Silent Hill 2 Remake review: A haunting resurrection

Silent Hill 2 Remake Review

Remaking classic games has become a common trend in the gaming industry and Capcom has set a new benchmark by breathing new life into older titles. Their approach modernizes game elements while respecting the essence of the originals, creating authentic reinventions that resonate with contemporary audiences. One of the most iconic titles in the survival horror genre is Silent Hill 2, known for its oppressive atmosphere and disturbing design. Horror specialists Bloober Team aim to resurrect this cult classic with a complete remake. But will this reinvention preserve the chilling legacy of the original or risk destroying fans' memories?

After receiving a mysterious letter from your wife, who supposedly died three years earlier, you arrive in Silent Hill in search of your beloved. Instantly, there is a palpable sense of fear as thick fog envelops the environment to create a nightmare-like claustrophobia. Each character you meet adds to the unsettling aura that permeates the experience. Disturbing conversations and strange personalities create a Lynchian sense of dread, as if reality is slowly falling apart. The city itself seems alive, warping to reflect your deepest fears, forcing you to question what is real and what is a manifestation of your own mind.

The root of evil

The Remake remains faithful to the original, with the story and characters as disturbing as the first version. However, the new voice acting improves the delivery of the dialogue, enhancing the surreal tone that resides throughout. The conversations have a peculiar, almost unnatural quality, which adds to the twisted, dreamlike state that persists in the world. This leaves you in a constant state of ambiguity, wondering what is real and what is not.

Bloober Team improves several aspects to bring the 2001 title in line with modern releases. The visual improvement is more noticeable with each location rich in details that build the story of the world. In addition to the overwhelming fog that suffocates the region, the area bears scars from past events. The destroyed parts of the street make you question the events that have occurred, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Decay rots inside and insects infest the places, creating moments of insecurity as you venture into each disgusting environment. Every design decision builds on the original spirit, successfully translating the adventure for a modern audience.

Enemies add to the heady terror, amplifying the panic that continues to wash over you with every tentative step. Disturbing and disgusting, each creature plays on psychological fears and has been recreated in a way that enhances their repulsive design. The twisted animations and leathery skin really capture the horrible atrocities that dwell in the shadows. Pockets of darkness narrow your field of vision, resulting in continuous moments of dread due to the overwhelming sense of vulnerability.

brutal bloody

Bloober Team has put a lot of time and effort into improving combat. Thanks to the new over-the-shoulder perspective, each action feels much more fluid than the cumbersome method of the original. The visceral melee attack carries weight and packs a brutal punch. This creates a satisfying tactile element to combat improving encounters. In addition to this, you can also use weapons to target certain limbs of your opponent and their attacks. Due to limited ammo, you'll have to consider when to use a bullet or dash forward for a melee attack. The quick turn option allows you to easily create distance so you can take time to strategize your next move. Every aspect of combat has been revamped and significantly improves this aspect of the experience.

Puzzles remain a fundamental part of the experience. Most remain faithful to the original, while others have been expanded. Most are a welcome break from the danger ahead, however some suffocate the pace of the game. Each puzzle has been designed with logic in mind so that the solutions never seem far-fetched. However, if you prefer not to think too much about some aspects, you can modify the difficulty of these in the options menu to adapt your experience. Although there are some conventional puzzles due to the age of the original, these are still thoughtful and add variety to the disturbing journey through Silent Hill.

What's in the dark?

The areas have been expanded allowing for greater exploration. Some buildings that were previously inaccessible are now open, allowing you to discover more about the world through notes left in areas. This adds to the rich story and gives more insight into the desperation that pervades everything. There are also hidden items to help you on your journey, giving you more incentive to wander around the decrepit buildings that sway over the city. Everything is nicely recorded on your map with notes indicating important locations. This allows you to navigate to the correct area instead of aimlessly scanning it.

The sound design is exceptional and accentuates the terror that suffocates the game. Yamaoka's rearranged score builds suspense perfectly, but also expertly counters it with moments of delicate sensitivity. It is truly a masterclass in video game music. The way it emphasizes the ethereal atmosphere solidifies the murky premise but adds layers to the experience through different sounds to elevate the eeriness.

Remaking Silent Hill 2 may have seemed like an impossible task, but Bloober Team has delivered an impeccable reinterpretation of the classic. With improved combat, each encounter becomes more intense, increasing the visceral impact of each hit. The stunning graphical overhaul captures the pervasive decay of the world, while enhanced lighting magnifies the sense of menace, creating an anxiety-ridden experience. Whether you're returning or a new resident of Silent Hill, this is a must-have game for horror enthusiasts.

***The publisher provided a PS5 code***