10 Challenging Video Games That Are Endlessly Rewarding

4. Silent Hill 2

Monster Hunter
Konami

Silent Hill 2 – arguably, one of the greatest survival horror games ever released – is a surprisingly challenging experience, especially on harder difficulty settings.

In the game, players control James Sunderland – a husband searching for his missing wife – tasked with exploring the mysterious town, solving puzzles and overcoming obstructions, as well as managing dwindling resources and incapacitating enemies, most of which are overwhelming.

Primarily story focused, the game revolves around navigating the town and discovering secrets, avoiding monsters where possible. The player – a small cog in a larger machine – is remarkably disadvantaged, making every encounter a nerve-wracking experience.

For this reason, the game is rewarding because every achievement – no matter how small – feels substantial, the various sequences a proving ground for players wishing to test themselves psychologically.

On the highest difficulty setting, the game is unrecognisable; enemies are arduous and puzzles are solved in completely separate ways, requiring an exceptional commitment.

Contributor
Contributor

Formerly an assistant editor, Richard's interests include detective fiction and Japanese horror movies.