Homecoming deserves the name Silent Hill . However the PC port is horrible that it is best to play in on console
+Good
-Bad
+New combat system : Unlike previous SH games , HM has a more polished combat system . You can do combos , dodge , and finishers(ala Manhunt) . This does not mean you're god-like , the monsters are highly challenging to kill and persistent . With only normal and hard difficulty available , monsters chase you pretty fast and they are tough . Most SH fans says the new system ruins the survival aspect of SH , mostly opt to run . But it's only because previous SH game has a terrible combat system .
+Good level designs : Again , comparing with previous SH games . There are lesser backtracking . For example , if you get a key at level 3 , you don't have to walk long and far back to level 1 . This is simply tedious and frustrating . Levels are more *compact* . However there are the usual long-walking levels to add the horror tension .
+Terriflying atmospheric : HM delivers in giving you a creepy , gritty , and scary atmosphere . Falling ashes , dark hallways , good use of shadows and the *other-world* atmosphere which contains macabre furnishing , to satisfy your sick needs(and mine) .
+Detailed and subtle messages : Just like previous SH games , throughout the game , you will get clues , pictures , crayon drawings that foreshadows something ( an event ? boss ? ending ? ) . There's also the cutscenes , street name , notes you must pay attention to. A lot of attention had been weaved into the game , that only once you discovered it can you really appreciate their hard work ( refer to gamefaqs 2nd walkthrough ) .
-n+Decent story : If you played previous SH , you probably won't enjoy much HM story . If you haven't , then you're in for a treat (to say the most..) . It's not very excellent ( SH2 has the best story) , yet the game must be praised for their relevant touches . The bosses are very relevant to the story (refer the pictures) . There not nonsense as fan-pleasing which I heard about HM . Our lovely pyramid head returns three times in HM but his presence has a very RELEVANT message when you connect the plot twist with PH job , punishing sinners .
+Simple item menu:Now choosing and using items are easier than ever . There's even indicator to show when you need to use an item .
-n+Simple puzzles:Some of the puzzles are relevant to the story , and aren't that difficult . Some may see this is dumbing down .
+High replay value with different costumes available and weapons . HM has a fun gameplay element , making replays enjoyable .
-Crippled,static,broken audio during cutscenes/30% of game
-80% of audio coming from right speaker(can be repaired , audio properties>5.1 surround sound>max only left and right audio only)
----No patch(probably never) to rectify the audio problem
-Unchangeable use of widescreen(there's black borders on your computer screen , not a 100% full screen)
Despite the broken audio(I youtubed the cut scenes), I find myself playing non-stop because this game delivers . Amongst SH games , I give SH2 best for story and Sh5 best for gameplay .
Get this game for your console .