10 Important Video Games That Defined Survival Horror

3. Silent Hill 2

Perhaps even more so than the original, Silent Hill 2 has helped define survival horror in ways that few other games can claim. Developed by Team Silent and published by Konami, Silent Hill 2 puts players in the shoes of James Sunderland, a husband who travels to the town of Silent Hill in order to find his wife, Mary, who has written to James despite having been dead for the past three years.

Arriving in the town, James meets a host of strange, otherworldly townsfolk, encounters weird creatures €“- including the infamous Pyramid Head €“- and is generally forced to fend for his life in a world that doesn't make sense. The most interesting aspect of Silent Hill is the town itself, of course, which reflects the innermost fears, anxieties and frustrations of whomever happens to be trapped within; in this case, James.

The nurses and mannequins that feature throughout the game, for example, were designed to reflect James€™ sexual frustrations, and Pyramid Head himself represents James€™ guilt, as well as his subconscious desire to be punished for his wrongdoings. Though the game revolves around navigating the town, solving puzzles and overcoming obstructions, as well as managing dwindling resources and fighting enemies, it'€™s the story that really sets Silent Hill 2 apart.