Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Konami has released further details on the story and psychological profiling system that will form the heart of Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, a reworked version of the classic survival horror title.
The new game borrows key plot and setting elements from the original PlayStation game, but now begins with a visit to a psychiatrist, who asks the player to answer a series of questions. From here on in, their every movement, reaction and response is monitored and the game tailored accordingly.
An example of this tailored experience is if a player dashes from location to location; the game will present different reactions from people and situations than if a more considered approach is adopted. Characters may appear more hostile, for example, and less willing to help with the game’s ongoing mystery of the hero’s missing daughter. Similarly, if the player comes across as overtly flirtatious or, at the other end of the scale, stand-offish and reserved, those they meet will dress differently, and also adjust their behaviour. Konami says that this will mean a different experience for each player.
The game’s horror elements are delivered in nightmarish sequences, where the world around the player is gripped by ice, and where misshapen creatures relentlessly chase and attack until the world unfreezes. This frozen nightmare can appear when least expected.
“From the very beginning, we planned to re-invent the horror-genre, getting deeper into the player’s minds and taking a new approach for video games,” commented Tomm Hulett, Producer of Silent Hill Shattered Memories. “The development team took a long time studying all kinds of psychological elements, and created a unique system to monitor all player actions – even small things like how long an object is looked at. The result is a diverse experience, which adjusts itself all the way through the game and creates a story-driven experience like never before in any video game.”
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories will be released for Wii, PSP and PS2 this winter.
