Silver Pines Review (Xbox Series X|S)

There’s something deeply unsettling about arriving in a town that feels abandoned, yet somehow still watched. That's the atmosphere Silver Pines builds from its opening moments, dropping players into a haunting mystery filled with strange characters, cryptic clues, and horrors lurking just beyond the edge of reality. Developed by Wych Elm and published by Team17, this survival horror metroidvania follows private investigator Red Walker as he searches for missing musician Eddie Velvet in the half-forgotten town of Silver Pines.

What immediately stands out is the game's atmosphere. Silver Pines wears its influences proudly, drawing comparisons to Twin Peaks, Silent Hill, and classic survival horror while carving out an identity of its own through its surreal storytelling and Americana-inspired setting. The town itself becomes the star of the show, filled with diners, motels, theatres, hidden pathways, and disturbing secrets waiting to be uncovered. Exploration constantly rewards curiosity, and every new area feels like another piece of a puzzle that's never quite willing to reveal the full picture.

Gameplay blends classic survival horror mechanics with metroidvania progression. Resources are scarce, inventory space is limited, and every bullet matters. Players spend much of their time searching for keys, tools, weapons, and puzzle solutions while gradually unlocking new sections of the interconnected map. The satisfaction of finally gaining access to a previously unreachable location never gets old, especially because the town is packed with secrets, upgrades, and optional discoveries.

Combat leans heavily into tension rather than empowerment. The monsters that stalk Silver Pines are dangerous enough that running away is often just as viable as standing your ground. Boss encounters add variety, forcing players to think carefully about how much ammunition and healing they're willing to spend. It won't satisfy those looking for fast-paced action, but horror fans will appreciate the constant feeling that they're never quite prepared enough for what's around the next corner.

One of the game's greatest strengths is its presentation. The 2.5D perspective gives everything a distinctive look that feels like a lost cult classic from the late 1990s. Hand-painted environments, rotoscoped animations, and clever lighting create scenes that often feel more like fever dreams than traditional video game locations. Combined with the noir-inspired detective narrative, Silver Pines maintains an atmosphere that remains compelling from beginning to end.

The game isn't without flaws. Inventory management can occasionally become cumbersome, especially when backtracking through previously explored areas. Some puzzles are intentionally obtuse, and players who dislike getting lost may find the lack of direct guidance frustrating. Yet for many horror enthusiasts, those elements are part of the appeal. Silver Pines trusts players to observe, experiment, and piece together its mysteries without constantly holding their hand.

What ultimately makes Silver Pines special is how successfully it balances mystery and horror. The monsters are frightening, but they're never the real reason you keep playing. You're driven forward by the need to understand what happened to Eddie Velvet, what secrets Silver Pines hides beneath its decaying surface, and whether Red Walker can find redemption before the town consumes him entirely.

Pros

• Brilliant Twin Peaks-inspired atmosphere

• Engaging mystery that keeps you invested

• Excellent blend of survival horror and metroidvania exploration

• Memorable visual style and presentation

• Rewarding exploration with meaningful progression

Cons

• Inventory management can become tedious

• Some puzzles may feel overly cryptic

• Backtracking won't appeal to everyone

Silver Pines is a love letter to classic survival horror wrapped in a wonderfully strange detective story. Its unsettling atmosphere, clever world design, and slow-burning mystery create an experience that's difficult to put down. If you enjoy games that prioritise mood, exploration, and psychological dread over constant action, this is one of the most intriguing horror releases on Xbox this year.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Silver Pines is available now!