The Real Horrors of Silent Hill 3

[@eurothug4000]

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[@agylao6894]

No one seems to point this detail out and it's so sad because it's such a good, eerie detail but in the hospital, every time you pass through a door and walk a certain distance and hear a slam of some sort out of no where, that's because Stanley is actually stalking you closing the door behind him throughout the 1st part of the level. That's why he knows what she's doing and what she looks like through his journal entries.

[@MoriyaMug]

Eeeewwwww.... never picked up on that. Gross.

[@isabelbelem9062]

Oh my god, I share the same fear of stalkers as Cheryl does, but even my paranoic self didn't pick up on this detail

[@JaketheJedi23]

🤯 damn dude I didn’t think of it like that! Sheeeeit bro xD

[@gRinchY-op5vr]

Tbf all 4 original Silent Hill games have random noises in different areas that are there purely to unsettle you without any real meaning behind them, I assumed the slamming door noises in the distance were one of them. Never occurred to me it was Stanley

[@RickySteels]

I think that's just a coincidence you're reading into too much. All of the games have some sort of door closing effect randomly.

[@magnusolsen691]

I love how no matter how many dozens of Silent Hill video essays I've watched over the years, they all still have spoiler warnings for these two decade old games. Really shows you how the storyline was built to last and how much people respect that.

[@prettyaverage97]

Konami should REALLY properly port all these to newer platforms because much more people should experience the amazing world of Silent Hill. The themes in these games, specially the ones made by Team Silent, are some of the best ever talked about in video games

[@grim_2000]

@@prettyaverage97 If SH2 remake sells well, they'll probably follow with SH3 remake

[@NoKidsNoProblem]

I really hope so. I love Silent Hill 3.

[@familiarnamemissing3382]

Yeah, If Silent Hill 1 can still be up for $6 on the ps3 store, then there shouldn’t be anything stopping them from making these games available on something like steam.

[@theninjamaster67]

@@grim_2000 I would definitely hope the next one isn't 3 considering how heavily it leans on Silent Hill 1 with its story being tied directly to it. Personally, I'm hoping that they had the common sense to also remake Born from a Wish then go right into remaking Silent Hill 1 THEN remake Silent Hill 3 or just remaster it since it holds up pretty well and maybe even do an HD collection that isn't just a lazy cash grab.

[@pedro-e-o-lobo]

I think that mainly because I'm a man, and have lived my hole life in a house full of men, I didn't notice SO MANY of these metaphors and nuances about pregnancy, menstruation, fear of walking alone in the dark, etc. And still it was an incredible and unforgettable horror experience! I think this shows just how genius this game is. Thank you for this great analysis!

[@clubbasher32]

It’s important for you to know.

[@Kagomai15]

​@@Music-vr7szlol because what don't exist? The metaphors?

[@aggersoul23]

I was just a kid, a boy to be precise. Never put one and one together. A lot of stuff just got clearer in my mind. I love that game since forever. Heather and Jill are my all time faves. Not of women not of characters... but just the best of the best. Too close to heart.

[@ThexXxXxOLOxXxXx]

Yeah the second game appeals to men deepest, darkest thoughts, while the third game can only be completely appreciated by women.

[@plugshirt1762]

@@ThexXxXxOLOxXxXxeh I’m a man but like 3 significantly more and feel like it’s a better game as a whole

[@TobyRossi]

I loved this video and the fact that people still talk about this 17 year old game. The game is just as old as Heather, time sure does fly.

[@Todo-1996]

I think the games will be talked about for years to come. The original 4 games were very well made. A lot of attention to subtle details.

[@JesusChrist-rf9wn]

@@Todo-1996 yeah, it seems like a great work of literature kids will be taught 100s of years in the future. Those so many different elequintly details, layers, and symbolism. All these silent hill videos remind me of English classes I've had. Its comparable to anylizing great works that where required in school like "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest", "The great Gatsby", etc... Those actually arent as good or deep as silent hill 2 and 3 though in my opinion. On a side note.

[@rm2kking]

Dude sometimes things just make you feel old. The old timers were right when they told us, they just don’t make them like they used to.

[@amuroray9115]

@@rm2kking that’s how it is when everybody grows up.

[@IncompleteChimera]

An aspect of Silent Hill 3's storytelling that stands out to me above all other silent hill games, and even above all horror games, is how each character plays off each other so uniquely. For example, Claudia is an absolutely perfect answer to Heather's character. They both experienced the exact same trauma, with Claudia and Alessa suffering an excruciating childhood full of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of the order, but their methods of coping are extremely different. Heather has obviously become a closed-off, defensive, jaded, and isolated person, with very high walls up with everyone she meets. She is also very self-serving and independent, choosing to fight her internal battles quietly and alone. Her coping strategies revolve around avoiding and ignoring the sources of trauma that still torment her, leading to a degree of personal emotional neglect that she overcomes throughout the course of the game, with manifesting and finally facing her past trauma as Alessa in a very literal sense. Claudia, however, has become fully embroiled in her trauma, and has let it shape every part of her life, personality, and worldview, as well as fueling her actions. She is fixated on the idea of the rebirth of paradise, a place with no suffering or pain, to alleviate both herself and every human on earth of the pain she has experienced throughout her life. Vincent is even seen tormenting her with this weakness of hers, trying to provoke her by reminding her of her trauma, and you can see her falling back on her idea of paradise in her rebuttal to it. Unlike Heather, however, she never has a make or break moment of being forced to grapple with her dependency on her coping mechanism, and fully allows it to consume her, also in a very literal sense. Sorry for the essay, I've just never seen anyone go into detail about the character dynamics in this game and wanted to share. I think it's all very worth thinking about. This game means a lot to me, and I'm so happy to have found another feminine perspective on it. You did great work on this video.

[@ScarilyOlivia]

Wow, that was beautifully written. I've always loved Claudia as an antagonist and your breakdown made me realize why. ❤

[@IncompleteChimera]

@@ScarilyOlivia Thank you so much, you're so sweet!! Getting pinged for this comment also reminded me of something I realized only after I posted this. If you haven't already and ever find the time, I seriously recommend listening to the SH3 OST in longform (i'm pretty sure it's on Spotify, and there are a few uploads and playlists of it here on KZbin as well) because it has a beautiful instance of Heather and Claudia's dynamic baked into it. Oh, and because the music's just really good in general, of course. The Heather-oriented vocal tracks (I Want Love, You're Not Here) are sung/voiced alongside many direct quotes from Claudia in the game as track-enders by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn , who's voice and cadence somehow represents both characters so incredibly well. It feels like such a deliberate artistic choice to show their beautiful and haunting duality in that way. The OST really makes it feel like this is a game about Claudia just as much as it's a game about Heather.

[@gb-schreiber8514]

"Suffering is a fact of life. Either you learn how to live with that or you go under." Dialogues between these characters are one of my most favorite moments in the whole series. And it is a real tragedy when these two girls who were like sisters become so distant by the circumstances. "What you call faith is nothing but a child crying out for love. That's why you're all alone." Thank you for this "essay" and no need to apologize. It's good you did put their dynamics into words. Many people don't do that because it is hard to explain (I think - it is for me)

[@curtis701]

Silent 3 is a game that has helped me understand the fears and troubles that many women have in their lives a bit better in a way that only a video game can by having me play as a vulnerble teenage girl. Even as a man those creepy notes from Stanley made my skin crawl. Made me think about how this kinda stuff actually happens in real life and how 1000 times more uncomfortable and scared an actual victim of stalking would feel than I did.

[@zerotwo6814]

I 100% agree with what you said. Beyond just that, though, the game played on some of my own personal fears too. Ruins and decrepit building are a good example of one of my fears that the game used. That combination of things is one of the big reasons why Silent Hill 3 is my personal favorite horror game of all time.

[@Gaburierairuze]

SH3 is such an amazing game, but it's also a game that I couldn't finish. I've only felt that body-stiffening, heart-sinking feeling in irl situations in which I've feared for my life, so for a game to replicate that, it was a little too much for me.

[@jerrodshack7610]

I missed the first Stanley note so I never even knew he existed 😔

[@BobExcalibur]

Each of the first four Silent Hill games approached the fear differently from its choice of protagonist. In 1 you have the paternal fear of failing to protect the child who depends on you. In 2 the focus is on the melancholy of a lost relationship and regrets for the mistakes you have made. In 4 you are the bystander, a witness to terrible cruelty and all but impotent to stop it as if it were a fleeting dream. All are about being powerless in one form or another, but finding a way through it as best you can.

[@AlbertBalbastreMorte]

I wonder whether posterior SH games do that. Or perhaps failed to and that's why they didn't leave such an imprint.

[@allyt2443]

what about 3 :o

[@Aivottaja]

What's 3 about?

[@Madcomplex]

Go read my main comment

[@LuigiGamesful]

@@Aivottaja You're literally watching a video that explains what 3 is about

[@ewyeth7713]

As a woman who plays horror games all I have to say is I’m so so so happy to see this gaining traction! I’ve only ever seen reviews from men who make passing references to the horror of being a teenage girl because obviously they never felt it I’ve always wanted to see a video exactly like this

[@felineintuition7722]

Thank you for making this. I’ve seen so many people hating on Amnesia: Rebirth for the similar themes of pregnancy, motherhood, and body autonomy. It’s infuriating because so many of the negative reviews I’ve seen aren’t of the legitimate issues with the game, but of them not ‘connecting’ with the main character or the themes. Some of these reviewers have said the same about SH3.

[@mattmedrala1947]

I played it and I think it was much less willing to make the player uncomfortable. It felt way more nervous about honestly presenting a woman's fears compared to this game. Also, SH3 has a pretty strong prochoice theme while in Rebirth the "choice" to not sacrifice oneself for a baby/collective is presented as far more selfish. Just one reason why it left such a bad aftertaste for me.

[@randomguy6679]

Amnesia Rebirth has a lot of problems, but its themes aren’t one of them.

[@kaelmic7476]

Heather mason is a great character. Its a damn shame a lot of people overlook this title just because of silent hill 2.

[@znegjorinorino5735]

Yeah dude Silent Hill 3 and 4 are really under analyzed compared to Silent Hill 2

[@divisionbyzer0474]

SH3 is my favorite

[@dakotamabry1645]

I'm sad that not alot of people have love for the 1st game .. yeah it has its problems but it's a wonderful game.. It deserves a remake ,

[@kabob21]

That's only with this generation of gamers. I remember when this game came out back in the day and fans were every bit as excited for it as SH2. It also got high praise from reviewers. SH3 just got the shaft as people started expressing negative opinions in retrospect years down the line. Didn't help that the voices/dialogue were redone in 2012 HD collection and many fans hated it.

[@DraftyRum]

I kinda have to nowadays because of the prices I was only able to get 2 and down the line ill get 4 but dude 3 is so expensive but the the most interesting for me

[@MarcusFrost88]

Looking at Silent Hill 3 through a female lens was really eye-opening. There's always so many layers of symbolism to unpack in Silent Hill games. Great video!

[@clubbasher32]

It’s horrifyingly applicable to our existence. Haunting in ways I don’t want to describe. I’ve seen more femme creators do video essays on this game as opposed to other creators, or other entries in the SH series. We are able to give the in depth analysis on this- that men simply haven’t had the life experience to provide. I’m impressed that the men that worked on the game itself had that level of tact and intuition.

[@Riddle99-v7q]

​@@clubbasher32Few rare instances of a guy really getting the meaning of this game is RagnarRox. He made a great video on the subject matter about feminine fears and this game a few years ago.

[@indeimaus]

monsters? they look like monsters to you?

[@Gabbycatty]

oh hey you!

[@NouveauRicheKiryu]

oh, Vincent, you rascal, are you up to old tricks again?

[@Aster_Risk]

I never don't get goosebumps from that line delivery.

[@Maverick2736]

The thing that hits the most about that line is the complete lack of any closure after he plants that fucked up doubt in your head. You will never, ever, know for sure if *_"they"_* where actual monsters or not. If he had just said "I'm just joking" with honesty, it would've been fine--but then the fucker *_grins..._* and the subject is never touched on again.

[@jessepusatero5511]

First I see you on my recommendations, then I see you on a Trivium music video, now I see you here. My guy, you are everywhere.

[@studiospecialplace]

I fell in love with with Silent Hill 3 because it included a series of personal nightmares motives - although mainly in the mall segment. When I was a teenager I had recurring nightmares of the late family dog hunting me when I tried to leave home or come home because I wasn't with him when he was put to sleep. The introduction of the split head dogs in the mall was so intense that I nearly blacked out from it. That reminded me of how much that betrayal to my childhood companion still weighed on my mind more than a decade later. Unreliable elevators? Nightmare motive. Strange mall with escalators doing weird things? Nightmare motive. Even though I was a guy in my twenties playing this I found Heather highly relatable. Maybe I should replay it.

[@richnolan2744]

Never forget Harry Mason killed god with a hunting rifle.

[@maharujion6545]

Also Harry : dies to some weird stabby thing

[@iwantasandwich9606]

Nahh. More like Harry threw away all his ammo to fight god hand to hand but god was afraid of him so killed itself.

[@whoareyoutoaccuseme6588]

@@maharujion6545 He got jumped! What was he supposed to do?

[@maharujion6545]

@@whoareyoutoaccuseme6588 Spam health drinks ofc , then immediately dash towards the nearest door after closing the inventory menu

[@aconfusedlacroix3965]

@@maharujion6545 *flashback*

[@Rachel-im6yc]

Oh wow. The corruption of all the traditionally safe places really hit me. There are so many layers of horror in this game.

[@OSW]

It was really cool hearing a female's point of view of this game; how some situations and themes resonate far stronger (eg walking alone at night, violation of body). Great analysis!

[@GamingVel0city]

many points i never picked up as a man, loved this video

[@willissudweeks1050]

@@GamingVel0city You aren’t scared of walking alone at night or getting your butt F’ed? I sure am

[@Aivottaja]

You blew it.

[@ummbandits]

womans's point of view*

[@Aivottaja]

I guess it just wasn't the same when Harry was walking through it and jumped by eldritch abominations. It only started to resonate now. You know, this train of thought was the reason Christopher Gans (who, unsurprisingly, has been Joss Wheadoned) chose what's-her-name as the protagonist in the Silent Hill movie instead of Harry. The director with the busy hands thought that Harry had "fmeale qualities" and wouldn't therefore be plausible as a protagonist.

[@monotolang]

That pulsating pattern reminds me heavily of the amniotic sac and I'm quite sure that's what it's referencing. Body horror is my favourite, and I think part of the fascination for me is my own experience as someone with a uterus and all that entails. We romanticise it pretty heavily but pregnancy and birth are gruelling and dangerous, especially without the help of modern medicine. Also, pretty sure Steve's little collection were trophies from the women he stalked. The sections in the public spaces really remind me of when I used to commute home from the night shift, and all these familiar places were suddenly dark, empty and menacing. It's awful, and a very real and learned fear for girls and women, as you mentioned.

[@RedBardIsCool]

While SH2 is also brilliant, I've always thought of SH3 as my preferred of the Time Silent SH titles (not to mention, one of my favorite horror games overall), and what edges SH3 over 2, for me, is how fantastic Heather is as a protagonist. Great video (as always!) on a great game!

[@eurothug4000]

thank you 🥺❤️

[@nowheredan27]

Crossover episode when

[@bennichol1510]

I think 3 is the horrors of being a teanager where as two is about the horrors of being an adult.

[@SolidRaiden2655]

@@bennichol1510 and 4 is the horrors of being an idiot

[@bennichol1510]

@@SolidRaiden2655 yeah I heard they are all crap after 3.

[@cosmicimmunity]

Loved your take on this. I prefer this over SH2. It was just so relatable especially playing this when I was a kid. I related to Heather in a way that I didn’t relate to James or Harry. This game was almost too realistic in a way. The hanging bodies, mention of suicide. It was like the darkest parts of humanity surfacing plus the fears of being a young woman and other fears coming to life.

[@rainbowandre9580]

YESS

[@desireeknotts3855]

No one ever gives SH3 the psychological recognition it deserves because it's honestly a franchise produced, purchased, and played predominately by men. The psychology of SH2 was so easy for men to figure out and grasp because it was basically a similar premise in the way that everything in the game revolved around James' psychological state and guilt. I felt the same way as you do even growing up playing the game as a younger child and then teenager. It wasn't until I was in my late teens that I really understood it, but it still gave me the same uneasy feeling when playing it as a child. I love this video, it's so well done and really delves into the incredible attention to detail that the creators took when creating this world based on Heather's psychological state and well-being. Stanley was always so ridiculously terrifying to me, and again, it wasn't until my late teens that I figured out why he creeped me out more than even the monsters. Playing as a child, I genuinely was terrified as soon as I started finding those messages, for me the game got much creepier, much eerier, and much harder to play from then on out. I kept waiting for this Stanley character to show up and I was baffled and so relieved when we never once saw his face, interacted with him, and Heather never was harmed by him. Even when I played it again later in my early teens, and then again in my late teens, I always remembered anything having to do with Stanley being terrifying and was still waiting for him to show up, then was once again baffled when he didn't. To me, it was one of the most terrifying parts of the game, and it's often so overlooked because - again, this franchise is predominately a male audience. To them, it was probably just a plot hole, to us, it was one of the most terrifying portions.

[@eurothug4000]

thank you so much!

[@donnybuoy]

SH2 is pure dread and SH3 is pure terror. This game sent me into a panic every time I played it! It’s my favorite of the series! Its imagery, symbolism, characters and story are the most fascinating to me.

[@darthbane2669]

It took me a while to get the guts to even get to the first monster in sh2 I had to turn it off first time lol

[@cesiumverbal102]

Oh my god, I LOVE this video so fucking much. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed the unique, feminine fears of Silent Hill 3. As a female gamer I ALWAYS picked up on them, and it seemed like others never did.

[@eurothug4000]

Thank you!! 😊 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@eurothug4000]

can confirm, I’ve had a lot of commenters I had to block who just straight up spewed misogyny instead of reflecting on their own attitude... says a lot about them!

[@mariotaz]

@@eurothug4000 I'd be interested in actually seeing their opinion lol. But I've been on the internet long to know what Would've been said

[@thejesse4922]

a true famer

[@BiohazardRay]

Now that 2 is getting the Remake treatment hope we will eventually get Remakes of 1 & 3 too

[@TreeRaper]

SH3 was the first one I ever completed. I still say Heather is top tier Survival Horror heroine because of her emotional arc, excellent voice acting, and great character design. I learned a lot from playing that game and I still offer it as a great example of video games as art.

[@naughty_boyyy17]

same iwas born in 2000 and SH3 is my first completed SH, I love it so much

[@Star.lite04]

This is such a refreshing take on sh3! I've always seen this game as having a specific femine horror to it, but all the reviews on it never seem to truly address it. I'll definetly be binging your content for more amazing videos like this! :D

[@eurothug4000]

Thank you so much!! 😊❤️

[@clubbasher32]

Silent Hill Muse has a great video on this. Look for femme creators that have made videos on this game. It’ll speak to our experience.

[@MrThelonicus]

This was a fresh take on analysing the game, which is literally 17 years old - and it STILL frightens people. That's a testament to team silent if anything. You've shed new light on the game for me and I've played it since I had my ps2 - and got scared shitless myself. One experience that stuck with me is after finishing the game and going outside in the sun, I realized how dark this game is as well as gripping. I felt the darkness created in the game, and I have never experienced anything like it - not even with my favourite game sh2. Excellent work!

[@stargazer7304]

The Closers don't get anywhere near enough love in the pantheon of Silent Hill monsters. I love them with every inch of my wretched heart for their looming presence and distorted grace. For anyone who connected with the heavily understated atmospheric narrative of Silent Hill 3, have a look at Lone Survivor. It is still criminally-niche and I will not abide it.

[@eurothug4000]

I’ll have to check that one out! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@Bobthepetferret]

I've always loved SH3 and was always aware of how female-specific much of the horror was on a surface level (like you said, it's pretty hard to miss a lot of the symbolism!), but I appreciate it a lot more to hear a woman's perspective on it like this. I never really picked up on the idea of everyone seeing Heather as something for them to use, for instance, which just makes the whole game just that little bit creepier. Excellent work as always, Maria!

[@Nate_M_PCMR]

If we really wanna go far we can say we're using Heather as well, she's basically just a tool for us to play and finish the game

[@ScarilyOlivia]

After watching that, it now makes sense as to why it's Angela's body the monster is eating in the mall. She succumbed to the horrors. I mean, they could've put anything else there and it still would've been spooky, but they deliberately used Angela's model.

[@enochbranard]

Don't worry, you're not the only one who's had a fear of being on a high floor of a mall (or any other location like that). One place I went to had a see-through bridge on the third floor (iirc), and walking across that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life.

[@nafeesr6377]

I love these kinds of videos, with halloween just around the corner

[@Foxcade]

Not sure who I feel more sad for, Heather Mason in SH3 or Maria as a long time fan of Konami series.

[@eurothug4000]

I am fully cursed with my love for SH and MGS 😔

[@sage9069]

@@eurothug4000 my metal gear solid obsession has irrevocably shifted the path of my life

[@chapi4165]

Lisa 😔😔

[@Diwasho]

Heather looks like a young Maria. I wonder if it's intentional.

[@GuyWithChainsaw]

As a man I never really interpret Sh3 this way. I mean I did love the concept of returning home at night since It's really dangerous where I used to live but never on that level. Thank you, you have given me a new perspective to look at this game and appreciate it more. Great video

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

This might be the Silent Hill fanboy in me talking, but I think this is my favorite video of yours, I honestly loved this video. Weaving your own personal experience, fears and anxieties really resonated with me, you really outdid yourself.

[@eurothug4000]

Thank you so much Dan!! 🥺❤️

[@kamenanew9867]

"Fortunately, harry defeats god, as you do, ..." that was great All great actually, but that was also just great

[@kamenanew9867]

Ok finally finished it. Really good. Thank you.

[@theomyling]

someone who actually relates to my abstract, ominous and melancholic feelings about this game, thank you! this game is so magical

[@christianturner2829]

it’s crazy how this game that’s full of things made of grotesque imagination is full of such real and relatable themes and messages and relevant symbolism

[@distarche]

Until now, I haven't realised that a reason why some people might prefer a Silent Hill game over another is because it appeals to their personal fears. Probably the reason why I like the melancholy of SH2. Apart from that, I really liked this video! It's very interesting to know how an art work can impact someone in a different situation to me. Thanks, I'm subscribed and looking forward to next videos :)

[@anemonesiac]

You know, I didn't really understand and could never put into words why SH4 has always been my favourite of all the four, but your comment made me realise why! As someone who prefers to mind their own business and keep to myself, it makes sense why I'd love a game about getting trapped in somebody else's nightmare

[@ComiskeyProjects]

The idea of loneliness has always been one of my biggest fears espically when being a teenager. Horror at its best takes this very real fear and turns it into something tangible for us to experience this uncomfortable feeling that we'd try to ignore. Keep up the great work your channel has easily been one of the best I've come across in ages

[@eurothug4000]

thank you!!

[@tutterbear98]

So I like Silent Hill and know about the lore, but haven't played any of them because I'm a wuss with only a PS4 to her name. My knowledge about the series is from other people, entirely men now that I think of it, talking about what made the games so good. And those videos are very good! They got me interested in the psychological landscapes that SH can give, which are breeding grounds for character development. But, in all the videos I saw about SH3 I never once heard someone mention Stanley. That's wild because this is a story about people like Stanley pushing people like Heather past the point of discomfort into danger, and his existence in the story is vital for that, even if we never see him. That being said, my all time favorite line in all of horror is "they look like monsters to you?" Which my English Major Brain is now connecting to the type of threats that Heather has to face.

[@bennichol1510]

I watched the super best friends play it and I'm also a PS4 person, but I just watch people play it on KZbin because I cant play it on the PS4 except the HD collection (which I've heard only negative things about and should not touch it with a twelve foot pole)

[@TheWickerman12]

I miss the fear I used to feel playing Silent Hill. No other game has even come close.

[@pimscrypt]

Silent Hill 2 used to be my favorite game in the series, and even my favorite video game ever. But even though I haven’t played Silent Hill 3 for many years, I think I might be starting to like it more. This video only added to that appreciation. Despite being such an old game at this point, this analysis felt very fresh!

[@eurothug4000]

Thank you so much Pim!! ☺️❤️❤️

[@Spookybluelights]

Omg, finally someone with the take I’ve always had. I hear so many dudebros talk about this game as lesser to Silent Hill 2 but like, this game does such a good job with the subtleties of being a teenage girl or teenage girl adjacent (like a boy who comes out as gay in his early teens, which, while different has a lot of commonalities and parallels to how society treats teenage girls if we don’t act a certain way) that I find it’s just as dense and compelling if not moreso.

[@cloudnein8114]

You gay bro?

[@keaixiaomeinv]

Seeing Silent Hill 3 analyzed through a woman's perspective is really refreshing and eye opening. As a man, I had completely missed all of the added layers of fear in this game.

[@lchambers56]

Your analysis shows why the first three Silent Hill games were top notch: attention to detail. As you stated, much of Heather's fears come from within, and it's not only her dealing with the fear of all that's happening around her. Your video also made me think about the first Silent Hill film, which is almost entirely female driven. It's a dynamic not often seen in film, much less, horror. I enjoyed your video. I sometimes feel as though Resident Evil and other horror games are mentioned far more and Silent Hill rarely gets any attention. It's nice to encounter another fan.

[@fikrijuanda6321]

Because people already move on for hopes Konami making a new games

[@hemangchauhan2864]

THIS! This is what we need more. More women analyzing games from the feminine perspective. It's really shocking the meaning of a game totally flips with the female perspective. I wonder what other games were there that work this way.

[@eurothug4000]

I know Haunting Ground has very similar themes! But it’s a lot less visceral of course 😁

[@bennichol1510]

I agree I like how heather looks realistic sepereating her from Jill and Regina (who are cool btw) but with heather I think they wanted her to feel realistic because it makes her vunrable and also since she's a teanage girl the town of silent hill 3 has way more feers to present and torcher her with cause being in your teanage years is horrifying your body and social situations change dramatically before u know what is what. (At least that's my experience because I'm a teanager right now and of the time of writing this I'm 17 same age as heather was) anyway I'm going on a tangent but the thing is with her she like you said has a fear of mirrors which she is then not only trapped in a mirror room but is also greated with thease ugly and obease and corrupted and horrifying versions of her own body and she has unwanted romantic attention and it's such a good game. Great video and hope u do more because u seem like you are getting into it. :-)

[@MitsurugiR]

You don’t need to hear it from a woman to understand it from a feminine perspective.

[@mr.thundercleese2253]

@@MitsurugiR Not everything has to be about you champ. A lot of the things this video mentions are uniquely experienced by women in society. It's okay to sit this one out, I promise.

[@MitsurugiR]

@@mr.thundercleese2253 I think you’re missing the point. You don’t need to represent a certain type of person to empathise or understand that type of person. As a man, I feel deeply sorry for women who miscarry and I understand the tough decisions that women sometimes face. I don’t have to be a woman to empathise for them, let alone understand them.

[@brabiz67]

This is not only my favorite game of all time, but my favorite piece of media ever. This game is incredible. It’s magnificently disgusting and uninviting, and the art design is so uniquely disquieting. But it also has some beautiful moments and catharsis. This game is the best in the franchise, and i don’t think the horror genre will ever surpass this in my eyes

[@SnarkyLesbian]

Beautiful, beautiful video! Thank you for this. I especially like how you shed a light on how Heather is just the most human, and understandable of the Silent Hill protagonists, how easy it is to empathise with her, feel how she must feel, especially her loneliness. And the music you chose specifically evokes this loneliness in me. This quiet, melancholic introversion, this feeling of remembering past events with a sense of hollowness, as you stop feeling yourself. To me, Silent Hill 3 is often more horrific after I stop, than while I play it, as my loneliness sets in. Especially the end was beautiful. She went through hell to reclaim her autonomy - Especially her bodily autonomy, something so very often taken from us.

[@BeyondGamesJV]

SIlent Hill 3 is my favorite game ever. This experience was impossible to describe. I felt a deep connection with the themes of the game. I have seen a lot of content about Silent Hill 3 but very few have achieved the quality of your video here ! You mentioned so many feeling that I had while playing this game, but it struck me so much when you talked about your connection with Heather as a woman (not walking alone on the street at night and so on). It has increased all the love and fascination I have for the game. So, thank you deeply ! It's such a pleasure to see new people discover this game ! Your analysis is wonderful. We need more women talking about games from their perspective ! A really great job !!! Thanks a lot

[@eurothug4000]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@xTatlTaelx]

First time I played this game I was dreading Heather coming face to face with Stanley. The relief I felt when I read his last letter, so glad the player never got to meet him. That birthday phone call was probably the thing that freaked me out the most when playing this game though.

[@Nedmarth]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but... You do in fact meet Stanley, albeit under a blanket. Dead. In the alternate hospital's B3 floor, he's the body on gurney #7, and this is hinted at by the sounds of someone struggling to breathe when you get close, and by a note on it when the riddle level is set to hard, saying something about a "He" who creeped a woman out

[@Despoina_Nyx]

I've always had a fear of heights that seemed to intensify on malls. I never liked to look at lower floors, even going throught escalators unnerves me because I feel I'll fall on my back so I grab the escalators tight.

[@monotolang]

Omfg there used to be a staircase at my local mall that was so steep I had nightmares about the steps becoming steeper and steeper until they were just a wall and I'd fall. No trouble on escalators but same deal with the levels in malls, I think it has to do with all that glass and shiny tiling

[@bascal133]

I totally agree! There’s a very specific fear as a woman being alone in the train station or a man not leaving you alone and feeling you have to escape to the bathroom, and I feel like they evokes those situations on purpose!

[@Papa_Khan]

Silent Hill 3 is my favorite game in the series in large part due to Heather. I love how she comments on so much. She def the most transparent protagonist out of the series

[@ajromero3692]

Something that makes Silent Hill 3 my favorite of the series is that Heather is probably one of the most realistically written teenagers in media (be it film, television, video games, etc.). So often, teenagers are written to be one-dimensional caricatures who only care about being popular, hanging out with their friends, shopping, getting a boyfriend/girlfriend, etc. Heather on the other hand is so layered and multi-faceted. I love that she has this snarky attitude to her, very reminiscent of kids her age but she also shows a lot of vulnerability too. Her love for her father is very evident (especially the way she snaps at Vincent for calling him a "pretty sneaky guy") and it's clear he means the world to her. The way she breaks down sobbing when she finds him dead is completely heart-wrenching. She never had a mother or siblings so her father is everything to her and to see her lose that is devastating. Also, funny enough, despite the fact that I'm not a female, Heather was actually the most relatable Silent Hill protagonist for me. I was a pretty lonely and isolated teenager when I was in high school and I would often go to the mall by myself just like Heather. While I can't relate to the feminine/female horror aspects presented in the game, in a way, they did translate a little bit for me as I began to realize that I was gay. The fear of sexuality theme really hit home for me as I was terrified of my own attraction to other guys. Heather being pregnant with "God" was also similar to the feeling I had (as though I had this terrible thing inside of me that I wanted to purge). I would also see horror stories of other young gay men being attacked and brutalized (or even killed) just for their sexuality that made me extremely wary of strangers. But, just as Heather comes to terms with her being the reincarnation of Alessa/Cheryl and begins to love herself, I came to terms with myself too and realized there was nothing wrong with me. Sorry if that last part is so corny, lol, but I think being a teenager can be a bit melodramatic and corny sometimes haha. Ultimately though, Silent Hill 3 continues to be my favorite game in the series. I know I have a definite bias because I played the game when I was the same age as Heather and it just really resonated with me. I'm not at all reluctant to admit that but I still think the other games are absolutely excellent. I imagine the first game really hits close to home for those who are parents and the second game for those who have a spouse. I think Silent Hill does an excellent job really exploring these dynamics and the anxiety/fear that comes with them.

[@JamesGhodbane]

SH3 is definitely the most terrifying game of the series

[@juangerena3]

FRRRRR

[@goxy287]

She's like the opposite of James in fears and themes. Btw Harry > James. Some would say he's less interesting but Harry's also a widower and despite all the shit he went through he stayed good natured and always protected Cheryl, unlike James. Also I hated the Shattered Memories version of him, shittier in every way. Cheryl/Heather is def the most tragic though, if we count many years in the state Alessa version of her was as well. Oh btw I can relate to that mall floor collapsing fear hah.

[@Rimpala]

The "Safe place can turn sinister" thing was something that scared me about Silent Hill from the very first game

[@zaine117]

I was literally searching for more in-depth analysis of the Silent Hill trilogy. Whilst Silent Hill 2 is my favourite, Heather Mason is definitely the poster girl of Silent Hill and is the best character in the series. She's so relatable and is quite a realistic portrayal of a young woman. Loved your analysis of Silent Hill 3 and Heather Mason. Probably my favourite one so far.

[@Zeddpunk]

I have never thought about how the game would feel differently from a female view. I appreciate your sharing of vulnerabilities and ability to relate to the game with us. This overview has shifted how I view the story and visuals of the game for the better. Thank you.

[@Abbey_Senna]

Missy! I rented this when I was a teen. It scared me so much, i couldn't Finnish it. In my 20's on PC, finally passed it! The music, atmosphere, and Heather's punk nature was such experiencing. Now 28, I still love this game. Love your narrative!

[@razbuten]

I have not played any Silent Hill games, but I obviously appreciated your take on it and connection to it. If I were to try to play SH now...what's the move?

[@eurothug4000]

1-4 is the way to go, although I still need to play 4!

[@iantophernicus6042]

Where might one go to play these games? So far, Silent Hill 1 is on the PSN, but I haven’t found 2 or 3 anywhere.

[@iknaifnawif]

as Maria said 1-4 are the generally accepted good games. but I will forever stump for Shattered Memories as a flawed but interesting take on the series, so if you have a Wii or can emulate it, it's worth a try as well.

[@JordyLaFordge]

@@iantophernicus6042 they sell on amazon for ps2 or xbox, some sellers have a pretty ridiculous price, you could pirate them on pc, or worst case scenario play the hd collection on ps3/xbox360, they're not "that" bad like everyone says's, but if you want the true experience get the originals if you can/half the money for them

[@lephoquebleu8302]

@@iantophernicus6042 Best option is to get the PS2 version of SH2 and SH3, but if you really can't have them, check if your PC is powerful enough for an emulator.

[@Justmyhandle]

I've been torn for years on which of the original SH trilogy is my favorite. On one hand, many if not most veteran fans would consider 3 to have the best gameplay. It fully realizes & expands on the classic mechanics for an overall more complete balance. I like a lot about 4 too, it gets far too much hate, but it does admittedly feel more detached from the first three. Prior to its more experimental approach, which changed several gameplay aspects, 3 had virtually perfected the original control scheme. In terms of favorite protagonists, I similarly have to favor 3 in that Heather/Cheryl is the most 3 dimensional main lead. She's more relatable, down to Earth, fleshed out, shows more onscreen emotion, and has more personality which informs her arc. Harry and James are well done protagonists in their own right, not necessarily inferior to Heather (It's almost unfair to compare three fundamentally different characters & concepts), but I just can't relate to or resonate with them as much personally. As immersive as the first two games are in horror + tone, I also have to give 3 the edge in presentation. Not just in graphics & effects (with some hauntingly beautiful levels), but for the sheer degree/depth to which it pushed the technology of the time. I can't begin to do a one-to-one comparison on music & sound design, both games have simply too much great stuff that often evokes very different feelings. My favorite series main theme, however, is still easily 3's "You're Not Here", hands down. Regarding plot & atmosphere, this is where I start to favor 2. While 3 was designed as a sequel, I maintain that 2 is Team Silent's best standalone story despite also having connections to the original game that are kept primarily in the background. It has the original trilogy's most iconic (and most reiterated or copied) monsters, one of the most terrifying antagonists in Pyramid Head, some of the series' darkest subject matter, and arguably the best version of the town which we get to openly explore. The town itself has always been the true star of the franchise in relation to gameplay and/or lore, but we don't spend as much time there in 3 since Heather's journey manifests the nightmare world in places outside Silent Hill (a first for the series back then). 3's locales are memorable, but there's just something about Silent Hill's identity that gets lost when the town is no longer the primary setting. It makes sense in context for Heather's story, but at the cost of neglecting such a timeless & influential location. It's a unique atmosphere that ultimately just can't be replicated to the same result anywhere else. That's part of what makes it special. So, to end this rant, I love all the original games, each for their own reasons as well as most of their differences. If I absolutely had to choose my favorite experience as a whole though, 2 just barely edges out 3 for me. In a perfect world, my ideal Silent Hill game would balance a world & atmosphere like 2's, gameplay like 3's, and a main lead as authentic as Heather.

[@Aster_Risk]

I subscribed after less than a minute. I need other people talking about Silent Hill 3 from the female perspective. Honestly, I just want to see that for games in general. Thanks for making this video.

[@deeyablo]

I love this video. Such a good job. Heather was somewhat rare, being presented, in and of herself, in a not overtly sexual object. She felt so human.

[@iamnoimpact]

Great video! Two things really jumped out at me. I really appreciate the idea that you put in there that focuses on the female perspective, one which I will never be able to feel, only examine. As a son, a brother, a friend and a husband, it’s always fascinating to me to know that an entire sphere of being female exists, and no matter how hard i try to be an ally and someone who creates safe spaces, there will always be that fear. Silent Hill 3 highlighting that is something I had never considered. Thanks for bringing that to light! Also, i also am terribly scared of “falling over the edge” at shopping malls. I actually watched someone climb over one, stand on one side of it and then climb back over, but almost slipping and falling. I do believe that that singular event has made me unreasonably scared of heights. Similar feeling is driving a car in a middle lane over a suspension bridge and still somehow not just feeling but BELIEVING that i am going to go cascading over its side, simply by following standard traffic behavior. Anyway. Great channel. Excited to see more insightful videos!

[@hellthornsystem]

I like to reffer to Silent Hill 2 as "The Horror of the mentally Ill". Due to it's large amount of subtext related to mental illness, depression, and coping with such issues. It personifies how grossly entrapping mental illness can be and how self-destructive it truly is. Silent Hill 3, on the other hand, is what I like to call, "The Everyman's Horror". Because it takes concepts, areas and situations from everyday life and then twists them horribly in ways that truly do hit hard. From the themes of the story (liberating the self, reclaiming one's body, defying fate, etc.), to the areas you go through and the ways it tries to get under your skin, Silent Hill 3 can scare anyone and everyone to some degree. I belive this video encapsulates this very well, is well structured and carries it's points out well. Too bad we won't ever get another Silent Hill game that's this good.

[@SimplyMayaBeauty]

I could relate to a lot of what you said, without ever having played this game. I was almost disappointed that it was only 16 minutes. It's so rare to get this type of personal feminine perspective in the gaming video essays part of KZbin, at least from what I've seen. Thank you for making it!

[@Table53]

Everyone knows the real horrors of Silent Hill 3 were the friendships we made along the way! Wait. That doesn't work.

[@stephenrolle2671]

I'm so happy to have stumbled across your channel! Like, I'm in awe of just how well put together each video is. Thanks for all the amazing content.

[@eurothug4000]

thank you so much! Really happy you enjoyed the vid 😊

[@CrimsonCrime2234]

I played through SH3 many years ago, probably around the time when it came out. It was the first Silent Hill game I played. I still remember the horror that this game gave me, it is a true nightmare. I found the scariest place is actually the shopping mall, maybe because it was my first "other world" experience, I freaked out and kept running. I didn't notice this was the same place until I saw it from some walkthrough later. I recently finished The Last of US II, and I immediately think of Heather in SH3, the idea behind it is so similar, I even doubted some of the people who made Silent Hill went to Sony and work for Naughty Dog.

[@StCerberusEngel]

As an acrophobe, I can assure you, the unnerving feeling of railings isn't just you. It's almost like something's compelling you to fall over and you're doing everything you can to avoid it. I hate ledges. Also, I can attest that, even as a man, being alone at night, walking into places like public bathrooms, not putting yourself in venerable positions and being wary of other people was something drilled into me as a kid, both by loving, protective parents and the hard way by the bullies that targeted me on a consistent basis. It's why I carry my keys (or pens) between my fingers to my vehicle, and one of the reasons why I took up martial arts at 8 years old. Honestly, it's good advise for everyone in general. I've been followed by an unknown vehicle before at night and I've had to intervene when I saw someone getting jumped. As much as we want to be able to trust others, the reality is, some, if not most of the time, you can't. The fear is very relatable. But then, so is the confidence to face and conquer it. Heather's a great character.

[@foxyr4bbit]

that unnerving feeling is known as "the call of the void"

[@StCerberusEngel]

@@foxyr4bbit Not quite what I meant, but yes, that too. I was referring more to the feeling that falling is inevitable, not that jumping is possible. You just suddenly become more aware that gravity is a thing and you're that close to breaking your neck, but the roof needs shingles, so here we are. I guess it's more akin to paranoia than an intrusive thought.

[@darran311]

It was scary enough for me as a man making my way home after night shifts , so I sort of can but obviously can't fully imagine how much worse that would be for a woman

[@miempire9198]

Even before i knew about the underlying feminine themes, i always favoured heather over any other characters just by her attitude, in a horror game, usually female or younger characters are used to make the player feel more “ “ “ helpless “ “ “ but in heather’s case, i felt more empowered playing as her than i did any other male character in the silent hill series, she’s just so cool

[@arrgber]

One thing I love about 3 is how many ways to die there are. In the previous 2 you could mostly die by enemies, but Heather can die ran over by a subway train or a rollercoaster cart, or falling, or being in the mirror room for too long. It feels like the world itself is out to get you, and you have this crippling fear that anything could come out and kill you anytime

[@yomomaisdelicious9248]

Being in a deserted mall is a terrifying experience. Once a few years ago I tagged along with my brother, dad, and some of my family to Dave and Buster which was located in a mall we left at 12 am the mall was completely shut down and we had to take a long way and walk the entirety of the mall outside. The area where the mall is always full because it's like 'the mall' to hang out in but there was hardly anyone except for like three cars parked in some places away. The thing that made it seem like a horror movie was the yellow flickering lights and that most of the lamp posts were flickering or out. My family members were taking all the time in the world to wonder around my cousin and brother were playing around with a bouncy ball while I literally power walked to the car (I was the only girl there and had always been told by my mom to not linger in parking lots while dark) so I felt very isolated thanks to the things ingrained in my brain while my family fooled around. It was a pretty visceral experience that felt right out of a horror game

[@turnersgauge3430]

I played this game for the first time when I graduated high school and started to date my best friend. I was never into dating just cuz I’m not interested in that stuff and I preferred to be with our friends who were also pretty much single throughout high school. My own dad was only a bit protective as most dads are to their daughters, but really encouraged me to go out with friends and get a boyfriend when I preferred to stay by myself. He never had strict or unfair rules so I had the luxury of more freedom than most teens would I guess. So when I graduated and started to date my friend I was really scared of having sex, getting pregnant, loosing him as a friend and our other friends too, as well as loosing the security of living with my supportive father. College scared me because I didn’t need to “let loose” as some people do, given the fact my dad encouraged me to go out more. So I guess with Heather being thrust out of her comfort zone and into these situations really resonated with me. It’s like I already knew about sex, drugs and everything else, but it’s because I knew about that stuff as a teen, and never really cared, is that I didn’t pursued it as an adult either. Heather knows the dangers too but doesn’t want to go through it all over again. I’m with you Heather. It’s uncomfortable and dangerous out there, but we made it through. (EDIT) HEY! This was uploaded on my birthday. Thanks for the birthday gift girl!! I love silent hill :3

[@ScrubbinOpti]

oh my gosh someone finally put it into words with being in the upper floors in the mall, it's feels like a floating nausea anytime I'm near the railing, thank you also thank you for the video, Silent hill 3 is my favorite and seeing praise for it made my day.

[@Ozreuh]

Great job ! As a man it completely change my view of the game. It's super cool to have different approche of one game based on personal level. As a non native english speaker you are very easy to understand and it help too. Love for all Silent Hill lovers ❤️, you can be proud of your job

[@floofzykitty5072]

It's good to see the interpretation of the game through a female perspective. I'm not a woman and I was ignorant to a lot of this symbolism before it was pointed out.

[@sanjanaanan3771]

This was so refreshing to watch especially since you provided a perspective that takes into account of the anxieties experienced through girlhood showcased in this game. Love watching your videos!

[@dif8580]

I've watched tons of essays about Silent Hill games and they all were mostly the same. This new perspective opened my eyes on a lot of things in the game. Hats off to you, I can't convey in words how interesting it was to watch.

[@eurothug4000]

thank you so much!! ❤️ I really appreciate the kind words!

[@dadsposse]

Great video. It made me so happy to hear about a point of view from someone who understands what Heather was going through, as a young girl. That's why she was my favorite, too. I just felt I really understood her.

[@ambse6413]

the empty mall part really scared me bc i actually had to deal with something similar a few years ago. i went to the mall pretty late to watch a movie by myself and when i got out the mall had closed down so sections were closed off except for the closest exit next to the movie theater which was on the complete opposite side of where i parked so i had to run all the way back to my car while it was dark outside and it was one of the scariest experiences i’ve gone through. so yeah fuck the empty mall that shit is terrifying

[@genericsavings]

There were female members in Team Silent & they influenced Heather’s overall character design(according to the SH3 making of doc). After watching your essay, I’m pretty sure the women had a say with the horror elements & set pieces. I loved the game back in the day, but I never gave it much thought that it was about “feminine horror”. Which makes it better on a whole different level. Game aged like fine wine. Well done. 👌

[@ScottsGameAsylum]

wow, I love SH3 and i have seen a billion different takes on it. However, this is a unique take on what the game means to you and brought a further understanding of the underrated entry.

[@madiemakes]

I've watched a billion video essays on all the silent hills. Surprisingly, I haven't seen one go as in depth into the "feminine" horror aspect of 3 as much as they do with James and pyramid head in 2. Love it! I also love that we need a spoiler warning for games that are 20, 30 years old.

[@ianod]

Normally when critic takes personal approach to a game is like "and heres why Zelda was very important for my childhood" and then there's this video 👍

[@adventure4509]

Video: Starts with a Content Warning My Inner Horror Fan: This shit is gonna be good!

[@starhew2868]

You've given me a new perspective on SH3, thank you

[@seboyo6766]

The firsts Silent Hill games (1, 2, 3 and The Room) are really personal games that revolves around real human characters with real fears and feelings, i think that's why they were so succesfull and scary, because every person could find part of their own fears within the games. This was a really good video, when i played the game i understood that part its horror revolved around certain female fears that you have talked about in the video and it has been interesting to hear your point of view about these fears. Keep making content of this quality because you are really good at it.

[@caithid1951]

All team Silent games from 1-4 are Masterpiece with deep layers of meaning & Symbolism. All told from different perspective. Exploring different type of fears. I love it so much.

[@Rexxie44]

Bit underrated title of the SH series, refreshing seeing someone give a good review in this manner as you did!

[@lenacarey2333]

A lot of other people have commented thought provoking things already, so I just want to say thank you for this video. Silent Hill 3 represents such a real terror for women and women-aligned people in the real world, and I don’t think I’ve seen any review from a man who’s comprehended that to the fullest extent.

[@benherebefore]

Am I the only person who has never played silent hill but watches every video I find about it? It get that same feeling as listening to ghost stories around a campfire.

[@commanderbastard1993]

I love the Silent Hill series but 3 felt like something truly special. The attention to fears that women have and how they affect Heather was something very different from other characters and games. Heather was a really deep and developed character with her flaws and strengths and her way of going through what would break most people and she survives despite the loss made her probably one of the best written female characters in the last twenty years. Good job on the video. Now if we can only have a game of a Regina and Heather team up. Because Regina was just awesome too but certainly not as well written but just her line of "well that's disgusting" when typically characters would show horror was amazing.

[@MobiusPrime2028]

Harry raised the same kid twice. Fatherly love and dedication don’t come stronger than that.

[@naktakroom]

there's plenty of analysis and discussion about the symbolism in SH2 but comparatively speaking SH3 gets little attention in that regard, to the point people say it's more shallow and a downgrade from the previous game, so i'm very happy to see you cover it, doubly so because you're a woman. Up until now I tended to think that the bottomless pits in SH3 were just a cheap way to increase the difficulty if the player wasnt careful enough but your thoughts about the fear of heights and the mall symbolizing a familiar place of comfort being defiled are making me appreciate them a bit more. Brilliant video as always.

[@waffling0]

I used to be so scared of Silent Hill 2 when I was younger. I don't do well with horror, but I wish I had the guts to play these games, because every bit of analysis I've seen about them has been amazing.

[@carlcouture1023]

I think I stopped nodding in vigorous agreement maybe once during this video. Great analysis. Especially with the idea that people keep seeing Heather as a vessel. I hadn't thought about Douglas seeing her that way before but it's very true.