Siren (2003)

3.22 from 107 ratings

413 members have it in their collection · 8 playing now · 180 backlogged · 157 wish listed

How long? · with extras 15h · 100% 7h (from 3 logged playthroughs)

The story revolves around an interconnected cast of characters that possess a power which enables them to see and hear what a nearby character sees. The game was followed by a PlayStation 2 sequel, a reimagining for the PlayStation 3 and a film adaption. Siren is divided into stages, each taking place in one of ten areas in the village of Hanuda, and organized chronologically in a table called the "Link Navigator". In order to complete a stage, the player must accomplish a primary objective that usually involves reaching an exit point, subduing undead enemies called "Shibito", or finding an item. Objectives in 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 miscellaneous items scattered throughout each stage that give the player further insight into the plot's background. Once obtained, these items are archived in a catalog and can be viewed at any time during the game's duration. The game's player characters possess a psychic power named "sightjack," which enables them to see and hear what a nearby Shibito or human sees and hears, and thus pinpoint its position, as well as gain knowledge of their activities and of the position of obtainable items. The clarity of each target depends on the distance from the player character. Once a point of view is located, it can be assigned to one of certain buttons of the controller to easily switch between multiple points of view. However, the player character is unable to move during use of the ability and is thus vulnerable to attack. The game encourages the player to avoid Shibito rather than fight them. Characters can walk silently, avoid the use of a flashlight, and crouch behind objects to elude detection. Certain mission objectives require the player character to use items and/or the environment to distract Shibito from their activity, in order for them to achieve a goal. Others require the player to escort a non-player character. Player characters can also shout at any time in order to get the attention of nearby Shibito. Within most stages, the player character can hide in certain places such as cupboards 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 from which they heard the sound. If a character is seen by a Shibito, the latter will pursue the character to kill them either with a melee or ranged weapon or by strangulation. The Shibito will also shout to alert other nearby Shibito. Once the character has remained out of the Shibito's sight for a period of time, the Shibito will give up and resume its usual habits. Weapons are available for the player throughout the game, ranging from melee weapons to firearms. While Shibito can be knocked out in combat, they cannot be killed and will reanimate after a short period of time. If a character is injured, they can recover after some time has passed. Characters will lose stamina during combat and while running. Read less

Details

Developers: Project Siren, SCE Japan Studio
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genres: Adventure, Strategy
Themes: Horror, Stealth, Survival
Series: Siren

Release dates

Nov 06, 2003 (Full Release) (Japan) PlayStation 2
Jan 22, 2004 (Full Release) (China) PlayStation 2
Feb 13, 2004 (Full Release) (Korea) PlayStation 2
Mar 12, 2004 (Full Release) (Europe) PlayStation 2
Apr 20, 2004 (Full Release) (North_America) PlayStation 2
Jul 25, 2012 (Full Release) (Japan) PlayStation 3
Jan 15, 2013 (Full Release) (North_America) PlayStation 3
Jun 14, 2016 (Full Release) (Europe) PlayStation 4
Jun 14, 2016 (Full Release) (North_America) PlayStation 4

Also available on

Siren (2024) · PS4, PS5

Rating distribution

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1 star

Community All Reviews Statuses

Review Morcys 3/5 · Mar 11, 2026

If it weren't for the guide I used, I never would have been able to finish the game. It's very, very difficult and unsettling. The graphics are sublime; the artistic style of the characters' faces makes the game much more terrifying than it should be. The game doesn't let you breathe; the feeling of oppression and danger never lets up. …

6 Comment

Status Morcys Mar 5, 2026

Holy moly, what on earth did I get myself into? :0

0 Comment Permalink

Review Danteisqueeen666y 5/5 · Mar 25, 2025

Wiele osób ja nienawidzi ale to jest mój ulubiony horror

1 Comment

Review giopep 5/5 · Jan 24, 2025

This is a beautiful game that does everything it can to not be loved. The control system already felt like something from ten years before in 2003, the difficulty is really punitive and the saving system makes you want to beat the shit out of the developers. In terms of quality of life, the sequel is much better without giving …

3 Comment

Status Hikaruboom Aug 2, 2024

Beat this today for the first time and found all archives. I used a walkthrough. I definitely enjoyed it, but do not recommend playing it without a guide. It's necessary. This game is definitely clunky in some places and definitely for more patient gamers, but I did enjoy my time with it. I found a lot of the levels were …

1 Comment Permalink

Review Goose 1/5 · Mar 5, 2018

I never caught this one when it came out but I played (and enjoyed) Siren: Blood Curse when it came out. I figured that the original PS2 release would be a bit more archaic in comparison but I wasn't expecting a game with such a complicated progression system. This game does not give a shit about your enjoyment or time. …