Developer confident about new Silent Hill

By Robert Purchese Published 11 November, 2008

Reckons it'll be "at least as compelling".

Developer Double Helix believes Silent Hill: Homecoming will be "at least as compelling as some of the previous games" in the spooky series, despite being the studio's first attempt at the IP.

The survival-horror game has already launched in the US to solid critical applause. And lead designer Jason Allen hinted this may be a result of Konami "stipulating" that Double Helix stick to the formula, and not be allowed too much creative room to manoeuvre.

"I firmly believe we've shown the fans that we can craft a Silent Hill experience that's at least as compelling as some of the previous games, and especially given this is our first outing, I feel we've made a great product we are all proud of," Jason Allen told MTV Multiplayer.

"As a new developer for the series it was important that we demonstrate we understood those unique qualities of a Silent Hill game before potentially breaking free of conventions and creating something new. Konami stipulated that we must preserve the essence of Silent Hill whilst modernising certain features."

Whilst proud of Homecoming, Allen believes that, given another chance, Double Helix would turn out a "true representation of just how much talent we have".

"The whole team learned so much during the development of Homecoming that we can easily see areas that we'd like to improve upon. To refine the Silent Hill recipe - as it were," he said.

"...We want to capitalise on the experience and turn out something even more spectacular - a true benchmark for the genre."

Silent Hill: Homecoming is due for release across Europe in February 2009. So we, being impatient, have decided to import a copy to review. We'll bring you our verdict as soon as possible.

Until then, head over to our Silent Hill: Homecoming gamepage to find out more.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (17) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • DFawkes #1 3 years ago

    Developer Double Helix believes Silent Hill: Homecoming will be "at least as compelling as some of the previous games" in the spooky series.

    That bring people that'll think it'll be any good to 1.

  • gingerlink #2 3 years ago

    Well, if he's right then at least we get to see Yahtzee remove three of his own vertebrae, curl his spine back and eat his own ass

  • DFawkes #3 3 years ago

    Didn't Yahtzee already review it, stating his spine was safe?

  • Darren #4 3 years ago

    This game has been getting some lukewarm reviews Stateside which suggest it is acceptably good rather than outstanding. That said, I'm still really looking forward to playing it... Silent Hill 2 on the PS2 was really, really good so I'm hoping for a similar experience with this new game. And, thank goodness, it has been put back to February 2009... there's already far too many good games out now and imminent so it might get more attention during the quiet post-Christmas spell.

  • gingerlink #5 3 years ago

    wait, were they talking about 5 or 6?

    How can they say it'll be (future tense) at least as compelling if it's already out?

  • absolutezero #6 3 years ago

    Anyone thats imported the game already knows that its not. In fact its actually somewhat amusing to laugh at all the try hard moments through out the game.

    Its not very good. Im sure a Silent hill game can actually be made anymore after how well Siren made the transition to this Gen. Homecoming is archaic and a chore to play. It controls like ass, even though its not meant to.

  • Shakey_Jake33 #7 3 years ago

    Wait, so he's speaking in the future tense about a game that's already available? Is he trying to act like import gaming doesn't exist?

  • bad09 #8 3 years ago

    It is quite good actually, well, I'm enjoying it! :)

    Sure it's same old same old with a new overly simple combat system but it oozing with that SH atmosphere so it's a win with me.

    (although next time they should let you move around in FP view like Siren)

  • tnomad #9 3 years ago

    I think it's really good. Definitely better the UK developed 0rigins.

  • Cappy #10 3 years ago

    What a depressing thought, they're clearly angling to take another shot at making a Silent Hill game. No more. Please.

    If they want something to do to keep themselves busy, how about fixing the myriad bugs that the NTSC versions suffered from.

  • XdarXideX #11 3 years ago

    I say give Climax UK another go at it. I found Origins to be splendid and much like the PS2 Silent Hill games.

  • IneptPercy #12 3 years ago

    I will buy it.

  • illusiondance #13 3 years ago

    it sounds like Konami all over - let a western team onto a classic franchise, strictly limit their ideas, imagination and innovation (if they happen to have some), hassle them like fuck until they polish what bare bones are there....
    mediocre product pops out the other end.
    its a fairly successful formula but hardly makes for fresh ideas.

  • J.C #14 3 years ago

    Fuck off Konami, you lazy cunts.

  • Razorus #15 3 years ago

    Yahtzee seems to like it.
    http://ww w.escapistmagazine.com/videos/v...

  • Nikanoru #16 3 years ago

    All I want to know is whether I'll get to explore towns again like in SH 1 and 2, or whether it's gonna be another mindnumbing linear trek, like every other game out there. If it's the latter, I'm gonna pass.

  • m0thr4 #17 3 years ago

    Seriously, what's with these press releases disguised as news items? STOP PRESS: Developer believes own game is good!

    First Far Cry.. then we get:

    The survival-horror game has already launched in the US to solid critical applause.

    How ironic that when I clicked on "solid" link, it took me to Metacritic which gave the game 73.

    EDIT: In future, don't bother until you have: "Developer admits new game is shit prior to launch". Now that would be news.
    Edited by 1 at 13/11/08 @ 13:11