I honestly didn't think Chapter 4 would be so short. Then again, I think the game intended me to run around through the manor and collect more stuff and fight more ghosts freely before the final confrontation.
Anyway, review.
I quite enjoyed my experience from this game. While the scare factor is most definitely not nearly as heavy as I was hoping it would be, it absolutely did nail the atmosphere. The whole place is just oozing with this creepy, run down, EXCESSIVELY haunted tone and design that's endlessly fascinating to look at and explore. Even if some of the texturing feels a bit more low-res than the average PS2 game.
The gameplay itself, barring certain ghosts, is actually quite fun and well realized. Using the camera is just powerful enough to make you feel like encounters can be plowed through, but limited enough that small mistakes can cost you big time. Exploring the area is quite well done, and while you feel a bit slow, the compact nature of the manor doesn't allow it to feel like an issue (as in, you're never left grumbling at the TV "hurry up!").
The story is actually quite interesting, as the real plot is more about uncovering the truth about the failed ritual, while the surface is all about searching for your missing sibling. You learn some pretty somber and horrific things that have happened there, and a lot of the time wonder how it all went wrong up until you get to chapter 4 and get your clear answer.
The English voice acting is... passable to laughably bad, but I feel it sort of gives the game a certain charm only these sorts of games can give. Further, it's clear with the tone of voice in the characters (mostly) convey a sense of trying their best with what they've got. It's no Silent Hill 2, where it's deliberate and makes sense in the tone of the game, that's for sure.
Finally, after roughly 8 hours of gametime, post credits presented me with new game modes and an ingrained NG+. I just might give this game a second playthrough, just to see if I can do better than a D. Seriously, seeing that at the end of the game insulted me, just a bit.
Can't wait to see the sequel, which I've heard to be the best of the series.
Anyway, review.
I quite enjoyed my experience from this game. While the scare factor is most definitely not nearly as heavy as I was hoping it would be, it absolutely did nail the atmosphere. The whole place is just oozing with this creepy, run down, EXCESSIVELY haunted tone and design that's endlessly fascinating to look at and explore. Even if some of the texturing feels a bit more low-res than the average PS2 game.
The gameplay itself, barring certain ghosts, is actually quite fun and well realized. Using the camera is just powerful enough to make you feel like encounters can be plowed through, but limited enough that small mistakes can cost you big time. Exploring the area is quite well done, and while you feel a bit slow, the compact nature of the manor doesn't allow it to feel like an issue (as in, you're never left grumbling at the TV "hurry up!").
The story is actually quite interesting, as the real plot is more about uncovering the truth about the failed ritual, while the surface is all about searching for your missing sibling. You learn some pretty somber and horrific things that have happened there, and a lot of the time wonder how it all went wrong up until you get to chapter 4 and get your clear answer.
The English voice acting is... passable to laughably bad, but I feel it sort of gives the game a certain charm only these sorts of games can give. Further, it's clear with the tone of voice in the characters (mostly) convey a sense of trying their best with what they've got. It's no Silent Hill 2, where it's deliberate and makes sense in the tone of the game, that's for sure.
Finally, after roughly 8 hours of gametime, post credits presented me with new game modes and an ingrained NG+. I just might give this game a second playthrough, just to see if I can do better than a D. Seriously, seeing that at the end of the game insulted me, just a bit.
Can't wait to see the sequel, which I've heard to be the best of the series.