The Vibes of Silent Hill 4

[@culIen]

Let me know if you'd like me to cover other Silent Hill games in the future! I adore this series, and have been meaning to talk about them on the channel for ages ^-^

[@TheXell]

Anything you're passionate enough to talk about is fair game, at least to me.

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

Go for it dude

[@culIen]

@@DanielSantosAnalysis 🫡

[@Lime34]

Yes pleaseee

[@nickmaatjes5611]

i love any silent hill content, fix me please lol, loved the video by the way have a nice weekend and stay rad!

[@_aeth_]

Henry has always been my favorite SH protagonist and I played this game with undiagnosed autism in emotionally abusive home. I think a lot of the times he acts the same way I would? I was the most comfortable sitting alone in my room. I had trouble comunicating with others and when I tried it was always weird and awkward. Thank you for putting into words something I've always felt.

[@culIen]

I'm happy to have, especially for comments like these! I feel like viewing Henry under the lens of always masking, but struggling to entirely do so with everything going on around him presents him in a light that makes him far more unique for a horror protag than people give him credit for. Thank you for your comment, and I hope things have gotten better for you! Stay strong out there, and take care.

[@jerrym1218]

The twin enemies point at you when they are idle waiting for you to interact with them. That’s kinda a sign of paranoia for people who feel like others are looking and pointing at them behind their back when they are not looking, or they at times feel uncomfortable being stared at by others, I feel like the twin enemies represent a combination of both Walter’s nightmare and Henry’s worst fears with paranoia and anxiety.

[@RustyXlV]

Silent Hill 4 is so under-appreciated, great video mate.

[@culIen]

Thank you! I'm happy people resonated with my interpretation of it!

[@RustyXlV]

@@culIen Silent Hill 2 took a while for people to really dig into and become revered. So much nuance that's there under the surface, and the same applies to The Room. I think only the gameplay in the second half holds it back from being as fondly remembered by some, but it's an incredibly interesting game and Henry is incredibly overlooked. As you yourself said, so much can be gleamed from an absence of things. He is on the surface comparatively normal, but that comes from an intentional effort to be, rather than just being. There is a lot to read into thematically and I hope to see more.

[@malik87breaker]

Thanks for saying. I’m tired of people using the word “underrated”. You used the correct word :D

[@shanesmith1786]

It really is dude

[@squidwardtentacles2736]

sh4 is def underappreciated. I understand why ppl don't like it but every game has its flaws.

[@edgyemogirl666]

I'll admit I was one of the fans that said Henry had no character and would describe him as just a big doofus. Over the past few years, I've heard several Silent Hill 4 fans describe him in a more nuanced way and it has made me appreciate him a little more. Very cool video

[@bagusprayogo7025]

glad to hear that, not so many SH fans liking SH4 or every of it's series as it's own unique contents within the game itself cuz most of then either doesn't really get it on what's happening or because they listen to a youtuber that is screaming in front of the camera telling the game is bad, n just buy it without doing any further self research

[@sugoi9680]

"I was the doofus all along" moment

[@0mnis1ash]

​​@@bagusprayogo7025if i had listened to people like that, i would have stopped playing Silent Hill after the second game cause a former friend of mine told me that all of them except 1 and 2 suck (i doubt he's even PLAYED any of them) and yet here i am, i finished Shattered Memories recently and absolutely loved it. Not to mention the four Team Silent games. Hell, even game the old Nokia games a try.

[@brandonwilley]

As a Silent Hill Homecoming fan I've had to listen to people crap all over the game. After watching twitch streamers play, I noticed most people just literally have horrible reaction timing and cannot dodge attacks and they just get frustrated and talk crap about the game trying to spam attack through it. Or saying the story isn't very good, which I'll admit it kind of just goes all over the place in the end. Although coming from a broken home with an emotionally unavailable father, a hysterically absent-minded mother, and having a stand-offish toxic older brother younger brother dynamic it actually kind of does well in that regard. I've seen some people warming up to it. The players and fans who have high emotional intelligence understand these games. The people who just show up because it's trendy or only care about superficial things will always miss what makes things good. Don't let other people make up your mind for you and rob you of the joys of walking the less traveled path because it's not the road to Starbucks.

[@violetblues10]

I love that SH4 is finally getting the attention it deserves! Your analysis of Henry was really spot on!

[@culIen]

Thank you so much!!! Glad to help towards the re-evaluation of such a cool game 😤

[@alexxx4434]

I think the allegory to household isolating abuse was spot on, especially given the fact that Walter equates the room to the 'mother'.

[@jeremiest-amand6732]

15:48 I've been completely obsessed with SH4 because of this exact scene. I can't believe you just said that, I feel like this validates my entire existence.

[@culIen]

I hadn't heard anyone gush about this particular shot, so I was really surprised to hear others also found it so soothing! I'm glad I was able to give some representation to others who vibe with window watching so much!

[@OlivierBueno-zc4qp]

I feel exactly thé same + (For my part, contemplation of thé World and Lucide Dreaming expériences) caractéristic of the present opus

[@JeNn0mic0n]

Agreed. I have a photo saved that reminds me of South Ashfield and when I first played this game, I was so entranced by the gray weather, the layout, the buildings, the dreariness that I browsed and searched for a new place to live, eager to find an apartment/city that had a similar vibe and impact for me.

[@jeremiest-amand6732]

@@JeNn0mic0n Same, I'd love to actually live in a place like that. Let me know if you find one :)

[@JeNn0mic0n]

@@jeremiest-amand6732 Will do! I’ve got dibs on room 302 though 😁

[@agentshillbot]

Speaking as a middle aged single man who's recovering from trauma and suffering from anxiety, confined to the same walls of my tiny flat every single day this video hits hard and reminds me of why I love Silent Hill 4 so much and can totally identify with Henry's plight. Awesome video content! I hope Silent Hill: The Short Message and Silent Hill f expand on this type of psychological horror. 🙏

[@garyking1986]

Hey, I hope you're doing better now How do you feel The Short Message handled those aspects?

[@meursault7030]

I was agoraphobic for a couple of years. I would look out of Henry's apartment window because I couldn't look out of my own. It was nice. I got the feeling that even if I/Henry banged on the window and screamed, no one could hear or see me. Felt safe, it was nice in there. I never got past the train station bit after the first time you come back through the hole, but I have a few hundred hours logged in that game. I would also just chill around the town in SH2/3. Heaven's Night, Toluca Lake, the overlook by James' car, Cheryll and Harry's place. When I was on the mend, it haopened to be snowing in my town for the first time in ages. I'd walk around at 3AM listening to Akira Yamaoka, trying to make it a bit further each time. I'm better now, I just got back from a campfire with my friends, but I'm sort of still in Silent Hill. I don't know how else to explain it, I'm just still there.

[@ugandahater]

OH BOY SILENT HILL OH MY GOD I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW MUCH I IDENTIFY WITH THE MAIN CHARACTER OF THE STORY BECAUSE IT'S ALL ABOUT ME CUZ IT'S MY STORY AND NOT YOURS CUZ I'M IMPORTANT. ME.

[@acehood9953]

​@@ugandahaterWoah. Chill out lol.

[@ugandahater]

@@acehood9953 that's how you soy drinking non binary virgins sound like after just discovering the game

[@CreepyHandedMan]

@@ugandahater Psychological horror is all about the player. Your point?

[@miaboaler2968]

@@ugandahater and this comment hurt you? are you doing okay lol

[@lonerdreamer92]

This is one of my fav takes of Henry (with what few positive ones out there, unfortunately). Through a neurodivergent perspective, there's much more to him; as someone with anxiety as well, a lot of his awkward interactions with characters is very relatable. Lockdown got me to reevaluate him as a character; I wish there was more focus to him including an arc (despite him being an observer was exactly the point of him), but still. This is definitely one of my fav analyses of SH4; I'd love to hear your takes for any other SH game.

[@culIen]

I think when I first saw clips of him ages ago, it was pretty easy to write him off but as I've gotten older and learned more about neurodivergence I've started to look at characters in a different way. I do wish we got more of him, but I think it's that quiet and distance that has made people resonate with him so much. Silent Hill has never had any other character like him, and he feels so real. Thank you so much for your kind words, I'm happy you enjoyed the video!! I'd love to talk about other SH games! I struggled for ages to find which one I could best talk about, but the popular ones like 2 and 3 have been discussed to death. I have a soft spot for 1 though, so maybe I'll replay that in the future!

[@lonerdreamer92]

@@culIen I never agreed with others writing him off being "dull" and "boring." I never trust people's opinions on those two particular words anyway LOL Everyone has a different definition on what bores them, but I digress. Henry is the perfect protagonist for a game like this, especially he's both an and *the* observer plus a photographer. Being seen both figuratively and literally; it's a smart and appropriate thing for him. Plus I liked his and Eileen's dynamic; introverted and extroverted, awkward and sweet. I'm all for any takes of any SH game (Downpour is a personal fav from the Western-developed ones, but still); I adore the series still to this day and gobble up any analyses of them to this day.

[@sugoi9680]

lockdown fucked him up lmao

[@leirah.8624]

Though my fav is SH2 and Heather is my fav character, I like the atmosphere of SH4 and I liked Henry, even if people said that he was plain and his reactions where unrealistic and blabla, I felt there was something to him, and it took me time to understand why I feel more connected to him than to Heather, the only female protagonist, I mean, I would love to have a little of the outwards personality of her, especially in my adolescence, but I think that's why. If in 2010 while been 14 years old, I went through an earthquake of 8.8 after just waking up at 3 in the morning with a poker face and no outward emotion, you can bet that I could live a whole real Silent Hill experience with barely any reaction and a poker face and soft voice just like Henry xD so, totally not unrealistic as some people think. He is just misunderstood, and I love the dream vibe the game has, though the second part is kind of hard for me, is one of the few games that has actually scared me and disturb me, more than SH2 and 3, so point to SH4

[@KBash]

I don't wanna gas you up but I'm thinking you can do serious video stuff alongside looser jokier stuff with ease, great stuff

[@culIen]

Hmhmhm I only accept this praise if you let me gas up u for the same when Booty Bay 2?????

[@tangomushi]

REALLY loved your take on Henry's character. He has a lot more subtle depth than people give him credit for, and hearing you explain how they weave anxiety into the gameplay mechanics/story was so eye-opening. Really wish more people would cover this underrated gem, so thank you so much for the video! (Also, that transition at 13:40 was really sick. Just sayin!)

[@culIen]

Holy shit, thank you! As a fan of your work this means so much 🙏 I had put off playing it for so long after my initial 1-3 playthrough bc of all the discourse, but when I did get around to it I couldn't help but adore it. The gameplay wasn't half as bad as people say, and it's unique approach to telling a silent hill story was so fascinating. There's just so much to pick apart, I could talk so long about Henry on God he's so underrated. This game rewired my brain chemistry, literally NOTHING else is like it and all of the cool mechanical changes are executed so well outside of a bit of jank. Also, thank you! That transition ended up being a bit of a happy accident. I got a DLSR recently and decided to see what how I could shove it in my vid. That and the one with the window shot to ambulance were totally not planned but ended up being really neat.

[@tangomushi]

@@culIen I honestly can't blame you, SH4 gets a LOT of unnecessary hate - which I find rich considering Homecoming is right there (lmao). You're right, SH4 is so different to the previous 3 and that's exactly why it's my favourite. It took Silent Hill's already unusual approach to horror and made it even MORE unusual. Really wish we got to see more of Team Silent's experimental era, but oh well... :( and omg thank you so much, what a lovely compliment! :D I found you through eurothug and I can't wait to dive into more of your content now! Especially since you cover so much horror, JRPGs and visual novels which are like, all my favourite genres haha. Anyway, keep up the great work!!!

[@culIen]

@tangomushi I was just thinking in another reply that I remember them saying they wanted to use this as a launching point and it's such a shame we never got to see that. Like, there are problems for sure but what's there is so fascinating on its own and there was so much potential. Hope you enjoy my other vids, I'll be trying to break into horror more since this was just that fun to work on. Take care, and thanks once again ^-^

[@NormDeMoss]

This is fabulous - I love how much you focus on empathy and human connectedness as the mechanism that makes this game work - and that ending monologue was amazing, and something I think acts as a great palate cleanser after SH4's anxiety and suffering. You've earned yourself another subscriber!

[@culIen]

That means so much, thank you! I was really worried the ending would feel out of place, or be seen as corny, but a lot of people seem to have really taken to it so I'm beyond happy. Thanks for subscribing, hope I can keep you entertained in my future vids!

[@SomeSunshineOutside]

When Resting Comfortably first played, that was the moment I fell in love with the game

[@Jacois]

25:00 ; Though it's true that most abusers had been abused, it's also true that most people that have been abused don't abuse. That might sound like a contradiction, but when you think about it, it makes sense.

[@maraganger]

Absolutely loved your writing in this one, especially as a neurodivergent person being able to relate to Henry's plight. I feel like you were spot on with your interpretation of his character too, legit amazing stuff. :0

[@culIen]

Thanks as always Mara, that means a lot coming from you 😢 That bit resonated with people more than I thought, which seriously made my day

[@NightCat14]

I have never interpret the game this way before, the domestic abuse angle is something new indeed.

[@mkrowenp]

I’m the exact same way! I always loved watching that scene where you could look out the window, and see all the little details of the city pass you by. It’s so eerie but comforting at the same time.

[@mkrowenp]

I never understood SH4, and I was so young when it came out and I played it (18 years old then.) Thank you for making this video

[@culIen]

@@mkrowenp happy you liked it so much! I love that awesome contrast between soothing and on edge, no other game has captured it like SH4. Thanks so much for watching ^-^

[@farshpatel]

This is the best Silent Hill 4 analysis/appreciation I've seen in 15 years I'm following this topic. For real, this is excellent!

[@culIen]

Oh wow, thank you so much! There's some real killer ones out there too, so that means a lot.

[@Winabagel23]

Even when the game's title fades in over a bright white background is teeming with atmosphere. It's a horror game but the title covers are usually so bright, a version of the box art even depicts Room 302's door overly saturated in sunlight. I feel like they did these to acknowledge how much of a dreamlike experience Silent Hill 4 is.

[@Demi_Purple]

The news of the remake being developed has the algo pushing a bunch of new content on Silent Hill into my feeds--and I'm loving it

[@lalaunascope]

I LOVED this take on SH4. It's my favorite in the franchise due to the theme of agoraphobia and the sheer terror of having your home, what should be the safest place for you, turning against you. I really enjoyed your analysis.

[@Royalhanburglar]

This took a whole three weeks to get recommended to me??? Never again. Subbed.

[@culIen]

Thanks for enjoying it, I hope my future videos can keep you entertained 🫡

[@romeostruedude]

Swear Silent Hill fans always leave out Silent Hill 1 and 4. Always. It’s always about SH2. Sometimes 3. Seriously. They love to say “well silent hill 4 wasn’t supposed to be Silent Hill so I don’t consider it one.” And? It’s still a Silent Hill game! And this was a great game that has a lot to say and is drenching with atmosphere. This game deserves more love.

[@culIen]

And honestly if you look at the first four games, 2 is more of the odd one out than 4. 4 is a really cool continuation of the cult story, taking place after all of that was wrapped up but showing the lingering consequences of their abuse on children. This has just as much value as the previous games, even if it is a bit janky in spots.

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

Hell yeah, the love SH4 has been receiving recently is so good. For years I've seen this game get dunked on for some of its, admittedly questionable game design decisions. However I always maintained that it had so much more going on thematically and sub-textually than the nay sayers were giving it credit for. To be honest though, even I sort of glanced over Henry as a character, I found the other elements of the game, like it's commentary on voyeurism, the concept of a home and the psychological layers found in-between, but you did a great job of getting me to appreciate Henry's role within all of that.

[@znegjorinorino5735]

I really fucking love this video. Silent Hill 4 and 3 are my favorites in the series and it’s a shame there are barely any videos that analyze them like this.

[@malik87breaker]

“The gaming muse”

[@recordatron]

I really liked SH4 on release and have done since. It switched things up a bit and some of the environments were a bit more barren but "vibes" is the right word. The vibes in this game are so off and unsettling at times but also oddly serene. I'm very glad it exists and it sits up there with the first 3 in its own place as far as I'm concerned. EDIT: the concept of the 3rd person sections being Henry disassociating from himself to deal with the outside world is such a neat concept.

[@rumplstiltztinkerstein]

I'm a bit afraid of Silent Hill 2 remake not hitting the same spots as the original. But I definitely would support a remake of SH4 where they have enough time to properly push the themes of the original. Knowing Konami, they would probably put pyramid head on SH4 too. So nah... nvm.

[@TaylorWilmes]

Isn’t pyramid head the main bad guy of the series lol?

[@magnenoalex2]

​@@TaylorWilmesno only of silent hill 2. The fact you say that is the issue because in both movies they throw him in things where he doesn't belong.

[@rumplstiltztinkerstein]

@@TaylorWilmes Pyramid Head is a monster that pursue you in Silent Hill 2. He is the physical embodyment of the guilt that the main character feels. He simultaneously is terrifying, try to kill your character, but also pushes you towards where you are supposed to go. He is the executioner and guardian angel at the same time. But Konami thinks "People like Pyramid Head. Lets put him in every game to get those stacks of cash oh hoh hoh!"

[@BioRoxas]

Wow incredible pacing on the video. Didn’t feel like half an hour flew by!

[@LukaMegurine-cb5ek]

I love this video so much. The way you speak with empathy for the characters, and how you seem to give things a chance before judgement speaks to open-mindedness. Amazing job!

[@culIen]

Thank you so much! I think a lot of people tend to lack empathy when trying to understand characters. I'd spent years hearing about how "weird" Henry was or how his actions didn't make sense. People have a tendency to judge the actions of characters as unrealistic based on their own experiences, failing to understand that another real person wrote that character likely as an extension of themselves. I don't think this can handwave criticism for writing, but I think people like to disregard things as bad when in reality they're just different. Thank you for your comment ^-^

[@ShesBats]

Finally! Someone effing gets it. Silent Hill 4 is a masterpiece

[@templar19]

There's "an ordinary man", and then there's "sleepwalking through life with no personality".

[@OlivierBueno-zc4qp]

Are you sure of that?

[@Ramt33n]

I love this game so much. This is "Team Silent" at its peak imo. If you ever experience "The Room" you'll forever be haunted by the experience I'm afraid! 😅

[@LosMSR]

After quarentine I understand this game perfectly, also the game song Tender sugar explained all really well, the idea a isolation and fear to going outside. This is what happen with Henry, he has a social phobia, something that not only lock him in the room, but also lock himself to others. This character seems to be based on Harry from Requiem for a dream, he is a kind person, but also could be corrupt easily, and that's why Walter picked him for his ritual. He believe Henry will observe all his path, but also will be corrupted at the end, and will allow to complete the ritual easily. So in some way Walter saw himself like Henry, which isn't strange, both can't connect with people, that also explained why we are Henry, and not the other characters, because Henry is antisocial, but Walter is a psycho. Now that's the part that I don't like of this game, the ritual. If we let this, like Walter Sullivan haunted people like Freddy Krueger, allow the gamer to discover the truth, that will be more interesting. The whole ritual created a meh concept of the plot. Seems to me that Team Silent were too much obsessed with the cult, but for some reason gamers didn't like this too much. That's what make SH2 stand up the crowd. But seems like the team never got the memo, that people didn't like the cult plot. Second part of the game is crazy, you need to use the swords to keep away the main ghosts, but also save the candles for Eileen. The last plot twist is great, but the final enemy, doesn't feel too much like SH. If I recall well, the game is for the kids that never leave their room playing games, that they are trapped in this circle of the metaverse. While is a good idea, the ritual concept ruined the whole experience once again.

[@nei1995]

There are some really good videos about SH4 and of course...this is one of them.

[@isaackilmer4482]

this is a really great video dude you’re a hidden gem.. if you’re willing you should cover every SH game

[@culIen]

I certainly want to, but the big challenge is finding something new to say about them! We'll see 🫡

[@wailer27]

Another window watcher here... I loved the times in the apartment and feeling that isolation, observing and being cut off. It was strangely comforting although it feels like something dysfunctional that was in me. I'd have been happy with most of the game in the apartment as I don't remember enjoying the other parts of the game too much. Getting back to the apartment and seeing what had changed outside or who would come to the door or phoning random numbers... all really resonated with me somehow. Now I'm a bit older and understand more about philosophical ideas around sonder, liminal spaces and existentialism, but I still can't quite nail the feeling I got from this game. All you can do is talk about it as you've done in this excellent video. Silent hill really taps into something deep within us sensitive souls and I can only assume this character trait is even more deeply embedded in Japanese culture, hence why they managed to nail this emotion so well.

[@BobfishAlmighty]

11:24 fucking finally! I've been saying this for more than a decade, and you are, seriously, only the second person I have heard say the same thing. Pretty much everyone else I've talked to either says "huh, I never thought of that" or flat out calls it BS. I've done close on two hours of video about the game myself based entirely around the premise, with a third due eventually. It is so damned refreshing to know I'm, at last, not the only one

[@jet2135]

I'm so glad the once-underappreciated entry into the SH series is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves. For me, SH4 is the scariest and most haunting game released at that time. Its dismal and visceral atmosphere is nowhere to be found in any other game. Hands down a unique and brilliant entry ranking at par with the other classic SH games. God, this was the golden era of the gaming industry

[@Ali-hasToRun]

15:07 shout out to you for using RE dead aim OST, this video is amazing, made with love, and the music choice is top notch. You’re awesome

[@culIen]

I just HAD to slip that one in, glad someone noticed it 👀❗️ It's easily my favorite track from a survival horror game

[@jgShadow]

I watched my brother play this back then along with his other games in PS2. This brings back so many memories and I'm glad that for some reason, there are a lot of youtubers covering it ^^

[@RinLockhart]

Seeing SH4 videos popping up even now make me so happy.

[@casanovafunkenstein5090]

Personally I took the theme of the game to be about childhood trauma, with the implication that Walter and Henry have some common traumas that influence their behaviour only for one to try and protect himself by keeping other people at a distance and with Walter being motivated to take that pain out on other people. There's also a symbolic layer that can be inferred that kind of treats The Room as representative of the safety of a mother's womb. Henry may not have a lot of explicit backstory, but the way he travels to the levels through a long tunnel is reminiscent of childbirth and Walter's end goal is to return there, as it was the place where he was found as a newborn and his apparent conflation of the apartment and his literal mother reinforces this. Henry also has an arc throughout the game of overcoming his issues interacting with women: starting off with some pretty unpleasant implications about his lack of respect for their privacy and boundaries (peephole into the neighbour's bedroom), taking the responsibility to try and protect them from Walter, then ultimately coming to the realisation that he doesn't need to hide away in his comfort zone and visiting his neighbour in the hospital.

[@culIen]

I think that's all pretty fair and accurate, bc I think that lines up a lot with how I view the game as well. SH4 being so heavy on symbolism is simultaneously about a lot of stuff, and I didn't have time to get into the newborn stuff unfortunately since that's a bit more explicitly related to story. It does well carrying the torch about discussing issues of childhood trauma that the first three games introduce, and it does so very well in my opinion

[@chrisb9179]

13:30 Nice fade in edit Cullen 👌

[@culIen]

Thanks! I'm a bit more proud of the RE fade in hindsight but i'm still happy with that effect. Glad you liked it!

[@chrisb9179]

@@culIen I saw that soon after making the comment too. Both looked very professional.

[@Ghenry]

Great video! Despite playing SH4 a hundred times over, you really revealed some stuff I never considered regarding the game and Henry as a character!

[@culIen]

Yoooo thanks dude, your vid back in the day was a big part in making me not listen to a lot of the bad buzz around this game. It means a lot!!

[@redd_1120]

Great video! Keep up the good work. I look forward to more future videos.

[@culIen]

Thanks! Hoping to work on more horror game vids in the near future once I finish my next batch ^-^

[@mrTopz1988]

scariest game ever made for me . Underrated for sure

[@Jacked_Dude_Loves_Wheyfus]

Thank you for defending Henry. He's super misunderstood and a lot of people call him "boring" and stop at that....in a game known for deeper meanings and symbolism

[@kewldude23xx]

The way I understood the switch between 1st and 3rd person view was that the apartment was Henry's own place, and the 3rd person view is telling us that we are in someone else's world, sullivan's world

[@gonzalez878]

I love the concept of vibe checking video games. Would love to hear your take on Silent Hill 3

[@culIen]

I've dabbled on doing an SH3 video, but honestly it's something I struggle on because it's a very female centric horror game and there are already two amazing videos on it by two female creators (eurothug and tangomushi) that I adore. A bit of a "What left is there to even say?" situation. Never say never, though!

[@elolawynladriel]

I have always liked the days when is about to rain but never rains. However I live in an area with a lot of sun. Help.

[@TuxedoVaileGAMES]

I always related to Henry more than any other video game character because he actually, to me, comes off as being autistic among other things. Back when I was in high-school especially, I was EXACTLY like Henry, down to the way I interacted with other people. I still have issues interacting with others in any kind of meaningful way. I've always head-cannoned him as being on the Autism spectrum, possibly diagnosed with Aspergers (before that term was invalidated in favor or calling it Autism Spectrum Disorder that is), his special interest is photography of course, he has no social skills, everything in his apartment has it's clearly defined place and even if the place isn't exactly "clean", it's cleaner than the average and is well organized. He struggles with facial expressions too and I know that wasn't much of a thing in the PS2 era but still, compared to the other characters, his facial expressions are noticeably less varied than everyone else's, even his voice is comparatively expressionless. I still prefer Silent Hill 2 in terms of aesthetic, game design, and narrative, however I prefer Henry over literally any other protagonist from any other horror game ever simply because of how relatable he is to me.

[@mcr00kes]

I feel this game is getting the respect it deserves more recently, especially as the themes have linked with the pandemic, where people were isolated for long periods of time. I also feel Henry was a blank canvas to a degree so that the player could interject themselves into the role more, also achieved by the 1st person view. Overall, this was a great video and also brings back a game which has the emotional impact of loneliness and anxiety which this modern era of living has. It also links well with another cultural gaming phenomena which arose during the pandemic: The Backrooms. This may be why SH4 is feeling more relevant.As you say, it was ahead of its time.

[@Bgdk]

An apartment with a store room like that and that back part that was covered up would be amazing

[@joella3359]

Agh I love silent hill 4! It really needs more attention these days! It’s very under appreciated.

[@culIen]

Put SH4 Appreciator on my tombstone now bc I'm gonna be this game's strongest defender for life now. Thanks for watching!

[@rodneyabrett]

Good insight. Thanks. It's my favorite in the series and I remember I was hooked to the entire vibe of the game when those initial teaser trailers for the game were released which were amazing. It also has what it probably my absolute favorite of the Akira Yamaoka tracks in a Silent Hill series. Room of Angel.

[@alexxx4434]

Every Silent Hill game is about protagonist archetype's anxieties. 1: parent's, 2: husband's, 3: young woman's, 4: young man's.

[@Jaknife101]

Somehow i haven't commented on this yet, lol. Holy shit man, this is an amazing video. Hesitant to say it's your defacto best 'cause you always do great work, but this one just *feels* special. Would love to see your take on the rest of the series, especially 2 since the remake got announced earlier this year.

[@culIen]

Thanks buddy, that means a lot!! I put the most of myself into this one, and I'm not sure I'm capable of doing that for the other games, but I'd like to try!

[@Jaknife101]

Well, whatever you decide to do, I know it'll turn out great if this vid is anything to go by.

[@tiamondem1968]

Thanks for the video. The part where you talked about the small details of the interior in Henry's room (especially the photos) reminded me of a story that happened in my native country. I think it would be interesting for you to read about the case of a woman named Valentina Pavlovna Abramova, whose mummy was found in her apartment 13 years after her death. She was an unsociable woman, but a very talented musician. In the photos of her apartment, you can also see a lot of photos with almost no people in them. The story of Valentina Pavlovna causes me the same feeling of anxiety and melancholy as this game.

[@adamvancleave9200]

Unfortunately, I played with the kind of mindset that treats the room as just a base... that needs scented candles sometimes (with a staticky radio serving as my "nose"). And treating the dungeons (er dreamworlds) as the grind. Healing is slowed to a crawl (and blocked when the room "is stinky" I guess) but it still worked for me.

[@AgonizedCandle]

This game was heavily influenced by Repulsion the Roman Polanski film. Fans should definitely watch it.

[@atlaszart3856]

As a person who's currently in a situation like this, i can really relate, it sucks. I played this game a few times, but never thought about the story this way, it makes perfect sense.

[@culIen]

All I can really say is stay strong and hang in there, it'll get better even if it doesn't feel like it.

[@jamespegram6260]

Henry is there isnt he? One's weakness can often become their strong suit I believe it's because he acts the way he does it makes him perfect for a horror movie while most might be freaking out leading to dumb choices that'll kill them prematurely, he keeps his composure...for the most part and it's gotten him far

[@jb2einziger]

Love that beginning tour of the apartment, I’ve always loved that astethic and layout of Henry’s apartment I remember playing the game when I was younger and hoping that when I one day or my own place if it was an apartment it would be the same layout/decor as this as I find it really comforting for some reason

[@danielmedporp]

That’s the best video about SH4 I’ve ever seen

[@culIen]

Thank you 😭🙏

[@MadamFoogie]

Silent Hill 4 is a hikkomori simulator. I hated it at first, but now, it's one of my favorites. Thanks!

[@randomuser2252]

Enjoyable watch! Thanks for putting this together, it's apparent this required a lot of time and effort. =)

[@i_survived_raccooncity]

Hi @cullen Silent Hill 4 is one of my favorite horror games. It's memorable for me and I think about it to this day. I watched several videos about SH4 in a row today (they were all great). I liked yours the best, though. :) Three things stood out to me when I played SH4 back then. 1. The fact that Walter's corpse is rotting in our own apartment the whole time is possibly one of the most disgusting facts in a video game narrative ever. 2. The fact that Eileen fights alongside us for almost half the game is quite a consolation and made the horror so much more bearable. I really loved the inclusion of this. 3. The soundtrack is phenomenal. (I discovered today a 5h video with every released and unused tracks, here on YT). I'll save your video to a playlist for later because I really enjoy watching it. Good work! I like both protagonists of the game Henry and Eileen. And I can relate what's going on. P.S.: Have you ever played the video game "Visage"? Without any spoilers; if you liked SH4, this might be something for you too. ;) Thanks and take care.

[@culIen]

Thank you so much for you comment, sorry it took me so long to see it! That's some good insight, and honestly no I've never heard of Visage! I'll look into it 👀👀👀👀

[@the29thboxofreality]

Nice in depth review of SH 4 - THE ROOM's symbolism and plot details! Its amazing to watch new info explained. I also wants to know what song played in 3:08

[@ROBORACCOON64]

very late but its Your Rain by Akira Yamaoka, its one of the extra vocal tracks that appears in the SH4 OST

[@DaltonGoesSlow]

This Poppin off congrats!!!

[@culIen]

Thank you 🎉🎉🎉

[@meimei8718]

My introduction to Silent Hill was SH4, so it will always have a special place in my heart. I like this series and with out this game, I might never have known about this franchise.

[@GCVazquez]

New cullen video let's gooooooooooo

[@ladyviren]

I personally have a soft spot for sh4, in fact Henry is my favorite protagonist. And ur video is about this game is probably my favorite as I feel like you actually understand and are able to articulate aspects of the game that I’ve never even thought of before. Great work, it would be cool to hear more thoughts from u abt this game.

[@culIen]

I don't tend to revisit games I've covered before, but who knows! Maybe I'll make a follow-up one day!

[@JOSClaudess]

I loved this video, I always liked this game and never understood why some people hated it so much, but now I know, because it is relatable, I am just like Henry, and that connected me to this game

[@thebibliophilering8881]

Great video. You put your heart into this and it shows. I look forward to more.

[@eternal.warrior_2769]

I love your editing Mate. Bravo 10/10. How you switched from the dialogue on the radio that said come to silent hill for a peaceful getaway then transition to one of the songs off the games soundtrack awesome.

[@overlordswapi594]

one of my favorite twists about SH4, in SH2 and SH3 we see that Silent Hill itself is adapting to a person to show you YOUR inner demons, YOUR fears........but in SH4 we don't find any of those for Henry.........cause we find out it's Walter's......we're in the Silent Hill of a serial killer

[@sputterbeing8606]

Silent Hill 4 has been one of my favorites of the series for years, its seriously underrated and hated on for reasons that made me like it sm ... thanks for the amazing video !

[@AlyceMalyce]

Even before quarantine, I had gotten to a point in my life with my anxiety around people and in stores, that I would be so anxious that I'd rush my family to hurry up to go home. I'd snap in what sounded like anger, but I was just anxious, if people stopped us I'd feel like huge weight was sitting on my chest, so eventually I was no longer going out, or visiting family, for years before covid, I only ever left my home for doctor appointments, in the pandemic I felt no big difference in my life. But I could see how my family was adversely affected. I was finding it great how the world became more considerate by give us tele-med and more delivery. It was sad now that my Doctor's don't do tele-med appointments.

[@vanillaggl]

you are so clever. your videos are super inspiring. I can see the effort that you put there❤

[@culIen]

Thank you so much! I'll keep up trying to inspire 😤

[@markw.loughton6786]

Really good video. I enjoyed your take on the story.

[@silenthillfan9118]

From all the Silent Hill protagonists, Henry is the one closer to my personality because i'm kind of a quiet guy too.

[@UTF016]

The final song from the good ending is majestic.

[@MJ-mu3kb]

beautiful analysis of Walter and Henry's dynamic, I always felt the same way about these two characters.

[@_FVLL_]

It's such a rarity to see Henry appreciated and not just written off as an empty vessel for the player. I always related to him the most. He's awkward but trying his best. I really like him.🥹

[@robertwilliamson2856]

Did a great job on this video, Cullen! Just subscribed.

[@culIen]

Thanks so much! I hope you like the rest of my vids!

[@damianpriest196]

I just bought SH4 on PS2. Actually picked up all 4 originals just to play again. Happier than playing any ps5 game for sure.

[@CherrySteinz]

I've seen a lot of essays and musings about Silent Hill 4 and I've always been leaning on the positive side. I've wanted to play it but never really understood it, and had some hesitations about the difficulty of it. I never knew it's story could be read this way, but it makes perfect sense, and it hits very close to home for me. I'm convinced I think, I'll get around to playing this someday.

[@culIen]

I will say it can be a really challenging game, and is very mentally taxing in its back half, but is very worth it! I hope when you get to it you enjoy it, and thank you for your kind words!

[@Antnj81]

I wonder if the game is designed with the idea that Henry is agoraphobic. It would make sense if you think about it. He looks out his window and you get a glimpse of his visual perception, that being normal, unassuming, factual reality; but when you step out of the apartment through the hole, you are thrust into a world constructed of his worries, fears, and dreads regarding the concept of leaving the apartment. So in short, the perspective through the window is a reminder of the juxtaposition between Henry's physical perspective (actual reality) versus his distorted mental perspective (delusion).

[@MrGhostface_]

I got this game on my 12th birthday, it was only a few months released at that stage. It had me scared shitless but I couldn't put it down, still the scariest Silent Hill game, and probably one of the scariest horror games I've ever played. The atmosphere , sounds and design was far different to the other games and had a much darker sinister tone. Easily became my favorite of the series because of this.

[@juancena6909]

24:00 Not so Fun-Fact: Giving Eileen a weapon is generally a bad idea since it will make her more likely to take damage if your aiming to get the good ending. This is because she will get possessed if she takes too much damage (her appearance becomes more bloodier when injured). Also, this will affect the final part of the game, especially the final boss fight. You're more likely to get a bad ending when that happens. You can heal her using the candle but it's not entirely sure if that will neutralize her state of mind.

[@culIen]

Oh interesting, I didn't know that! I guess you're taking a risk to get that extra back-up, but in my experience I felt better with her being able to sunblock some enemies. Better for managing it all. Apparently putting a candle near her at the end of the game before she leaves can reset her? Guess it's a glitch lol

[@DashingDavid]

What an awesome video concept. Love SH4.

[@raghibnadeem2533]

Great analysis of this game, I hope you do more essays on Silent Hill games 🤘

[@voodooopaque6357]

You did a great job with this, I never got to play this Silent Hill, always wanted to.

[@realityreaperr]

OH MY GOD ANOTHER SLIENT HILL 4 VIDEO. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@Yuuki_Youtube]

Love this interpretation of SH4. Further, in psychology, there's something called the spotlight effect; a feeling during childhood when it feels like you're always being watched. I think, when Henry goes "outside" he kind of "reverts" (or maybe he just never grew out of this, also possible) and this serves as an explanation for the third person camera.

[@culIen]

Ohhhhh that's really good. As proud as I am of this video, it was a learning experience and I definitely want to research psychology a bit more for future vids like this. The idea of him reverting because he leaves the privacy of his home is really good, and I adore that read. Thank you for the information, and I'm glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@timsalem4938]

Great video, so good to see this game getting some love as well 💞

[@lauramac90]

Great video! I've never played this game but love watching walk-throughs