Summary
As Konami prepares to unleash an onslaught of newSilent Hillgames for horror fans to sink their teeth into in the coming years, now is the perfect time to update one often-overlooked part of the series’ gameplay. Historically, the franchise has focused more on scaring players senseless than testing their mettle in a fight, but combat has always been part of theSilent Hillseries and looks to be playing an even more prominent role moving forward. This is why, with players poised to take a more active role in fighting off monsters in upcoming entries,Silent Hillshould emulate theResident Evil 4remake’s game-changing parry mechanic.
As evidenced by aSilent Hill 2combat trailerthat’s already proved divisive among franchise fans, Konami is seemingly doubling down on the contentious mechanic in some upcomingSilent Hillgames. Although this decision hasn’t come without criticism, including a system likeResident Evil 4’s parry mechanic could soften the blow by making combat encounters more dynamic and even avoidable in some instances. And while this increased emphasis on combat runs contrary to what some fans want for the franchise, a well-implemented parry system could actually help increase the tension in upcomingSilent Hillgames.
A Parry Mechanic Could Make Silent Hill’s Combat Less Controversial
Having earned a reputation for pairing slow-simmering survival horror gameplay with deeply disturbing narratives exploring trauma, guilt, and other mature themes,theSilent Hillseries’ action-oriented reimaginingwas never going to be welcomed by everyone. This is why giving players options when it comes to approaching combat would be a smart move on Konami’s part. Adding a parry mechanic like the one found in Capcom’s wildly successfulResident Evil 4remake would be the perfect way to do this, giving gamers the option to embrace fight or flight as they see fit.
For players who enjoy combat-focused gameplay, the addition of a parry move to upcomingSilent Hillgames could let them take a more aggressive approach to enemy encounters without fear of being instantly overwhelmed by foes. Meanwhile, players who prefer a more traditional pace of play could use the parry mechanic to quickly escape the clutches ofSilent Hill’s menacing monstersand avoid many combat situations altogether. Either way, gamers could approach enemy encounters how they preferred rather than being forced into a particular style of play.
Future Silent Hill Games Could Use Parries to Ratchet Up the Tension
Another option for Konami would be to make parries the centerpiece of enemy encounters infutureSilent Hillgames, with outright combat becoming a dangerous option of last resort rather than the first choice for players. This could be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as giving players a limited selection of in-game weapons and ammo or making combat items single-use only. Unable to rely on weapons to overwhelm their enemies, players would have to attempt to slip past them and parry their way free if they fail.
This focus on evading enemies, whether by sneaking by them or parrying their attacks, wouldn’t be unprecedented for the franchise, either. Originally released for the Nintendo Wii in 2009,Silent Hill: Shattered Memoriescompletely removed combatand forced players to flee on foot from foes during the game’s nightmare sequences. A modern take on this approach that incorporated a parry move to break free from enemies who get too close could result in some truly terrifying set pieces in newSilent Hillgames.
Whether introduced as just another way to deal with aggressive enemies or incorporated into the gameplay in a more substantial fashion, emulating theResident Evil 4remake’s parry systemwould be a wise move for futureSilent Hillgames. This would ensure that, whether they revel in the thrill of the fight or prefer to sneak by in the shadows,Silent Hillplayers could take on the series’ twisted enemies on their own terms.
Silent Hill 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2.High-end Graphics and SoundWith ray tracing and other cutting-edge technical enhancements, the world of SILENT HILL and its unsettling ambiance is even realer than before.And with the inclusion of new, immersive soundscapes, you’ll feel like you’re standing in the thick of it.Larger EnvironmentsExplore locations and buildings that were once inaccessible, or are newly added in the remake. Enjoy the same acclaimed story, even while you experience the town of Silent Hill with fresh eyes across an expanded map.Over-the-shoulder CameraThe remake moves from the original’s fixed-camera viewpoints to an over-the-shoulder perspective, putting you closer to what James sees, for a more thrilling, more immersive experience as you explore the town and come face-to-face with monsters.Evolved Combat GameplayFamiliar weapons like the steel pipe and handgun make their return, but now with an updated combat system. Avoid attacks with carefully timed dodges, aim down sights, and more, making monster encounters more engaging and nerve-wracking than ever.
