Pros: Disturbingly gripping storyline. Great atmosphere!
Cons: Can I leave this box blank???
The Bottom Line: Silent Hill 2 is very deserving of it's "M" rating, younger gamers should avoid it, but adults who like a chill should not hesitate in making this purchase!
rumbuddyboo's Full Review: Silent Hill 2 for PlayStation 2
The letter started it all... "Silent Hill, our sanctuary of memories... I will be waiting there for you." The letter is in her hand writing, signed with her name... How can this be? Your wife, Mary, passed away three years ago...
Silent Hill 2 developed by Konami for the Playstation 2 console allows you, the gamer, to assume the role of James Sunderland, a man still tormented by memories of the death of his wife. You embark on this twisted and disturbing journey after receiving the aformentioned letter which aparently, but impossibly, was sent by your late wife.
Silent Hill is a surburban, lakeside town that at first glimpse appears quaint and charming... but under this thin facade lies a vicious, disturbingly dark realm of horror. The most important element of this game is it's supspenseful atmosphere and that's Silent Hill 2's strongest point. This game had me tense with aprehension from start to finish. At times I'd find myself dreading the next turn, wondering what was waiting for me around the next corner, even though I was totally prepared as far as weaponry and medical supplies were concerned. The game is presented in the 3rd person view with lighting effects and camera angles that really intensify the over-all sense of anxiety and dread that the storyline invokes.
Another strong part to the game's presentation was the sparse, understated use of music. The primary focus as far as the games audio aspect is concerned is the various sounds made by the horrific creatures that lie in wait for you. The wet, dripping sounds of blood, or the dragging sounds of disfigured limbs, creatures heard but unseen, really add to the overall fear effect of the game.
Silent Hill 2's story line is gripping and interesting, there are a few areas where things get muddled, but overall it is well written and keeps the gamer interested. This game had the single most shocking turn of events I have ever witnessed in a video game. I don't want to give anything away, but play this game and pay attention to the video tape you find in the Lakeside Hotel!
The control set-up is fairly standard fare for todays action/adventure type games, and is quickly mastered so I won't really go in depth with this aspect of game-play. The graphics are nice, utilizing a "grainy" texture to give the game a B-Movie kind of feel. Areas are detailed nicely, in a gruesome kind of way, and a fog effect adds to the over-all creepiness of the visuals.
The various enemies you will encounter are fitting to the story, though not very challenging after the first hour of play, and the final stages of play present some interesting yet simple boss encounters.
The game is in no way perfect, but I really can't think of one thing that had a negative enough effect on the gaming experience to consider it a con.
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