Key information
Wych Elm Games has released Silver Pines, a 2.5D adventure that merges survival horror tropes with metroidvania exploration. IGN reviewer Tristan Ogilvie notes that the game successfully adapts mechanics from titles like Silent Hill and Resident Evil into a side-scrolling format. Currently five hours into the 12-hour story, the reviewer finds the experience highly engaging.
The gameplay emphasizes methodical, deliberate actions, such as manually chambering revolver rounds or waiting for coffee to brew to boost stamina. Combat features restricted inventory management and puzzle-solving, requiring players to repair machinery or align combination locks to progress. Exploration tools are grounded in the setting, with items like box cutters and sledgehammers used to access new areas.
Ogilvie praises the game's atmosphere, comparing its engrossing, gloomy environment to high-budget survival horror titles. He highlights the manual save system at payphones, which requires spending limited coins that could otherwise be used for supplies. The reviewer commends the debut work of the five-person development team, noting the game's impressive attention to detail.
Silver Pines is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. While the reviewer has not finished the game, he suggests it could become one of his favorite titles of 2026 if it maintains its current quality.
