The remake of Silent Hill 2 has surpassed our expectations, standing as a remarkable triumph for Konami and Bloober Team, and breathing new life into this iconic horror title. Guided primarily by my colleague Kazuma’s review, I stepped into the eerie world of Silent Hill eagerly. This initial excitement quickly faded as the unsettling atmosphere and unique frights—particularly those unnerving Mannequins—overwhelmed me, even as the protagonist, James, navigated this haunted town with relative ease.
For years, I believed that the awkward controls typical of older horror video games were intentionally designed by developers. My experience with the original Resident Evil on PlayStation left me frustrated, unable to tackle the puzzles, language, or controls due to my young age.
However, it turns out that Capcom didn’t intentionally make Resident Evil clunky, and it wasn’t an isolated case. Tank controls were a common feature in many games from that era, unlike the other titles I frequently played. The Fatal Frame series further cemented my belief that clumsiness was a gameplay mechanic to elevate tension. Games like Siren added to this narrative, reinforcing my perception that discomfort in gameplay heightened fear. This false belief persisted for nearly twenty years without much challenge, until recently.
Fast forward to 2024: Bloober Team and Konami released a controversial combat trailer showcasing the Silent Hill 2 remake’s over-the-shoulder perspective for James. Initially, it seemed fine, but soon, I witnessed him dispatching iconic foes with a range of melee and ranged weapons. The oppressive, somber ambiance that characterized the original was noticeably absent.
Upon rewatching this trailer, one major issue stood out: the soundtrack. The music seemed more in line with a generic action title rather than a horror classic. While James employs various firearms in the original game, emphasizing combat is a fresh angle for this remake. I understand the marketing strategy of showcasing the differences between versions, but given the focus on psychological horror, a more understated musical score would have resonated better with fans.
Like many, I felt uneasy about the remake after watching the trailer. Although Bloober Team expressed differing views on Konami’s promotional approach, their track record raised concerns. I remained convinced that to achieve true horror, gameplay should feel somewhat cumbersome, and the polished presentation of the Silent Hill 2 remake felt too sleek, reminiscent of titles like The Last of Us and Resident Evil 2 Remake—both excellent games but divergent from the spirit of Silent Hill 2.
However, the community’s skepticism faded upon release, as Silent Hill 2 received glowing reviews. Bloober Team succeeded. I eagerly downloaded the game, and the compelling opening sequence quickly alleviated my doubts. Facing the occasional Lying Figure while exploring the fog-laden streets felt manageable. Wood Side Apartments introduced a level of fear with its narrow hallways and annoying Mannequins, yet it was tolerable. Bluecreek Apartments had its eerie moments, but overall, I was reassured with every step through the haunting town.
Then I reached Brookhaven Hospital. Oh boy, Brookhaven Hospital was an experience. Full disclosure: I acquired the game at launch, and it took me almost a month to complete due to the psychological demands it imposed. No amount of ammunition or honed aiming could mitigate the fear. Following guides to find collectibles left me well aware of where enemies lurked, yet the absence of trial and error made the game’s atmosphere even more intense. It is difficult to feel terror from the Shibito in Siren when annoyance overpowers fear.
The Otherworld in Silent Hill has always been gruesome, with its blood-stained walls and disturbing visuals. It’s grim, grotesque, and unsettling—apt descriptors indeed. I don’t recall feeling as frightened during my original playthrough, perhaps due to the distant camera angle or the fact that I shared control with friends.
What’s remarkable is how the Silent Hill 2 remake kept me on edge throughout my journey. I understood my ability to conquer foes on Standard difficulty, yet my anxiety remained unshaken. Even if Chris “Genuine Gorilla” Redfield from Resident Evil 5 had been the main character, I believe I would still feel trepidation. The game excels in environmental design. Nearly all settings are dimly lit, cramped, and filthy, keeping each room or hallway from becoming familiar too quickly. There’s always a chance to explore new areas, fraught with the possibility that static will flare up and a monster is about to pounce.
And that’s where the true horror lies—the sound design. It’s not enough that James perceives this town as a nightmare; the audio must enhance that feeling. The music is profoundly unsettling, even when silence reigns. The monsters’ inhuman sounds contribute to the atmosphere, while the static-filled radio heightens unease. The brief moments of terror triggered by the Mannequins intensify paranoia, compelling you to scan every corner as you brace for their alarming appearances.
I grew increasingly exasperated with those Mannequins. Being a naturally jumpy person, the game’s meticulous design, paired with unexpected jump scares, weighed heavily on me. Sure, I could dispatch the Mannequins with relative ease, but that didn’t prevent me from being terrified by those grotesque figures leaping out unexpectedly. I’ve encountered remarks online suggesting that the frequent jump scares might detract from the experience. While I see their point, I respectfully disagree; the looming threat of their uncanny movements kept the tension fresh across hours of gameplay.
This remake of Silent Hill 2 marks the first horror game in years to evoke a genuine emotional roller coaster, illustrating how mistaken I was to think true horror relies on awkward controls. This eye-opening experience was enlightening, and I have no regrets about this newfound perspective.
Silent Hill 2 is available now for PS5 and Windows PC.
Images Credit: Siliconera.com
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