"Silent Hill: Homecoming" may not have lived up to expectations, but if you're a fan of horror, than you'll probably still enjoy it. The game's biggest problem is the lack of a major creep factor. While "Homecoming" is heavily drenched in mystery, and is extremely atmospheric, it doesn't quite hold up to the squirm-inducing nature of the previous games. The bizarre creatures and nightmarish locations usually associated with the series have been replaced with more conventional horror designs. However, veteran series composer Akira Yamaoka returned for the project and once again created a haunting (and quite beautiful) musical score that evokes the feelings of isolation and dark discovery. The game itself is in the tradition of the first two “Silent Hill” games minus the constant fog and clunky fight mechanics.

In “Homecoming”, the player takes control of Alex Shephard, a recently discharged Army soldier who has returned to his hometown of Shephard's Glen. Haunted by nightmares of his little brother Joshua, Alex discovers that things have certainly changed and not for the better. Not only is Josh missing, but so is Alex's father and many of the town's residents. Most have just vanished and Alex's mom has become a catatonic. After meeting up with a childhood friend, Alex begins to investigate the strange occurances. Shortly after, he encounters other people as well as otherworldy creatures who seem to want to destroy him.

This latest game follows the adventure formula of the series. You'll find health packs, weapons, notes and puzzles you must solve to advance. You'll also get into the occassional fight with various grotesque creatures. However, combat is now handled much differently. You'll have to "duck and weave" before you counter attack your enemies with combos. You can also use firearms if you don't want to master close quarters combat. Also, players now have the ability to choose from different dialogues when communicating with characters at specific points in the story. Sometimes they'll determine the outcome of the game. Once again, there are five different endings including a UFO conclusion. 

Graphically, the game is obviously better than the last-gen incarnations, but certainly not the best. The color palette is bland and the visuals don't push the PS3's capabilities. It would've been great had it had the kind of graphics displayed on Monolith's "Condemned 2: Bloodshot". That game was a visual masterpiece. The voice acting is solid, though. And I love the direct homages to the "Silent Hill" movie, "Saw" and "Hostel".

"Silent Hill: Homecoming" isn't a great game, in fact it maybe just okay to the die hard fan of the series. But you enjoyed "Manhunt 2" or "The Suffering: Ties That Bind", than you'll enjoy this installment of the series.