While I think this and Silent Hill 2 are more or less equals, I have to give the edge to 3.
Compared to its predecessor, the horror here takes on a less subdue aesthetic. Silent Hill 2 feels as though you are in the rotting heart of a grief stricken man. This game instead feels like a journey through a church of the profane. The monsters are more visceral, far more disturbing imagery and viscera can be found throughout, overall it appeals more to my tastes in this respect.
But what I think really gives it an advantage over the previous entries in the series is its unique story. In such a male dominated medium as video games, it is surprising and encouraging to see a game place such emphasis on the female perspective. Feminine horror is not unique to this game, but it is one of the best, most concise implementations of the sub genres themes to be found.
Compared to its predecessor, the horror here takes on a less subdue aesthetic. Silent Hill 2 feels as though you are in the rotting heart of a grief stricken man. This game instead feels like a journey through a church of the profane. The monsters are more visceral, far more disturbing imagery and viscera can be found throughout, overall it appeals more to my tastes in this respect.
But what I think really gives it an advantage over the previous entries in the series is its unique story. In such a male dominated medium as video games, it is surprising and encouraging to see a game place such emphasis on the female perspective. Feminine horror is not unique to this game, but it is one of the best, most concise implementations of the sub genres themes to be found.