I feel SH4 was just a few things away from being the best of the best

[Chris Sunderland]

I joined here right after SH3s release and just in time to join SH4s hype train. I remember the grainy mag scans we would scour over like strays on knocked over trash cans. Then the the trailers dropped, boom, Silent Hill 4 still has some of the best video game trailers, like ever. I've said it a million times, they are better than the actual game, works of art.

Which brings me to my point, I feel SH4 just misses on a few key areas that keep it from greatness. I won't go too much into it but it's what you'd expect me to say, the samey back half, the slightly less inspired level design, Henry's dull ass, or most of the not Walter characters. I mean Frank didn't even have a picture of his kid in his apartment, dagum dude. It all feels like it's a step away from greatness, the perfect example of great concepts not being fully delivered upon. Still a fantastic game, but I always wondered why they didn't just leave it in the oven for a little while longer(I had no idea the hell of video game dev cycles).

I think with all the possibilities in the future with remakes and what not, Silent Hill 4 has the most potential to really elevate itself. Not just make a old great game play better for modern times, but to actually see the dream of those old trailers fully realized would be like coming full circle. I'm just kinda fascinated by SH4 and even how I feel about it. It's a game I swear I like more than SH3, but if those two discs were the only games I could play, I know I'd be chillin with Douglas and Valtiel. It's like I still love the SH4 that's in my head, the game I want it to be. Just some thoughts and ramblings on this for its late 20th Anniversary.

Happy late 20th Silent Hill 4!

[Vixx]

Agree 100%. SH4 is the darkest and most disturbing of all, and one of the greatest conceits of all time.

[leftshoe18]

SH4 would benefit so much from a remake. There is so much good in there but also some design choices that don't gel for me.

[Chris Sunderland]

I think at times it's problem is it's trying to be too different at times. Like Henry's shit off personality created as a way to make him an avatar, which didn't work. It abandoning the darkness of previous games for a more bright game at least in general. I don't mean that metaphorically obviously . I also feel like all its great ideas and the levels themselves just aren't complete, even the apartment. I always want the game to go further but it never does. Those second visits were the most disappointing. Yet there is something so fascinating about SH4 and it's take on SH mythos that I can't help but love it. Lol yeah I'm ready for a remake.

[Droo]

Lol yeah I'm ready for a remake.

Walter Is He(re)