I'd argue 3 is both mechanically the best game in the series and the most enjoyable. Though, if you wanted, it'd be fine sticking with the first four exclusively, all of which you would only need a PS2 for. I'd say try every game in the series, as they're all neat in some way, regardless of quality. A OG ps3 with backwards compatibility would be your best friend, as it'd be able to play every entry in the series(Though, a bad port of Shattered Memories that loses the neat motion gimmick) I'd advise going at it all, 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > etc. Silent Hill 1 and 3 have story connections, 2/4/Downpour are self contained, Origins is a prequel, Shattered Memories a reimagining of the first, and Homecoming is sloppy on what it wants to be in the series.
