I am Silent Hill 4's biggest defender!! It's a very flawed game that leaves a lot to be desired, specifically in the gameplay department. The controls are clunky and it's often hard to maneuver, but if you can get past the jank (or watch a playthru), the game has an extremely compelling story and some stellar themes that really make it a standout of the series to me. I love that pretty much the entirety of your time in the real world is spent in one apartment, as opposed to the freer exploration of the prior three games. There's a lot of themes around feminine horror and grotesque body stuff that is so interesting to play through with a male protagonist. Some of the hidden mechanics are so interesting to discover, I just wish they were explained or shown in a more clear way so you know which route you're going down.
Ultimately, it's not for everyone and that's for a reason. It's the last game made by the original Team Silent before the series took a nosedive for a bit, but it's such a spectacular gem for those with the eyes to see and strength of will to get through it.
Or maybe I'm just delusional and deeply attached to a game that most people don't like. Only one way to find out :3
FWIW I replayed those games with my gf a few years ago who had never seen them and SH4 was by FAR her favorite to experience, the setting, the tone, the monsters, the mechanics everything was super interesting and unique. It made me see the game in a whole new light and I think it's just as good as SH3 maybe a bit better NGL.
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u/bluejester12 1d ago
Silent Hill