Alejandro Wallis

As someone who has experienced every Silent Hill game—from the first on PS1, The Room on PC, Origins on PSP, Homecoming on PS3, and even the disappointing Downpour and all the others, I find it hard to separate my love for the original Silent Hill 2 from an objective critique of the remake. The original SH1, a 25-year-old classic, redefined what video games could be, delivering a deep and psychologically engaging storyline that resonated in ways no other game had done at the time. Without a doubt, Silent Hill 2 was the pinnacle of the series. The challenge of remaking such a revered game lies in balancing the expectations of long-time fans while appealing to a new generation. In this regard, the Silent Hill 2 remake has its share of successes and shortcomings. From the moment I started playing, I noticed some of the issues that many reviews have already pointed out. The camera perspective is occasionally clunky, and the abundance of monsters feels excessive. This, combined with a watered-down narrative, detracts from the original’s emotional depth and haunting atmosphere, which is what made it so impactful for me. That said, the remake does well in trying to appeal to modern audiences. The shinier graphics, more dynamic combat, and beautifully crafted world feel like a nod to games like The Last of Us and the newer Resident Evil titles. However, it lacks the same aura and tension that defined the original experience. Despite this, it's clear Konami aimed to please both longtime fans and newer players. After all, video games are still products, and profitability often means catering to broader tastes. I played the game on PC, very beefy 4090 / 7800x3D, and I encountered technical issues such as micro-stuttering and frame rate caps during cutscenes, which was disappointing. Additionally, the graphics, while an improvement over the original, obviously, feel a bit dated by today’s standards, which detracts from the overall experience. In summary, while the Silent Hill 2 remake may not live up to the masterpiece of its predecessor, it offers enough for newer players to appreciate, even if it misses the mark for those of us who experienced the original in its prime.