Silent Hill: the Short Message faced its share of criticisms, but beneath its flaws lies a promising element worth revisiting. Despite initial missteps, the game presents a unique opportunity for the franchise.

Originally inspired by Resident Evil, the first Silent Hill introduced innovative camera angles to intensify its horror experience. Subsequent sequels evolved with modern cinematography styles until embracing an over-the-shoulder third-person view.

Silent Hill's Camera: A Vital Horror Component

The franchise's early games strategically used camera angles to build tension and control player perception, fostering a constant sense of unease. In contrast, recent installments with over-the-shoulder views have diluted this eerie atmosphere, emphasizing player control over suspense.

By adopting a first-person perspective, Silent Hill: The Short Message partially addresses this issue, hinting at a return to the series' roots.

Revisiting First Person: Learning from PT

Hideo Kojima's PT showcased the viability of first-person gameplay, blending tight environments with limited visibility to evoke classic Silent Hill unease. Despite Silent Hill: The Short Message following suit, it faltered in detail, storytelling, and immersion compared to PT's masterful execution.

Konami's Path to Redemption

While Silent Hill: The Short Message stumbled, it serves as a stepping stone for Konami to refine future entries. By embracing the first-person perspective's potential and rekindling the essence of PT, the franchise can evolve into a compelling horror experience once again.