Originally Free, You Can Now Pay $70 to Own the Worst Silent Hill Game
Silent Hill: The Short Message, originally released as a free digital download for PlayStation 5, is now receiving a physical retail release for $70. The move marks a striking reversal from its free-to-download status, converting a previously given-away title into a paid product.
The game was shadow-dropped by Konami during a livestream ahead of the Silent Hill 2 release, serving as a prequel entry to the franchise. However, it has become widely regarded as a poor entry in the series. It currently holds the lowest Metacritic score of any Silent Hill game at 52, with reviewers including Push Square describing it as “dreadful” and “pretty poor.”
The decision to monetize the critically panned title through a physical release is unusual, particularly given that its initial free availability appeared to acknowledge its quality shortcomings. The strategy represents Konami’s attempt to capitalize on renewed franchise interest following the successful Silent Hill 2 remake. The physical release seems primarily aimed at franchise collectors or dedicated fans, though the substantial price point may encounter resistance given the game’s poor critical reception and previous free status.