Downpour gets everything right when it comes to a Silent Hill game, especially concerning immersion/setting. Most other Silent Hill titles are a linear experience, offering a highly condensed, meticulously woven story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Though this installment arguably captures the true essence of the franchise, the controls and overall story make it a bit difficult to trudge through at first.
However, this is where the similarities end, as you assume the role of Murphy Pendleton, a prisoner of Ryall State, just as he discovers the unbecoming town of Silent Hill. Though it still follows most of the traditional control scheme of old Silent Hill games, it now allows the player to move the camera freely, making a transition similar to that of the Resident Evil series. Silent Hill: Downpour is no different in this regard as an interesting installment in the series. The atmosphere, ambiance, soundtrack, and gameplay are all presented in a way that gives the player some power while also making them feel incredibly powerless. The Silent Hill series has a history of being intimidating to play.