Silent Hill Townfall's CRTV Makes Horror Hiding Less Terrifying

Ever found yourself frozen in a horror game, too scared to move because something might be lurking nearby? If you're like me, hiding mechanics are the absolute worst. But Silent Hill: Townfall might just change that.

I love Silent Hill. The tension, the fog, the twisted nightmares—it's all brilliant. But I'm also a scaredy cat. Games like Outlast and Amnesia: The Dark Descent have me noping out almost instantly, especially when I have to hide from patrolling enemies. So when I first encountered a 'hide' prompt in Townfall, my heart sank. That was until I got my hands on Simon Ordell's CRTV.

This chunky, Game Boy-like device is a game-changer. It works like the classic Silent Hill radio, crackling with static when enemies are near. But it does so much more. By tuning it to different signals, you can actually see the outlines of monsters through walls. Zero in on one, and the screen turns red, revealing a dark silhouette of the creature—even if it's hidden behind an object. Suddenly, you're not just cowering in the dark; you're tracking your hunters.

Even with this edge, Townfall keeps the tension high. Enemies patrol tight spaces, and you'll still need to use cover, peek around corners, and hold your breath as you slink through alleyways. The CRTV helps, but it doesn't make you invincible. I've had monsters chase me, only to hear them banging on a locked gate while I cowered in a nearby closet. They can pull you out if they spot you, so staying hidden is still a rush.

The best part? The CRTV is portable. Unlike the map, which roots you in place, you can walk and even hide while using it. It's a lifeline in a world tinted red with ghostly visions of regret. By tuning into each enemy one at a time, you can sometimes tell when one is trapped behind a wall, leaving another vulnerable. That's when you might decide to stop hiding and go on the offensive—maybe even with a destructible plank of wood.

Is the CRTV too helpful? Maybe. But in Silent Hill, we take what we can get. Between Townfall and Silent Hill f, the series is making a terrific comeback. And for scaredy cats like me, the CRTV is just the confidence boost we need to fight back.

What do you think? Will you be picking up Silent Hill: Townfall?