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{{GameInfobox |image = Silent_Hill_Homecoming_PS3_North_American_box_art.png |developer = Double Helix Games |publisher = Konami Digital Entertainment |designer = |engine = |na_rel = {{Release|2008|September|30|NA|PlayStation 3, Xbox 360}}<br>{{Release|2008|November|6|NA|Microsoft Windows}} |eu_rel = {{Release|2009|February|27|EU|PlayStation 3, Xbox 360}}<br>{{Release|2009|February|27|EU|Microsoft Windows}} |au_rel = {{Release|2009|March|12|AU|Xbox 360}}<br>{{Release|2009|March|19|AU|PlayStation 3}}<br>{{Release|2009|March|26|AU|Microsoft Windows}} |kr_rel = {{Release|2008|October|10|KR|PlayStation 3}} |genre = Survival horror |features = Single-player |ratings = ESRB-M,BBFC-18,PEGI-18+,USK-18+ |platforms = PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows |media = [[Optical disc]], [[Download]] |input = }} '''Silent Hill: Homecoming''' is a survival horror game developed by [[Double Helix Games]] and published by [[Konami Digital Entertainment]] for [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], and [[Microsoft Windows]]. The game was released in North America in 2008 and in Europe and Australia in 2009. It was never released to Japanese audiences due to cancellation. == Plot == The game's plot revolves around Alex Shepard, a military soldier returning to his hometown of Shepard's Glen. When he arrives, he finds that the town is not what it used to be. In addition, his father, his brother, and numerous other residents of the town are missing. So Alex must explore the town and locate his brother, Josh. ==Gameplay== The player assumes the role of the protagonist, Alex Shepherd, a Special Forces soldier who returns home from an overseas tour of duty to find that his father and younger brother are missing,<ref name="review_teamxbox">{{cite web|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming Review (Xbox 360)|publisher=TeamXbox|url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1584/Silent-Hill-Homecoming/p1/=|date=|accessdate=2008-10-01|first=Brent|last=Soboleski}}</ref> and that his mother has gone into catatonia.<ref name="review_xplay">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1845/Silent_Hill_Homecoming.html|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming|accessdate=2008-10-09|first=Jason|last=D'Aprile|publisher=X-Play}}</ref> Alex begins to search for his brother, leading him to Silent Hill after searching his hometown of Shepherd's Glen.<ref name="review_xplay" /> Overall gameplay is similar to past entries in the series. The player, as Alex, explores the various environments and locales, searching for clues to advance the plot, such as photographs, drawings and other items which are placed inside Alex's journal, which the player may read at any time.<ref name="review_1up">{{cite web| title=1Up Reviews Silent Hill Homecoming| publisher=1Up | url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170245&p=4&sec=REVIEWS=| date=| accessdate=2008-10-01 |first=Anthony|last=Gallegos}}</ref> To assist the player, Alex will turn his head towards items and clues to inform the player that the object may be picked up;<ref name="review_teamxbox" /> other recurring items include weapons and ammunition, which give off a glow as a visual cue to the player, and health drinks.<ref name="review_teamxbox" /> Puzzle elements also play a part in the game, and Alex's journal may be used to refer back to photographs and other items that can help the player decipher such puzzles as keypad entries.<ref name="review_1up" /> For the first time in the series, the player may select responses when engaging in dialogue with other characters he encounters in the game, which in turn may affect how the player sees the plot unfold.<ref name="review_teamxbox" /> In addition to exploration, combat is another major element to the gameplay, and the player must fight the various monsters that appear. In contrast to the more naïve protagonists of previous games, combat in ''Homecoming'' takes into account Alex's experience as a soldier.<ref name="review_teamxbox" /> The player is able to perform light and heavy attacks, or mix them to perform combinations,<ref name="review_cc">{{cite web|url=http://cheatcc.com/xbox360/rev/silenthillhomecomingreview.html|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming Review|accessdate=2008-10-09|publisher=Cheat Code Central|first=Matthew|last=Walker}}</ref> and may also perform a variety of finishing moves to ensure that the monsters are dead.<ref name="review_cc" /> Attacking enemies also leaves wounds in them that match the motion carried out by Alex in inflicting the attack.<ref name="handson" /> In terms of controlling Alex, the player may also perform new maneuvers such as targeting the enemy before attacking them, dodging enemy attacks, and performing counter-attacks.<ref name="review_xplay" /> As well as melee weapons, pistols, rifles and shotguns are available as firearms, which can be upgraded to stronger versions later in the game.<ref name="review_1up" /> In addition to the changes in combat, and unlike previous entries in the series, the player is also able to fully control and rotate the camera as they choose;<ref name="review_teamxbox" /> one analog stick controls player movement, and the other controls the camera. <!--==Plot== At the start of the game, the player controls Alex through a nightmare concerning his younger brother, Josh, before Alex wakes up in the cab of a truck driven by [[Travis Grady]], the protagonist from ''[[Silent Hill: Origins]]'', who gives him a ride to his hometown of Shepherd's Glen.<ref name="review_teamxbox" /><ref name="plot_travis">'''Travis''': Bad dream? '''Alex''': Yeah. ''They arrive in Shepherd's Glen.'' '''Travis''': Hometown? '''Alex''': You could say that. '''Travis''': Well, good luck soldier. '''Alex''': Thanks. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> The town, named for a distant ancestor who helped found it,<ref name="plot_townname">'''Alex''': This is my great, great, great, great, great grandfather, Isaac Shepherd. He was one of the founders, and they named the town after him. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> is covered in fog and deserted, with several roads having fallen into disrepair or simply collapsed into nothingness. At home, he finds his mother in a near catatonic state, murmuring about his father leaving to find Josh;<ref name="review_teamxbox" /><ref name="plot_alexmom1">'''Alex's mother''': Alex. What are you doing here? '''Alex''': I just got discharged. I've been in the hospital for a bit, but I'm all right now. '''Alex's mother''': You've been gone too long. '''Alex''': Yeah. Where is everybody? Where's Josh? '''Alex's Mother''': I don't know. Your father went to look for him. But now he's gone. Everyone's gone. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> promising to find Josh, Alex leaves.<ref name="plot_alexmom2">'''Alex's mother''': I miss your brother, Alex. '''Alex''': Look, I'll find him. I had this dream... I just have a feeling he's in trouble. Don't worry about it, I'll find Joshua. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> He soon discovers that many more people have gone missing in Shepherd's Glen since he left when he finds childhood friend Elle Holloway pinning "missing" signs to a board outside the police department.<ref name="plot_alexelle">''Elle falls off a chair she is using to reach the noticeboard.'' '''Elle''': Dammit! '''Alex''': You always were a klutz. You okay? '''Elle''': Alex? Oh my God, Alex! '''Alex''': Hey Elle. Your mom told me I might find you out here. '''Elle''': Oh my God, it's so good to see you. Feels like it's been forever. [...] '''Alex''' Jesus. What the hell's going on here? '''Elle''': I don't know. Every day there are more flyers to put up, every day more people disappear. { As Alex explores the town, he witnesses the separate deaths of the delusional Mayor Bartlett and Dr. Fitch by horrific monsters in hellish Otherworld versions of the same locales, both of whom have a child who is apparently missing.</ref><ref name="plot_bartlett">'''Alex''': Mayor Bartlett? Mayor Bartlett, I need to talk to you. [...] What about your son? Don't you wanna protect him? '''Mayor Bartlett''': My boy? I didn't do much right with him, but I did buy him some nice things... remember, Joey? Remember that nice present I got you? '''Alex''': I'm looking for my brother Joshua, and I know he used to be friends with your son. Have you seen either of them? '''Mayor Bartlett''': Joey? Er, Joey doesn't want to play with you. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref><ref name="plot_fitch1">'''Alex''': Doctor, do you need help? You're bleeding bad. '''Dr. Fitch''': Don't you TOUCH me! I bleed out the sin, but it grows back. So I must let it out every day. '''Alex''': I can stop the bleeding. '''Dr. Fitch''': I don't want your help! These wounds cannot heal. '''Alex''': Why did you come to this place? '''Dr. Fitch''': I come here to remind myself. It's the only place I go where she listens to me. '''Alex''': Who listens to you? Scarlet? Is she here? '''Dr. Fitch''': She's here with me, now. My baby... my beautiful child. Daddy forgot to bring you a present today. She loves dollies. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref><ref name="plot_wheeler1" /> Back in Shepherd's Glen, Alex allies himself with Deputy Wheeler in the police department.<ref name="plot_wheeler1">'''Alex''': Deputy Wheeler? '''Wheeler''': Well, well. Back in the land of the living. [...] '''Alex''': Last I saw him he was passed out drunk on the ground. [...] I'm just trying to find my brother, okay? I thought the mayor might know something. His son is missing too. [...] '''Wheeler''': So you've seen the creatures too...? {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Alex eventually learns that his father was involved in the secrets of the town and had left to attempt to resolve the town's problems,<ref name="plot_dadgone">'''Adam's letter''': I have failed, and they know it. They blame me. They should. I swore to protect this town, but I can't. The streets decay before our eyes. The curse we always feared has come upon us. Worse yet, The Order has returned, kidnapping and killing with impunity [...] But they've taken our people. The only thing left is to face the source of this evil, to fight it, and pray that some hope can be restored. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> but before he is able to get answers from his mother at home, he is knocked unconscious when The Order—the cult which worships Silent Hill's god, and has been taking people from the town<ref name="plot_dadgone" />—kidnaps his mother.<ref name="plot_kidnap">'''Alex's mother''': You don't know anything about Silent Hill! '''Alex''': I know dad went there. He went to go fight something. Did he go to get Joshua? Is that where Josh is? God damn it, tell me! '''Alex's mother''': Oh Alex, I'm sorry. '''Alex''': Stop pretending you care about me! Start telling me what's going on! Joshua is the only one you ever cared about, and I can help him, if you tell me what's going on! ''The Order members arrive in protective clothing, kidnap his mother, and knock Alex to the floor in the struggle.'' '''Order member''': Forget the Shepherd kid, let's move. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Alex, Elle and Wheeler chase after the soldiers across Toluca Lake, but are intercepted by the Order before they can reach Silent Hill.<ref name="plot_boat">'''Wheeler''': Alex. There's a light up ahead. I think we might be at the pier. '''Alex''': What should we do? '''Wheeler''': Turn off our light. I don't want anyone to know we're coming. '''Elle''': Aaah! '''Alex''': Elle! ''Two Order members are holding onto Elle at the back of the boat''. '''Elle''': Get your hands off me! ''More Order members grab Wheeler''. '''Alex''': Wheeler! ''Another boat crashes into theirs, sending Alex into the water''. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Elle and Wheeler are taken to Silent Hill's [[Prison|penitentiary]], where Alex attempts to rescue them.<ref>'''Wheeler''': Alex, are you there? '''Alex''': Wheeler, is that you? '''Wheeler''': Talk quietly, Alex. Thank God you're okay. Listen, they've taken us to the prison. It's horrible. They took Elle, and they're about to... ''The radio cuts out''. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> He finds his mother, Lillian, strapped to a stretching rack by the Order; here, the player must make a decision regarding whether to kill her out of mercy or not, which will affect the outcome of the game.<ref>'''Alex''': (whispers) Mom. Jesus, what did they do? '''Alex's mother''': Alex? Is that you? [...] Your father and I, we loved you so much. But they said we could only choose one. [...] Ahhh! It hurts so much. Please stop. Make it stop. '''Alex''': Mom, I... I can't... I... '''Alex's mother''': Please, Alex. please... ''Alex gets his gun out.'' '''Choice 1''': Ok, I'll do it. '''Choice 2''': I'm sorry, I can't. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> After rescuing Judge Holloway from a death similar to those he has already witnessed, and separating from Wheeler once more,<ref>'''Alex''': Judge Holloway... '''Holloway''': Alex!!! '''Wheeler''': Quick, you get her loose before they start pumping the gas, I'll shut off the valves. [...] ''Wheeler is swallowed by a monstrous wall opening''. '''Alex''': Run! Get out! Get out of here! I'll save Wheeler! ''Holloway leaves with a wry smile on her face''. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Alex finds the Order's church, where he listens to a man in the confessional who mistakes him for a priest; whilst his identity is not explicitly revealed, it is heavily implied from his description of his life, and Alex's strong reaction to it, that it is indeed his father, and here the player may choose to forgive him, again affecting the outcome of the game.<ref>'''Alex's father''': Forgive me, father, for I have sinned. It has been four years since my last confession. [...] '''Alex''': What could you have done that was so terrible? '''Alex's father''': I took my role as a father and I turned it into a daily chore. I fed him, I cleaned him, I put him to bed. I treated my dog with more respect. And when I was given a second son, the first might as well have been a stranger sleeping in our house. '''Choice 1''': Sounds like you can change. '''Choice 2''': You don't sound sorry. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Alex soon meets his father face-to-face, and he reveals that Alex was never a soldier, and has been in a mental hospital since "the accident" occurred. He begs forgiveness before he is skewered and cut in half by the monster [[Pyramid Head]].<ref>'''Adam''': I never meant to hurt you, son. I had to make a choice, and now I'm paying for it. We all are. After all I've done, you still wear my old dog tags... that must mean something. '''Alex''': What are you talking about? These are mine... I'm a soldier just like you wanted. '''Adam''': Alex... you've been in the hospital... '''Alex''': I know. I was wounded in battle. '''Adam''': No... a mental hospital. You've been there ever since the accident. [...] Alex, forgive me. '''Alex''': No!!!! ''Adam is skewered and cut in two by the Pyramid Head, who then leaves''. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Continuing on to the Order's underground facility, Alex is captured by Elle's mother, Judge Holloway, who reveals that everything that has happened is due to a broken pact. One hundred fifty years ago, the four founding families broke away from Silent Hill's Order to move to Shepherd's Glen.<ref name="plot_pact">'''Holloway''': The founders, they had good intentions. They left the Order to start a new life in Shepherd's Glen. But they feared the wrath of our God, so they made a pact to keep us safe. All that was required was a small sacrifice... our children. Once every 50 years the founding families must make an offering to appease the god. One of our children, our own flesh and blood, struck down by our own hands. I did what was required. I watched the light fade from Nora's eyes as I took her life... Knowing that her death would protect our family, protect Shepherd's Glen. '''Alex''': My god... Josh... '''Holloway''': No Alex, one of us failed—lacked the strength to fulfill his duty. Your father. '''Alex''': Where's Joshua?! '''Holloway''': Don't you see? Because of him, our sacrifices were in vain! The pact with our God was broken, and your father's lack of conviction cursed us all. Our only hope was to revive the Order which our founders abandoned... The true faith. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> They were allowed to do so on the condition that once every 50 years they would sacrifice one of their children in a preordained fashion.<ref name="plot_pact" /> On this occasion, while Joey Bartlett, Scarlett Fitch and Nora Holloway were successfully sacrificed by their parents, the Shepherd sacrifice failed, and as a result, the Order had been reformed to try to appease their God.<ref name="plot_pact" /> Judge Holloway tries to kill Alex, who gains the upper hand and lodges a power drill through her skull.<ref name="plot_drill">''Judge Holloway reaches for the electric drill''. '''Alex''': Don't... look, I can help you with all this. There must be another way. '''Holloway''': No, Alex. It's time I finished what your father couldn't. ''He screams as she rams the drill through his leg''. '''Alex''': Ahhh!!!!! ''Alex breaks through the restraints, and a struggle ensues; gaining the upper hand, he pushes the drill through her chin and into her head''. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Alex rescues Elle from the facility and, after finding Wheeler gravely injured and allowing the player to choose whether to save him—once more affecting the game's ending—continues on alone to find Josh.<ref>'''Alex''': Wheeler... '''Wheeler''': Ahhh! '''Choice 1''': Give him a medkit. '''Choice 2''': No, he's too far gone. '''Alex''': You need to get him out of here. '''Elle''': What about you? '''Alex''': I can't. Not without Joshua. '''Elle''': Be carefuul. I can't lose you too. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> He eventually finds the sacrificial chamber with each family's sacrifices inscribed; his name is listed, confirming Alex as the intended sacrifice for the Shepherd family.<ref>'''Alex''': It's the Shepherd sacrificial altar. There are four names written on the plaque. Daniel Shepherd / Thomas Shepherd / Rebecca Shepherd / Alex Shepherd {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Realizing he was the intended sacrifice, Alex experiences a flashback showing Josh's true fate. When Alex was younger, he had taken Josh rowing out on the lake, where Josh showed Alex the Shepherd Family Ring, which his father had chosen to give to him instead of Alex. In a jealous rage, Alex struggled with Josh to try and take the ring, and as they struggled Josh slipped, breaking his neck on the side of the boat and falling into the lake.<ref>''Alex rows the boat in the lake, Josh has the flashlight''. '''Josh''': What are we doing here, Alex? Dad'll freak if he finds out. [...] '''Alex''': It's okay. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. '''Josh''': Why are we here Alex? What's going on? '''Alex''': What's the matter... you scared? [...] Dad thinks you're a little baby who can't do anything on his own. '''Josh''': Oh yeah? Then why'd he give me this?! '''Alex''' What is that? '''Josh''': Dad's ring, but he told me not to show you, so I guess that makes me cooler. '''Alex''': Let me see it. '''Josh''': No! '''Alex''': What a piece of crap. '''Josh''': No it's not, he told me it's worth more than a million dollars. That's why dad gave it to me. Give it BACK! It's mine! ''They struggle, and Josh slips, breaking his neck and falling overboard''. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> His father retrieved the body, and explained that Alex had "ruined it for all of us", since he had "chosen" Alex, and not Joshua; unable to accept Josh's death, Alex was then sent to the mental hospital, and with Josh instead of Alex sacrificed, the Order's pact was broken.<ref>''Adam holds Josh's lifeless body.'' '''Adam''': This is not the way it's supposed to be. I chose YOU. Now you've ruined it for all of us. '''Alex''': No...no...he's okay...right...? No, I can save him... I can, I can save him. I can save him... he's okay... {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref><ref>''One of four texts for each family in the entrance hall to the altar room describes the Shepherd family's method of sacrifice''. We, the Family Shepherd, in order to ensure our continued protection and prosperity, do enter into this Holy Contract with our God, accept our duties as Master of Arms and willingly consign our child to the water in God's name. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> Fighting a final monster, Alex is faced with Josh's corpse, and is given one final chance to face reality and say goodbye to Josh for the last time, before leaving his brother and the facility.<ref>''Josh's corpse emerges from the monster's mouth''. '''Alex''': Josh.... I'm sorry, Josh. I never meant for this to happen. ''He places the family ring around his neck, and the flashlight on his chest''. Here buddy. Take this... I forgot... Josh.... I'm sorry... ''He turns and slowly exits. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref> There are five endings available, which depend on the player's actions during the game, including whether the player kills Alex's mother, forgives Alex's father, and saves Deputy Wheeler.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://guides.ign.com/guides/777941/page_10.html|title= Items & Weapons - Secret Items|accessdate=2008-10-26 |work= Silent Hill: Homecoming Guide (PS3)|publisher= IGN}}</ref> These range from the single positive ending to the game—the ''Good'' ending, where Alex comes to terms with his past actions and reunites with Elle to leave Shepherd's Glen—to three endings where Alex's fate is negative, including Alex getting drowned by his father, waking up in the hospital, receiving a lobotomy or being turned into a Pyramid Head. In addition, the tradition of a UFO ending also returns, where both Alex and Elle are abducted by a UFO while Wheeler watches on.<ref>''Alex surfaces from the sewer, and there is a noise from behind''. '''Alex''': Elle... ''They are interrupted by a noise, and the camera pans to a UFO above''. '''Alex''': Aww, shit. ''They float upwards together, and an injured Wheeler limps below them''. '''Wheeler''': So THAT'S where they've been taking everybody. I knew it! ''The UFO flies off''. {{cite video game|title=Silent Hill Homecoming|developer=Double Helix|publisher=Konami|date=2008-09-30}}</ref>. In addition to these endings, if the player collects all of Josh's pictures, after the credits finish, a bonus scene is played. It starts off with Alex entering his home. Upon entering, Alex notices pools of water leading up the stair case and to his room. Alex then climbs the stairs and enters his room. Alex then sees Josh sitting on the bottom bunk of the bed. When Alex aproaches Josh, Josh looks up and says "smile" and then takes a picture of Alex with his camera.--> ==Development== Chief designer of ''Silent Hill Homecoming'', Masashi Tsuboyama, announced the game's development in a 2004 interview with [[Eurogamer]],<ref name="interview_eurog">{{cite web|url=http://eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=56340|title=Silent Hill 5 coming to next gen|date=2004-08-17|accessdate=2004-08-18|first=Tom|last=Bramwell|publisher=Eurogamer}}</ref> in which he also debunked previous internet rumors that it was to be called ''Shadows of the Past''.<ref name="interview_eurog" /> No information was initially imparted about the platform the game would appear on, other than it would be appearing on the next generation of consoles, which had yet to be released.<ref name="interview_eurog" /> Around two years later, an interview with composer Akira Yamaoka revealed more information; he hinted that they had hoped to carry on "plans of the earlier Silent Hill platforms", and that the team were creating a title with the idea of "fear in daylight", with similar psychological roots to ''[[Silent Hill 2]]''.<ref name="famitsu_kotaku">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/konami/akira-yamaoka-talks-silent-hill-5-223716.php|title=Akira Yamaoka Talks Silent Hill 5|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|date=2006-12-21|accessdate=2008-10-08|publisher=Kotaku}}</ref> The suggestion that the story and gameplay would be more like that of the second entry in the series in the way the player is directed, and in the character's behavior, was reaffirmed in a later interview, along with the idea of creating the game for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms.<ref name="cvg_details">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=162394|title=Silent Hill 5 details emerge|date=2007-04-20|accessdate=2008-10-08|first=Gavin|last=Ogden|publisher=CVG}}</ref> However, most of the ideas previously hinted at were not found in subsequent information releases. At E3 2007, a new teaser trailer was displayed by Konami that revealed the title of the game to be ''Silent Hill V'', and that the game would be released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.<ref name="kotaku_details">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/e307/silent-hill-v-first-screens-developer-named-277532.php|title=Silent Hill V First Screens, Developer Named|publisher=Kotaku|accessdate=2008-10-08|date=2007-07-11|first=Michael|last=McWhertor}}</ref> Further to this trailer, Konami executives also revealed that the developer would not in fact be Team Silent as in previous iterations, but that, like ''Silent Hill: Origins'', it would be developed by a Western developer, [[The Collective, Inc.|The Collective]].<ref name="kotaku_details" /> The Collective had merged with [[Backbone Entertainment]] in 2005 to form [[Foundation 9 Entertainment]], and Foundation 9 then merged The Collective with Shiny Entertainment to create Double Helix Games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doublehelixgames.com/studio.html|title=doublehelixgames.com|quote=Double Helix Games was formed in 2007 from the combination of veteran game developers Shiny Entertainment and The Collective.|accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref> The team had been working on the production of ''Harker'', another survival horror title, but this was placed on indefinite hiatus during ''Homecoming'''s production.<ref name="gs_harker">{{cite web|title=Foundation 9 buries Harker|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6189687.html|accessdate=2008-10-08|date=2008-04-22|first=Tom|last=Magrino|publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> Double Helix drew inspiration not only from past installments in the game series, but also from the first ''Silent Hill'' [[Silent Hill (film)|movie adaptation]]; this is most evident in the transition from the normal world to the Otherworld, whose "ripping" effect almost matches that found in the movie.<ref name="handson" /> Other similarities from the same source includes the reaction of nurses to light, the bug-like creatures seen in the movie, and the [[Pyramid Head]] rendition, known as the "Bogeyman" in this game.<ref name="handson">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/874/874245p2.html|title=Silent Hill Homecoming Hands-on|first=Jeff|last=Haynes|accessdate=2008-10-09|date=2008-05-15|publisher=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= Jim|last= Sterling|title= New Silent Hill: Rubbish Pyramid Head confirmed (also, November release)|url= http://www.destructoid.com/new-silent-hill-rubbish-pyramid-head-confirmed-also-november-release--100409.phtml|work= Does it Suck?|publisher= Destructoid.com|date= 2008-08-20|accessdate=2008-10-27 }}</ref> Homages to previous games in the series include a reference to the long-running joke of the lead character placing their hand in a toilet bowl to retrieve items.<ref name="handson" /> The script, in-game journal entries, and instruction manual were written by Patrick J. Doody and Chris Valenziano, based on the story and the summary of events provided by lead designer Jason Allen, lead artist Brain Horton, and lead level designer Daniel Jacobs.<ref name="story">{{cite web |url=http://www.silenthillmemories.net/creators/interviews/2008.02.08_doody_racoon_times_en.htm |author=Danny Smith |title=Interview with Patrick J. Doody |date=8 February 2008 |accessdate=17 August 2010 |quote=My writing partner, Chris Valenziano and I were hired as the game's writers. Now, that term "writer" has a different meaning in electronic gaming than it does in television or film. On a game, the entire design team has a large hand in doing much of the writing. Even before we knew that there was a Silent Hill 5 happening, The Collective had broken story and compiled a summary of the game's events - all of which were written by the lead designer, the lead artist and the lead level designer. [...] On top of working on the story, we had to write all the cinematics, environmental signage, hundreds of dialogue slugs, journal entries and the game manual.}}</ref> Despite the change in development team, Akira Yamaoka returned from past installments in the series to create both music and sound effects for the game.<ref name="osv_interview">{{cite interview |last=Yamaoka |first=Akira |subjectlink=Akira Yamaoka |interviewer=Jayson Napolitano |title=A New Kind of Fear: Silent Hill Homecoming Interview with Akira Yamaoka |callsign = Original Sound Version (OSV) |date=2008-09-26 |accessdate=2008-10-09 |url=http://www.originalsoundversion.com/?p=562}}</ref> Yamaoka wrote 70 minutes of music for the game, and insisted on working with Mary Elizabeth McGlynn to provide vocals, as fan reaction to her voice on previous Silent Hill titles has been favorable.<ref name="osv_interview" /> The game had difficulties in passing censors in some countries before it could go on sale. The Australian classification board, the [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|Office of Film and Literature Classification]] (OFLC), refused to classify the game, due to "impact violence and excessive blood effects".<ref name="oz_censors">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/914/914566p1.html|title=Silent Hill Aussie Ban Update|first=Narayan|last=Pattison|date=2008-09-29|accessdate=2008-10-08|publisher=IGN}}</ref> The objectionable scenes included various body parts being drilled into, as well as the bisection of a character by an enemy.<ref name="oz_censors" /> This had the effect of banning the game for sale in the country, and representatives for publisher Atari mentioned that they would be asking Konami to tone down the violence to allow the game to receive the needed MA15+ rating for its sale to be permitted in early 2009.<ref name="oz_censors" /> The German version of the game was also postponed to 2009 in order for cuts to be made to pass the German censors.<ref name="germany_censors">{{cite web|url=http://silenthill5.net/2008/09/22/silent-hill-homecoming-delayed-until-q2-2009-for-germany.html|title= Silent Hill: Homecoming delayed until Q2 2009 for Germany|author=Furin|date=2008-09-22|accessdate=2008-10-08|publisher=silenthill5.net}}</ref> ''Homecoming'' was released in North America on September 30, 2008 for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.<ref name="ps3_us">{{cite web | url = http://us.gamespot.com/ps3/adventure/silenthill5/index.html?tag=result;title;0 | title = Silent Hill: Homecoming for PlayStation 3 | accessdate = 2008-11-25 | publisher = GameSpot}}</ref><ref name="360_us">{{cite web | url = http://us.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/silenthill5/index.html?tag=result;title;0 | title = Silent Hill: Homecoming for Xbox 360 | accessdate = 2008-11-25 | publisher = GameSpot}}</ref> The PC version, which in North America, Central America and South America is only available via the [[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]] content delivery network, was intended to launch on the same date as the console versions, but was delayed,<ref name="steam" /> finally becoming available on Steam on November 6, 2008.<ref name="steam_productrelease">{{cite press release|title=Silent Hill Homecoming Now Available on Steam|url=http://store.steampowered.com/news/1986|date=2008-11-06|accessdate=2008-11-24|publisher=Steam}}</ref> A European release on all platforms was intended for the same month, but the title was delayed in the region to February, 2009.<ref name="konami-euro-delay">{{cite web | url = http://www.videogamer.com/news/23-10-2008-9745.html | title =Konami confirms Euro delays | date = 2008-10-23 | accessdate = 2008-10-31 | first = James | last = Orry | publisher = Videogamer.com}}</ref> In contrast to the American regions, a PC retail release on DVD was made available in Europe.<ref name="pc-retail-europe">{{cite press release|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming PC Only Arriving via Steam in North America|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54361|date=2008-08-22|accessdate=2008-11-24|publisher=Shacknews}}</ref> ==Reception== {{VG Reviews | 1UP = B<ref name="review_1up" /> | GameRev = B<ref name="review_gamerev" /> | XPlay = 4/5<ref name="review_xplay" /> | OXM = 6.5/10 | TX = 8.4/10<ref name="review_teamxbox" /> | GamePro = 3/5<ref name="review_gamepro" /> | GI = 6.5/10<ref name="review_gi" /> | IGN = 6.7/10<ref name="review_ign" /> | GSpy = 3.5/5<ref name="review_gspy" /> | MC = 71/100 (PS3)<ref name="agg_metaps3" /><br />70/100 (Xbox 360)<ref name="agg_meta360" /> | GR = 71.82% (Xbox 360)<ref name="agg_gr360" /><br />71.28% (PS3)<ref name="agg_grps3" />}} ''Homecoming'' received at Metacritic 71 out of 100 for the PS3 version,<ref name="agg_metaps3">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/silenthill5|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming (ps3: 2008): Reviews|publisher=Metacritic|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> and 70 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 version.<ref name="agg_meta360">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/silenthill5|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming (xbox360: 2008): Reviews|publisher=Metacritic|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> Aggregate site Game Rankings gave a 71.82% aggregate score for the Xbox 360 version,<ref name="agg_gr360">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/942060-silent-hill-homecoming/index.html|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming - X360|publisher=GameRankings|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> and a 71.28% for the PS3 version.<ref name="agg_grps3">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/942059-silent-hill-homecoming/index.html|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming - PS3|publisher=GameRankings|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> As the second external developer working on a Silent Hill entry, and the first for a home console iteration, Double Helix were under scrutiny from reviewers and Silent Hill fans to see how a Western developer would handle the franchise;<ref name="review_gamerev">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps3/silent_hill_5|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming - PS3 Review|date=2008-10-03|accessdate=2008-10-09|publisher=GameRevolution|first=Chris|last=Hudak}}</ref> many reviewers found the change in developer to be a positive move overall,<ref name="review_teamxbox" /><ref name="review_xplay" /> while some, acknowledging faults in the final product, expressed interest in seeing further Silent Hill games from the same developer.<ref name="review_1up" /> In contrast, Zero Punctuation commented that the game was as an example of Japanese franchises being downgraded by Westernization, particularly in the different approaches taken to induce fear in the player.<ref name="review_yahtzee">{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/284-Silent-Hill-Homecoming|title=The Escapist : Zero Punctuation: Silent Hill Homecoming|last=Croshaw|first=Ben|date=2008-10-22|accessdate=2008-11-17}}</ref> Evidence of this can be seen in the monster design. In ''Homecoming'' the enemies tend toward a motif of weaponry and invoke a more reactive sort of fear. Whereas in previous installments, enemy monsters were alien yet still very obviously human and familiar in nature, which created an instinctual kind of fear. A feeling that made them more disturbing or "slightly off" rather than just outright scary or surprising. Positive reviews were given to the graphics and the environments in the game, described as "fantastic", with Shepherd's Glen in particular being "rendered brilliantly",<ref name="review_gspy">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/silent-hill-5-working-title-rumor/916309p1.html?RSSwhen2008-10-03_165700&RSSid=916309|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming (PS3)|publisher=GameSpy|accessdate=2008-10-09|date=2008-10-03|first=Gabe|last=Graziani}}</ref> and "the upgraded visuals bestow a filmic quality to everything and the world's eerie transformations look better than ever".<ref name="review_gamepro">{{cite web|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming (360)|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/207292/silent-hill-homecoming-360/|first=Cameron|last=Lewis|date=2008-09-30|accessdate=2008-10-09|publisher=GamePro}}</ref> Some surprise was expressed at the darkness of the game, with the flashlight seemingly having less effect than in previous games, and making some markers, such as doors, hard to spot.<ref name="review_gi">{{cite web|url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/05D21ADD-8DCC-482C-BB88-3F2C1BD1F73D.htm|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming|first=Ben|last=Reeves|accessdate=2008-10-09|publisher=Game Informer}}</ref><ref name="review_ign">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/915/915002p1.html|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming Review|first=Jeff|last=Haynes|accessdate=2008-10-09|date=2008-09-30|publisher=IGN}}</ref> Also adding to the atmosphere is the audio, with music written by series regular Akira Yamaoka. Yamaoka's music and ambient audio was received well, being "atmospheric, moody and beautifully presented";<ref name="review_ign" /> combined with "an amazing score",<ref name="review_cc" /> the audio goes "a long way toward establishing the expected Silent Hill mood",<ref name="review_gamerev" /> though some concern was expressed that the music was "somewhat misplaced" with the game and did not fit in so well.<ref name="review_ign" /> Voice acting, which has traditionally been seen as one of the series' weaker points,<ref name="review_cc" /><ref name="review_gamerev" /> was reviewed as better than the series' usual attempts, but occasionally "flat" when more emotion was needed.<ref name="review_teamxbox" /><ref name="review_ign" /> The game's plot received a largely mixed reception. While some reviewers graded it positively, describing it as "intriguing and disturbing",<ref name="review_teamxbox" /> it was also noted that it "isn't particularly original, and there are no great surprises", even though it "still makes for a very involving journey into the macabre".<ref name="review_xplay" /> Several reviewers likened the story to a subplot of the main Silent Hill mythos<ref name="review_gamerev" /><ref name="review_ign" /> which, while able to "stand on its own", "barely mentions certain characters which fairly dominate the backstory of previous SH games".<ref name="review_gamerev" /> Further to the mixed reception of the plot, some critics expressed disappointment at the predictability of the main twist in the story regarding Alex's predicament,<ref name="review_ign" /> whilst others found it "genuinely shocking".<ref name="review_gspy" /> Croshaw's Zero Punctuation review was generally negative, stating that while the level design, story and combat were all competent the game had little to do with what he liked about the ''Silent Hill'' series and would have been better served as a completely different franchise.<ref name="review_yahtzee" /> ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== *[http://online.konamimobile.com/KDEOnline/SilentHill_Widget/index.html Official website] {{en icon}} *[http://konami.jp/gs/game/sh5/ Official website] {{Silenthill}}
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