Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams -Xbox- 9.5

November 4, 2024

I just played through Silent Hill 2 for the second time and got the “In Water” ending. I initially played this game about five years ago, but many subtleties of the story went over my head the first time around. Since then, my appreciation for psychological horror has grown by playing other noteworthy offerings from the genre (namely Haunting Ground, Rule of Rose, and Fatal Frame II). So I wanted to go back and replay the revered classic and understand the full scope of why so many other gamers remember it with such high regard. Upon completing my second run of the game, I can now join in the celebration of Silent Hill 2 being one of the greatest survival horror games ever made.

James Sunderlan receives a letter from his late wife, imploring him to come back to their “special place” in the neighborhood of Silent Hill. This picture perfect opening immerses the player into a feeling of utter loneliness and isolation right away. While the first SH game was extraordinarily scary and unnerving, this sequel is also more somber and melancholy at the same time.

The storyline in SH2 feels very personal to the player, dealing with themes of guilt and confronting oneself for past sins. Many shocking and disturbing occurrences happen during James’ trip through the remote town, and it all resembles a vivid dream. Each of the supporting cast plays a vital role in piecing together the purpose of this secluded world, but the interactions with Maria and Pyramid Head were especially surreal and impactful. Pyramid Head is one of the most menacing villains in all of survival horror, making me shudder in fear every time I spotted him down a long hallway. And the actress who voiced both Maria and Mary was outstanding, demonstrating incredible range from Maria’s melodramatic outbursts to Mary’s beautifully read letters.

Being an early survival horror title, SH2 plays just as you would expect, which I personally love. The emphasis on exploration to solve puzzles&riddles, along with the tank controls and purposely janky combat are all here. And everything is done inside the same striking set design and nightmarish atmosphere that made the original SH game so memorable. The graphics in SH2 are greatly improved over its predecessor, as this was released in the following console generation. The extreme attention to detail in bringing the gritty backgrounds and ghastly set pieces to life is staggering. The fog laden streets of Silent Hill envelop the player in a feeling despair for the unknown of what lies ahead, and the horrific environments of the alternate nightmare realm are absolutely terrifying. The haunting musical score and unsettling sound effects also perfectly punctuate the bleak mood.

SH2 was a pioneer of psychological horror in videogames. It’s not a long playthrough, but it weaves a tight narrative about looking in the mirror and coming face to face with one’s inner demons. The ending was deep and powerful, and I cannot stop thinking about what happened. SH2 is one that really sticks with you after you finish it, and I am rating it a 9.5 out of ten.