After over a decade since a major title in the series has been released, theSilent Hill 2remake from Bloober Team is set to bring the PS2 era classic into a new generation. Iterating on a game that has been regarded as impossible to properly remake due to the unique atmosphere it was able to achieve at the time of its release. However, theSilent Hill 2remake has only one realistic route when it comes to meaningfully improving upon the original in the eyes of many fans.
As is the case for most survival horror titles, it’s safe to say that the main appeal ofSilent Hill 2is the feeling conveyed by its style and presentation over the tightness of its gameplay and mechanics. There is serviceable, clunky combat in the original title, but it was never the primary focus of the experience to begin with.Bloober updating James' face inSH2remakein response to the negative feedback garnered from changing his design is a show of good faith in terms of the game’s horror atmosphere, but the studio needs to follow through on its own unique vision for actual gameplay beyond just visuals.
Bloober Team is Navigating Necessary Changes to Silent Hill 2 Remake
Changing SH2’s Original Story Would Essentially Invite Backlash
The game’s community has made it clear that most fans are uninterested in seeing any changes being made to the narrative ofJames' journey asSilent Hill 2’s protagonist, since this has always been the strongest element of the title as a whole. If Bloober decides to make alterations to the plot beyond messing with the sequence of some events, it could compromise the good faith that some fans are clinging to after disappointments likeAscension.
Dated Combat in the Original and the Criticism of the Remake’s Showcase
The unnerving environments and sound design ofSH2hold up remarkably well after over 20 years since release, but fighting monsters can end up as a mess of stiff animations and repeated sound clips. TheSilent Hill 2remake’s combat-focused gameplay revealappeared to directly address this matter through showing off more fighting than the original game was ever known for, leading to fans feeling that it went too far in this direction.
Silent Hill 2 Remake’s Success Isn’t Riding on Story
Bloober Team Can Genuinely Improve SH2 Through Gameplay
Bloober has since claimed thatSH2remake’s combat-heavy gameplay trailer isn’t completely representative, and implied that it will actually be taking a more nuanced approach to combat. WhileSilent Hill 2was never an action title, tense moments like thePyramid Head boss fightsand escorting Maria could benefit from a tasteful update to mechanics like blocking and AI. The new over-the-shoulder camera angle that has replaced the fixed camera angles of the original has the potential to immerse players more deeply into these moments, but its unknown if Bloober will still find a way to integrate the artistry of these tank-control levels into its new perspective.
Silent Hill Gameplay is More Than Combat
Puzzles have acted as prominent roadblocks in each majorSHtitle, andSilent Hill 2’s puzzlesserve as especially appropriate pieces of a larger symbolic journey that will be tough to make adjustments to. Remaking all the same enemy encounters would still offer a similar challenge to players of the original, but keeping all the same puzzle solutions wouldn’t be the best way to keep the remake interesting. With a new doorknob-based puzzle having been shown off alongside combat, it seems that Bloober has been aware of this reality. Staying true to the narrative ofSilent Hill 2is almost guaranteed to net praise for its remake, but the modernization of its gameplay systems will be the true determinant of its lasting legacy.
Silent Hill 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2.High-end Graphics and SoundWith ray tracing and other cutting-edge technical enhancements, the world of SILENT HILL and its unsettling ambiance is even realer than before.And with the inclusion of new, immersive soundscapes, you’ll feel like you’re standing in the thick of it.Larger EnvironmentsExplore locations and buildings that were once inaccessible, or are newly added in the remake. Enjoy the same acclaimed story, even while you experience the town of Silent Hill with fresh eyes across an expanded map.Over-the-shoulder CameraThe remake moves from the original’s fixed-camera viewpoints to an over-the-shoulder perspective, putting you closer to what James sees, for a more thrilling, more immersive experience as you explore the town and come face-to-face with monsters.Evolved Combat GameplayFamiliar weapons like the steel pipe and handgun make their return, but now with an updated combat system. Avoid attacks with carefully timed dodges, aim down sights, and more, making monster encounters more engaging and nerve-wracking than ever.
