Silent Hill 4: The Room

a good game

Silent Hill 4 is a mess. I can only recommend this entry to people who are already invested in the series. Unless you are interested in Walter Sullivan, I can't see a reason to purchase this game. First of all, the controls are janky. The fixed camera from earlier Silent Hill returns, however, there is no option for tank controls. 2D controls are your only option. Youou will be running into enemies and walls when the camera angle changes. Don't get me started on the first person controls. The sound is dreadful. The footstep samples are grating. There is no variation, so you will be listening to the same clanking and smooshing over and over again. The graphics are okay for the time period, however, some of the cutscenes look washed out with the weird depth of field effect. This game looks worse than the previous titles in the series. That being said, the enemy designs are pretty cool. Also, the combat is repetitive, but its no worse than any of the previous Silent Hill games. So, if Silent Hill 4 would be your first experience in the series, I say steer clear for now until you have at least played Silent Hill 2 (OG or remake.) As for fans of the series, you will probably get this sooner or later. I have to say that the premise of the game is fantastic. Seriously, its one of the best premises in a horror game. Sadly, the game is so dated that the horror is gone and all that is left is the interesting premise and enemy designs.

Story is cool, but GOD the gameplay is awful and not fun most of the time. I can't finish this.

You can really say this is the last title of Team Silent, seeing how new mechanics added are a bit rough due to probably low times. But even then, this game deserves a spot: it's not the best but it is a decent silent hill entry, with a good story plot and characters but a questionable level design which does not involve too much re-play value in my opinion. The atmosphere is on top, my favorite, and the villain is very cool especially how is introduced to the general plot. I recommend this one for those who at least played the first three games, though it's not required it gives a brief continuity from them.

The game won't launch, no matter what I do (I've tried all tips online). I have no issue with other GOG titles. Not sure how to go about getting a refund or sufficient help, and I feel ripped-off.