When it comes to horror games, there are few things better than a good old-fashioned survival horror experience. Especially when you throw in a healthy dose of mystery and a setting that feels like a David Lynch film. Developer Wych Elm Games makes its debut with Silver Pines, a game with plenty of nods to Silent Hill, Resident Evil and Twin Peaks.
Silver Pines sees you take control of Red Walker, a private investigator who finds himself in the rather unsettling town of Silver Pines while looking for a missing musician named Eddie Velvet.
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What should be a fairly straightforward missing-person case quickly turns into something much darker. The town is filled with strange people, disturbing creatures and secrets that are best left buried.
Silver Slivers
Without giving too much away, if you think Twin Peaks crossed with Silent Hill, with a dash of classic Resident Evil thrown into the mix, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what awaits you here.
Now, what makes Silver Pines stand out from the horror crowd is how it combines survival horror with Metroidvania-style exploration. Rather than running around in a fully 3D world, the game uses a 2D perspective as you explore the town, uncover clues, solve puzzles and try to avoid becoming monster food.
Silver Stash
You’ll need to keep a close eye on your supplies, as ammunition and healing items are very limited. This means you can’t just go charging into every encounter with your guns blazing.
Inventory management plays a big part here, so deciding what to carry and what to leave behind can make all the difference between surviving and having a rather unfortunate evening.
Silver Pines rewards those willing to take their time and poke around every corner. You’ll discover new routes, unlock new areas and slowly piece together the mystery surrounding the town.
There’s a real sense of satisfaction when you finally work out where to go next, although some of the puzzles can be a little cryptic and the backtracking can become a bit of a grind.
Combat is perhaps the weakest part of the game. While the weapons do the job, the action can feel clunky, especially when you’re dealing with multiple enemies. Given how important combat is at times, it’s a bit of a shame that it doesn’t quite hit the same heights as the story, atmosphere and exploration.
Silver Screen
Visually, Silver Pines is a real treat, with a dark, hand-drawn style giving the game a distinctive look. The animations also help bring its rather unsettling locals to life. Combined with an excellent soundtrack and sound design, the developers have created a town that feels genuinely eerie, even when nothing is happening.
Silver Pines is a cracking debut from Wych Elm Games, delivering an almost perfect blend of survival horror, detective work and Metroidvania-style exploration.
OK, the combat could do with a little more polish and the backtracking can wear thin, but there’s plenty here to keep horror fans hooked. If you’re after something that feels like a lost episode of Twin Peaks with a healthy dose of Silent Hill, this is well worth investigating.
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