Oh, Silent Hill. What an eeriness I can't fully overcome.

At least, not until 2023. My journey and interest in the franchise began a long time ago when I was in grade school. I can't quite recall which one got to me first—Silent Hill: Origins on PS2 or the first Silent Hill movie. The fog, the siren, and the traumatizing transition into the Otherworld were enough to cement this series as the most iconic horror franchise for me. Although I never progressed past Cedar Grove Sanitarium in Silent Hill: Origins because I was too scared, the series still captivated me, leaving an imprint that has lasted to this day.

Fast forward about 15 years to 2023, when I stumbled upon a guide explaining how to play every Silent Hill game on PC, I finally completed my first Silent Hill game—Silent Hill 3. While I knew it was a direct sequel to the original Silent Hill on PS1 and ideally should have been played second. It was that disturbing and eerie experience with countless unexpected things, yet finishing it felt immensely relieving knowing it is one of the best among the series. The next day, I dove straight into Silent Hill 2, arguably the series' most celebrated entry and the one slated for a remake the following year. Experiencing the original before the remake felt like an essential rite of passage. Comparing the two, Silent Hill 3 stood out with its disturbing visuals, panicked atmosphere, and a relatable protagonist that immerses you in a nightmare. Meanwhile, Silent Hill 2 offered a hauntingly beautiful yet deeply depressing journey, pulling you into the unknown and leaving a bittersweet sadness that lingers in memory.

Now onto the Silent Hill 2 Remake. I can confidently say this is one of the best remakes ever made, staying remarkably faithful to the original while introducing meaningful enhancements. One addition that personally stands out to me is the Glimpses of the Past. These are clever easter eggs scattered throughout the game, referencing key locations and objects from the original Silent Hill 2. They aren’t traditional collectibles—there’s no tracking through inventory, nor are they explicitly explained in-game. Instead, they’re subtle moments where brief static appears on the screen, the camera angle shifts, and wistful music plays, evoking nostalgia for players familiar with the original. This thoughtful touch alone makes me urge others to play the original Silent Hill 2 before diving into the remake, as it deepens the impact and serves as a nod of respect to the classic. Alongside numerous easter eggs that are always fun to discover and discuss, the remake also features two brand-new endings alongside the remade originals, as well as excellent additions to the lore, further enriching the experience.

Among the updated sequences, the Abstract Daddy boss encounter stood out for me. It’s vastly different from the original, filled with dread and panic that elevate the tension. This new interpretation also provides additional detail about the related character's story. Recently released Patch 1.0.6 was also a welcome update, restoring the pre-release level designs. On the other part of the game, iconic horror elements—like the unsettling moments in certain rooms within the apartments and the prison—are preserved, ensuring that the remake stays true to its roots.

To me, the most terrifying levels in this remake are Otherworld Brookhaven Hospital and Toluca Prison. It’s hard to choose which is scarier, but Toluca Prison edges out just slightly. Those two are the only places that could make me stop for awhile and feel my childhood fear back, again. The oppressive Otherworld atmosphere in Brookhaven Hospital is reminiscent of Otherworld Alchemilla Hospital in Silent Hill: Origins and the Otherworld from the first Silent Hill movie, while the suffocating darkness in Toluca Prison evokes memories of Cedar Grove Sanitarium from Origins. Bloober Team has done an outstanding job of preserving the iconic, haunting, and disturbing style that defines the Silent Hill franchise.

Akira Yamaoka’s return to reimagine the original soundtrack adds another layer of authenticity. The updated tracks stay true to the 2001 vibe while feeling fresh. The marvelous sound design brought by Bloober Team also deserves recognition. While the original game masterfully relied on the "break the silence" approach to amplify tension, the remake takes a different path, emphasizing intricate environmental audio details. Both styles, though distinct, excel at creating an astounding auditory experience that perfectly complements the horror atmosphere.

While the game excels in many ways, there are some missed opportunities worth mentioning:

1. Maria’s original outfit: Although beautifully presented as a glimpse during the Motel sequence, it could’ve been included as an unlockable reward for completing the game—perhaps tied to achieving the Maria Ending.
   
2. Dog Ending: This version feels unfinished due to the lack of the humorous credit roll that made the original so memorable. Interestingly, the uncut version from the PS5 disc (v1.00) features a different scene that’s slightly more entertaining and unique, even if less faithful to the original ending.
   
3. Technical Issues: As of now, traversal stutters remain a persistent problem in the game. Addressing these performance issues should be a top priority for future updates to ensure a smoother experience.

For me, Silent Hill 2 Remake is both deeply meaningful and an important milestone. It feels like the revival of the Silent Hill franchise after that long lost hope of Hideo Kojima's P.T. and Silent Hills (yes, I’m still not over it, even after 10 years). This entry offers a glimmer of hope for the series’ future. I eagerly anticipate potential remakes of Silent Hill 1, 3, 4: The Room, and hopefully Origins—a game that, with the right additions, could become a strong standalone entry chronicling the origins of Silent Hill itself.

After a 2-year wait since the remake's announcement, having played it, completed all achievements, seen every ending, and absorbed every detail, I can finally put Silent Hill 2 Remake to rest—for now. When I eventually get a PS5, this game will definitely be worth revisiting for that Platinum trophy. A heartfelt thank you to Bloober Team, Masahiro Ito, Akira Yamaoka, Konami, and everyone involved in bringing this remake to life.

I also want to give an honorable mention to a generous person who made it possible for me to experience Silent Hill 2 Remake this early, and to my significant other for helping me finally overcome my fear and finish many Silent Hill games after all these years.

Oh, and by the way, yes, I was finally able to finish Silent Hill: Origins on November 5, 2024 :)

11/28/2024 Edit: I have nominated Silent Hill 2 Remake for The Steam Awards Game of the Year 2024.