this game is... really interesting. there's so so much i love about it but also so much bad. but the bad feels almost... intentional? as in, the game is boring and tedious; but it almost feels like its supposed to be that way. it feels like its supposed to be frustrating to play. the controls are another thing - tank controls are absolutely amazing for the silent hill series and there's no option for them in this game. and despite this game coming out after silent hill 3, it doesnt look nearly as good from a graphical and animation standpoint. i want to finish this so bad but the entire second half becomes an escort mission through all the areas previously visited and... i just couldnt take it anymore. i may come back and finish this at some point and even bump up my rating if i feel it deserves it, but for now - i cant bring myself to play any more.

this game is just straight up not fun to play, and i usually am an advocate for games where people really hate the combat (like Scorn). every single encounter is essentially the exact same, the usage of slow motion every two seconds is grating, and sometimes the checkpoints are frustrating.

the story is... okay. it really really wants you to think it's well written. havent played through the dlc chapters yet but i probably will.

i feel like Control was an improvement in every single way over this game, which makes me still excited for Alan Wake 2.