Silver Pines Is the Silent Hill Metroidvania Mash-Up I Never Knew I Needed

This opinion piece is from IGN writer Tristan Ogilvie, who examines the survival horror metroidvania, Silver Pines. The game successfully blends elements of Silent Hill and Resident Evil into a 2.5D setting, creating a small town that expands as the player uncovers new tools and paths. Ogilvie, a fan of both genres, finds that the combination works brilliantly, delivering a fresh and engaging experience.

The game's survival horror mechanics are expertly adapted, featuring tense boss fights, intricate puzzles, and a wide array of enemies. The exploration tools are grounded in the town's setting, with everyday items like a box cutter and sledgehammer serving multiple purposes. The game's inventory management and combat are intentionally clumsy, adding to the overall atmosphere and tension.

Despite its limited perspective and 2.5D perspective, Silver Pines does not compromise on gameplay depth. Boss fights, elaborate puzzles, and a diverse range of enemies are all present, providing a satisfying challenge. The game's exploration tools, such as the box cutter, sledgehammer, and pistol, allow players to interact with the environment in meaningful ways, uncovering new areas and solving puzzles.

Silver Pines also pays attention to detail, requiring players to manually input numbers on payphone keypads to save their game, and even allowing them to rummage for spare change. The game's atmosphere is immersive, with ominous ambience and in-game serials that add to the overall experience. Despite being the debut release for Wych Elm Games, a team of just five people, the game demonstrates impressive development and polish.

While the story is ongoing, Ogilvie is optimistic about Silver Pines becoming one of his favorite games of 2026. With its well-conceived gameplay, engaging atmosphere, and innovative mechanics, it has the potential to be a standout title in the survival horror metroidvania genre.