A very great game. If you don't buy it, you're missing out on a lot. The story is very complex and touching, as all Silent Hill games. The soundtrack is one of the best in the series, my favorite being Akira and Mary's cover of Always on my Mind, tied with Acceptance.

There's a lot of controversy among fans. Realize that THIS IS A REIMAGINED AND RETOLD version of the first game. It is NOT A REMAKE. (Emphasis on that). This is also told in an ALTERNATE Silent Hill universe.

This should be your fourth game. The order I would play the games are, (Related to the Cult: 1, 3, Origins, Homecoming), and then, (Related to personal storylines: 2, 4, then Shattered Memories). Or, you could reverse the order.

Also, it's not an Icy Frozen World. It's called the OtherWorld, even though it wasn't necessarily manifested in the game. Play the first game and you'll understand.

As with each Silent Hill game, there is heavy symbolism and reading to do to fully understand the game.
Finally, as I said, you ABSOLUTELY vave to play this game, and Silent Hill 2. They both have the best storylines in video game history.