Silent Hill 2

Two years after the original was released, Konami returns the gamer once more to Silent Hill. In 2001, the game’s release was one of the most anticipated titles of the year, considering the scare factor it introduced in the original version. This version does not take off from the original. In fact, you can even say that the two versions are independent of each other. The only semblance they have is that they are set in the same eerie New England town that’s infested with creatures from the dark.

In Silent Hill 2, you play the character of James Sutherland, who experienced the loss of his wife through an illness. Three years later, he receives a mysterious letter from her telling him to go to their special place on Silent Hill. Here is where the web of mysteries and unnerving occurrences begin to unfold. Upon arriving in this ghostly town, James encounters other characters who have something very odd about them. He encounters quite a number of mentally unstable individuals, and occasional monsters that whisk in and out of the dark. The monsters are not much of a problem for the gamer though. There are plenty enough ammunition and survival kits along the way, so gunning your way around the town is nothing to worry about. Due to this, some hardcore shooters might want to raise the difficulty level a notch higher.

Oftentimes in the game, you’ll find yourself exercising your logic rather than your aim and shoot skills. The main focus of Silent Hill 2 is in solving puzzles. There are quite a number of them that adhere to combination-type puzzles. So players might spend most of their time exploring every nook and cranny to make sure they don’t leave behind a key item. Overlooking a clue or item is often reason to get stuck in-game. Though with Silent Hill 2’s very helpful and organized mapping system, you won’t have to start from box 1 in turning over every leaf. Rooms you’ve visited are clearly marked, as well as doors that are unopened, and puzzles that you’ve solved.

If you’re really up to reloading that weapon, then you might as well stay indoors. The AI still leaves a lot to be desired, and you can actually just run past some of the creatures when you’re outdoors. One criticism to the game’s design is that the monsters don’t really look quite monstrous. In the first instalment of Silent Hill, the creatures were horrifying enough to frighten you into fighting for your life. In Silent Hill 2, they’re just annoyingly ugly that you want to get rid of such a nuisance. In this regard, then players can enjoy blowing up ghoulish heads without quaking in fear.

Of course being of the horror genre, sound and scoring play a big part. In this, the players are not disappointed. We still get the ghostly static from the radio, and the ghostly music that signals impending doom. Overall, Silent Hill 2 is falls a tad bit short from its predecessor, but is able to maintain the factors that made this series a success.