Survival Horror and Metroidvanias do not sound like the ideal genre. Silver Pines proves us wrong. Survival Horror focuses on building tension and horror while being low on supplies. While Metroidvanias, on the other hand, incentivize roaming around, exploring secrets, and growing stronger. This game blends them perfectly. The result is a game that displays the tension of survival horror with the satisfaction and exploration of a Metroidvania. It is a debut game from developer Wych Elm. The game was published by Team17.
A Town That Has Seen Better Days
The players take the role of Red Walker. You are a private investigator tasked with finding a musician named Eddie Velvet. Eddie Velvet was last seen in Silver Pines, a town that is now evacuated due to storm warnings. But, you will quickly realize that there is something seriously wrong with the town, and the storm is not the only threat. Streets are empty, buildings are broken and abandoned, and there is always the feeling of being watched. The design of the game is a perfect nightmare that you can not control. It is a genius survival horror design, implemented in 2D.
The art of the game looks stunning and is the first thing you notice about the game. The world is hand-drawn and full of shadows. The enemies are designed using a rotoscope style that allows them to move in an unnatural and eerie way. As you explore the streets of Silver Pine, there is rain constantly splashing down on your screen. There are ominous sounds in the background whose intensity increases when enemies are nearby. The music is moody and restrained. Additionally, the voice work of the characters is also very well done. Everything works together really well to create an environment fit for the survival horror genre.
Scarcity Is the Real Monster
There are 4 difficulty settings in Silver Pines. Relaxed, Tensed, Survival Horror (Recommended setting of the game), and Nightmare. The game takes the Survival Horror aspect very seriously despite taking clear inspirations from Metroidvania. Resources are scarce. Healing items are scarce, ammo is even scarcer, and your melee weapons have a durability mechanic. Furthermore, your inventory space is also limited, so you have to be very careful and thoughtful about how you spend your resources. The tension remains throughout the game and drives the experience. Silver Pines takes survival horror seriously. The stamina of Red Walker is also limited, so its management plays a pivotal role in combat.
The save system of the game is quite different. The only way players can save their progress is by interacting with a payphone. Also, you are required to spend a coin in order for the payphone to be activated. Coins are also a scarce currency, so you have to be mindful about where to spend them. This mechanic can be annoying and frustrating. There were some moments where I forgot to save and later on died. I then found out that I had just lost the last 20 minutes of exploration and progress. However, as the game progressed, the mechanic did grow on me, and I found I liked it more and more.
Exploration and Combat
For a Survival Horror, Silver Pines gives its exploration a really satisfying shape. There are tons of secrets and locked doors that are only opened by tools that are available as you progress. The game incentivizes backtracking and exploring previously inaccessible areas. The scarcity of the resources makes it almost necessary to explore and gather everything as you can. The exploration of Metroidvania combined with the puzzles the game throws your way makes it a satisfying gameplay loop. Also, the puzzles are plenty and well designed. You have to gather clues, consult your notes, and find missing items that will allow you to progress through these puzzles.
Fighting in Silver Pines is a bit stiff. This might be intentional to keep the feeling of horror and weakness in the face of supernatural enemies. There is no denying that the combat of the game is a bit clunky. However, there is an awkward feel to how Walker swings melee weapons and fires ranged weapons. It fits the theme that you are just a detective facing threats that you can not run and gun. It keeps encounters and fighting tense, but it also makes the gameplay a bit frustrating at times. The game could have benefitted from a bit more snappy combat and polish.
Final Verdict
Silver Pines is a sharp, moody debut. It mixes survival horror and Metroidvania design with real confidence. The hand-drawn art is gorgeous. All in all, the atmosphere is thick and unsettling. The mystery pulls you forward, and the world rewards curiosity. Combat feels stiff and lacks satisfaction. The game commits to old-school design. If you love atmospheric horror and don’t mind a slow burn, Silver Pines is a must-play this Halloween season.
