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Silent Hill 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Silent Hill 2
Item: Silent Hill 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Puzzle and Logic, Drama, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableOct 7, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperBloober Team

Overview

A remaster included in the Silent Hill HD Collection. The graphics have been re-mastered to 720p. The in-game voice-over was also updated along with a re-mastering of the soundtrack. The game also includes achievements/trophies.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Silent Hill 2 in the remake for staying faithful to the original while expanding on certain aspects, enhancing character moments, and dealing with themes of guilt, grief, and self-deception. Critics like CGMagazine, GameSpot, and IGN Italia appreciated the narrative's vulnerability, connection, and focus on psychological horror, surrealism, and haunting elements. The story's exploration of the human psyche, themes of guilt, grief, and the darker aspects of the human condition, as noted by GamingTrend, added depth and complexity to the overall experience. GINX TV also highlighted the positive impact of introducing changes to keep players engaged and unnerved, contributing to the game's favor. On the other hand, some critics, such as TechRadar Gaming and Gamepressure, noted that changes in narrative development and character dialogues in the remake may divide fans due to a more explicit approach compared to the original. TechRadar Gaming specifically criticized some changes that harmed the pacing and subtlety of the original game, indicating a potential drawback in the storytelling. IGN, while acknowledging the faithfulness of the story to the original, criticized the dialogue and performances for feeling campy and silly, suggesting a disconnect in the immersion for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Silent Hill 2 in the remake. The narrative's ability to maintain the essence of the original while adding new elements, expanding on the psychological horror, and enhancing character development resonated well with the majority of reviewers. The themes of guilt, grief, and psychological horror were commended for their depth and impact, with the additions and changes in the remake generally seen as beneficial to the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing, dialogue, and explicitness, the story of Silent Hill 2 in the remake was widely regarded as very good, capturing the essence of the original while offering a fresh and engaging take on the haunting and tragic tale of James Sunderland's journey through Silent Hill.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics widely praised the Silent Hill 2 remake for staying true to the original story while enhancing character moments and themes of guilt, grief, and self-deception. The narrative's exploration of psychological horror and human psyche was lauded for its depth and complexity. Some critics noted divisive changes in narrative development and dialogue, but overall, the remake was positively received for its immersive storytelling and fresh take on James Sunderland's haunting journey through Silent Hill.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of several critics regarding the gameplay of Silent Hill 2 on PS5 and PC showcase a mix of positive and negative aspects. Critics like CGMagazine, Eurogamer, and IGN Spain praise the improved controls, combat mechanics, and puzzles that enhance the gameplay experience. They appreciate the addition of modernized elements like a dodge mechanic and updated combat systems that maintain the intentional awkwardness and tense encounters of the original game. Eurogamer specifically mentions the enhanced third-person control setup similar to Resident Evil 2 Remake, which adds to the immersive gameplay experience. Additionally, GINX TV and IGN highlight the improved combat mechanics with faster reactions and fluid ranged combat, making encounters more engaging. On the other hand, some critics, such as Checkpoint Gaming and TechRadar Gaming, point out negative aspects of the gameplay. Checkpoint Gaming notes that combat can feel clunky in tight corners, affecting the overall experience, while TechRadar Gaming criticizes the clunky combat mechanics that don't align well with the new camera angle, impacting immersion in the game. Gamepressure also mentions that exploration and combat may become repetitive and tiresome over time, lacking innovation in boss fights and combat systems, which could lead to a less engaging gameplay experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the improvements in controls, combat, and puzzles that enhance the gameplay experience of Silent Hill 2. Critics like IGN Italia and VG247 commend the game for striking a balance between modernization and faithfulness to the original, providing satisfying combat mechanics and challenging enemies. While there are concerns about clunky combat in certain situations and potential repetitiveness in gameplay elements, the majority of critics acknowledge the successful enhancements made to the gameplay, making Silent Hill 2 a compelling and immersive experience for both new players and seasoned fans of the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Silent Hill 2 on PS5 and PC. Positive feedback praises improved controls, combat mechanics, and puzzles, with modernized elements adding to the tense encounters. Some critics highlight enhanced third-person controls and engaging combat mechanics. However, negative feedback points out clunky combat in tight spaces and repetitive gameplay elements. Overall, the majority of critics appreciate the enhancements made to the gameplay, making Silent Hill 2 a compelling and immersive experience for both new players and series fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Silent Hill 2, with many highlighting the significant improvements and enhancements brought by the remake. CGMagazine commended the "dramatic visual overhaul with Unreal Engine 5," which retained the original game's grimy atmosphere while introducing dynamic shadows and detailed textures, breathing new life into iconic locations. GameSpot also lauded the visuals, mentioning expanded locations, detailed environments, and improved character models that successfully bridged the gap between the original game and modern expectations. GAMINGbible and GamingTrend both emphasized the impressive character animations, environment details, shading, and lighting that collectively created a stunning and immersive atmosphere, capturing the oppressive and unsettling nature of the original game. While the overall sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Silent Hill 2 was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out minor issues or areas for improvement. GamersRD noted some problems with hair textures, indicating that there were slight imperfections in the character models. TechRadar Gaming criticized the shift to an over-the-shoulder camera perspective, mentioning that it dulled the anxiety and claustrophobia that the original fixed perspective provided. Additionally, MGG highlighted technical issues like frame rate drops during cutscenes on the PC version, which slightly detracted from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Silent Hill 2 in the remake are highly impressive and successful in capturing the essence of the original game while elevating it to modern standards. IGN Italia praised the attention to detail in environments, creatures, and puzzles, creating a familiar yet new experience for players. Worth Playing commended the effort put into the visuals, acknowledging that while some redesign choices may be subjective, the overall graphical overhaul aimed to retain the feel of the original locations. VG247 and Wccftech both highlighted the beautiful and well-realized HD environments, detailed character designs, and immersive world presented in the game, further solidifying the positive reception towards the visual aspects of Silent Hill 2. The general consensus reflects a shared appreciation for the stunning visuals and atmospheric enhancements that the remake brought to this iconic horror title.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about the impressive Graphics and Visual Design of Silent Hill 2 remake, praising the dramatic visual overhaul with Unreal Engine 5 that maintained the game's eerie vibe while introducing dynamic shadows and detailed textures. Despite minor flaws like hair texture issues and frame rate drops, the majority agreed that the visuals successfully captured the essence of the original game while meeting modern standards. IGN Italia lauded the attention to detail, Worth Playing appreciated the effort in redesigning visuals, and VG247 and Wccftech highlighted the beautiful HD environments and immersive world, all contributing to the overwhelming positive reception of the game's visuals.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Silent Hill 2 for its exceptional quality and contribution to the overall atmosphere of the game. CGMagazine commended the remastered iconic score by Akira Yamaoka, Checkpoint Gaming appreciated the haunting industrial sounds maintained in the music, and GAMINGbible highlighted the top-notch soundtrack inspired by the original with fresh tweaks. The use of dissonance, synth, and intense sound effects was lauded by GameSpot for creating a deeper and darker atmosphere, while GINX TV noted how the ambient sounds and lack of cheap jump scares added to the horrifying experience. IGN Italia emphasized the importance of sound effects, music, and silence in immersing players in the psychological horror experience, showcasing the overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the sound design and music of Silent Hill 2 was positive, a few critics did mention some minor drawbacks. MGG pointed out that some tracks may feel dated or repetitive, impacting immersion, despite the haunting blend of original and new compositions by Akira Yamaoka. IGN Spain noted issues with voice and music overlapping in cutscenes, suggesting that configuration adjustments could resolve this problem. These criticisms, however, were overshadowed by the overall acclaim for the game's sound design and music, indicating that any negatives were minimal in comparison to the strengths of the audio elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Silent Hill 2. The immersive ambient sound design, haunting soundtrack, and effective use of sound effects were highlighted as key strengths by multiple reviewers. The eerie atmosphere, enhanced by grungy industrial pulses, realistic audio cues, and unsettling enemies, contributed significantly to the psychological horror experience praised by critics such as IGN and TechRadar Gaming. The majority of critics agreed that the sound design and music played a crucial role in creating tension, immersion, and unease throughout the game, solidifying Silent Hill 2 as a standout title in terms of audio excellence in the horror genre.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Silent Hill 2's sound design and music, praising the iconic score, eerie industrial sounds, and immersive atmosphere. While some noted minor issues like dated tracks and overlapping audio, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive. The game's audio elements were lauded for enhancing the psychological horror experience, with reviewers highlighting their crucial role in creating tension and unease.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Silent Hill 2's remake has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. CGMagazine praises the new voice acting for striking a balance of stilted unease, enhancing character realism, and emotional impact, while Checkpoint Gaming commends the new cast for delivering excellent performances with gusto. Digital Trends appreciates the intentionally stilted performances by professional actors, contributing to the unsettling nature of the game. GamersRD notes the excellent voice acting performances in both English and Japanese versions, adding to the overall positive reception. On the flip side, IGN criticizes the voice acting for feeling too campy and not aligning with the serious tone of the game. They suggest that subtle rewrites and tweaks could have improved the performances to better fit the game's atmosphere. Despite this, the negative feedback from IGN is in the minority compared to the overwhelming praise from other critics. Eurogamer highlights how the voice work in cut-scenes closely mirrors the original, maintaining authenticity while updating visuals, showcasing a nuanced approach to the voice acting in the remake. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Silent Hill 2's remake is a significant improvement over the original, with the majority of reviewers praising the performances for adding depth, emotion, and believability to the characters. GamingTrend specifically mentions Luke J. Roberts' fantastic performance as James Sunderland, enhancing the immersive experience. GINX TV appreciates the more real and worldly feel of the performances, with extended dialogue and better delivery enhancing the characters' nuances. The general sentiment is that the voice acting in the remake elevates the game's narrative and atmosphere, making it a standout aspect of the overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praise the voice acting in Silent Hill 2's remake for adding depth, emotion, and authenticity to the characters. While some like IGN find it campy, the majority laud the new performances for enhancing the game's unsettling atmosphere and immersive experience. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting is a significant improvement over the original, with standout performances like Luke J. Roberts' portrayal of James Sunderland earning high acclaim.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, CGMagazine and Eurogamer both praised Silent Hill 2 for its utilization of the Unreal Engine, delivering visually impressive graphics and stable performance. Eurogamer specifically highlighted the availability of two graphics modes, catering to different player preferences. Additionally, GamingTrend appreciated the immersive use of DualSense features and accessibility options in the game. These positive aspects enhance the overall gaming experience on the PS5 platform. However, some critics pointed out drawbacks in the technical performance of Silent Hill 2 on the PS5. GamingTrend mentioned struggles with maintaining a locked 60 frames per second in Performance mode, with occasional drops impacting the smoothness of gameplay. IGN Spain highlighted issues with the save system and visual cues affecting usability and immersion. Despite these drawbacks, the overall technical performance on the PS5 seems to be satisfactory, with minor issues that may be addressed in future updates. Overall, the critics' consensus on the technical performance of Silent Hill 2 across different gaming platforms is generally positive. The game excels in delivering visually stunning environments and stable performance, especially on the PS5 with its advanced features and graphics modes. While some minor technical issues were noted, such as frame rate drops and usability concerns, the overall experience seems to be immersive and engaging for players. With the utilization of modern technologies like upscaling, DLSS, and ray tracing on PC, Silent Hill 2 offers a visually appealing and technically sound gameplay experience for fans of the horror genre.

TL;DR

technical performance

Silent Hill 2 on the PS5 impresses with Unreal Engine graphics and stable performance, offering dual graphics modes and immersive DualSense features. Critics note minor issues like frame rate drops and usability concerns, but overall, it delivers a visually stunning and technically solid horror experience that may see improvements in future updates.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Silent Hill 2 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics, such as Eurogamer and IGN Spain, highlight the addition of new puzzles, areas, and endings as significant positives that enhance the replayability of the game. Eurogamer specifically mentions that the complexity of puzzles scales with difficulty settings, providing a fresh experience for both old and new players. IGN Spain also praises the well-designed puzzles and multiple endings that add depth to the narrative, encouraging players to explore different choices and actions for multiple playthroughs. Additionally, GamingTrend and Worth Playing appreciate the inclusion of New Game Plus, brand new endings, and different difficulty levels that affect puzzles and combat, offering players varied experiences each time they play. On the flip side, some critics point out potential negatives that may impact the replay value of Silent Hill 2. Gamepressure expresses concerns about the extensive exploration and combat mechanics potentially hindering replay value, suggesting that playing the game in parts could prevent players from feeling overwhelmed. GamersRD also notes that certain aspects like combat may require polishing or improvement, which could affect the overall replayability of the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Silent Hill 2 offers substantial replay value due to its new additions, multiple endings, varied puzzle solutions, and different combat approaches. Critics like GINX TV and IGN Italia emphasize the modern updates and additions that cater to both returning fans and new players, enhancing the overall enjoyment and replayability of the game. While there are some concerns raised by critics regarding certain aspects of the game, the general sentiment is that Silent Hill 2 on PS5 and PC provides a compelling and immersive experience with significant replay value, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the horror genre and the Silent Hill series.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Silent Hill 2's replay value, praising new puzzles, areas, and endings that keep players coming back for more. Some mention concerns about exploration and combat mechanics, but overall, the game's multiple endings, varied puzzles, and diverse combat options make it a must-play for horror fans.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised the Silent Hill 2 remake for its ability to capture the essence of the original game while modernizing it for a new audience. CGMagazine commended the remake for modernizing the game while preserving its essence, offering a haunting and unforgettable experience. Checkpoint Gaming described it as a polished homage and a celebration of one of horror's greatest masterpieces. GamingTrend highlighted how Bloober Team successfully modernized the game without losing its essence, delivering a visually stunning and atmospherically rich experience. IGN Italia highly praised the remake for respecting the original while enhancing various aspects like gameplay, visuals, sound design, and narrative. Overall, critics appreciated the faithful reimagining of Silent Hill 2 and the enhancements made to visuals, gameplay, and overall experience. On the negative side, some critics pointed out areas that could have been improved in the Silent Hill 2 remake. GamersRD mentioned that while the game captures the essence of the classic, areas like combat could benefit from refinement. TechRadar Gaming noted that while the modern trappings enhance the visual experience, some decisions alter the spirit of the original game. Gamepressure felt that the remake lacked a decisive direction in terms of full-fledged remake changes or sticking to the original, resulting in a survival horror experience that may not fully engage players. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the game remained positive. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that the Silent Hill 2 remake is a successful and respectful adaptation of the original game. Critics appreciated the game's ability to maintain the essence of the classic while introducing modern updates to enhance the overall experience. IGN Spain highlighted how the remake successfully translated the classic title to the current generation while maintaining what made the original great. While there were some minor criticisms regarding aspects like combat and certain design decisions, the majority of critics found the remake to be a top-tier psychological horror experience that will appeal to both fans of the original and newcomers. Overall, the Silent Hill 2 remake was widely regarded as a very good adaptation that captures the spirit of the original game while offering a fresh and engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

Critics praised the Silent Hill 2 remake for staying true to the original while modernizing it for a new audience. They lauded its haunting atmosphere and polished homage to the horror masterpiece. Some critics noted areas for improvement, like combat mechanics, but overall, the game was well-received for its faithful reimagining and enhancements to visuals and gameplay. Despite minor criticisms, the consensus is that the remake is a successful and respectful adaptation that offers a top-tier psychological horror experience for both fans and newcomers.

CRITIK

Reviews

180 reviews found

100

VG247

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bloober Team's remake of Silent Hill 2 is a faithful and engaging reimagining of the original game, offering a mix of nostalgia and new elements that will captivate both veterans and newcomers.

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100

Eurogamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Silent Hill 2 Remake stays faithful to the original while adding new details and mechanics, creating a familiar yet enhanced experience that fans of the series will appreciate.

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IGN Italia

PlayStation 5

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly praises the Silent Hill 2 remake, considering it a top-tier psychological horror experience that respects the original while enhancing various aspects like gameplay, visuals, sound design, and narrative. It commends the attention to detail and the modernization of the game without losing its essence.

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GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The remake of Silent Hill 2 is praised for capturing the original vibe, offering fantastic performances, and being a perfect remake despite a forced stealth section.

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Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Silent Hill 2 remake is a polished, fitting homage, and a celebration of one of horror's greatest masterpieces.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the remake for being respectful and worthy of the original, with improvements and expansions that enhance the experience. It is considered a top-tier remake in the industry.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 5

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Silent Hill 2 remake is a remarkable achievement, modernizing the game while preserving its essence, offering a haunting and unforgettable experience that captivates both veterans and newcomers.

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GameSpot

PlayStation 5

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer is impressed by the Silent Hill 2 Remake, describing it as surreal, cerebral, horrifying, and grotesque. They express excitement for the full experience and believe the remake captures the essence of the original game.

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Wccftech

Oct 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Silent Hill 2 is a scary, atmospheric, polished, and fun game. It is considered the best game by Bloober Team, successfully bringing a legend of the Survival Horror genre into the modern age while maintaining the essence of the original.

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IGN Spain

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Silent Hill 2 Remake successfully translates the classic Konami title to the current generation, maintaining what made the original great while making necessary changes for modern gameplay standards. Fans of the original and newcomers alike will find the remake faithful and enjoyable, offering a fantastic excuse to experience or revisit the story of James Sunderland.

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