Silent Hill: Ascension hasn’t made a big effect on the online game world, however perhaps its licensed T-shirts will. Konami not too long ago introduced some tie-in merch, which is now obtainable on its web site. The shop options some generic shirts, a hoodie, and a inexperienced beanie, however, most significantly, a lightweight blue T-shirt and mug that say “It’s trauma” surrounded by rainbows and stars within the bubbliest font.
Should you’ve ever wished essentially the most emotionally problematic merch that appears surprisingly nice and displays how you’re feeling on the within, that is the acquisition for you.
When Silent Hill: Ascension was introduced, it promised a brand new tackle the sequence by being an interactive, dwell, choose-your-own-adventure-inspired expertise. It was the tagline “It’s trauma,” although, that made a big effect on me, particularly as a result of it was so bewildering. It was very on the nostril for a narrative that was, as we have been advised, about trauma. Even worse, it was insulting to each individuals with trauma and Silent Hill followers who knew the franchise’s historical past with the subject.
For instance, Silent Hill 2 supplied a profound commentary on trauma, grief, and guilt, making a character-driven story that differentiated itself from the primary sport’s dense lore-based world. These are themes the Silent Hill franchise has been chasing all through its lifetime, typically efficiently (Silent Hill: Shattered Recollections) and typically not (Silent Hill: Downpour).
Silent Hill: Ascension is simply the newest to attempt to seize that magic, and it’s been an enormous failure. Critics have slammed the interactive story for failing to know the core idea of “Silent Hill as trauma,” for stilted dialogue, and for being a normal slog to sit down by means of. The utterly arbitrary season go and microtransactions, which featured cosmetics and allowed gamers to decide on characters’ actions, didn’t assist with making it really feel like a tonally constant expertise. It’s robust to take any piece of media significantly when it releases a purchasable sticker that shouts its theme. You didn’t know this was a sport about trauma? Now you do.
A T-shirt or mug isn’t going to make Ascension any higher, however the “it’s trauma” sentiment makes for some completely ironic merch. Plus, with how the world is correct now, you are able to do a lot worse than a T-shirt or mug that screams “I’ve a relationship to trauma.”