20 Recent Video Games EVERYONE Knew Would Suck

Though the recent Silent Hill 2 remake proved that Konami actually does care about the legendary survival horror franchise, prior to this the beloved IP had been on the skids for about 15 years.

And so when the publisher shadow-dropped a new first-person entry into the series, Silent Hill: The Short Message, it was tough to expect much from it whatosever.

Beyond being released on PS5 in January 2024 - the very same day it was officially announced - it was also a free-to-play title. 

And arriving mere months after Konami's also-free interactive web series Silent Hill: Ascension stunk up the joint, that delivery method instantly set alarm bells ringing.

Plus, given that unflattering screenshots of The Short Message had leaked more than 18 months before release, and the game had been rated in South Korea all the way back in September 2022, it all seemed to suggest that the game likely had a troubled development and was being put out there as quietly as possible.

It wasn't a shock, then, when The Short Message was criticised for its awkward, frustrating gameplay, heavy-handed story, and short play-time. 

At least in the wake of the Silent Hill 2 remake, however, it was quickly forgotten by all but the most die-hard of fans.