Compatible emulators

Synopsis

The story revolves around a group of interconnected characters who possess a power that allows them to see and hear what a nearby character sees. The game was followed by a sequel for PlayStation 2, a reimagining for PlayStation 3, and a film adaptation.

Siren is divided into stages, each taking place in one of ten areas of Hanuda Village, and organized chronologically in a board called "Link Navigator". In order to complete a stage, the player must complete a primary objective which usually involves reaching an exit point, subduing undead enemies called "Shibito", or finding an item. The objectives of the different stages are interconnected via a butterfly effect, and a character's actions in one stage can trigger a secondary objective in another stage.

There are various items scattered throughout each stage that give the player deeper insight into the plot context. Once obtained, these items are archived in a catalog and can be viewed at any time during the duration of the game. Player characters in the game possess a psychic power called "Sightjack", which allows them to see and hear what a nearby Shibito or human sees and hears, and thus pinpoint their location, as well as gain knowledge about their activities and the location of obtainable items. The clarity of each target depends on its distance from the player character. Once a viewpoint is located, it can be assigned to one of certain controller buttons to easily switch between multiple viewpoints. However, the player character is unable to move while using the ability and is therefore vulnerable to attacks.

The game encourages the player to avoid Shibito rather than fighting them. Characters can walk silently, avoid using a flashlight, and crouch behind objects to escape detection. Some mission objectives require the player character to use objects and/or the environment to distract Shibito from his activity, so that he can complete an objective. Others require the player to escort a non-player character. Player characters can also shout at any time to attract the attention of nearby Shibito. In most stages, the player character can hide in certain places such as closets and lock doors to prevent Shibito from entering. When a Shibito hears a sound made by the player character, it will search in the direction it heard the sound from. If a character is seen by a Shibito, the latter will pursue them to kill them either with a melee or ranged weapon, or by strangulation. The Shibito will also scream to alert other nearby Shibito. Once the character has been out of the Shibito's sight for a period of time, the Shibito will give up and return to its normal habits. Weapons are available to the player throughout the game, ranging from melee weapons to firearms. Although Shibito can be knocked out in battle, he cannot be killed and will revive after a short period of time. If a character is injured, he can recover after a while. Characters will lose stamina during combat and while running.

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