After a series of Resident Evil Remakes, Dead Space returned to the fold with its remake, and it was only a short while before the granddaddy of Psychological Horror made its way back. Silent Hill 2 Remake is finally here, releasing tomorrow 8 October, for the PlayStation 5 and PC. Read our detailed Silent Hill 2 Remake Review below and find out why it’s a Must Buy for Horror fans.
A Touch of Magical Realism
Silent Hill 2 was a pioneering title when it was released in 2001, with its dark and unnerving setting along with the psychological narrative. The game was a hit with fans across the world because of the unnerving nature of the gameplay and storytelling. The remake shows promise when the players first boot up the game and follow James as he makes his way to the eerie town of Silent Hill.
The Remake is a morbid masterpiece just like the original, with the story gripping the players to their core and making this an unforgettable journey. The game puts players in a nerve-racking narrative that will instantly blow your mind, with the level of effort put in by the Bloober Team in bringing back this classic and spicing things up with a hint of Magical realism rarely seen in games.
Initial Gameplay Impressions
Whether playing on the PC or the PlayStation 5, the best way to experience the game is hands down using the PS5’s Dual Sense controller. The game feels much more alive with all the haptic feedback and integration of the DualSense compatibility with the title. The gameplay, along with the graphics of the game, has been ramped up to match today’s standards and appeal to a far wider audience than the original fans of the series.
The Gameplay might feel a bit clunky as this is no Resident Evil or a shooter at core, Silent Hill 2 is to be experienced like a movie and the true soul of the game lies in its story. Trust me when I say this, Silent Hill 2 story is far more psychological than any horror game series out there.
Gameplay Mechanics & Features
Movement: James is an ordinary human being with no special powers or abilities, and he is no athlete. Players will have to fight for their survival and use any means necessary to fend off the horrid abominations in the world of Silent Hill 2. Dodge smoothly out of the way. Shoot down disgruntled maniacs by switching to different weapon types easily during gameplay.
Weapons: On his journey, James will encounter various weapons, from melee weapons to firearms. The Remake doesn’t add much in the sense of upgrading weapons or a varied arsenal, as James will only have access to basic hardware.
Navigation: It’s a dark, dark world. The town is shrouded in thick fog, and the majority of the interiors have little to no light. The remake has enhanced graphics, and the eerie atmospheric vibe is etched into its lighting system. Players might encounter this as a problem, as the flashlight in the game isn’t that bright, and for sections, the atmosphere gets really dark.
Survive: Your goal is simple: find the answers and stay alive. James must stay alive at all costs, and for that, he must scavenge the world for rare supplies like medical aid, ammo, items, and more. Every single bullet counts, every pill matters.
Not just a New Coat of Paint
Silent Hill 2 remake is crafted beautifully with attention to detail in every little nook and cranny and that’s not all. Bloober team has tried their best to offer something for everyone, including the fans of the original title. With new environments to explore and hidden stashes, the game offers add-ons on top of the original. Many puzzles have been reworked to provide a sense of challenge to even the older fans.
The developers have added new enemy types and reworked previously stagnant boss battles. Don’t even get me started with the crawling spider mannequins in the prison section. (You are in for a treat.) Iconic enemies like Pyramid Head have never looked more terrifying with highly enhanced visuals and detail.
Final Verdict
Silent Hill 2 Remake is worth every penny for its experience and content. The game has fixed multiple issues plaguing the original, like aimless backtracking, stiff controls, and more. Those who haven’t experienced Silent Hill before are in for a treat, as any tense situation in the game will end in the player’s complete nervous breakdown. The game stays true and faithful to the original, and hands down, the Bloober team has done a tremendous job of bringing back a beloved game in its true form.
We’re rolling out our Driffle Rating for the first time, and Silent Hill 2 Remake earns a solid 8/10! This remake is an absolute must-buy for fans of the horror genre. With our Silent Hill 2 Remake Review, you can confidently decide whether you’re ready to dive into this mind-bending psychological nightmare.
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