Got it on PS2. I havent made it very far, but Ive played enough to get a fair grasp on the gameplay. Its classic Silent Hill all the way, with one exception. The survival horror/tank controls have been replaced with a 3D control system. Im just as comfortable with it either way. Other than that, it handles just as youd expect it too. The only other thing thats relatively new is the combat system. First of all, all melee weapons now possess limited integrity, that is to say, they deteriorate, much like RE:Outbreak. This is perfect for a Survival Horror game, and it adds to the realism factor, being able to pick up numerous weapons, of varying types. Anything from a sledgehammer, to a television set, to a toaster, to a good old wooden plank. From what I can tell, the quick turn has been removed, but since you can now do a 180 instantly anyway, its understandable. Also on melee weapons, you can now hold down the X button to "charge" your attack before swinging, much like The Room, without the golf swing meter. The most obvious change is that now when an enemy grabs you, you will enter a button tapping event which will allow you to break free, and receive less damage, ala RE4. Finally, you now have the ability to unleash a decently powerful punch combo when you have no weapon equipped. I would say that this breaks a certain element of helplessness, since so far Ive yet to encounter an enemy that I cant kill with this attack, but I assume enemies will get stronger as the game progresses. I also expect to be surrounded by multiple enemies more often, which would definitely make this attack less efficient.

The graphics are on par with Silent Hill 2, which is reasonable considering that this is a PSP game.

__________________

Yeah I just got it, and I gotta say one thing, the controls aren't that great. They're workable and I know Silent Hill is more about fear and helplessness and all that, but the controls despite the theme were never that great in any of these games. But this one's the worst to me. The camera angles are kinda bad at times, but the centering button fixes that for the most part. My main gripe is they didn't add in right stick camera control. Centering works, but I'd still like a little bit more control in that area. Despite that, the movement feels a little too robotic and the fight stance seems broken at times. But even with the bad controls Henry's still able to kick alot of ass.

Also, is it just me or does it seem like there's waaaaaaaaay too many weapons in this game? I mean they're literally everywhere. I mean without the strategy of should I fight or run like hell, it takes away that helpless feeling.

Other than that, it's typical creepier than Hell, Silent Hill. The story is pretty good, the graphics are intense and immersive. Despite it's problems, if you dig Silent Hill, you're still gonna love it.

Like you said, Silent Hill was never about groundbreaking controls, and Origins is no different. Honestly I gor what I expected there. I do have to agree about the camera. It gets a bit frustrating at times, and I think its funny that you mentioned the lack of right analogue control, because I find myself constantly reaching for it for that purpose. I guess Im just so use to doing it in MGS3, and to a lesser extent, RE4.

I actually prefer the new weapons system over any other survival horror game. Being able to pick up various melee weapons, each with a different standard for deterioration. It adds a perfect element of realism for this type of game. Its alot like the Outbreak series. I hope they keep it somewhat the same for Silent Hill 5.

__________________

I just got done playing another round of Dead Rising and realized just how fun and how much sense it makes to have more choices for weapons. Thinking about it, it does make more sense for someone in a tight spot to use whatever's around them to defend themselves. Even with the extra weapons it's not like the games a cinch.

I remember a long time ago a friend of mine told me he hated RE. When asked why he said "Well, if I'm stuck in a hallway with no ammo, and I'm an elite special forces agent, I should be able to use my hands to defend myself and jump over the banister if I had to, not just run around folks."

Granted, SH characters armt special forces agents but he kinda has a point. And Henry seems like the kinda guy who would jam a drip stand down somebody's throat to get away from a dangerous situation.