
The Wicked End
Blow Back (featuring Mary Elizabeth McGlynn)
Real Solution
The Healer
Snowblind
Behind the Wall of Sleep
Drowning
Murder Song ”S”
Not Tomorrow 4
Theme of Sabre Dance
Hole In The Sky (featuring Mary Elizabeth McGlynn)

On December 19, 2007, Konami announced that as an added bonus for orders placed online through the KonamiStyle website, a limited edition Silent Hill Zer0 portable media player pouch will be given on a first come, first serve basis. As of January 17, 2008, an image of the pouch was finally revealed.*** The pouch has a crimson and white design with a dual zipper running along two sides of the pouch (connected as a single zipper by an arc). The design features the Silent Hill Zer0 logo with an image of the SH0 nurse holding an over-sized syringe. A little tag with the Konami logo hangs from the bottom (or right, depending on your orientation) of the pouch.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/SH0pouch.jpg

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Silent Hill Zer0 (http://www.konamistyle.jp/sp/sh_zero/)
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Silent Hill Zer0 - Silent Hill Zer0 Original Soundtracks (http://www.konami.jp/products/lc1627/)

*Footnote: KonamiStyle originally stated that the album would feature 30 tracks from the game, but it seems that this number was trimmed slightly for currently unknown reasons, though most likely because of production issues.

**Footnote: Masahiro Ito was not involved in the development of Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0, as he is now a freelance artist. So, his commission for the soundtrack apparently did not privy him to details about the game. (Personal Note: So, it seems he made one up.) Additionally, because Masahiro Ito is drawing the six page manga for this release, it seems a safe enough assumption that the comic will be presented in A6 format and that the "tall case" featured with the CD will be formatted to the same size.

***Footnote: Konami has stated that the image shown above may not be the final product image, as it is still subject to change.
--------------------------------

Silent Hill Mobile Update:
"SILENT HILL The Escape" Released; Website and Media Posted:
As was previously reported from the Tokyo Game Show 2007, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (http://www.konami.co.jp) had announced the production of another Silent Hill game for mobile gaming devices (i.e. cellular phones) that would feature a gameplay mechanic called "gesture technology,"**** titled コナミネット DX SILENT HILL The Escape. As of December 19, 2007, the game has since been launched online to Japanese subscribers.

The game itself has shifted from the puzzle/adventure-horror genre of previous installments to a complete fear first-person-shooter game. By no means was this change unintentional, since the game is both presented and marketed as such, as is seen on the website, and in the artwork and screenshots.

The gameplay consists of exploration of various hallways littered with monsters and other targetable objects. Players will recognize various familiar creatures from previous titles as well as new creatures. The screen features a mini-map that shows the player their relative position on the map. There is also a small image of a revolver's loading chamber depicting the number of bullets remaining. Aiming appears as a small set of crosshairs which is used to target monsters, but no distinction of whether the target is in range is given.

The game is available from Konami's i-MODE distributor for various mobile devices, shown below. A subscription fee of 315円 (YEN), which includes sales tax, is applied for monthly usage, but subscribers are given access to premium content. (Konami says to check the game for details about the premium content.) The game can be accessed on the appropriate device models as follows: FOMA menu -> Menu/search -> Game -> Game Pack -> コナミネット DX.

The currently supported mobile devices are:
P904i
SH904i
D905i
F905i
N905i
P905i
SH905i
SO905i
N905i μ

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/basic.jpg

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - SILENT HILL The Escape (http://www.konami.jp/products/appli_sh_escape/index.html)

****Footnote: Konami's Online Contents executive producer Kazuya Takahashi had previously explained that "gesture technology" is a method of controlling the actions in the game via image feedback from the mobile device's built-in camera. While the website simply says to refer to the game itself about the exact details of this technology, it was previously stated that the aiming and on-screen interactions responded to the players' motion of the mobile device itself. (Personal Note: While the technology sounds great in theory, the actual implementation of this would appear to me as being very clunky and ackward to play. Also, since Japanese players have a tendency to get motion-sickness from videogames that require concentration for precision shooting I don't see this game being very popular.)
--------------------------------

Nulion

03-01-2008, 06:21 PM

This awesome thread shouldn't have dropped so far as it has, especially with all of this insane info that ifirit's been providing...And yes, I do read all this and try to look at it, and it interests me to no end :)

I wonder where one might be able to find a copy (Digital) of that Pyramid Head 'comic' that's right there...Very neat stuff.

In fact, there's a ton of neat stuff there, that somehow I have no idea how I missed! Like the New Track & Field version of Pyramid Head? Great laughs on the character bio there :)

Buut, anyway...

This thread's been gone too long, and maybe one reason is because there's been pretty much *nothing* to chew on Silent Hill-related lately...

But I just stumbled across these screenshots for Silent Hill V, thought you guys might enjoy taking a look.

One thing I think that should be kept in mind while looking at them is that the early screenshots for every other Silent Hill game didn't show much of anything, either...Probably to preserve the scare factory of certain areas. All in all, the pictures (I think) actually look really good!

...I'm not sure I like that weird health meter/enemy attack detector thing at the left hand side of one of the pictures though.

The fog is impressive though, and looks as if it distorts anything that's far off in the distance, rather than completely hiding it. The other impressive thing I noticed is how pic 4 in the XBox 360 section of the photos shows off how the flashlight's light cone can be filtered through and dimmed by the fog. I'm also wondering by that picture if this game has even a little bit of a RE4-type camera angle, at least during combat.

Oh well, anyway...Link!

http://ps3.qj.net/Silent-Hill-5-screenshots-a-tour-around-creepy-town/pg/49/aid/114885

ifirit

03-11-2008, 09:54 PM

This awesome thread shouldn't have dropped so far as it has, especially with all of this insane info that ifirit's been providing...And yes, I do read all this and try to look at it, and it interests me to no end :)
Yes, it is a shame. But, I'm glad you're reading it.

I wonder where one might be able to find a copy (Digital) of that Pyramid Head 'comic' that's right there...Very neat stuff.
Silent Hill: Lost Memories (http://www.silenthillmemories.net), with which I am affliated, has posted all the media related towards the Silent Hill Zer0 Original Soundtrack. Definitely check out the artwork, because it's amazing. Please remember that the soundtrack and its artwork are commercial products and as such that you ONLY download the media if you have purchased or are intending to purchase the soundtrack (i.e. you have purchased the soundtrack online and are simply waiting for it to ship). You don't want to deprive Akira Yamaoka or Masahiro Ito of their income, now do you?

Silent Hill: Lost Memories (English Branch) - Music - SH0 Original Soundtracks (http://www.silenthillmemories.net/music/sh0_osts_en.htm)

In case you're wondering, the English translation of the title of the comic is White Hunter. The two characters are called Белый охотник (which means "white hunter") and Ангел (which means "angel"). Masahiro Ito has posted his comments (http://8226.teacup.com/hill_nobu/bbs/461) on the comic via his BBS channel on his website.
About comic,I tried to express was My another world about pryamid head.
Pryamid head is white hunter. The white hunter is "белый охотник"
It has no connection to SILENT HILL at all.
If the pryamid head is another character ?
In comic he has white helmet. His purpose is to keep killing Angels.
(I call angel "it" in that comic.)
According to him, the red pyramid thing is in fact a white pyramid thing and actually called "white hunter." Thus, Masahiro Ito is trying to establish the character as his own creation independently of the game series and its backstory. The comic thus describes the tale of an angel sent to awaken the White Hunter, whose task is to kill angels. (A rather cycular relationship, if you ask me.) The article "it" is used to refer to the angel, while the article "he" is used to refer to the white hunter.

In fact, there's a ton of neat stuff there, that somehow I have no idea how I missed! Like the New Track & Field version of Pyramid Head? Great laughs on the character bio there :)
Yep, that's some pretty strange stuff. Also, check out the christmas card Konami sent out for 2007.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Other/konami_xmas.jpg

Socks? That's just crazy.

Buut, anyway...

This thread's been gone too long, and maybe one reason is because there's been pretty much *nothing* to chew on Silent Hill-related lately...
Actuallly, I've got a lot of information about SH5, PS2 version of SH0, Silent Hill The Arcade's international release, Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward comic from IDW, and a few fan-made stuff. I don't have time to post it today, but I will on Saturday.

But I just stumbled across these screenshots for Silent Hill V, thought you guys might enjoy taking a look.

One thing I think that should be kept in mind while looking at them is that the early screenshots for every other Silent Hill game didn't show much of anything, either...Probably to preserve the scare factory of certain areas. All in all, the pictures (I think) actually look really good!

...I'm not sure I like that weird health meter/enemy attack detector thing at the left hand side of one of the pictures though.

The fog is impressive though, and looks as if it distorts anything that's far off in the distance, rather than completely hiding it. The other impressive thing I noticed is how pic 4 in the XBox 360 section of the photos shows off how the flashlight's light cone can be filtered through and dimmed by the fog. I'm also wondering by that picture if this game has even a little bit of a RE4-type camera angle, at least during combat.

Oh well, anyway...Link!

http://ps3.qj.net/Silent-Hill-5-screenshots-a-tour-around-creepy-town/pg/49/aid/114885
I've got some objections to the way that the art direction is presenting the environments. Something about it isn't exactly right; it lacks... perculiarity. As such, they seem almost interchangable with environments from any adventure-horror game, which already loses its individuality.

What I'm most disappointed with is that the game is being developed on the 360 and ported over to the PS3. They're just overlooking all the things that can be done with the PS3. As such, reviewers will almost definitely say the 360 version is better. So, there goes Silent Hill's tradition of pushing the hardware capabilities on it's respective console.

This is turning out to be less and less of a SH game the more I see of it. And with the release scheduled for this fall...

Nekofrog

03-11-2008, 09:57 PM

SH5 looks like garbage. Trash.

From both a graphical perspective and just a general suckiness perspective. Have you seen some of the screenshots? They looks HORRIBLE. SH3 looks almost better visually.

http://images.gamersyde.com/gallery/public/7801/1320_0006.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/gallery/public/7804/1320_0006.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/gallery/public/7804/1320_0005.jpg

http://images.gamersyde.com/gallery/public/7804/1320_0003.jpg

Nekofrog

03-11-2008, 10:00 PM

http://images.gamersyde.com/gallery/public/7804/1320_0002.jpg

http://yannick.fleurit.free.fr/GameDesign/Camera%20Screenshots/Silent%20Hill%203.jpg

http://www.absolute-playstation.com/gp2a/silent_hill_3_lr_2.jpg

See what I mean?

Nulion

03-12-2008, 04:59 AM

Yeah, I guess the more I look at it, the more underwhelming SH5 looks. I guess I'm being a little too hopeful, but it's not like we can shoot down the game and call it trash half a year before it even releases. I've also got a feeling that, like the screens for all the other games in the series so far, we are not being shown the more impressive scenes from the game that really take advantage of the hardware. I remember a long time back when I saw screens of Silent Hill 2, they were close-up pictures of faces and shots of empty rooms without much feel visible on them. Add to that, the grain filter that made any screens taken look awful. Foggy streets, extremely dark shots of monsters fighting, even an over-reliance on screens taken from the game's FMV's. The screens for Silent Hill games before release have never been anything to write home about, really. At the end of the day, it's about the ambience, the sound, and the gameplay...can't get those from screens! :)

I remember on that EGM issue awhile back though, there were a lot of screens there...and honestly, they were impressive. I like the monster design, aside from the nurses, who are lifted directly from the movie...If anything, I'd say the game seems to not get that the monsters should ALL be skewed toward a particular aspect of the character you're playing as (Personality or psychological situation, etc) or toward a particular aspect of the story at large, and the characters involved. At least that's how the other games have been, right? I'm not sure if nurses should be in there just for the sake of having nurses. Yeah they're creepy, but...ah well, just being nitpicky.

Still sucks it's being developed for 360 first though, since it's a well-known fact that porting from the 360 to the PS3 just doesn't work as well as doing it the other way around. Ugh.

I don't expect it to be as good as the first three games (I really enjoyed them all, and don't see what the fuss is with 3 that some people have), but then I don't expect it to be as bad as the 4th game, either. (Even though I enjoyed SH4...It wasn't an unplayable piece of garbage, right?)

Those screens of SH3 you sent look *great* though. Where were those even taken? I was just playing SH3 yesterday, and it looked nowhere near *that* good and sharp. And I was even playing it on the PS3, upscaled, on an HDTV. Hmm.

Maybe it was the PC version? I think the PC version did have higher-resolution textures and things like that.

______

Thanks for all the neat stuff again ifirit :) Looking forward to the other stuff you've got to post; I guess I'm just really out of the loop, and not checking out the Silent Hill forums as much as I should be.

And I have no idea why Pyramid Head would want socks o.O

Nekofrog

03-12-2008, 05:50 AM

ight?)

Those screens of SH3 you sent look *great* though. Where were those even taken? I was just playing SH3 yesterday, and it looked nowhere near *that* good and sharp. And I was even playing it on the PS3, upscaled, on an HDTV. Hmm.

Maybe it was the PC version? I think the PC version did have higher-resolution textures and things like that.

Dunno where they came from.. but you realize that upscaling a PS2 game on an HDTV is going to make it look much WORSE than on a PS2 on a SDTV, right?

Nulion

03-12-2008, 07:48 AM

Hmm, always thought it'd make it look better. Goes to show ya I don't know much about my new HDTV, hehe.

I'll try it again without the upscaling.

EDIT: It looks a whole lot better now. Ugh, I really should look into these things more. I guess the upscaler is for SDTV's that can't handle all the extra information that is available from a high-def system like the PS3, and that's what the upscaler's there for? I've got no idea. Thanks for the tip though, Neko :)

Schwaltzvald

03-14-2008, 02:34 PM

So hey... What's this all about..?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8774481&type=product&id=1204331808063

WHY WAS THIS NOT SPOKEN ABOUT?!

IMMA PICKING IT UP TODAY AS I THANKFULLY AVOIDED THE ORIGIN SECTION OF THIS THREAD!!!

Nulion

03-14-2008, 10:49 PM

Hmm...I loved Silent Hill Origins, hehe. Maybe I didn't love it as much as the other games in teh series, but I still thought it was a solid Silent Hill title. Problem with those PSP-to-PS2 conversions is that they often don't turn out very well. I mean, those games are optimized to be viewed on a small screen with less-powerful hardware, so the textures and geometry are probably gonna look pretty ugly on a bigger screen.

Still worth getting if you don't have a PSP though! ..At least, I hope. The whole experience might be worse with a bigger screen.

Schwaltzvald

03-15-2008, 02:57 AM

From the little bit I've played, (Brawl had its grip on me lol), I felt very comfortable playing it. Admittingly the graphics reminded me more of a mix between the original Silent Hill and SH2. Understandably it's a conversion instead of a retool/engine redoing, but nonetheless it didn't take away the experience for me.

For now, it's truly solid and enjoyable to me :)!!

ifirit

03-15-2008, 09:51 PM

Actually, the problem with the announcement about the PS2 version of Silent Hill 0rigins is my fault. I had known about it since January, but I didn't want to double-post. Well, here's a full report.

Silent Hill 0rigins/Zer0 Update:
Silent Hill 0rigins Released for the PlayStation 2:
On March 4, 2008, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.konami.com) released Silent Hill 0rigins for the PlayStation 2 home console. The game, which is a modified port of the PlayStation Portable version, features new character models and gameplay controls formatted for the PS2.

Konami originally released a press package announcing the PS2 release on January 22, 2008, a few days before the release of the Silent Hill Zer0 Original Soundtracks.* Reports about the PS2 version of Silent Hill 0rigins were originally rumored when Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com) began taking pre-orders for the game on January 16, 2008, releasing the cover of the box art.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silent-hill-origins-for-playstation.jpg

Character models of Travis (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/travis_origins_ps2.jpg) and Lisa (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/lisa_origins_ps2.jpg) modified for the PS2 were released by Game Press Ltm. (http://www.gamepress.com). While screenshots (http://www.ene3.com/archives/020531.html) featuring the enhanced graphics were released by eNe3 (http://www.ene3.com).

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. - Press Releases - KONAMI SHIPS SILENT HILL® ORIGINS FOR PlayStation®2 SYSTEM TO RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE (http://www.konami.com/ctlimg/konami/pressrelease/2008_03_04_SilentHillOrigins_PR.pdf) [.pdf file / 33.0 KB]
Silent Hill: Origins.com - News - Silent Hill: Origins Officially Coming to Playstation 2 (http://silenthill5.net/2008/01/22/silent-hill-origins-officially-coming-to-playstation-2.html)
Silent Hill: Origins.com - News - Silent Hill: Origins Playstation 2 screenshots (http://silenthill5.net/2008/02/01/silent-hill-origins-playstation-2-screenshots.html)

*Footnote: The press package for the release of SH0 for the PS2 was not officially published on the Konami website; instead, it was only announced via videogame online publishings (first by Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/347476/silent-hill-origins-heading-to-ps2)). Below is posted the announcement.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - January 22, 2008 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today confirmed speculation that Silent Hill® Origins, released last year for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system is in fact currently in development for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Now PlayStation 2 system owners will have the opportunity to experience this frightening and popular survival horror game, complete with signature sound and music from renowned Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka.

"Console gamers can now expect the same chilling, suspenseful and fear-filled experience that handheld gamers encountered when we released Silent Hill Origins on the PSP system," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "This is their chance to learn more of the mystery and mythos surrounding Silent Hill that's been hinted at in earlier games and made the series such a success."

Players take on the role of Travis Grady, a lone truck driver making a routine delivery when he makes an unfortunate detour to the mysterious town of Silent Hill. Players must help Travis escape the city's horrific inhabitants and unravel the mystery of the strange hallucinations from Travis' past, visions that have plagued him since childhood.

Updated controls maximize combat, allowing Travis to use his fists, his wits and an array of weapons including a meat cleaver, pool cue and sledgehammer to fight his way through the nightmarish world of Silent Hill and face multiple endings based on his actions.

For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

Nulion

03-16-2008, 04:02 AM

Gotta love it, every time that guy posts something, I find out something new. :)

I had no idea the graphics were actually given a bit of a facelift for the PS2 version. Those screenshots don't look bad at all. What I was expecting from a PSP-to-PS2 conversion was essentially a direct, unchanged, 100% completely identical port, complete with graphics that look great on a handheld, but terrible on a TV screen.

It's nice to see they went the extra mile to make it look better, isn't it?

ifirit

03-16-2008, 08:44 PM

I had no idea the graphics were actually given a bit of a facelift for the PS2 version. Those screenshots don't look bad at all. What I was expecting from a PSP-to-PS2 conversion was essentially a direct, unchanged, 100% completely identical port, complete with graphics that look great on a handheld, but terrible on a TV screen.

It's nice to see they went the extra mile to make it look better, isn't it?
Actually, I've been playing the PS2 version of SH0 and in addition to the graphical update to the character models and some bumping up on the environments, the game itself has been tweeked some to improve upon the experience. The changes that have been made to the game are innumerable, but all subtly applied; so much so, that if you're playing the game for the first time on the PS2, you'll not even know that anything had been changed.

You'll notice that the opening sequence of the game has been modified some to have the credits appear more in sync with the overall flow of the walk up the road. The opening FMV is about a few frames longer than the PSP version and has a few color changes. The character model improvements are not simply asthetic, as the models now can move their fingers, sway their hair, display greater emotion in their faces and show their teeth. This adds a greater amount of expression and characterization to the cutscenes. Also, you'll notice that the characters now have different expressions and facial reactions in these scenes than on the PSP, which gives the game a more serious and melancholy tone. This tone definitely makes a difference.

While looking at the environments, you'll notice that a lot of the textures have been changed, particularly with paintings, posters and signs. For example, in the Gillespie residence, you'll notice that the pictures on the walls, which depicted various Egyptian and Babylonian buildings and artifacts, have been replaced with various paintings of the Madonna (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(art)) from across art history. Everywhere you look, there are visual improvements that completely enhance the game's appearance. However, the improvements in the game are not simply visual.

A few tweeks have also been applied the level design and the gameplay. With regards to the level design, a few changes have been made to the pacing to enhance the experience. There are a few environmental interactions and events that re-establish the psychological fear aspect into the game, though I'll refrain from spoiling them here. While not as creepy as in previous games, like the Brookhaven mirror-room in SH3, the locker scene in SH1 or the hauntings from SH4, they none-the-less add that extra dimension of uncertainty. The pacing has also improved with a subtle redistribution of monsters and addition of some extra health items. Harder enemies have been removed in favor of adding an extra weaker monster.

In terms of the gameplay, the fighting hasn't changed much, with the exception of the addition of a few fighting animations and better accuracy with malee weapons and lower accuracy with firearms (Travis will no longer hit every target with pin-point accuracy, even in the dark). Sneak attacks now deal greater damage and can fell an enemy in fewer hits, which are very rewarding. The creatures now have a greater sense of awareness as well and are more responsive to light and sound, giving the AI greater depth, though still not 100%. Creatures on the town map will still spot you from two miles away and you can still walk right up to some creatures in the dark without them noticing you. However, the screen-static filter is much heavier in the PS2 version, almost to the point of not being able to see, especially with creatures that tend to blend in with the background. (However, the game does not allow you to turn off the filter on the first playthrough, which can be frustrating.)

Items no longer shine in the dark, which made them easy to see in the PSP version, so use of the flashlight in the PS2 version is now imperative in locating the items, but not in obtaining them. The menu system has improved the "examine item" feature, which resembles more closely to SH1. The text has been improved and isn't as blocky or awkward as the first version. And, memos have improved images to go along with the text, instead of the blurry, generic variety on the PSP version, almost to the point that you could actually read the memos themselves without the textbox. The camera has also been lowered and placed farther back, allowing you to see Travis' whole body while playing, instead of from above the knees and waist. This makes gameplay much easier, but the exploration of the environments more awkward since the game was constructed with the higher camera. Therefore, many posters, paintings and textures are too high up to see. And there's no way to tilt or move the camera or flashlight.

However, there are a number of problems that still exist in the PS2 version that plagued the PSP version. First of all, the stamina bug is still present, making the use of energy drinks useless. The flashlight bug is still there too, so obtaining items, reading memos, looking at the map, etc. doesn't require using the flashlight. The monster-respawn glitch is still present on the town map, so one should not try to fight monsters and explore the area at the same time. (Do either one or the other.) The throwing weapon/QTE glitch is still there too, so make sure you have enough distance between you and your target when using throwing items. The enhanced accuracy of the throwing weapons makes them easier to use at a distance. The music bug and sound glitches are still present on the PS2 version, but are also more noticable. Music tracks will only loop once in certain (well, most) rooms, which gives the appearance that they cut off in the middle. The sound glitch occurs when two or more sound effects are played too closely after one another, causing them to not play at all, which makes you very aware that you're playing a videogame and jerks you out of the experience somewhat.

There are also NEW bugs and glitches specific to the PS2 version of the game. If you are using a third-party memory card to save your game, the gameplay slows down some and loading times are slightly increased. Also, saving with a third-party memory card will also not allow you to save the game and can sometimes freeze the game itself. I've found no problems in using an official PlayStation 2 Memory Card (http://www.us.playstation.com/PS2/Accessories/SCPH-10020U), but that's still no guarantee. However, I should note that I'm using the original model of the PlayStation 2 (SCPH-5000x), which could be a problem specific to this version and not with the Slim or Silver PlayStation 2.

Overall, the PS2 version of Silent Hill 0rigins is a definite improvement and definitely worth getting if you liked the PSP version or have been holding off to see which version is better. (Or if you're a cheap bastard who didn't want to purchase this a PSP specifically for this game.) While I say that the graphics for SH0 on the PS2 are on par with SH2's in-game graphics, they are still nowhere near as good as SH3's or SH4's.

Nulion

03-17-2008, 05:09 AM

...Wow. I might actually have to pick this up, after hearing about all that!

Good eye!

....annnd...I found another Silent Hill V video. Never seen it before, thought I'd share :) It looks actually very good...I really hope they can flesh out the context-sensitive actions, a la Resident Evil 4. (Climbing over things, hopping down a ledge, etc). Also, the graphics are actually pretty great-looking, when the fog lifts up a little.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMQbuBBIRxE

ifirit

03-20-2008, 04:39 AM

....annnd...I found another Silent Hill V video. Never seen it before, thought I'd share :) It looks actually very good...I really hope they can flesh out the context-sensitive actions, a la Resident Evil 4. (Climbing over things, hopping down a ledge, etc). Also, the graphics are actually pretty great-looking, when the fog lifts up a little.
Damn, I was too late! Well, here's more information about the video.

Silent Hill 5 Update:
Preview Video of SH5 Featured in GamePro Magazine of Germany:
In the 2008 January Issue of GamePro Magazine (Germany) (http://www.gamepro.de/), a subsidiary of IDG Entertainment (http://www.idgentertainment.com/), Silent Hill 5 was featured as the cover story. In addition to the feature story in printed form, a preview video was featured on the bonus DVD. The video, which features footage from the initial demo version of the game, contains a voice-over of the reporter speaking German relaying details about the game and its development.

While the report does little to reveal information that the Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) story did not already cover, the preview video shows a larger portion of the demo footage and a small section of new music. Scans of the full article, a downloadable version of the video, and their translations can be found on SilentHill5.net (http://www.silenthill5.net).* A copy of the translations can be found below.

The videos can be downloaded in .wmv (Windows Media Video / 27.0 MB) or .avi (requires XviD codec / 25.1 MB) formats.

Trauma (noun, from the Greek): wounds, injury, violence to the mind and body. As psychic trauma it means a wound of the soul, which through an experience which is too cruel, too brutal, and too incomprehensible for the human mind to deal with. One speaks in this context of war trauma. The veteran suffers for years later from flashbacks and deals with depression and anger. The human psyche is as multifaceted as the ways in which war trauma expresses itself. Certain symptoms such as panic attacks or fear of death don't disappear permanently, rather, they are released through certain journeys.

Traumatised Hollywood Heroes

In the American film industry especially, war veterans are a much-visited theme. Whether Oliver Stone's "Born on the 4th of July," Adrien Lynne's "Jacob's Ladder," or Ted Kotcheff's "Rambo," all these films show war trauma and what follows it. Hollywood war films tend to come in two forms: either, the soldier pulls through and becomes very violent, or he begins, through hallucinations, panic and paranoia, to doubt his mental health. Alex Shepherd, hero of SH5, belongs to the second category. Because of his war experience in an unnamed war Alex has returned home and shuns the contact of others. The only person who still means anything to him is his younger brother Joshua.

Catch 22

While the 22 year old soldier was taken into a military hospital due to a serious injury, he was tormented more and more by mysterious visions. He realized that his brother maybe in danger and he left the hospital for New England, more specifically, his hometown of Shepard's Glen. When he gets there, he is greeted with a picture of horror: his mother shivers on the floor and stammers, there is no trace of his father or brother. It's as if the fog covering Shephard's Glen has swallowed them whole.

Veterans of the series will notice already that Shepherd's Glen has, the tradition of the toilets and weird malls, is simply the opening point of a journey that leads once again to a "Special place." To a place, where one finds oneself, where our fear and demons claw with sharp claws through the insanity like stringy black oil dropping in our souls.

Be careful what you wish for!

In the 2005 Leipzig Games Convention a somewhat frustrated William Oertel gave an interview about SH Origins (PSP) and said he'd rather work on a Silent Hill for a newer console system, instead of simply a pocket-sized version of the series. Two years later his wish was fulfilled. When Konami announced that SH5 would be made by the American studio The Collective, William Oertel and his team were faced with worldwide distrust. The fans feared that an American team would stray from the series' feel or that they would bungle it entirely. We feel that these fears are unfounded, and the Oertel and his team will make sure that SH5 will meet the highest expectations.

New hero, new possibilities

The protagonists of the other games were always average, harmless types who were brought into nightmarish Silent Hill not entriely through their own doing. Instead of fighting with large mouthed monsters the players steer the weak and fearful characters through a world that has become insane. The battles go on crazily in the earlier episodes: , awkward, slow fighting with iron bars and bits of wood as well as pistols and shotguns, which is exactly what you would expect from heroes like James or Harry. Things are a bit different with Alex. As a soldier, he is experienced with weapons and also with hand to hand combat like no SH-hero before. The combat system in this installment will be very different from that of the previous games, which is quite necessary for the series, since it hasn't changed much since the series' debut on the PSOne.

Until the soup sprays!

To make the game more dynamic, the designers worked on a combat system that reminds one of a horror title from Sega (which was not released in Germany). Instead of awkwardly running around the area and beating on the monsters, you can grab the enemy or power up your hit power to hit them mightily, depending on your current weapon and the enemy you're homing in on, it also opens up new combo-possibilities. with which one will send the baddies to hell, is not yet known. We hope for a return to the zombie-steps of the past. If one likes the visually appealing fights, one should be happy about the possibility of grabbing and kicking around the monsters. The new fighting system is important, because the bizarre creatures and mosters in SH5 aren't very cuddly. One meets them in the foggy streets and there are some familiar monstrosities, like the sick nurses and numerous other horrors, whose design the word "sick" serves well. Expect creatures with skulls made out of blades, deformed hybrid hermaphrodite entities, [with] strange combinations of male and female features. Or an almost human creature covered with disgustingly pulsing blisters that spits out gas. These beasts aren't just ugly, they're also clever, thanks to the new console systems and the designers who used their artful intelligence. If you expect the monsters to flit by like in the older games, you'd better check your calculations. The creatures follow you mercilessly, through doors and then desist. This way the fighting varies and the designers promise more endings than in any other SH game.

Interactive Nightmare

A further deficiency in the previous games should be corrected in part 5, the interactivity with objects. In the other games, it's not possible to throw around tables and chairs. With the "havoc object physics" are these things now in the past. The chairs, closets and bottles aren't just scenery, they can be used purposefully in the game. Example: you need to go through a large waiting room full of monsters. Instead of fighting your way through, you can make a distracting maneuver to get rid of the bizarre brutes and slip away unnoticed on your way. Similar actions can be done with lights. Because the strange nurses are drawn to light like moths, so the lamp is important when you want to avoid them.

Captions:
Did the creator want to express his love of bananas with this monster?

Fresh colors bring life to the room. Alex ferrets out the artist.

Light play

Despite the new technical achievements and the fighting system, it won't change the basic direction of the series. If anyone hopes for a cheap "the zombie jump out at me from the closet in a nudie-shock-scene" they will be disappointed. The horror of Silent Hill is not on the screen, but rather mostly takes place in the player's head. True to the motto "the less one recognizes, the the scarier it is" the designers strengthen the shadows, that flit around before you. One of the most effective scare-factors of the series is of course also here, the typical Silent Hill dim lights, the many dark passages, in which one can hardly see more than the circle of light coming from your flashlight, one worries not only about the uncomfortable feel of the isolation, but also the player worries about their concentration and is subject to shock scenes.

In SH5 the horror uses not only your fear, but also the player's ears. If you can remember the unholy shambling in the tunnel in SH2 of the goose--causing sirens, that announce the shift to the otherworld. Thank Dolby Digital and the sick sounds of Akira Yamaoka which allow all kinds of dimensional effects and nerve shattering noises.

[b]Looks the same, only better!

The designers oriented the visual form on the previous games, to stay true to Silent Hill and also to optically transport the washed out colors, which remind one of a grey winter day. In the Otherworld, strong reds dominate and there is rust everytwhere. To have a cinematic flair, important scenes are shown with long camera shots. Through the freely moving camera and the turning on its axis to get the classic Silent Hill look, there is also of course the noise filter. What is new is that different situations use different filters. In this way, the optical elements and colors (such as blood red) are brought out strongly.

Captions: Even in the Gully, you can't be sure if it's safe, because the monsters also hide in the water.

Some of the doors really take some getting used to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMQbuBBIRxE

An old saying says, "all paths lead to Rome." For friends of video games, [these] paths lead elsewhere, namely, to Silent Hill. Here you see scenes from Silent Hill 5 for the Xbox 360 and PS3. This time it's being designed by an American studio called the Collective instead of from Konami. The inspiration for SH5 was mainly [from] the acclaimed second installment of the series. The protagonist is a war veteran named Alex Shepherd who is in a hospital due to a war injury. The traumatized Alex has problems to cope with because of his experiences. He has a dark vision in the hospital that his young brother is in danger. So he goes back to his hometown of Shepherd's Glen to check things out. Unfortunately, he's too late. When he finds his mother, his brother and father [have] disappeared off the face of the earth. Though this part takes place in Shepherd's Glen, of course most of the game takes place in Silent Hill, where you see many familiar faces and the nurses without faces. To make things more dynamic they have completely reworked things. It's possible to use new combo moves instead of awkwardly beating on things. You can throw enemies out the window. In contrast with the last installment, SH4 The Room, SH5 will be more like the classic installments of the series. That means you follow a linear storyline and discover the secrets of the town piece by piece. Of course the parellel dimension is again a very important part of the game. The graphic effect where the otherworld changes is taken directly from the film and gives a look at the blood red and rusty world that is underneath the reality. With the Havoc-Physics-Engine, thing[s] get more and more realistic. For example, when you run into a chair, it will fall over. Ha. You can use this in the buildings to distract enemies. Unfortunately our trip to Silent Hill ends here because that's all the footage we have. Until the release in 2009 we'll be reporting about SH5.
GamePro.de - Heft-Inhalt 01_2008 (http://www.gamepro.de/index.cfm?pid=53)
GamePro.de - DVD-Inhalt 01_2008 (http://www.gamepro.de/index.cfm?pid=54)
SilentHill5.net - Silent Hill V News and Updates - New Silent Hill V Scans from GamePro (http://silenthill5.net/2007/12/08/new-silent-hill-v-scans-from-gamepro.html)
SilentHill5.net - Silent Hill V News and Updates - New Silent Hill V Gameplay Trailer on GamePro DVD (http://silenthill5.net/2007/12/09/new-silent-hill-v-gameplay-trailer-on-gamepro-dvd.html)

*Footnote: While the story and video were compiled by Furin (http://silenthill5.net/forums/member.php?u=1) of SilentHill5.net (http://www.silenthill5.net), they were originally posted by Slayerhouse (http://nightmaregames.board-4you.de/thread.php?threadid=564&page=2&sid=) of the Nightmare Forums (http://nightmaregames.board-4you.de/index.php?sid=cdbd83d8397c43d8390397ed52ccad94). The videos were later posted on SilentHill5.net's forums (http://silenthill5.net/forums/index.php?) by Rage (http://nightmaregames.board-4you.de/thread.php?threadid=564&page=2&sid=). The translation of the magazine scans and the preview's voice-over was created by Nur_ein_tier (http://silenthill5.net/forums/member.php?u=822).

StarZander

03-20-2008, 01:25 PM

I read a short preview of the PS2 version for Silent Hill: Origins in a Swedish gaming magazine, and it hinted at having new material. Has anyone else heard anything about this?

Nulion

03-21-2008, 09:46 AM

ifirit

03-27-2008, 04:46 AM

Hmm...I haven't heard anything about extra content, but what I actually have heard is that if you order Silent Hill Origins from...

http://www.konami-data.com/officialsites/silenthillorigins/

...that website, you get The Silent Hill Experience for free. o.o Pretty nice offer!

It should appear on the right side of the screen, after you enter your birthday and then click "skip intro".

Oddly enough though, the link leads to a Gamestop page where it says that it can't find the information, for some reason.

Can anybody find out more about this?
GameStop originally offered The Silent Hill Experience (UMD for the PSP) as a pre-order offer for purchasing Silent Hill 0rigins (PS2). Since the game has thus been released, the pre-order offer is no longer available. The offer is not a Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. sponsored bonus, thus, why the link does not direct you to the KonamiStyle webpage. Konami was simply advertising this deal in order to increase purchases of the game, even if through a third-party retailer.

There is a bit of a problem with this though, since the U.S. official site for SH0, which linked to GameStop's retail website, did not make it clear that the offer was a pre-order bonus through GameStop and not through Konami itself. Administrators for the site have also since forgotten to remove the promotion and its links. Of course, this isn't the first time administrators for the official Silent Hill websites have posted dead and incorrect links...

I read a short preview of the PS2 version for Silent Hill: Origins in a Swedish gaming magazine, and it hinted at having new material. Has anyone else heard anything about this?
SH0 for the PS2 does not contain any new material. PERIOD.

However, that doesn't mean the game isn't different. Think of this version as like a special DVD version (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_changes_in_Star_Wars_re-releases) of a film already released on DVD, where nothing fundemental about the film has changed, but they update the appearance and change a number of subtle background textures and objects.

The changes themselves are pretty skewed towards the beginning, though, since the last two sections of the game are completely unaltered. The game is definitely easier to play and get into the experience than on the PSP, but there's nothing that makes one version inherently better than the other. However, I found the PS2 version less forgivable with programming bugs than the PSP version, mostly because they had the opportunity to fix them, but didn't. Still, those graphics sure look nice.

If you're really interested in seeing the differences between the two games, well, buy it. But, if you'd rather see a glimpse into how they look different, here's some video.

WARNING: Videos Contain SH0 Spoilers
YouTube.com - [PS2 Silent Hill 0rigins] Intro and Alessa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wCxEcJIhsY)
[PS2 Silent Hill 0rigins] Full Playlist (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3A60C797397F3BF0)

[PSP Silent Hill 0rigins] Intro and Alessa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_KSlhInE6A)
[PSP Silent Hill 0rigins] Full Playlist (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=3C0FE40D8ABB3C69)

StarZander

05-19-2008, 09:34 AM

Forbidden Siren is getting a remake for the PS3. Any info on this?

Brycepops

05-19-2008, 10:11 AM

Forbidden Siren is getting a remake for the PS3. Any info on this?

http://kotaku.com/380281/ps3-siren-game-confirmed-early

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siren:_Blood_Curse

Monobrow

05-19-2008, 07:31 PM

Man, I still love this thread. Keep it up guys.

Nulion

05-19-2008, 07:48 PM

Well, there was recently a whole lot of new information about Silent Hill: Homecoming. At Konami Gamers' Day '08, there was a playable demo of the game with two areas; a hospital, and a graveyard.

Several videos showing off combat, cutscenes, music, etc etc were also shown. Apparently, in one of the videos, a new trailer that I have *NOT* been able to find anywhere online, there is a new McGlynn (The woman responsible for pretty much all the female vocals in songs from SH3, 4, and Origins) song, and a glimpse of Pyramid Head.

What exactly he's doing in Homecoming, I'm not really sure!

I also hear that the controls are at least a *little* reminiscent of Metal Gear Solid, as items can be accessed by holding down L2 and weapons can be accessed by holding down R2. On the PS3 version, of course. Lots of the gaming websites, Gamespot, 1up, IGN, Kotaku, etc etc are posting their own hands-on impressions of the game, and I've heard a lot of positive stuff on it. It's really shaping up!

One thing that confuses me though...isn't this game supposed to be developed by "The Collective"? I've heard that it's being developed by a US branch of Komani called "Double Helix" now, and I'm really not sure which is true.

Oh well. Here, I'll try and post a few of the videos from Konami's Gamers Day '08.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2fKEEY496Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhpOIZ_srDc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXLf53Cu-4M

There's more out there, but that's just a sample until ifirit comes along and completely blows this post out of the water again, hehe. And I hope he does! :)

EDIT: That last video is kind of an amalgamation of all the trailers released so far onto the net. You'd do good actually just watching that one.

DJMetal

05-19-2008, 09:15 PM

Being a huge fan of Jamesy's personal demon, I tried to find that trailer, but to no avail. However, the forum at silent hill origins had a few ideas as to whether or not we'll actually see the trailer at all.

http://www.silenthillorigins.com/forums/showthread.php?p=53530

I hate how they tease us =( But I think that "The Collective" is still developing the game. This article from IGN dated 4 days ago mentions them quite a bit, so I'm assuming they're still the dev team.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/874/874245p1.html?RSSwhen2008-05-15_120000&RSSid=874245

Global-Trance

05-19-2008, 09:33 PM

At first I was dreading the release of this game but now I'm surprised to see it shaping up to something worthwhile. It looks like I'll be investing into another Silent Hill!

Nulion

05-20-2008, 01:49 AM

I've gotta say I'm really pretty excited too, now.

There's still a few issues I hope they address such as some of the visible bugs in those videos I posted. (Like at the end of that conversation with that woman, who was stapling posters onto the board; she just warps back into position after the conversation) There's also the fact that the game doesn't look *dirty* enough in some of the screenshots that have been released, which...erh...I forgot to post. They did release a lot of new screenshots!

But...It really does look a lot better than it did in past previews of the game.

They don't have that much longer to finalize the game though! It comes out September 24th....Honestly, I can see the game getting delayed. Borderline expecting it, too.

Bleck

05-20-2008, 04:25 AM

FUCK YEAH PYRAMID HEAD hurpaderp

DJMetal

05-21-2008, 12:34 AM

They don't have that much longer to finalize the game though! It comes out September 24th....Honestly, I can see the game getting delayed. Borderline expecting it, too.

I remember a quote...I can't remember who from, but a project designer for some big game that was released awhile ago. The quote is simply this:"People will forget if a game is late. They'll never forget if the game is bad!" I pretty much agree =D.

Nulion

05-21-2008, 02:19 AM

Very good point, DJ :)

As long as the game is good, I can live with a delay.

Nulion

05-22-2008, 03:29 AM

Some new screenshots here;

http://kotaku.com/5010326/new-silent-hill-v-screens-get-at-least-two-things-right

Very nice-looking, too!

DJMetal

05-22-2008, 03:34 AM

Some new screenshots here;

http://kotaku.com/5010326/new-silent-hill-v-screens-get-at-least-two-things-right

Very nice-looking, too!

Son of a...those are nice looking! Man...I'm getting so worked up about Silent Hill...I have remember that Metal Gear Solid comes out first....
But I noticed something in the article...it mentions both "The Collective" and "Double Helix". Now I'm really confused.

ifirit

06-07-2008, 07:05 PM

Silent Hill: Homecoming Update:
Foundation 9 Entertainment Unveils New Studio Double Helix:
On March 27, 2008 Foundation 9 Entertainment (http://www.f9e.com) unveiled their new game-production studio, Double Helix Games (http://www.doublehelixgames.com), which is a merger between two F9E's largest game-production studios, The Collective, Inc. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Collective,_Inc./) and Shiny Entertainment (http://www.shiny.com). Foundation 9 Entertainment released this press statement regarding the merger, which began on October 9, 2007.
The formation of Double Helix has combined the existing studios’ proprietary technologies, production best practices and talented teams into a single entity that is now able to build upon its previous experience to gain new heights in quality and efficiency.
Foundation 9 Entertainment also appointed Michael "Saxs" Persson (http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,12623/), former studio manager for Shiny Entertainment's development team (who were then working on the game version (http://www2.sega.com/gamesite/goldencompass/fullsite/index.php) of The Golden Compass published by Sega (http://www.sega.com)), as the head of Double Helix Games. The new studio will focus on the large-scale production of various licensed titles, including the latest Silent Hill game for the PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360 consoles. Foundation 9 Entertainment also stated:
The move will not create any redundancies,** but will be a true combination of the two studios, who both already have extensive experience delivering blockbuster franchised games, such as Enter the Matrix and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
The two Newport Beach studios have already moved into their new 60,000 square-foot corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, USA.

Double Helix Games - News (http://www.doublehelixgames.com/news.html) (Merger Announcement (http://www.doublehelixgames.com/images/merger_announce.pdf) [.pdf file / 24KB], Double Helix Unveiled (http://www.doublehelixgames.com/images/F9E_DH_v03_nt.pdf) [.pdf file / 22KB])
Gamasutra - News - Foundation 9 Makes Double Helix Of The Collective, Shiny (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18024)

**Footnote: Although, but perhaps despite that F9E has stated that no employee redundancies within the studio will occur, Lead Character Artist for The Collective, Kenzie L Lamar (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/3/205/942), is no longer working for Foundation 9 Entertainment as of January 2008. Speculation about his termination of employment is linked to the unauthorized posting of then SHV character concept art, which occured around that same time. Links to this work from his personal webpage (http://www.kenzielouislamar.com/) still exist pointing to these images, though they are no longer available on his website. (Those images are mirrored at Silent Hill 5.net (http://silenthill5.net/2007/12/27/silent-hill-v-concept-art-travis-in-silent-hill-v.html).) (Personal Note: I highly suspect that the initial change in the character designs released after January 2008 and later revised for the demo released at Konami's Gamers Night 2008 are due to the firing of Kenzie L Lamar. I particularly liked Alex Shepard's old character model and view the current one as a cheap knock-off.)

Silent Hill: Homecoming Announced in Europe (i.e. Konami Renames Silent Hill V):
On April 21, 2008, Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH (a.k.a. Konami Europe) annnounced via their news page (http://uk.games.konami-europe.com/newsList.do) that its first Silent Hill game to be released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 consoles will be titled Silent Hill: Homecoming.*
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced the official title of its first Silent Hill game for PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360. Entitled Silent Hill: Homecoming, the game will be released end of September this year across Europe.

The sixth installment in the classic video games series, Silent Hill: Homecoming introduces another protagonist to the mythos. The story follows Alex Shepherd, returning to his hometown of Shepherd’s Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother. From Shepherd’s Glen to Silent Hill, Alex must face the darkest of horrors in order to find his brother. Struggling with his own grip on reality, Alex must unravel the mystery behind his nightmares, discover the truth behind his brother’s disappearance, and confront the evil lurks in the seemingly empty streets of Silent Hill.

Homecoming is the first Silent Hill title for the new wave of ‘next generation’ consoles, featuring all-new graphics that bring the fear and terror of Silent Hill alive like never before. Alex must survive attacks from the misshapen denizens of the town using an all-new enhanced combat system that provides a wide array of attacks and counters. Along the way, Alex will encounter a variety of weapons to battle these horrific monsters and must also solve deadly puzzles as he uncovers the darkest secrets of Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Homecoming also features an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka.

About KONAMI CORPORATION

KONAMI CORPORATION was established in 1973, and became a holding company on March 31, 2006. KONAMI CORPORATION covers the fields of "Digital Entertainment Business", "Health & Fitness Business" and "Gaming & System Business". KONAMI CORPORATION went public on Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988, the Singapore Stock Exchange in 1997, the London Stock Exchange in 1999, and the New York Stock Exchange in 2002. Home Page URL: www.konami.co.jp. Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary, responsible for popular franchises like Metal Gear Solid®, Silent Hill® and Pro Evolution Soccer™ amongst other top sellers. For more information concerning Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and its products, please visit www.konami-europe.com/games.

Silent Hill: Homecoming will be released for PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360 end of September. For more information, please contact Steve Merrett at Voltage PR on 020 7903 5122 or email steve@voltagepr.com.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/shh_logo.jpg

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH - United Kingdom Branch - News (http://uk.games.konami-europe.com/newsList.do)
GameIndustry.biz - News - Silent Hill: Homecoming (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/silent-hill--homecoming-ps3-xbox-360-instalment-gets-a-new-name-and-a-september-release-date-in-europe)

*Footnote: While this announcement at first seemed like an announcement for a new title altogether, reading the premise and other information showed that this was the same game as SHV. Additionally, SHV was never actually announced in Europe, or more precisely outside North America, until this press release. (Personal Note: I think that Konami decided to make this press release in Europe to save face from having to admit a retitle for the North American market. As such, you'll notice that at the Konami Gamers Night 2008 event everyone acts as though that's what the game has always been called. :?)

Nulion

06-08-2008, 06:06 AM

Wow, that was...enlightening :)

Thanks for that, ifirit! So that answers the question as to who exactly Double Helix is...although, I'm really not sure if this is good at all for SH:H's development, especially since this merger of development studios was taking place a mere 5 or 6 months before the game's scheduled release date.

It's starting to look like they may announce a delay soon; their final product may not be too terribly good, all considering.

I hope it all goes well :\

ifirit

06-25-2008, 09:10 PM

Silent Hill: Homecoming Update:
Man!ac Magazine features Review of Expanded Silent Hill: Homecoming Demo:
In addition to the announcement of Silent Hill: Homecoming on April 21, 2008, Konami Digital Entertainment released an expanded demo of the game to a select few in the gaming press, among which was German gaming magazine Man!ac (http://www.maniac.de/bossfight/index.php) who featured Silent Hill: Homecoming as the cover story in their June 2008 issue. The column provided a review and images from the game, as well as a 9-minute montage* (8 minutes and 41 seconds) of scenes from the demo.

This demo of Silent Hill: Homecoming, which includes material from the first demo of SHV released after E3 of 2007, also features the introduction of the main storyline, the exploration of the town (presumably Shepard's Glen), the first enemy encounters and early cutscenes.**

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/ManiacIssue176June2008.jpg

The article features an explanation of the demo noting the specific changes made to the game, including the expanded gameplay mechanics, new storyline delivery system, the declining difficulty of puzzles, and graphical and sound improvements.** Among the changes made to the gameplay are the inclusion of more responsive and sensitive reaction mechanics, executed as blocking and dodging which is time and context sensitive. The story delivery system now allows players to direct the narrative with multiple choice prompts, however, as to how it correlates into story and ending interactivity is yet to be explaned. (See next article below.)

A translation of the article (created by nur_ein_tier (http://silenthill5.net/forums/member.php?u=822)) is posted below:

Silent Hill: Homecoming
Konami's Horror series returns and we've played the new adventure. Join us on an exclusive sightseeing trip in Hell!
"In my restless dreams, I see that town, Silent Hill."
These words pleasantly raise the back hairs and bring back memories. They come from the former high point of the series, Silent Hill 2. Of course Silent Hill 1 in 1999, due to 3[d] graphics, also revolutionary and part 3 still remains a reference in the series for the graphics being used metaphorically and having different meanings. The poetic story of James Sunderland and his dead wife Mary still waited for its equal, however.
How great was the joy when, after the 4th entry in the series, after an obscure mobilephone adventure, Konami promised a [new] episode for [the] PS3 and Xbox 360. Along with the friendly news fans also had a bitter pill: neither Silent Hill 0rigins (test of the PS2 version on page 58) [nor] after the recently renamed Silent Hill: Homecoming was developed by Team Silent in Japan. Instead, the English developers Climax busied themselves with the adventure for the PSP and the Americans from Double Helix, until this fall, worked on the HD-debut of the series. Rather than worrying if the Americans [can] handle the disturbed flair of the series, SH: Homecoming, we spent the day playing it on the PS3 and Xbox 360.
Let's gather the known facts: the protagonist is called Alex Shepherd, is 22 years old, and return as a war veteran to Shepherd's Glen to his family. His father and his brother Joshua, as well as most everyone else in [the] fog-filled town, are missing. The game actually begins elsewhere...
With the words "Where am I?" a helpless scream is heard. Alex looks around and wonders "How did I get here?" There are broken neon signs around and he recognizes the place. And the room 206. He lies on a bed and is pushed through a hospital. As he's taken into a room, we can see a meter-long knife for a split second coming through a metal wall and through a [nurse].
-----
Caption: Alex's adventure begins in Alchemilla Hospital in Silent Hill, where an xray gives him an important door code.

Everything is quiet and there is no one around, but Alex is strapped to the bed. You are led by a green cross in the picture to hit the A button on the Xbox 360 controller. Once we are freed, we look around the room. The right stick rotates the camera slowly around Alex. While running, the camera stays directly behind Alex. In this way the 2 steering controls are rationalized away, which in earlier caused problems. Through SH: Homecoming these innovations take something away from the stylistic originality, but these details will only disturb the die-hard fans of the series.
Once you get used to the way of maneuvering, it is time to leave the area. We find a notice pointing to room 205. A strange patient named John is mentioned. From the strange sounds and electronic sizzling noises, we recognize the sound of Akira Yamaoka's signature noises. In the half-dark of Alchemilla Hospital, we find ourselves in Silent Hill. While some say that Americans are unable to make a Silent Hill game, and the protagonist is a soldier, we reach a cell with a young boy in it. He appears to be Alex's brother Joshua. We go to open the door, which needs a 6 figure code. We need to the code by looking through rooms that aren't locked or blocked. There is something on the wall in the next room. In the light of our flashlight, we look around and go past a tabletop fan, and are still astounded.

Caption: Our protagonist frees himself by quickly pushing buttons. Events like this in real time have a large part in the game.

Sidebar: Double Helix: Creative Fusion
After the selling of Shiny Entertainment, founded by David "Earthworm Jim" Perry, Foundation 9 joined with The Collective (Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith; The Da Vinci Code). The new studio was called Double Helix and is located in California and led by Scandinavian Michael Persson, a longtime coworker of David Perry's and chief programmer of Enter the Matrix. With studios like Double Helix, Sumo Digital, Amaze and Digital Eclipse and about 900 employees, F9 is the largest independent studio in the world.
-----
Caption: In the light of his flashlight, Alex makes a gruesome discovery.

The structure of the bars is true to the original and thrown against the wall. With all the hype about this, we'd almost forgotten what we were actually searching for. But now there is a new help menu: it tells you your current goal instead of just showing you photos and notices you've collected. While searching for the code we found an area full of dead bodies and somewhere a baby was crying. We came to a door and noticed something else new: no loading times, thanks to the power of the PS3 and the Xbox 360. When you hit the button with the right timing, things go even faster, because Alex will force open a door with his shoulder. We came to a room with a large broken mirror. When we approached it and found another context-sensitive notice, then Alex had to press the Z button so he could climb over some obsticles. A few steps away we find some X-rays. Wait a minute, weren't we here before? We were, so we need to climb back. But quickly, because we wanted to see more of the game. First we noticed that it lacks a run-button. Instead, you control how fast you are going with the analog stick. Suddenly, a piece of the ceiling falls on us and a bloody corpse hangs before us. A silly shock tactic? But relax, we were only shocked twice: once here and once when a Konami worker came into the room unnoticed and slammed the door!
Back into the nurse's room with the X-rays, we turn on the board and see 3 numbers. We need to find the other three, the search continues. The rest are found quickly and we type the 6 numbers into Joshua's locked cell door. He runs away, of course, and leaves a note on the floor. With the R3 button we can use [a] first-person POV and zoom in on it. [Is] there something about Alex's family there? Why are...? [The writing is cut off and I can't read anymore.]

Caption: We are amazed at the animations and the many details.
Caption: In the women's room of the hospital, Alex finds a knife. This is not difficult, because it is glowing gold.
-----
Sidebar: Combat in SH: Homecoming
For the first Silent Hill adventure in HD, the combat system [is] completely overhauled. The developers promise fast and diverse combat with intelligent enemies, which you can't just run past without any problems anymore. Because of this, SH: Homecoming has 2 grab buttons, one for fast attacks and another for more powerful attacks. With well-timed maneuvers, you can even throw them against the wall. When you press the B button, Alex will jump to the side. If you hold the left trigger button, you can switch combat modes. When annoying bugs attack you, blood-smeared dogs without fur come at you, real time events can be fairly hectic. You can't stomp on enemies lying on the floor anymore; for these, there are now fatality moves. While we weren't totally happy with the button mashing, we liked the steering. A bit of fine-tuning would be nice, the camera from behind and the camera weren't that great.

Then we find the toilet and notice the first save-point. Is this an indication of the coming battle? Yes! In the women's room we find a knife sticking in the mirror. It is easy to notice because it is glimmering gold. Just as we take it we see a cut scene with the rusty bars of Silent Hill's Otherworld. The door in the furthest cabinet opens and an impressive nurse appears and comes after Alex. We notice him cutting into the nurse. In SH: Homecoming, we can't stomp the nurse on the floor. It is apparent after the first few minutes SH: Homecoming through certain changes, though still a classic action adventure, which with known and time-tested ingredients makes a disturbing soup of horror.
Caption: The atmosphere, story and puzzles made a good impression on us in our test of the game. After the first confrontation with the nurse, Alex goes through a hole in the wall.
Caption: Many monsters come out of the water and then disappear again.
-----
Caption: In the foggy streets of Shepherd's Glen, Alex meets Elle. She hadn't just missed him, but she also wanted to find out where everyone else was.

He meets 3 more nurses which are announced by the familiar radio noise. We turn off the flashlight and stand without moving. We witness a strange sequence of events, which makes all our hair stand on end. The weird animations of the sickly nurses become slower and then they freeze. Would [we] stay and fight or run?
Amazingly, we didn't yet notice that the old grain filter was missing! Usually these scenes would have such effects. Once we noticed a very nice filter, but it seems the end version is not quite finished. Everything looks rather clean and smooth.
The dialogues expectedly cause one to have even more questions and possibilities. The way these affect the endings is still not clear. In many events when there is a real time situation you are together with a trucker that reminds one of Travis Grady from Silent Hill 0rigins, who is traveling to Shepherd's Glen. In his hometown Alex finds several strange characters like his apathetic mother, Judge Holloway, and his childhood friend Elle. Each other character has a purpose to stay in the town. "You know that no one leaves here!" the judge says to us.
We can use various objects in the environment. We look forward to the ghostly ambience of the fog and the great character models. Alex's mother as a small pimple on her face, and Elle has authentic-looking jeans. All the characters have nice facial animations, especially in the eyes. Also that the PS3 version looks a bit less good than the Xbox 360.

Sidebar: Details for story speculations
- The number 206: What role does it play in Alchemilla Hospital? The clock also shows this number. In SH0 this was the room where you met the first enemy.
- Alex is nowhere to be seen in photos in his parents' home.
- The attractive Elle and Alex seem to have a shared secret past.
- What role do the 4 families in Shepherd's Glen serve, to whom [is] a mausoleum in Shepherd's Glen dedicated?
- We notice that Alex must've been away for a long time. It is never mentioned that he's a war veteran. Who is Alex?

Caption: What does all of this mean? The clock says 2:06 and no photos of Alex are to be seen in his parents' home.
-----
Caption: Beetles are all around Alex: they need to be shaken off quickly!

There is a lot of Multiple-choice dialogue, which inspires more questions than answers. Our trip leads to a cemetary and a junkyard, where we meet up with a skinless dog and the guard Curtis Ackers. He eventually gives Alex a pistol and says that all the clocks in Shepherd's Glen stopped at 2:06.
After a few hours of play time we have a summary: SH: Homecoming gives us the classic, well-known recipe of the previous installments and mixes elements of current action-titles with it. The game has a lonely atmosphere, primitive puzzles to solve and a rather exciting story. The graphics made a good impression on us, except the dogs. If the filters remain left out, it will disappoint a lot of fans, hopefully they'll be put in. Also the first sound test of the game: metal scraping metal, every high noise makes you start sweating. Often we jumped when we knocked over a chair in the game. The different situations have different ambient sounds, calm trip-hop beats and stormy industrial noise. It's a shame that it won't be released until fall!

Caption: In the light of the flashlight, a strange creature stirs. Alex doesn't come up against many enemies, so they are more aggressive than before.
Caption: All the characters do their own thing: in the middle of the night Mayor Bartlett digs two graves; who[m] are they meant for?

Sidebar: Silent Hill: Homecoming
Things we liked:
- great sounds from Akira Yamaoka
- exciting story
- good animations and graphics
Things needing work:
- it lacked filters
- puzzles too simple

Man!ac Magazine (http://www.maniac.de/bossfight/index.php)
SilentHill5.net - Forums - German Magazine-Preview (http://silenthill5.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2880) (Link contains video file, [.mpg file / 86.0 MB]; article scans, [.jpeg file / 2.74 MB] )

*Footnote: The montage is actually 6 minutes (0:00 - 5:53) of retrospective and 2 and 3/4 minutes of new footage (5:54 - 8:41). (Personal Note: Why the hell is the introductory level set in Alchemilla Hospital?! Dead horse? Beaten!)

**Footnote: What appears most striking about the new demo are the changes made to the character models, which look to still be in the initial designs phases. The character models have minimal facial animations; the hair and clothing are not as detailed as the later version of the same demo (released on Konami's Gamers Night 2008 ); and the environments are sparsely decorated.

Nulion

06-26-2008, 03:06 AM

Someone give this guy a "Wow" medal for his posts, hehe. Thanks very much for all that info :)

It looks like that character model of Alex, in a lot of those pictures over on those forums from the magazine were placeholder models. I bet that, at the time, the merger between Shiny and The Collective was going on, and they were tinkering with different assets and such...leading up to the much more polished, final, and damn good-looking models for Alex, as well as for other things, that we've seen in the Konami Gamer's Day '08 footage/pictures.

Even at that early stage though, it seemed like the guys in the magazine were pretty pleased with what they saw, although I did see a few things there that I was worried about...

Like how they said that the ability to move the camera about freely did change the mood and style of the game a little. It's probably an extremely difficult thing to convey tension and fear with a camera system that is completely controlled by the player. You'd end up having to worry about things such as whether the player is looking in the intended direction for an event to occur, and even then, the tension from a dramatic camera angle is removed.

What I'd hope to see, is kind of a hybrid between pre-set camera angles, and player-controlled angles. That would allow for player freedom, as well as creative control over mood and atmosphere, right?

The game's still a little ways off though, so hopefully they have time to do some final tweaking to get things *just* right.

Thanks again for the awesome info, ifirit :)

ifirit

07-09-2008, 10:50 PM

There's a bunch of new SH:H videos at silenthill5.net (http://www.silenthill5.net). Check 'em out, but be warned about spoilers.

Nulion

07-10-2008, 12:51 AM

Spoilers? Argh >.<

I can't subject myself to that, hehe. As much as I want to see new stuff on SH:H, I don't want the experience spoiled. :)

But thanks!

ifirit

08-04-2008, 06:05 PM

Silent Hill: Homecoming Update:
New Trailer Released:
So, there's a new Silent Hill: Homecoming trailer released from the E3 demo version of the game. While this is the video that plays at the title screen, it seems to be, for all intents and purposes, the official game trailer. Looks like Konami and Double Helix Games are going to have this ready by late September as promised.

The trailer is spoiler-free for those fans that are interested in watching without having anything spoiled. It also features a new theme song for the game composed by Akira Yamaoka, with lyrics by Joe Romersa and vocals by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn. The song is a rock ballad in a similar vein as "Your Rain" but with a slower tempo and more expressive vocals.

I'll post more information later and try to catch up on all the news I've missed this summer. Enjoy.

GameTrailers.com - Silent Hill: Homecoming - Attract Mode (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/243022.html)

ifirit

09-30-2008, 10:48 PM

Silent Hill: Homecoming Update:
Circuit City Pre-Order Bonus for Silent Hill: Homecoming - Red Pyramid Thing Keychain:
As of September 24th, 2008, Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com) locations in the USA offered a pre-order bonus with copies of the console versions (XBOX360 & PS3) of Silent Hill: Homecoming.*[1] The pre-order bonus was a metallic keychain in the shape of the Red Pyramid Thing from the Silent Hill film/Silent Hill: Homecoming. The keychain is etched on the front side and flat on the back, but features the title of the game engraved on the back.

While the initial pre-order period has since passed, as SH:H was released on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, offers are still available while supplies last at participating locations.*[2]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/pyramid_keychain.jpg

*[1] Footnote: This offer has only been advertised through the official Silent Hill: Homecoming (http://online.konamimobile.com/KDEOnline/SilentHill_Widget/index.html) website (in the News section) and does not show up on the Circuit City pre-order webpage.
*[2] Footnote: The offer is currently only available for in-store pick-up at locations in the lower 48 states of the USA. (Personal Note: I'm sure you'll be able to locate the item on ebay or other auction-based sites.)

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. - Silent Hill: Homecoming Official Website (http://online.konamimobile.com/KDEOnline/SilentHill_Widget/index.html)

Play Interactive Launches "Official Silent Hill: Homecoming Pre-Order Program" in Malaysia:
In an effort to increase sales of Silent Hill: Homecoming in Malaysia, Play Interactive Software Sdn Bhd (http://www.playinteractive.com.my/) (an official Konami products distributor) launched the "Official Silent Hill: Homecoming Pre-Order Program," which offered gamers the ability to obtain three very nice pre-order bonuses when placing their purchases through the select game retailers or their "premium online reseller."*[3] According the website,
We are hereby please to announce that the "Silent Hill: Homecoming Pre-Order Program" is officially organized for the publicity participation whereby there is a premium "Silent Hill: Homecoming T-Shirt (free size)" and "Mystery Gift" are up for grab for the early bird pre-order participators only.
Pre-orders were placed by obtaining a pre-order card from one of the select game retailers in Malaysia,*[4] and either placing the pre-order with the retailer or by mailing it in to the online reseller (provided it was stamped by the store who provided the card). The promotion began on August 25, 2008, with pre-order cards limited in their distribution. Pre-order cards had to be completed and returned by September 28, 2008 to be eligible. The pre-order bonuses were available for those looking to purchase either console version (PlayStation3 or XBOX360).

On release day, people who participated in the pre-order program received a Silent Hill: Homecoming T-Shirt *[5], a SH:H tumble mug, and six collector's postcards.

Pre-Order Card (Front)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/SHHpreoderF.jpg

Pre-Order Card (Back)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/blakang.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/premiummisterygift2050020x20300.jpg

*[3] Footnote: The Premium Online Reseller was www.consolegame.com.my (http://www.consolegame.com.my)

*[4] Footnote: The select retailers are listed below:

Kedah- Hyper Animetion G Enterprise; Lot 39, 2nd Floor, Complex City Plaza
- Soo Ming Enterprise; Lot 52, Tingkat 3, City Plaza
- STR; S-45, Tingkat 2, Kompleks Star Parade

Penang
- Gamemart; Midlands Park
- Games Tower; 33-1 (Atrium B) 01-04, Prangin Mall
- Ace Electrical & Electronics Sdn Bhd; Level 3, 33-3-02, Prangin Mall
- Beyond Electronics; BII, Lot 18, Level 4, Komtar
- Marionet Trading; 3A-G-08, Kompleks Bukit Jambul
- Gameworld Electronic Enterprise; 2F-23 (North Zone 2nd Floor), Queensbay Mall
- GameWorld Electronics & Toys; Lot G 70A-71A, Megamall Penang

Kuala Lumpur
- J & D Game Trading ; Lot G-136, Ground Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
- Play On Enterprise; T008, 3rd Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
- Esprit Appliances Technology; Sungei Wang Plaza
- Tech Two Enterprise, Lot T-094; 3rd Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
- Super Game Trading; LG 079, LG Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
- Perniagaan Jen Giap; T-064, 3rd Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
- Game Wave Enterprise; TC 037 & TC 038, 3rd Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
- Games Hypermart; 8F-17A, 6 Floor, Sungei Wang Plaza
- Imbi Mario Trading Sdn Bhd; Lot 1.35, 1 Floor, Imbi Plaza
- CLT Game Enterprise; KA 1/3, 2nd Floor, Plaza Low Yat
- Gamers Solution; Lot B45, City Bazaar Ground Floor
- Games Segment; S&M Shopping Arcade
- Smart Choice Enterprise; Lot No. 3.38 & 3.39; 3 rd Floor, S&M Shopping Arcade
- Star Game Station Sdn Bhd; Mid Valley Megamall
- Gamester Sdn Bhd; No. 42B, 2 Floor, IT World, Mid Valley Megamall
- Titanium Games; Lot 22, Ground Floor, Tesco Extra, Cheras
- Titanium Games; Lot F12, First Floor; Tesco Extra Selayang

Selangor- Multimedia Computer System; Subang Parade
- USJ TV Game Trading; Summit USJ
- Infinity Game Station, Summit USJ
- New Solution; Sunway Pyramid
- Genius Game Enterprise; Sunway Pyramid
- HG Time Enterprise; Carrefour, Klang
- Ranger Family Games
- Dream Games Sdn. Bhd.; Lot S201C, 2 Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre
- Titanium Games; Lot G29, Giant Hypermarket Bandar Kinrara, Puchong
- Titanium Games; Ground Floor, Tesco Extra, Shah Alam
- Titanium Games; 117 & 118, First Floor Sunway Pyramid
- Titanium Games; Ground Floor, AIMPointPlaza, Tesco Banting

Negeri Sembilan- VK Calibre; Teminal 1, Seremban

Sabah- Game Station; Wisma Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu

Sarawak
- Gamemania Hangout; Wisma Saberkas; Kuching

East Peninsular Malaysia Agent (Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang)
- New Tech,Old Klang Road (Contact No: +603- 7891 9302)
*[5] Footnote: T-Shirt is only available in one size, listed as "free size."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzGRFOH5z20&NR=1

PLAY Interactive Software Sdn Bhd - Events - Silent Hill: Homecoming Pre-Order Program (http://www.playinteractive.com.my/silent-hill-homecoming-pre-order-program.html)

Amazon.com Offering Free MP3 Tracks from Original Soundtrack with Orders for Silent Hill: Homecoming:
When online shoppers purchase the console version of Silent Hill: Homecoming (PlayStation3 / XBOX360), Amazon.com will provide digital copies of three select tracks from the Silent Hill: Homecoming original soundtrack as a bonus.

Amazon.com will send instructions to the shopper about how to access the files from the Download section of the Amazon Media Library.

The tracks featured are "The Sacred Line" (featuring Mary Elizabeth McGlynn), "Witchcraft" and "Cold Blood" (the song from the 1up.com video feature about SHV back in 2007).

Amazon.com - Silent Hill: Homecoming (PlayStation3 version) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00149MEVY?ie=UTF8&tag=psfa-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00149MEVY)
Amazon.com - Silent Hill: Homecoming (XBOX360 version) (http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Hill-Homecoming-Xbox-360/dp/B00149MEWI/ref=pd_cp_vg_1?pf_rd_p=433255201&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00149MEVY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=172A2XT1460ZGWQGKQ89)

Silent Hill (DVD) as Pre-Order Offer from Third-Party Retailers:
For those that placed pre-orders for the console versions of Silent Hill: Homecoming from either GameStop, GameCrazy or EB Games Canada, they received a copy of the Silent Hill film on DVD (Full-screen), while supplies were available.*[6]

*[6] Personal Note: My instincts are telling me that this wasn't so much a promotion, but a chance for GameStop to unload a mass quantity of unpurchased Silent Hill DVDs.

Konami Digital Entertainment - Silent Hill: Homecoming (http://online.konamimobile.com/KDEOnline/SilentHill_Widget/index.html)

Nekofrog

09-30-2008, 11:58 PM

It's not June anymore.

Petara

10-07-2008, 09:24 PM

Any other "inverties" out there havin a fit with the freakin camera controls? As sad as I am to say this, I'm feeling I might have some more gripage about this game to come... we'll see.

Nulion

10-08-2008, 01:13 AM

I actually used to use inverted cameras all the time...until Uncharted came out, then for some reason I just can't use inverted camera controls anymore, even on console FPS'es...I don't get why.

I've heard there were some problems though with the game not having any option for inverted camera control, which is just odd. I can see why some people would have a lot of trouble playing without it.

It's really a shame, since I'm honestly *really* enjoying Homecoming so far...it's too bad I'm near the end though! >.<

Bleck

10-08-2008, 01:27 AM

Inverted camera control is one of those things where, if you've not used it too much before, you should get used to it in about ten to fifteen minutes.

If you don't, it's not a problem with the game - it's a problem with you.

Nulion

10-08-2008, 06:04 AM

Even so, most games give the player the option. And I've heard a lot of people say that no matter how long they play, nor how much they try, their brain simply isn't wired to work in a non-inverted way. It's really odd how that works, but with people like that, they just can't get used to it and it ends up frustrating.

I love Homecoming, but I agree it *should* have an inverted option for those who need it. Hopefully they patch one in!

ifirit

10-09-2008, 08:58 AM

Silent Hill: Homecoming Update:
Japanese Website for Silent Hill: Homecoming Launched for Tokyo Game Show; Box Art by Masahiro Ito:
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (http://www.konami.jp) launched the official Silent Hill: Homecoming website for the Japanese market on October 2, 2008. In addition to finally announcing the game in Japan, Konami also released the box art*[1] for the game, which features a new title logo and a new design created by Masahiro Ito (http://www.geocities.jp/nobu_hill/index.html) (creature designer for Silent Hill 1 through 3) of [you guessed it] the Red Pyramid Thing as it appears in Silent Hill: Homecoming/the Silent Hill film.

The game has been announced for both the XBOX360 and PlayStation3 consoles. However, a release date and price point have yet to be revealed, though it's expected to be announced at this year's Tokyo Game Show.*[2]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silent_hill5_box360.jpg http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/silent_hill5_ps3xbox360.jpg*[3]

*[1] Footnote: Masahiro Ito has stated that he was commissioned to create both the front and back covers for the game, though the back cover has yet to be revealed.
*[2] Footnote: Silent Hill: Homecoming will be on display in booth #5 of the 5-C1 section of the Tokyo Game Show.
*[3] Footnote: For those that would like to have a copy of the image without the text and package bordering, Masahiro Ito has offered a link (http://www.gpara.com/article/pop_show.php?c_id=9768&c_num=0&c_num2=0) on Gpara.com of the original work. (892 KB / .jpeg file / 640 x 900 pixels)

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Silent Hill Homecoming (http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/sh5/?ref=06t)

Box Art Available for Mobile Devices as a Wallpaper from Konami Japan:
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. has placed the box art for Silent Hill: Homecoming on their mobile page as a wallpaper for one's mobile/cellular device. The wallpaper is available for purchase through either Konami's i-mode, ezweb, Yahoo Keitai, or willcom distributors.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/1006_03.gif

Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. - Mobile - Screens (http://www.konami.jp/mobile/i-mode/dx/screen.html)

Sindra

10-09-2008, 03:07 PM

Japan always gets the good stuff.

ifirit

10-09-2008, 11:35 PM

Silent Hill Comics Announcement:
IDW Publishing Releases "Silent Hill Omnibus" on Paperback:
On September 29, 2008, IDW Publishing (http://www.idwpublishing.com/) released Silent Hill Omnibus on paperback to graphic novel retailers in the USA and the UK. The graphic novel is a collection of the entire Scott Ciecin story arch, which includes "Silent Hill: Dying Inside," "Silent Hill: Three Bloody Tales," and "Silent Hill: Dead/Alive."

The 432 page trade paperback is presented in 5.8" x 9" full color reprinting and contains all the covers released for each individual issue. As stated before, the comics were written by Scott Ciecin and feature illustrations from Ben Templesmith ("Silent Hill: Dying Inside" #1 & #2), Aadi Salman ("Silent Hill: Dying Inside" #3, #4, & #5), Shaun Thomas ("Among the Damned" & "Paint It Black"), Nick Stakal ("The Grinning Man" & "Silent Hill: Dead/Alive"). The collection also features covers by Ashley Wood ("Silent Hill: Dying Inside," "Among the Damned" & "Paint It Black") and Masahiro Ito ("Silent Hill: Dying Inside" Variant Covers #3 & #5).

The graphic novel collection retails at $24.99 *[1] (£16.99) and has an ISBN-10: 1600102395 and ISBN-13: 978-1600102394.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/SH20Omnibus.jpg

Silent Hill Onmibus
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Paperback: 432 pages (Full-Color)
Size: 9 inches x 5.8 inches x 1 inch
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600102395
ISBN-13: 978-1600102394
Retailer Suggested Price: $24.99

*[1] Footnote: Although this is the retail suggested price, some online retailers are selling copies of the collection at lower prices. (Personal Note: I ordered my copy from Amazon.com for $16.49 with free shipping.)

IDW Publishing - Catalog - Comics - Graphic Novels - Silent Hill Omnibus (http://store.idwpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=1419)

IDW Publishing Releases "Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward" on Paperback:
Also on September 29, 2008, IDW Publishing (http://www.idwpublishing.com) released Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward on paperback to graphic novel retailers in the USA and the UK. This trade paperback is the collection of all four issues*[2] of Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward.

The 104 page collection of the graphic novel series was written by IDW editor Tom Waltz with covers and illustrations by Steph Stamb. The collection retails at $17.99 *[3] (£11.99) and has an ISBN-10: 1600102387 and an ISBN-13: 978-1600102387.

When Hitman Jack “The Pup” Stanton runs away with his mob boss’s wife, he thinks he’s finally put his murderous past behind him. Instead, Jack and his lover take a wrong turn into Silent Hill and quickly learn that some sins are impossible to escape.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/SH_tpb.jpg

Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Paperback: 104 pages (Full-Color)
Size: 6.625 inches x 10.187 inches x 0.3 inches
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600102387
ISBN-13: 978-1600102387
Retailer Suggested Price: $17.99

*[2] Footnote: Previously (http://www.idwpublishing.com/titles/silenthill_sinner.shtml), IDW Publishing announced that "Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward" would be a 5 issue series. However, due to poor pre-order sales from graphic novel retailers and resellers, IDW Publishing scaled the series back one issue before its completion, forcing Tom Waltz to cut 22 pages (http://silenthillforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=309416#309416) of material out of the story. (Personal Note: While the series was critically successful with comic book enthusiasts, many Silent Hill fans were disappointed with the story, due to its lack of proper character development, likely the result of the ommission of 22 pages of material.)
*[3] Footnote: Although this is the retail suggested price, some online retailers are selling copies of the collection at lower prices. (Personal Note: I ordered my copy from Amazon.com for $12.23 with free shipping.)

IDW Publishing - Catalog - Comics - Graphic Novels - Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward TPB (http://store.idwpublishing.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_26&products_id=1393)

Nulion

10-10-2008, 06:57 PM

...That is some actually very beautifully-done cover art, and it's making me jealous already >.<

Ifirit, as soon as a full front-and-back scan is available of that Japanese SH:H cover art, might ya be able to post it?

As soon as that happens, I'm taking my copy of Homecoming to Kinko's along with that image, to prove I'm not pirating or anything, and getting a new cover image made...hehe.

Wish they'd be able to dig up Ito-san for more than just a cover image though!

And as for the comics....How are they? I know the original ones, the Dying Inside series, weren't very good...I even saw those ones on the SH: Experience UMD movie thing they released back in '06, and I really didn't like them all that much...aside from that smaller comic, The Hunger, which was actually pretty good.

Hopefully these new ones really nail the point more than those older ones did. At least the cover art looks really nice on them :)

TomWaltz

10-10-2008, 08:32 PM

Silent Hill Comics Announcement:
IDW Publishing Releases "Silent Hill Omnibus" on Paperback:
On September 29, 2008, IDW Publishing (http://www.idwpublishing.com/) released Silent Hill Omnibus on paperback to graphic novel retailers in the USA and the UK. The graphic novel is a collection of the entire Scott Ciecin story arch, which includes "Silent Hill: Dying Inside," "Silent Hill: Three Bloody Tales," and "Silent Hill: Dead/Alive."

The 432 page trade paperback is presented in 5.8" x 9" full color reprinting and contains all the covers released for each individual issue. As stated before, the comics were written by Scott Ciecin and feature illustrations from Ben Templesmith ("Silent Hill: Dying Inside" #1 & #2), Aadi Salman ("Silent Hill: Dying Inside" #3, #4, & #5), Shaun Thomas ("Among the Damned" & "Paint It Black"), Nick Stakal ("The Grinning Man" & "Silent Hill: Dead/Alive"). The collection also features covers by Ashley Wood ("Silent Hill: Dying Inside," "Among the Damned" & "Paint It Black") and Masahiro Ito ("Silent Hill: Dying Inside" Variant Covers #3 & #5).

The graphic novel collection retails at $24.99 *[1] (£16.99) and has an ISBN-10: 1600102395 and ISBN-13: 978-1600102394.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/SH20Omnibus.jpg

Silent Hill Onmibus
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Paperback: 432 pages (Full-Color)
Size: 9 inches x 5.8 inches x 1 inch
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600102395
ISBN-13: 978-1600102394
Retailer Suggested Price: $24.99

*[1] Footnote: Although this is the retail suggested price, some online retailers are selling copies of the collection at lower prices. (Personal Note: I ordered my copy from Amazon.com for $16.49 with free shipping.)

IDW Publishing - Catalog - Comics - Graphic Novels - Silent Hill Omnibus (http://store.idwpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=1419)

IDW Publishing Releases "Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward" on Paperback:
Also on September 29, 2008, IDW Publishing (http://www.idwpublishing.com) released Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward on paperback to graphic novel retailers in the USA and the UK. This trade paperback is the collection of all four issues*[2] of Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward.

The 104 page collection of the graphic novel series was written by IDW editor Tom Waltz with covers and illustrations by Steph Stamb. The collection retails at $17.99 *[3] (£11.99) and has an ISBN-10: 1600102387 and an ISBN-13: 978-1600102387.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b338/Ifirit0/SH%20Images/SH_tpb.jpg

Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Paperback: 104 pages (Full-Color)
Size: 6.625 inches x 10.187 inches x 0.3 inches
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600102387
ISBN-13: 978-1600102387
Retailer Suggested Price: $17.99

*[2] Footnote: Previously (http://www.idwpublishing.com/titles/silenthill_sinner.shtml), IDW Publishing announced that "Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward" would be a 5 issue series. However, due to poor pre-order sales from graphic novel retailers and resellers, IDW Publishing scaled the series back one issue before its completion, forcing Tom Waltz to cut 22 pages (http://silenthillforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=309416#309416) of material out of the story. (Personal Note: While the series was critically successful with comic book enthusiasts, many Silent Hill fans were disappointed with the story, due to its lack of proper character development, likely the result of the ommission of 22 pages of material.)
*[3] Footnote: Although this is the retail suggested price, some online retailers are selling copies of the collection at lower prices. (Personal Note: I ordered my copy from Amazon.com for $12.23 with free shipping.)

IDW Publishing - Catalog - Comics - Graphic Novels - Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward TPB (http://store.idwpublishing.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_26&products_id=1393)

Thanks for taking the time to post this info about Silent Hill: Sinner's Reward, although I was a bit saddened to read your footnote about SH fans being disappointed by the story. We've actually been very happy to have had plenty of support for the book from SH fans, partcularly at the The Silent Hill Forums. Here's a link to a review of the tpb there, which will also take you to the official SH: Sinner's Reward thread.

http://www.silenthillforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=565593&posted=1#post565593

All Steph and I ask is for folks who are interested, please take a moment to read the review and some of the other entries in the thread -- you'll learn more about what the tpb has to offer and may just find that there are SH fans out there who really enjoyed the story. I know we're very proud of it, and as SH fans ourselves, Steph and I are excited to share our work with our fellow SH fantatics.

Thanks again! We hope everyone takes a chance on SH: Sinner's Reward -- the tpb is of fine quality and there are lots of extras beyond the story to tickle any SH fan's fancy.

Best regards,

Tom Waltz
Writer: SILENT HILL: SINNER'S REWARD
IDW Publishing

Malaki-LEGEND.sys

10-11-2008, 03:31 AM

Ooh. Me want.

Anyway. Silent Hill Homecomings. Any impressions?

Nulion

10-11-2008, 06:36 PM

Those new comics there that ifirit and Tom were discussing *do* look awfully good...Really seems like they improve with each one they release :)

I'll definitely have to pick one up and have a look...after all, I'm always into anything SH-related, hehe...That's why they just can't keep me away from this thread!

And Malaki, about Homecoming...

Don't worry, no spoilers :)

Honestly, I *really* enjoy it. I know there might be some who argue against me here, but I think that, after Origins seemed to borrow the identities of every other game in the series for each of its varying areas, Homecoming comes back to kind of create a "feel" of its own. It feels very different from all the other games in the series, and oddly enough, even with the borrowed assets and designs from the movie, it feels very different from the movie, too. That's definitely a plus in my book.

The story is really great so far, and I know a lot of people criticize it for not being as deep (As it is more straightforward), it's still a good storyline. I like the characters, even if their models (All aside from Alex, essentially) and lip-synching is actually worse than it is on the PS2 Silent Hill games..but oddly enough, I don't mind; it's easy to look past.

The combat is wonky at first and difficult to get used to...but when you do learn the ropes, it actually is pretty cool; not to mention, it keeps you on edge, since the monsters and things you fight always have the edge on you. It keeps things tense, although not *as* tense as the older games.

I'll admit some of the areas in the game aren't as scary or imposing as the areas in the earlier games, even if the world design is really a detailed thing of beauty; I kinda thought it looked sparse at first, but that's really only because of the fog. Look through the fog, and examine the world around you, and it's impressive how much detail they packed into the different areas.

The first half of the game is probably the game's weakest point...although really, I still enjoyed it. It's just that the second half of the game is where most of the plot actually lies, which now that I think about it, is a lot like other games in the series, so that's fine with me.

And the second half is even better than the first :)

So yeah, all in all, the game is really enjoyable....About the only knocks I would give it are that the character models and lip-synch animation could be a lot better, and the fact that almost all of the puzzles are almost stunningly easy. Didn't spend more than 5 minutes at most trying to solve them, and most of the puzzles are kinda "solved" for you, just by exploring the area.

Let's put it this way; this game is *way* better than Silent Hill 4, and even Origins. At least, in my opinion...so go get it :)

Malaki-LEGEND.sys

10-11-2008, 07:48 PM

Ok then I guess I'll be picking it up over the course of next week along with the rest of my haul.

ifirit

10-13-2008, 05:57 PM

Ooh. Me want.

Anyway. Silent Hill Homecomings. Any impressions?
Gametrailers.com gave the game a score of 7.7/10.
- Story: 6.9
- Gameplay: 7.4
- Design: 7.7
- Presentation: 8.8
(WARNING: Contains Silent Hill: Homecoming Spoilers)
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41240.html
G4TV.com's X-PLAY gave the game a score of 4 out of 5.
http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/videos/29084/Silent_Hill_Homecoming_Review.html

GameCinemaHD gave the game a very short review and a score of 8.5/10.
http://gamecinemahd.com/article/2008/09/26/silent_hillhomecoming_review

Official XBOX Magazine gave the game a score of 6.5/10
http://forum.teamxbox.com/showthread.php?t=593965

Overall, this gives us an average score of 76.75%, which is only slightly better than SH4: The Room's average score of 75%.

Looks like I'll be skipping this game. I'll just watch the cutscenes on youtube.

Silent Hill: Homecoming Update:
Free MP3 Tracks from Silent Hill: Homecoming Original Soundtrack:
Although, the announcement of the official Silent Hill: Homecoming Original Soundtrack has yet to be officially (http://www.originalsoundversion.com/?p=562) made*[1], Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.konami.com/) has released MP3 tracks of five songs on its official North American website (http://online.konamimobile.com/KDEOnline/SilentHill_Widget/index.html).

While these tracks are not available for direct download, users of Mozilla FoxFire (http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/) can use the download manager to extract the .mp3 files from the widget once they have completely loaded.

Konami originally posted the four vocal tracks ("One More Soul to the Call," "Elle Theme," "Alex Theme," & "The Sacred Line") from the soundtrack upon the launch of the official site and its widget. Later, on September 30, 2008, they posted a new song "Wintery Mist," an instrumental piece very reminisent of tracks from the SH3 soundtrack.

For those that don't have Mozilla Foxfire, or can't use the download manager, you can obtain copies from one of the various Silent Hill fan sites below.

Silent Hill: Lost Memories (English Branch) (http://www.silenthillmemories.net/main/main_en.htm)
Nightmarish Dream (http://www.nightmarish-dream.ru/main/sh5/music.html)

*[1] Footnote: The article states that the Original Soundtrack will be released at the end of September, however, this is a translation error, which was referring to the game and not the soundtrack. The release of the soundtrack will be made once the game is released in Japan at the end of 2008. (Personal Note: I expect that the soundtrack will be only announced in Japan again sometime in December just like the SH0 soundtrack)

One More Soul to the Call (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZOEUXXPxYE)
Enough
with lies;
Tell me
one more time...

My blood,
your line...
Is this you
inside...?

(Death)
to the living;
The flame
has no living heart,
In the order
of life
they know you

(There)
as you saw it;
your plan
a real shot in the dark,
came a little
too late.
It's over!

Calling
the children,
Conception
and dying,
Silent
but screaming!

Damage done to the flesh
what they said
in the name of the

Damage done to the heart
is the start
of the end.

Damage done to my soul,
I know,
it goes with my

Damage done to my life
cursing loud
at the chaos!

You're here...
You're gone...
It's not fair,
I'm lost...

Your god...
Your fear...
Was it worth
the price...?

(Pray)
for the children
you've lost
along the way;
Still remember
the names
and faces.

(Cold)
and abandoned,
they cry,
their fate put in your hands;
When it's over,
they come
to haunt you!

Wasted
Confusion,
Deadly
Illusion,
Nightmare,
Intrusion!

One more soul to the call
for all
in silence comes

Two more souls to the call
for all
and in time

Three more souls to the call
they bond
unknowing that

Four more souls to the call
won't be all
and you know it!

Sacrafice,
Wasted life,
Destiny
Redefines;
Someone
chooses you,
Lucky one,
Close your eyes,
your family knows
you're here!

Calling
the children,
Conception
and dying,
Silent
but screaming!

Damage done to the flesh
what they said
in the name of the

Damage done to the heart
is the start
of the end.

Damage done to my soul,
I know,
it goes with my

Damage done to my life
cursing loud
at the chaos!

One more soul to the call
for all
in silence comes

Two more souls to the call
for all
and in time

Three more souls to the call
they bond
unknowing that

Four more souls to the call
won't be all
and you know it!

Elle Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVrD7tzFua8)

Where have you been?
You are a different man.
You disappeared,
and just like that, you're here.

So, did your time
away from here
renew your soul
to make you strong

for your return?
I thought you knew...
It feels good
just holding you...

She's gone, I fear;
I think there's something wrong.
Have you seen her?
She's been away too long...

So, look around
this dismal place;
Some things have changed.
What can't be rooted?

I'm glad you're here.
I see you're well.
And welcome home,
Embrace your hell.

In a town, hungry for the lonely,
lost, innocent child,
forbidden life taken in a moment.
Life, too late for saving...

...or just in time.

In my mind, faces keep returning;
I still see her smile.
And in the dark, fear that I am fearing
dies once in a while.

And as the moon leads me through the madness,
there, standing alone,
I feel a breath coming from the shadows;
Streets, almost alive.

I heard a sound. (I heard a sound!)
I hear a voice. (Your voice?!)
____ is why making a choice (Why? You have no choice.)

That is I never know.
I need to know...
I need to know... (You never know, no-oh.)

And all the roads lead me back to my home.

Is she gone?
Are you real? (No, no, oh!)
Are you here?
Can I trust who you say that you are?
Or who I am now? (And who am I now?)

Too late for me knowing...

... or just in time.

Alex Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuAWYzXmiiI)
It started long before me.
I never saw it coming.

The distance,
The promise,
A state of isolation.

And in my darkest nightmare,
things that I can't remember...

The answer
is drowning.
This pain will last forever.

My father,
his duty,
his orders,
my brother,
the promise,
the breaking;
Rejection,
Deception,
Reflection,
Conception;
The missing,
the torture,
the madness,
the sadness;
Can this be?
Or is it?

The shadow cast before me,
a walk inside your circle.

Protect me.
Correct me.
You've got your orders, soldier.

Inside my head is humming.
Sometimes, I hear them coming.

The power,
believing
the hate I hate believing

Where is this?
It can't be...
Who are you?
I know you.
You wouldn't...
...or would you?
Don't fight me!
Ignite me!
My trigger,
your finger,
your darkness,
I know it.
Come forward!
I've seen it.
I mean it!

You power
is over;
I've come to change the order.

My training
is perfect.
I'm back, again.

Your promise
is broken;
I drank your sacred water.

My mission
is holy.
I'm back.

My father,
his duty,
his orders,
my brother,
the promise,
the breaking;
Rejection,
Deception,
Reflection's
Conception;
the missing,
the torture,
the madness,
the sadness;
Can this be?

Your power
is over;
I've come to change the order.

My training
is perfect.
I'm back, again.

Your promise
is broken;
I drank your sacred water.

My mission
is holy.
I'm back.

(The hate I hate believing)
The hate I hate believing

(I never saw it coming)
I never saw it coming

(The hate I hate believing)
The hate I hate believing

(I never saw it coming)
I never saw it coming

You have your orders, soldier.

Nulion

10-13-2008, 09:59 PM

Honestly, I don't think the game deserves the low scores it's been receiving...C'mon, give it a chance!

There's a lot of genuinely good stuff in Homecoming, and game review magazines, eager for perfection, can't look past a few flaws to see something that's actually really good and enjoyable.

The thing with Silent Hill 4 is that, despite how much I really do try and love that game, there's simply too many things that annoy and/or frustrate the heck out of me whenever I try to play it. It's like the game is artificially inflated, bloated, and longer because of all the annoyances contained within...But with Homecoming, there's 100% certified none of that. (Well okay, maybe a few annoyances, but it's not nearly enough to make the game a chore to play) I can pretty safely say that Homecoming is a much more enjoyable and well-done game than Silent Hill 4 was.

Go and get Homecoming; it's a lot better than the critics would have you believe. Maybe it isn't perfect, and 1/2/3 are definitely better games, but...I really like Homecoming, and don't want to see a Silent Hill guru such as yourself relegated to only watching the cutscenes, hehe.

Look at it this way; every one of the Silent Hill games has had flaws that would be considered glaring and major by today's standards, or even the standards of yesteryear, such as subpar animations and general lack of player direction in Silent Hill 2, to major graphics clipping and bad voice acting in Silent Hill 1. This game, too, has its flaws...but there's good stuff hidden behind all the things critics don't like.

Sorry, preachy mode off! Just go buy the danged thing and enjoy ;)

...Thank you for the music and lyrics, by the way!

ifirit

10-13-2008, 10:40 PM

The Sacred Line (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHCHthibd64)
Is it me
this time?
Am I too far?

Did I cross
that line?
Getting hard to tell...

Different day
and another wall,
order shifts,
tumbles down.

Standing strong,
with your sacred line;
With your cold, sacred line.

Jealous mind
unfolds;
I forgive all.

Ring of gold,
it shines;
I refuse to fall.

Standing still
in this rocky boat,
shakes my mind,
takes its toll.

Something lost
is now found again.
I return to my soul.

This line
that can't broken;
This line
never will be crossed again.

In time,
we'll be forgiven;
This line
affected by the innocent.

Opposite of what you hear,
dying is the least of fear.

Can't give up!
We have come too far to ever
Turn away!
We have fear to swallow.

(And you) Can't let go!
Be prepared for anything...
There's something wrong!
And the worst is yet to come.

This line
that can't broken;
This line
that never will be crossed again.

In time,
we'll be forgiven;
This line
affected by the innocent.

This line
that can't broken;
This line
that never will be crossed again.

In time,
we'll be forgiven;
This line
affected by the innocent.

Murdered by another lie,
when you cross the sacred line.

Wintery Mist (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrpASYgONpc)

Bonus Tracks from Amazon.com Released for Free Download:
The tracks, that Amazon.com has been offering as a bonus for purchasing the either console version of Silent Hill: Homecoming, are now being offered for free. The tracks are "The Sacred Line" (featuring Mary Elizabeth McGlynn), "Cold Blood" (an arranged version of "Alex Theme"), and "Witchcraft."

You can download the file here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?R=1ILZ6A50ZJWO8&C=1IP23MNXCUJTN&H=K63qVoAr2zQXfOjyxZCAoHt1wOEA&T=C&U=http%3A%2F%2Fg-ecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FG%2F01%2Fvideogames%2Fpromos %2FSilent_Hill_Homecoming_Bonus_Tracks.zip%3Frw_ht ml_to_wsrp%3D1%26%2Fref%3Dpe_13910_10448930_bonust racks). (.zip file / .mp3 files / 24.7 MB)

Cold Blood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEf9hTVpNw0)

Witchcraft (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSt6u-uUwM0)

Original Sound Version - Blod Archive - Amazon tantalizes Silent Hill fans with 3 track sampler from Homecoming (http://www.originalsoundversion.com/?p=675)
Destructoid - Want three tracks from Silent Hill: Homecoming for free? (http://www.destructoid.com/want-three-tracks-from-silent-hill-homecoming-for-free--106668.phtml)
N4G - Amazon tantalizes Silent Hill fans with 3 track sampler from Homecoming (http://www.n4g.com/gaming/News-210847.aspx)

Bigfoot

10-14-2008, 04:50 AM

Yeah, I really don't understand why it has received such low scores. The game is amazing.

Petara

10-18-2008, 02:38 AM

Agreed. Aside from the lack of an inverted camera option, I honestly thought it was great. Seriously though, I tried to play COD4 the other day and my aim was- well let's just say I'm still having some "up and down" troubles.

Bigfoot

10-18-2008, 02:42 AM

I meant to take pics of this, but did anyone else notice on the Homecoming title screen where it says "press start" that Josh appears in some of the different screens?

You can see him on the front porch of your house, and on the 3rd screen that displays the docks, you can see him in the background on the dock that leads up.

edit: Here they are.

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/8300/sh1gf5.jpg

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/7327/sh2my2.jpg

Petara

10-18-2008, 02:48 AM

How about the random writings on the prison cell walls? "I like Pizza" ? "Jafo is watching you" ??

Bigfoot

10-18-2008, 02:52 AM

I noticed those too, haha. I loved reading those.

Petara

10-18-2008, 02:57 AM

"Jeremy is the real sausage king of Chicago" FTW

ifirit

10-23-2008, 11:11 PM

Silent Hill: Homecoming Update:
Zero Punctuation! Reviews Silent Hill: Homecoming:
Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw posted his review of Silent Hill: Homecoming (console version) on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.*[1] The review discusses his views on the direction that the series current development trend has taken it. In general, the review discusses his reflections on the game in comparison to the rest of the series more so than actually reviewing the game itself, which is summurized as the same complaints that all other game reviews have had: poor response of dodge mechanic, low ammo, and the over-reliance on fan service to attract fans.*[2]

The Escapist Magazine - Zero Punctuation! - Silent Hill: Homecoming (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/284-Silent-Hill-Homecoming)

*[1] Footnote: The sidebar comment states: "This week Yahtzee's ass remains safe while he reviews Silent Hill Homecoming." (Personal Note: That pretty much sums it up for me. In other words, this game does not reignite the spark that the series once had. It's changed and become a different incarnation.)
*[2] Personal Note: I understand the note made about how almost all American writers have to include a love interest in their stories, but you have to remember that this is not the first game to include a love sub-plot; SH4: The Room had that going on with Henry and Eileen, though it was treated the way it should have been, with subtlety and with a change in the relationship due to the experiences throughout the game. (Also, the first game also had a sewer level; two, actually.)

And honestly, I'm not opposed to the idea of a love interest in the Silent Hill universe, but like all love there, it should be unrequited (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unrequited_love), both passively and actively. It's the main story motivation in all the Team Silent games.

Lastly, what's up with the ommission of the story loop in recent iterations? It's a major story element in all the games that is used to drive the characters to the desired conclusion. Not to mention, that the story loop is a rationalization on the game's part for the occassion where the player replays the game. It's a genius inclusion that made the original game abstract, which was taken to a new level of genius in the second game, and made staple in the third. Why exclude it now?

Nulion

10-24-2008, 12:56 AM

ifirit

10-27-2008, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the update again :)

I'm curious though...what did you mean by "story loop"? I hadn't watched the Yahtzee review yet, since even though those are usually funny, they're kinda depressing, so I don't know if the "story loop" thing was brought about from that review or not.

But anyway, what exactly is it?
A story loop is an arc that occurs in the story which causes the events at the end of that arc to lead back to the beginning of the story. For example, in the first game, if you achieve the Good+ Ending, the ending cutscene is the scene from the beginning of the game where Harry and his wife find Cheryl, with Harry's wife replaced by Cybil, indicating a repetition of the story's events. However, what reinforces this idea is the inclusion of Next Fear mode, where replaying the game doesn't begin with the introduction level in Harry's Jeep, but at the Cafe 5 to 2. It implies that the characters never really escape from Silent Hill and that everything replays from that moment on in an eternal cycle. (If you're familiar with the Siren games, you'll note that this is a common thread between Keiichiro Toyama's games.)

Originally, before the other sequels were released, I had developed a theory based on the idea of the eternal cycle, being that replaying the game (regardless of ending) meant taking part in that struggle for the power of the god inside Alessa. Therefore, the only way to ever escape the game (in both the actual game and real life) was to willing choose to not play it. That the only way to end the struggle was to not be an active participant. As a previously long-time videogame fan, this concept just turned my world upside down and simultaneously pointed out the power and futility that videogames had the potential to become. Not many games actually make you put the context in that perspective.

In Silent Hill 2, the story loop occurs during the Maria Ending where James chooses to be with Maria only to realize that Maria then becomes sick as well. This is a more succinct version of the loop in SH1 and thus is more poignant. It extended the concept from a context within a game story that was only connected to the real world via the medium (i.e. the videogame medium), to an actual message about the nature of human existance: that our actions when made out of weakness tend to repeat themselves over and over again. This inclusion is the step that takes the game from being entertainment to artform.

In SH3, the story loop occurs whenever Heather dies and is then carried off by Vatiel. Playing off the game's presentation of visual metaphors, there are no words or dialogue spoken, nor any indication of a cycle explictly given, but because the game resumes playing from the Happy Burger afterwards suggests that a cycle took place. In other words, the story would repeat endlessly if at anytime Heather dies. While even more succinct than the previous two games, it reverts back to an idea that reality in the Silent Hill universe in multi-layered, that reality can fold back over itself, not only in a linear fashion, but in complex methods as well, as shown in SH4: The Room.

So, when it becomes excluded in the American versions, it strips away that element of artistic integrity and the whole game is nothing more than entertainment made for mass consumption (abeit very pretty and well-designed entertainment). And that hurts.

Bleck

10-28-2008, 12:44 AM

Screw the haters, I think Pyramid Head's appearance in this game was as good as it could have been without having to make the protagonist James Sunderland.

Nulion

10-28-2008, 03:15 AM

Yeah, I still enjoy Pyramid Head as much as anybody else, hehe...but I can really see what you mean there, ifirit.

And I would agree, too!

It does seem like there is some sort of meta-meaning to the story that simply isn't there in Homecoming...although I honestly enjoy the game, and think it is a solid entry in the Silent Hill series, it does lack that odd ambiguity the other titles were smothered with, and is easier to figure out.

The way you presented your ideas though, isn't something I'd ever considered on my own, but I actually recall reading that somewhere...it may have even been from one of your posts earlier in the thread. (Much earlier!)

The stories have so many purposeful holes inserted into them, that can be filled with just about anything our minds can come up with. It's even conceivable that your theory is completely different from the intent of the designers, but that right there is a solid hallmark of serious artwork; each of us can come up to our own conclusions about what the work means, what it represents, and what value it has for our lives here in the real world.

In THAT regard, Homecoming fails...and it's a shame.

But in every other regard, at least where it counts as making a game enjoyable and engaging, Homecoming still succeeds, I think.

To Double Helix's credit, I can hardly imagine how difficult it would be to insert such vague yet STRONG symbolism and interpretability (Is that even a word? o.O) into a game with the technical demands of today's consoles. Not only does one need to worry about basic playability, deadlines, bug testing and design, but one also needs to worry about the metaphorical aspects of what's being created; the aforementioned "holes" in the storyline that can be filled with anything our minds can grasp at.

That has to be an incredibly tough, conscious effort on the part of the developers. Really makes you have even more respect for Team Silent...

If only they were still developing the games though...

Honestly ifirit, with the kinds of opinions and insights you've got going on around here, I wouldn't think it would be a bad idea to send a letter (An actual letter, hehe) to Double Helix with regards to the next Silent Hill game, and that "special something" that it needs. I can't imagine they would ignore a genuinely insightful and constructive letter, although there's always the chance they'd just toss it.

But when you're dealing with something you enjoy, and you don't want to see fall into mediocrity, it can't hurt to try, can it?

ifirit

10-30-2008, 01:33 AM

...but I can really see what you mean there, ifirit.

And I would agree, too!

It does seem like there is some sort of meta-meaning to the story that simply isn't there in Homecoming...although I honestly enjoy the game, and think it is a solid entry in the Silent Hill series, it does lack that odd ambiguity the other titles were smothered with, and is easier to figure out.

The way you presented your ideas though, isn't something I'd ever considered on my own, but I actually recall reading that somewhere...it may have even been from one of your posts earlier in the thread. (Much earlier!)

The stories have so many purposeful holes inserted into them, that can be filled with just about anything our minds can come up with. It's even conceivable that your theory is completely different from the intent of the designers, but that right there is a solid hallmark of serious artwork; each of us can come up to our own conclusions about what the work means, what it represents, and what value it has for our lives here in the real world.

In THAT regard, Homecoming fails...and it's a shame.
That's the problem for me. There are plenty of other games out there that are fun, atmospheric, suspenseful, third-person action-adventure, but not many that try to rise above the competition by trying to be more than just a game. So, if a game isn't really trying to do that these days, I'm not really interested. I know that that's a high bar to set, but honestly, that's the bar that was set by Team Silent.

But in every other regard, at least where it counts as making a game enjoyable and engaging, Homecoming still succeeds, I think.

To Double Helix's credit, I can hardly imagine how difficult it would be to insert such vague yet STRONG symbolism and interpretability (Is that even a word? o.O) into a game with the technical demands of today's consoles. Not only does one need to worry about basic playability, deadlines, bug testing and design, but one also needs to worry about the metaphorical aspects of what's being created; the aforementioned "holes" in the storyline that can be filled with anything our minds can grasp at.
I refer you to Exibit A (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jdG2LHair0) (particularly at 8:09 and again at 8:57)

Honestly, that's what made Team Silent so great. Their writers and directors are years ahead of the rest of the development world, having given us steak on four separate occassions. As such, SHH is just a bone with a few scraps on it. Had they further developed the story further prior to creating the game structure, which ironically was what landed them the gig in the first place, the game could have fulfilled on its potential to really invigorate the series.

It's not a bad story, but because it failed to really project the tragedy of having lost the entire town of Shepard's Glen, I can't really sympathize with the characters at the end. They try to make you emphasize with the town, with trying to associate names and faces, but in the end, nothing gets resolved and the scale of the loss in neither reflected in the small scale realization by Alex nor in the larger picture. (And it tried to rip off the Saw movies too much at the end.)

They had three really strong, story elements that could have been flourished to produce a great story, but they were poorly developed throughout and simply trail off during the endings. A) The belief that Adam had of Alex having a loose grasp on reality/Alex's inability to grasp responsibility for his brother's accidental death. B) The incredibly strong family ties that motivated Alex, Elle and their families to search for their loved ones. C) The regret in realizing that the people that everyone was searching for had long since passed away and the deeply rooted, secret traditions lead even tightly-knit families to murder each other.

The game really had the potential to be the culmination of the entire Silent Hill franchise and exceed its predicessors. It could have really, really been something of great value, but the loss midway is a very big set-back. I guess there's some irony in all this.

That has to be an incredibly tough, conscious effort on the part of the developers. Really makes you have even more respect for Team Silent...

If only they were still developing the games though...

Honestly ifirit, with the kinds of opinions and insights you've got going on around here, I wouldn't think it would be a bad idea to send a letter (An actual letter, hehe) to Double Helix with regards to the next Silent Hill game, and that "special something" that it needs. I can't imagine they would ignore a genuinely insightful and constructive letter, although there's always the chance they'd just toss it.

But when you're dealing with something you enjoy, and you don't want to see fall into mediocrity, it can't hurt to try, can it?
Yeah, maybe... :sleepdepriv: