20 Games Nobody Thought Could Live Up To The Hype
17. Silent Hill 2 Remake
Resident Evil may have popularised survival horror, but Silent Hill perfected it. The first few titles were praised for their subtle scares, unnerving imagery, and psychological terror.
Sadly, the later instalments failed to match the early entries time and time again. (Konami even screwed up the remaster of the classic games.) Because of this, there were mixed feelings surrounding Silent Hill 2 Remake. Though long-time fans were psyched about revisiting what's often deemed the series' crown jewel, Silent Hill hadn't been on its A-game for an eternity.
And yet, the remake was the most refreshing experience to come out of the nightmare-inducing brand since the good old days. Combat and exploration was smoother and more responsive, yet the oppressive tension remains intact. The over-the-shoulder camera enhanced immersion without falling into the trap of prioritising action over scares.
Narratively, the remake stays faithful but adds depth through improved voice-acting and motion capture. Environmental storytelling and extended character interactions accentuated the experience without diluting the original’s ambiguity.
Even though the pre-emptive cynicism surrounding Silent Hill 2 Remake was understandable, the future is looking bright for the chilling IP for the first time in ages.