What greatly elevates Silent Hill 2 from its predecessor is that the game is an incredibly heartbreaking experience. While I consider 1 to be a great and revolutionary horror game, 2 is something that is so much more. Silent Hill 2 perfectly combines emotional storytelling and terrifying horror imagery. When I wasn't feeling tense because of the set pieces and sound design, I was feeling overwhelmed by the story of James trying to find Mary. Exploring Silent Hill this time felt more fulfilling and as time went on you learn more about the history of the town. As well as crimes that went on there. The atmosphere of SH2 is also enhanced by the incredible soundtrack. One of the greatest soundtracks I've heard in a video game full stop. That and the sound design were crucial to my fear of areas in the game. The way that you would hear monsters breathing and running towards you, but never actually coming was a brilliant way to fill the players with paranoia.

At the end of the day though Silent Hill 2 is a story about a man processing and grieving over the death of his wife. As James traverses through Silent Hill more and more details about Marys death are revealed to us. James guilt and frustration are manifested in the monsters and residents of Silent Hill. Even the most iconic monster of the series, Pyramid Head, is a manifestation of the sexual frustration of James. As James goes through his nightmare that feels never-ending he learns to come to terms with Marys death. With the ending I got leaving me in a strong feeling of catharsis. I don't think horror games will ever get better than this.

"I can't tell you to remember me, but I can't bear for you to forget me."