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)

[Herr Shaun]

I recently watched Vinesauce Vinny play the game, and it was extremely evident how rushed the presentation was in the audio department and a lot of the gameplay. As good as some of the visuals are, they are dwarfed by a lot of very obvious issues that a remake could fix.

[Jonipoon]

>I mean Frank didn't even have a picture of his kid in his apartment, dagum dude.

That could be explained with them having an estranged relationship. But, yes, if a remake is done it would be a good opportunity to include some family photos in his apartment, including a photo of James and Mary as a neat Easter egg.

[Agent of God]

Someone posted a poll a few days ago about which Team Silent game should be remade next.
I chose Silent Hill 4 and said so in the comments which surprised the poster.
I agree with Chris 100%. Fix a few things and The Room becomes a great game.
I remember when I first played it I was disappointed with the inventory and controls. It just felt less than SH3 somehow. But it grew on me over the years.
Sometimes it's a chore to play through but I love the story so much. It has some of the coolest concepts in the series like the panopticon prison. The gameplay in room 302 is so damn cozy (until the hauntings appear) I spent countless hours there just inspecting things.
Would love to see a faithful to the story remake or a remaster that fixes its shortcomings.

[Chris Sunderland]

>I mean Frank didn't even have a picture of his kid in his apartment, dagum dude.

That could be explained with them having an estranged relationship. But, yes, if a remake is done it would be a good opportunity to include some family photos in his apartment, including a photo of James and Mary as a neat Easter egg.

I mean there are many reasons you CAN explain it, but aside from a flavor text or two there isn't much reason for Frank to be James's dad as a character aside from a reference. I guess I'd just like a little more.

Someone posted a poll a few days ago about which Team Silent game should be remade next.
I chose Silent Hill 4 and said so in the comments which surprised the poster.
I agree with Chris 100%. Fix a few things and The Room becomes a great game.
I remember when I first played it I was disappointed with the inventory and controls. It just felt less than SH3 somehow. But it grew on me over the years.
Sometimes it's a chore to play through but I love the story so much. It has some of the coolest concepts in the series like the panopticon prison. The gameplay in room 302 is so damn cozy (until the hauntings appear) I spent countless hours there just inspecting things.
Would love to see a faithful to the story remake or a remaster that fixes its shortcomings.

Room 302 could be even more interactive and interesting in a remake. There is a lot you can do. Really I'd just want the world's to be more interesting, maybe a completely reworked second half and the characters to be more fleshed out, Henry especially. Combat and level design improvements are a given as much as graphics. SH4 has a lot to work with, it has always came across to me as wanting to be better than it is. I imagine Team Silent had a lot of time and budget constraints.