Silent Hill 2 is a game focused around regrets and how to confront them in order to move on. Whilst it may not be the smoothest experience in its gameplay mechanics, with stiff tank controls, rough combat sequences and awkward boss fights, it clearly wasn't the main focus so much as the story, music, atmosphere and art direction was, which are all executed so flawlessly that it makes you forget any of the tiny problems it has.
It’s clear from the start that SH2 wants to treat it's stories topics with the care and respect they deserve. When I think back to my favourite parts, I think about how well this game is able to represent different aspects of trauma and the effects it can have on people. I think the voice acting strengthens each of the characters' personalities, making them come off as these uncomfortable adults who feel just as isolated and lost as you do, not knowing who to trust. Each person has their own story and journey in Silent Hill 2, and seeing how characters such as James (the main protagonist), Eddie and Angela end up ‘dealing’ with their baggage is captivating enough to see your way through the whole game.
I think where the game peaks for me personally is when you arrive at the Lake View Hotel. I won’t get into events, but the embodiment of emotions mixed into the level design, the final interactions with each of the characters, alongside the final goodbye was gut-wrenching. It’s moments like these that prove that games can be the most human form of media and don’t have to be all 'spectacle' to keep you engaged.
One of my favourite inclusions has to be the dynamic endings depending on how you play the game, which was quite innovative considering the game was released back in 2001. Playing as James, if you heal after battles and make sure he has a fair amount of health, you’ll get the more bittersweet ending, ‘Leave’. But leave James always on low health or let companions get hurt more often and you’ll get the more unpleasant ‘In Water’ ending. This makes the game have some replay value, seeing where different playstyles will get you, whilst also including secret endings once you get all the mainline ones (woof woof).
You can't discuss SH2 without also mentioning its sound design. Each individual sound feels like it has some sort of purpose in making you feel something, fleshing out the world and expanding your imagination on what sort of horrors could be out there, especially when combined with the level design that becomes more of a map for James’ torment, all connecting back to the stories’ themes.
And my god, the brilliant soundtrack composed by Akira Yamaoka is equally beautiful & horrifying. It's the perfect blend of sorrow, despair & hope that you'd imagine from a game such as SH2, strengthening each scene when used and helping push its ideas & emotions to the forefront. This game truly wouldn’t have the impact it did if it wasn’t for its music.
Whilst I have a lot of praise for SH2, I do think there are areas of the game that could’ve been improved. I think more enemy variety would’ve been nice alongside different ways to fight instead of just hitting the same button over and over again because it made the boss battles not as intense as they should’ve been… and don’t even get me started on the dreaded row boat section where I got stuck for half an hour.
Overall, SH2 is a game I’d highly recommend anyone to play. I can understand why it gets all the acclaim it does because put simply, it's human. I don’t think it's a perfect game, but the few issues it does have are very easy to neglect when you look at the bigger picture. Play this game yourself and go in with your eyes closed, because you’ll be in for one of the best psychological horror games of all time.
As an extra mention, I also want to appreciate the fantastic work done by the Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition Team to make sure it retains the same feeling as the original whilst making improvements to make it more accessible. I think its the best way to experience the game, especially when you compare it to how much it was butchered with the re-release on PS3.
It’s clear from the start that SH2 wants to treat it's stories topics with the care and respect they deserve. When I think back to my favourite parts, I think about how well this game is able to represent different aspects of trauma and the effects it can have on people. I think the voice acting strengthens each of the characters' personalities, making them come off as these uncomfortable adults who feel just as isolated and lost as you do, not knowing who to trust. Each person has their own story and journey in Silent Hill 2, and seeing how characters such as James (the main protagonist), Eddie and Angela end up ‘dealing’ with their baggage is captivating enough to see your way through the whole game.
I think where the game peaks for me personally is when you arrive at the Lake View Hotel. I won’t get into events, but the embodiment of emotions mixed into the level design, the final interactions with each of the characters, alongside the final goodbye was gut-wrenching. It’s moments like these that prove that games can be the most human form of media and don’t have to be all 'spectacle' to keep you engaged.
One of my favourite inclusions has to be the dynamic endings depending on how you play the game, which was quite innovative considering the game was released back in 2001. Playing as James, if you heal after battles and make sure he has a fair amount of health, you’ll get the more bittersweet ending, ‘Leave’. But leave James always on low health or let companions get hurt more often and you’ll get the more unpleasant ‘In Water’ ending. This makes the game have some replay value, seeing where different playstyles will get you, whilst also including secret endings once you get all the mainline ones (woof woof).
You can't discuss SH2 without also mentioning its sound design. Each individual sound feels like it has some sort of purpose in making you feel something, fleshing out the world and expanding your imagination on what sort of horrors could be out there, especially when combined with the level design that becomes more of a map for James’ torment, all connecting back to the stories’ themes.
And my god, the brilliant soundtrack composed by Akira Yamaoka is equally beautiful & horrifying. It's the perfect blend of sorrow, despair & hope that you'd imagine from a game such as SH2, strengthening each scene when used and helping push its ideas & emotions to the forefront. This game truly wouldn’t have the impact it did if it wasn’t for its music.
Whilst I have a lot of praise for SH2, I do think there are areas of the game that could’ve been improved. I think more enemy variety would’ve been nice alongside different ways to fight instead of just hitting the same button over and over again because it made the boss battles not as intense as they should’ve been… and don’t even get me started on the dreaded row boat section where I got stuck for half an hour.
Overall, SH2 is a game I’d highly recommend anyone to play. I can understand why it gets all the acclaim it does because put simply, it's human. I don’t think it's a perfect game, but the few issues it does have are very easy to neglect when you look at the bigger picture. Play this game yourself and go in with your eyes closed, because you’ll be in for one of the best psychological horror games of all time.
As an extra mention, I also want to appreciate the fantastic work done by the Silent Hill 2: Enhanced Edition Team to make sure it retains the same feeling as the original whilst making improvements to make it more accessible. I think its the best way to experience the game, especially when you compare it to how much it was butchered with the re-release on PS3.