Silent Hill 2

I finally finished the Silent Hill 2 remake. It’s only the second Silent Hill game I’ve ever completed. The first one was Silent Hill 3, back when I was in college. I played the original Silent Hill and Silent Hill on the PlayStation Portable too, but I never finished them.

I started this one earlier this year and played it on and off. I was trying to balance it with life and other games, but I always managed to pick it back up within a few weeks. After finishing it, I have to say this is the best Silent Hill game I’ve played.

Heads up: there are story spoilers below.

A Story That Keeps Pulling You Back

Combat was never the core focus of Silent Hill the way it is in Resident Evil. Both qualify as survival horror, but Silent Hill 2 grabbed me more with its story. I just wanted to know more.

The plot is well designed, and the twist is interesting and intriguing. The game isn’t particularly long, but the pace is right.

A Town That Feels Wrong

The map and the major locations are really well designed. The depressing environment and the jump scares are at an all time high.

Rewards for Paying Attention

James’s story and the Easter eggs are all very well designed, and the game rewards the people who pay attention to the details the most. Right at the very beginning, James looks at his hands. After the Eddie event, he does the same thing again.

The monster design is really well done too. And there’s the question of why Laura can run freely around Silent Hill without being bothered by the monsters. Once you know why, it all makes sense.

Walking Back Through Mary’s Memories

Following James as he retraces his path with his wife Mary in Silent Hill, and finally accepts the truth, is quite a journey. Then there’s Maria. Her appearance and her interactions with James keep making you want to know more.

At the final moment, all the questions are answered. The way the monsters react to James, suddenly everything starts making sense.

One Ending, and That’s Enough

The game has multiple endings. I got one I’m happy with, and I consider it the best ending, so I’m probably not going to play it again. Let’s keep it that way.

Silent Hill 2 will surely stay in my memory, right next to Resident Evil 2 and 3. Such a great experience.