Worst case scenario (Vatra, this is what we don't want)

[Arthemesic]

^And what has it been shown to be, exactly? We've gotten about a minute or two of actual footage, and bits and pieces of information that lack context or detail. If you're able to judge a game based on such limited information, you are a wizard.

I had my doubts about the Silent Hill movie as well as Silent Hill: Homecoming.
They kinda made me a wizard, as you'd put it

Don't get me wrong, I've seen some impressive material about Downpour
but the overall picture is losing grip. Just my opinion.

[Doctor Eggnog]

I'm sure it's not going to be anything as amazing as Persona social links.

I think they mean more like in Homecoming when you can explore that area in Silent Hill to get the second Rifle. You don't have to do it, but if you do you get a weapon. Which would be fine. I honestly can't see something like that take away from the game.

[Bishop Sasarai]

Obviously it won't be as amazing as Social Links. Doesn't mean it has to be as trite as "explore new location, which will be large yet contain just one new weapon and some ammo". Put some actual effort into it instead of trying to show off your 3D modeller's mad skillz.

[Doctor Eggnog]

^ I dunno, I'll probably end up thinking of the side quests the same way I think of the combat in Silent Hill games. The less it gets in the way, the better.