Some of the biggest criticisms over the years that have been levied at the sequels post-Team Silent's departure, is the potent switch from 'eastern horror' to a more western approach. If you're unfamiliar with the distinction, think 2004's The Grudge with Sarah Michelle Gellar. Now although this was a remake of the Japanese original, one of the reasons it succeeded so well in providing something different for western audiences was due to it staying true to the Japanese horror techniques of indulging in psychological thrills. If you've sat through more than a handful of western horrors in your life you'll know the way things are handled these days: Nearly every jump-scare is telegraphed a mile off, and if you're not being assaulted by long volume boosts and characters being introduced by spiking sound levels chances are you're having bucket-loads of blood and guts thrown your way to try and prompt a reaction. Naturally we've all become a bit too comfortable with this sort of not-so-thrilling-ride - hence why Paranormal Activity succeeded so well in doing something different in 2007. So it stands to reason that with Silent Hills' major rival Resident Evil in the horror genre going down the Gears of War action route, we'd all benefit hugely from a return to the series' roots and a firm grasp on what made everything so appealing in the first place. Hideo Kojima is a fan first and a helmsman second, so providing his own ideas for what resonated with his younger self fall in line with our own, it's quite easily going to be the best Silent Hill game in 10 years. What do you think the powerhouse team of Kojima and Del Toro can bring to the franchise? Let us know in the comments!
