Game of the week: Silent Hill: Downpour

For most horror fans Silent Hill occupies a particularly black part of their heart. It’s a series that relies on fog-shrouded streets, deformed monsters and compelling storylines to deliver intelligent terror.

Unfortunately it has never quite recaptured the disorientating pay off of 2001’s Silent Hill 2.

Downpour is the eighth instalment in the franchise and introduces Murphy Pendleton, an escaped prisoner trapped in the perpetually misty, cursed town. The biggest difference is that combat has been brought to the fore, which makes for a less scary experience.

However the puzzles are perfectly balanced, Murphy is a great character and the story is as intriguing as ever, so it’s a solid spooky title.

PS3/Xbox 360, Konami, £44.99