sometimes ur expectations get set so high for a piece of media it doesnt seem reasonable for the actual experience to meet them. well, its not like its never been said before but this game absolutely took my breath away. masterfully executed horror complimented by the gorgeous aging of its technical limitations, incredibly sturdy (and fun!) survival horror gameplay, and a tale of guilt and grief that transcends the medium. this game really has something special in it, beyond the suffering and the bleakness of its story and characters, there is a small but faint heartbeat, a heart that has been beating on for 20+ years, and will continue to beat on for many many years longer. silent hill 2 possesses a heart and soul wholly unique to it, and i can, with my own whole heart say for sure, will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever do it.