The Collective has refrained from “Americanizing” the “Silent Hill” franchise. They’ve taken something Japanese creators have traditionally done best (atmosphere), melded with something else America’s usually excelled at (refined combat).

“Homecoming” opens with an opening very much influenced by “Hostel.” Your character is shuttled through a grimy hospital, while unknown individuals are torn apart, their screams echoing as you’re shuttled to what seems to be your doom. It’s far less subtle than the openers of previous “Silent Hills”. It’s very Western-minded.

But back to the nurse, my favorite part. The animation on “her” was phenomenally disturbing. It certainly felt like The Collective took notes while watching Christophe Gans’ “Silent Hill” movie from a few years back. Her movements are almost note-for-note the same. You want nothing more than to stab her so she’ll stop moving.

Even if “Homecoming”’s combat was stiff and random as in previous “Silent Hill” games, it’s not the focus. The environments and the creepy crawlers within them are the showpieces. “Homecoming” nails that. I didn’t explore more than the initial hospital area, but I’m hoping the rest holds up.
“Silent Hill” hasn’t been on the top of its game for a few installments now. Maybe a fresh perspective is just what the series needed. It’s got me hooked again.