During the latest State of Play 2024 lineup, a surprise arrived: Silent Hill: The Short Message, a free title now live on PS5. The debut trailer promised a tense, atmospheric ride in true Silent Hill fashion, so a walkthrough was undertaken. The game is short, a few hours at most, but it delivers enough mood and dread to feel worth your time, especially if you’re waiting for the Silent Hill 2 remake. This quick article breaks down what the new game offers and whether it’s worth a play for fans seeking something compact and chilling.
Depression, depression, you are my depression
The story begins without extraneous setup. Players must uncover the truth by scouring notes, newspaper clippings, and diaries. Anita, 17, wakes in an abandoned high-rise with no clear memory of how she arrived. At her side is Maya, a friend who paints graffiti on the walls. The only lifeline for Anita is a mobile phone that buzzes with messages from Maya and a second friend as they navigate the desolate building. The quest is to learn what happened to Maya and to confront Anita’s own fears along the way.
The central character is portrayed as a quiet, overlooked figure who moves through a world that feels both familiar and unsettling.
The narrative sticks to the series’ psychological roots, yet the portrayal of Anita’s trauma leans toward schoolyard worries rather than fully fleshed inner turmoil. Bullying and self-doubt mark her days, and while the game presents these as meaningful issues, the emotional impact isn’t fully earned. The portrayal of childish self-pity can feel off-putting, since many players recognize similar moments in their own lives and may find the constant self-pity overbearing.
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As the story unfolds, the plot gains an odd momentum and briefly becomes engaging. Yet veterans of the series will spot a familiar twist long before it lands, as protagonists typically seek redemption for their sins.
The unusual phase shows off striking visuals, but there isn’t much beneath the surface beyond the images
Supplementing the notes, the game uses video segments with live actors. Most sequences feature Maya addressing the camera, as if speaking directly to the player. The technique is intriguing, but the world-building isn’t clear on how these pieces fit. Are these Anita’s memories, recorded clips, or ghostly visions? The game offers no explicit answer.
Maya
The core gameplay is a walking simulator punctuated by a lurking monster that occasionally appears in the dim corridors. Anita’s only option is to run when faced with danger. Early sections feel refreshing, but the buildup to the final chase relies on a chase mechanic that can feel forced and dampen the atmosphere. Without a map, players roam room to room, seeking specific photos that unlock doors. The challenge grows as the building shifts and memory falters; if the monster catches Anita, progress resets, prompting frustration rather than fear.
The monster itself isn’t terrifying, but its sudden appearances can jolt you
Turning to mood, the building design is impressive. Painted walls, blinking lights, and well-timed jump scares contribute to a tense atmosphere, while the soundscape—beeps, howls, and faint ambient textures—works especially well for the theme.
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The overall takeaway is a mixed experience. It’s very short and won’t drag on, but the repetitive escape sequences can feel irritating. Still, the atmosphere largely lands. Until players fully understand how the scares operate, exploring with a phone flashlight and peering into the gloom becomes part of the ritual.
Silent Hill: The Short Message was rightly made free. It adds flavor to the series and is memorable in its own right, though it isn’t the flagship Silent Hill experience. The portrayal of child psychology isn’t deeply convincing, and some twists feel obvious well ahead of the reveal. If someone craves a quick jolt, two hours can still be a fair trade.
What do you think of Silent Hill: The Short Message?
According to VG Times