The Best Silent Hill Games, Ranked in Order

The Silent Hill series has a special place in my heart, and I am extremely excited to see it make a return. While there is nothing more I would want than to see the ‘Silent Hills’ project from Hideo Kojima, I decided to compile a list of the best Silent Hill games while we wait for the remake.

Surprisingly, there are 8 Silent Hill games, but (unfortunately) not all of them are good. However, the ones that are good, are really good. Just goes to show you what the series can achieve when it’s at its best. With that said, let’s dive right in and get started.

8

Silent Hill: Downpour

Release Date: 13 March, 2012
Platforms: PlayStation 3, ‎Xbox 360

For anyone that is familiar with the series, it won’t come as a surprise to see Silent Hill: Downpour at the bottom of the list. Developer Vatra Games tried their best to recapture the magic that made the original Silent Hill games so iconic. However, their attempt failed despite the game trying too hard to be what the original ones were.

Even the main character – Murphy Pendleton – looks a lot like James Sunderland. Not to call the game bad since it was the developer’s first (and only) attempt at a Silent Hills game (which is an almost impossible task, might I add).

However, the overall lack of attention to gameplay caused players to avoid the game. What makes it worse is that the combat was downright clunky and borderline unplayable.

At the time of writing, Downpour is the latest entry in the Silent Hill series but luckily there are multiple projects announced and I cannot wait to get my hands on them. Silent Hill is back!

7

Silent Hill: Homecoming

Release Date: Sep 30, 2008
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation 3 / Xbox 360

Developer Double Helix was given the impossible task of replicating the magic that Team Silent created so many years ago with the original four Silent Hill games. I want to say that it was an admirable effort but the clear difference in direction was on full display.

Where Team Silent focused on psychological horror with combat taking the backseat, Double Helix gave combat the main priority with an almost military-esque style.

While this fits the lore since the main character – Alex Shepard – is an ex-soldier, the game felt completely different and nothing like Silent Hill. The game featured some good monster design but it was all pointless since the main gameplay felt like an action game. The game itself is quite decent but when it comes to Silent Hill games, it is near the bottom of the list.

6

Silent Hill: Origins

Release Date: Nov 06, 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 2 / PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Silent Hill: Origins is quite underrated in my opinion. The game connected two main titles together as it served as a prequel to the original Silent Hill made by Team Silent. This was certainly a bold move but one that paid off. The main reason why this game is often overlooked is because Origins was released on the PSP a year before PlayStation 2.

The overall gameplay is somewhat clunky but the narrative is the main focus of this game. Like Silent Hill 1, you will have a great time if you are a fan of the series. However, I wouldn’t recommend playing this game as your first Silent Hill despite it being the first one chronologically in the timeline.

5

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Release Date: Dec 08, 2009
Platforms: Wii / PlayStation 2 / PlayStation Portable (PSP)

The developers of Silent Hill: Origins – Climax Studios – were given another chance at making a Silent Hill game, and they delivered Silent Hill – Shattered Memories. Players were surprised to see that they were once again in the shoes of Harry Mason – the protagonist of the first game.

As the name suggests, the universe is disconnected and you get to interact with multiple Silent Hill characters from the past. It even features my favorite Silent Hill character – Heather (or Cheryl). What makes this game the best Silent Hill game not developed by Team Silent is the approach that it takes.

Thankfully, the combat-focused approach takes a backseat as the psychological horror is once again back and in full swing. Depending on your choices, the world around you actively changes which is a great approach in a Silent Hill game. Despite showing its age at times, I highly suggest playing Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.

4

Silent Hill 4: The Room

Release Date: Jun 17, 2004
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation 2 / Xbox

Team Silent’s last game in the Silent Hill series, Silent Hill 4: The Room is an underrated game that offers a lot more than it might seem initially. Compared to the first three games, part 4 didn’t manage to capture the interest of players but the game is still phenomenal.

The developers took a new approach to things as they introduced both first and third-person perspectives depending on where you are in the game.

While the direction is quite different from what most players were used to in previous installments, the overall horror elements have been drastically improved upon. Since the previous games already have some of the best psychological horror, improving over that only gives you a good game.

Oh, and I cannot talk about Silent Hill 4 without mentioning its OST. If you have the time, listen to ‘Your Rain’.

The only major complaint with this instalment is the combat which doesn’t deliver to its potential. Plus, you might be bummed out to know that you will mostly be exploring the areas from Silent Hill 1 which – depending on if you like nostalgia or not – will either be a hit or a miss.

3

Silent Hill

Release Date: Jan 31, 1999
Platforms: PlayStation 1

This is where it all started, Silent Hill 1. While it isn’t my favorite game on this list, I cannot deny how much impact it had on the entire genre. Despite being limited due to the hardware of PlayStation 1, Silent Hill delivers an experience that you will remember.

It makes the best use of the PlayStation 1 by pushing it to its limit. Alongside that, the narrative is quite interesting as well.

While it isn’t on the same level as Silent Hill 2 when it comes to psychological horror, you cannot deny that it sets up all the events in the series. If you play it today, you’ll notice that the game hasn’t aged particularly well. However, the story is still enjoyable and you must play it if you want to know the entire lore of the series.

2

Silent Hill 3

Release Date: May 23, 2003
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation 2

Silent Hill 3 is one of my favorite games of all time. Out of everything in the game, Heather Mason is a fantastic protagonist who is iconic and keeps the game interesting. Her nonchalant attitude along with her quirky dialogue are some of the best writing I’ve seen in a Silent Hill game. I consider her to be in my top 5 protagonists in all of gaming.

In terms of gameplay, Silent Hill 3 features some of the best scares and gameplay aspects that I’ve seen. If you are familiar with the game, you’ll know how psychologically damaging the mirror scene was in the bathroom. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, you have to experience the game yourself to truly understand.

While some players consider the narrative to be questionable, it is looked at in a favorable light. Instead of delving into the psychological aspects of the human mind, you play as a rebellious teenager.

Sure, this doesn’t sound good on paper but Team Silent managed to make it work, and I cannot thank them enough for it.

1

Silent Hill 2

Release Date: Sep 24, 2001
Platforms: PlayStation 2

Did it come as a surprise that one of the most influential psychological horror games is ranked at the number one spot? Fans of the Silent Hill series will know the impact Silent Hill 2 has on the survival horror genre.

To make things even more interesting, the remake of Silent Hill 2 is in the works and I cannot wait to get my hands on it. A Silent Hill game in 2023 (or 2024)? Count me in!

Assume the role of James Sunderland who is looking for his wife (who is apparently dead). You enter the town that you see in your restless dreams – Silent Hill. The game has multiple iconic enemies such as the nurse and the infamous Pyramid Head.

If that wasn’t enough, get ready to experience one of the best plot twists in all of gaming history. Despite being limited by the PlayStation 2, Team Silent created an amazing town filled with fog to add to the atmosphere.

Conclusion

And there you have it; those are the best Silent Hill games ranked in order according to me. The first three games from Team Silent are absolutely must-play but you can also play Silent Hill 4 to have a good time. However, after that, the series took a notable hit in both the narrative and overall gameplay departments. That’s not to say all the games are bad after the original four, though.

Which Silent Hill game is your favorite? Do you agree with our list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!