Jeff Hoy, American

It’s one of the best games on the PSP ever.  Simply put.  Graphically it’s outstanding, top of the class.  If this is what the PSP is capable of then I can’t wait to see what’s coming for it.  I mean it almost looks like a PS2 game, on a portable system.  That is impressive.

The sound effects and music, from the opening credit music, through to the final run through the end of the game the music and sound effects really help set the mood for the whole game.  Together with the graphics, the sound creates a very, very creepy atmosphere that draws you in.  I took the advice of the developers and played it in the dark with headphones and I about crapped my pants a few times and was utterly repulsed at other times.

The story is excellent.  The way it is revealed as you continue on through the game is well paced and at times keeps you guessing as to what the various secrets are.  When the whole story is finally revealed you really feel for the main character.  It’s a truly saddening story.  I loved every minute of it.

There are two small annoyances with this game that I feel I have to point out.  One is the camera angles and control scheme can get pretty annoying after a while.  Moving a certain direction, having the camera angle change, and then the character changes his direction because of that get’s a little tiresome.  Especially when you’re trying to get away from an enemy.  The only other problem I have is that the combat system is rather simplistic and lame.  It gets kind of boring, but then I’m sort of spoiled by the cool combo systems of games like God of War and Heavenly Sword.

The last thing I have to bring up is the amount of extras the game packs in.  Accomplishing various things through the game opens up what’s called “Accolades.”  Those accolades earn you different items and character skins and whatnot to be used in the second play around.  And you’ll want to play it a second time, even a third so you can see the multiple endings that Silent Hill: Origins contains.

There are very few games out there that genuinely affect you on an emotional level, and Silent Hill: Origins is one of them.  I am a huge fan of games that can make you feel emotions, especially dark ones.  It’s beautiful, sounds amazing, and will creep you out, Silent Hill: Origins should be on every PSP owner’s buy list.