POTENTIAL SPOILERS Silent Hill 2’ is so close to being a masterpiece. I’d still consider it one of the best horror games ever made, more specifically when it comes to its narrative, characters, and how the game world connects thematically to all of that effortlessly. Again, gameplay isn’t exactly the game’s strong suit. Combat is still stiff and tedious at times and walking around Silent Hill itself still isn’t very engaging as enemies can be avoided easily and exploration isn’t exactly encouraged. Luckily there was a lot less emphasis on roaming Silent Hill and more on specific interiors and the puzzles/enemies inhabiting them. I’d say it maintains the same amount of focus as the first game, but this time with a much more expanded narrative and cast of characters. That’s where ‘Silent Hill 2’ shines. It may not have great voice acting (with the exception of Mary’s narration of her own notes to James which were great) nor does it have the best dialogue. However, when it comes down to the themes and exploration of its protagonist, James, it’s one of the most emotional and depressing character studies I’ve ever seen in a game. It deconstructs James through the enemies he encounters representing his distorted sexual desires and obsession with being punished for his past sins. It deconstructs James through how Silent Hill acts as both a purgatory where he must come to terms with his horrendous acts and also a place of peace for him to finally come to terms with his inner demons. I can go on and on but I’m typing this with my thumbs on my phone and they want to fall off. So in conclusion the narrative this game presented did wonders with our much dialogue but instead by focusing on how to build the world from the broken mind of its protagonist compared to the nightmarish randomness of ‘Silent Hill’s’ world. They both have their merits, but emotionally I vastly preferred this sequel and everything it set out to do. Not perfect at all, but god damn is it such a refreshing experience to go back to.