Silent Hill: 0rigins

The Good
Silent Hill origins is the first Silent Hill to be released on the PSP (not the first on a handheld that honor goes to Play Novel for the GBA) and Climax graphics did a fairly good job adapting the game for the weaker hardware. Melee fighting has been overhauled including breakable weapons and the ability to use just about anything you can pick up as a weapon. Enemies and boss characters are balanced well and the sick, glistening sheen exhibited by all of them is commendable. Ambient sound effects and a masterful score by Akira Yamaoka will once again make you pee your pants and cry your eyes out at the same time. The story is fairly typical however seeing the revelations about Travis' childhood including the physical abuse from his Mother and the suicide of his father are harrowing and depressing, just like a Silent Hill storyline should be. An achievement system has also been added to the game, rewarding you for meeting certain conditions during play with weapons or costumes available on an additional play through.

The Bad
Silent Hill Origins is incredibly short. The size of the town proper has been reduced; you can only explore one district. In addition to that the reduced graphical grunt of the PSP reduces the shock factor of some of the scenes. Speaking of shock, there is little present in Origins and although some set pieces are astoundingly inventive (like the Stage) most are simply recycled or bland.

The Bottom Line
A short, formulaic Silent Hill experience which is nothing new or refreshing but a welcome addition to the franchise with a competent story, pretty good acting and a fantastic soundtrack.