Silent Hill: Homecoming Preview for Xbox 360 (X360)

System: X360, PS3	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Double Helix Games	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Konami	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Sept. 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Pending	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

One of Silent Hill's aspects that I'm glad has remained virtually unchanged is its sound. I've always found it rather ironic that a franchise named Silent Hill is so well known for its excellent sound effects and music. This is mostly thanks to Akira Yamaoka, sound director of all of the previous Silent Hill games. Thankfully, Akira Yamaoka will once again be bringing his unique style of audible creepiness to the franchise in Homecoming. As always, we can expect to be just as frightened by what we hear as the horrors we are libel to witness while playing.

Silent Hill: Homecoming screenshot

Speaking of horrific sights, Homecoming's terrors are already looking incredible. As the first Silent Hill on the current generation consoles, this game's visuals are noticeably improved when compared to the previous titles'. Human characters, such as Alex and Joshua, look fairly realistic, and the game's often faceless and shapeless enemies look even more frightening than before. Improved lighting effects also help to accentuate characters' details as well as creating a decidedly darker, scarier experience.

With Konami addressing the franchises shortcomings, namely the combat and camera, Silent Hill: Homecoming looks to be a more player-friendly experience. Since the game will also stay true to its roots, fans of the series will likely find themselves right at home amongst its hordes of killer nurses and fog covered backdrops. Add to this the improved graphics provided by the current generation consoles and we are left with a game that we can't wait to play in the dark with the surround sound turned up. Thankfully, the wait will be over shortly, as Homecoming looks to take us back to our favorite city of Silent Hill again sometime this September.

By Adam Brown
CCC Freelance Writer

Game Features:

Enter the next chapter of Silent Hill as you delve deeper in the tormented history of the town and learn of the evil that surrounds Toluca Lake.

Silent Hill: Homecoming is the first Silent Hill game on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

From the murky fog to the ominous shadows, all-new current-gen graphics bring Silent Hill to life like never before.

Survive the denizens of Silent Hill with an all-new, enhanced combat system that gives you a wide array of attacks and counters.

Solve the treacherous and deadly puzzles of Silent Hill to discover its darkest secrets.

Silent Hill: Homecoming will feature an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka.