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In my opinion, the original Silent Hill was (and still is) one of the most frightening game experiences ever made. Relying on a blend of unique psychological and standard survival horror elements, it pulls you in from the beginning and rarely lets up even through multiple replays. The sequel hit the PlayStation 2 with improvements to story, visuals and sound design, making it about as perfect as can be. The story of James Sunderland's visit to Silent Hill to find his deceased wife after receiving a letter from her (!) is one that requires close attention. The game is filled with multiple meanings, disturbing imagery and rich symbolism that will go over the heads of players merely looking to shoot monsters and collect weapons. Where the black label PS2 game only touches on Maria's story, the Greatest Hits version features new content that lets players walk (well, run) in her shoes for a brief, frightening few hours. The nightmarish, oppressive atmosphere is relentless and thick as the volumetric fog and darkness that permeate the game world. Controls allow for Resident Evil style movement or more naturalistic 3D navigation and I recommend experimenting with both as soon as possible, sticking to which one works best for you. Combat is generally scary, as you're often contending with something you've never seen before or can't see because it's approaching from off screen making some hideous noise. Probably the most freakish encounters are the ones with the mannequin-like creatures that freeze in unnatural poses until you get close enough before they come at you. Then again, there's the unforgettable Pyramid Head... Graphics and audio are fantastic throughout, immediately immersing you into the game space. You'll be gripping your PS2 pad tight enough to snap it in two at times and if you're scared of the dark... you's better have a friend nearby to share the screams. In a way, this isn't a true "sequel" as future installments of the series have made Silent Hill a sort of anthology of all things horror. Each game has different protagonists with different motives and deep psychological issues that drive them to this hellish town. as in the first game, part of the "fun" for more literate players is picking up on the different horror/terror influences on the dev team in things like street names or signage. Multiple playthroughs will reveal a number of endings from shocking to bizarrely (and intentionally) hilarious, a carryover from the original game. You might not be thinking of replaying the game after a few hours of being scared out of your wits, but it's worth it, as you'll know most of the puzzles and will be able to avoid fights most of the time if you desire. Poke around online, and you'll see "speed runs" of about an hour or less, which is impressive, considering a normal game takes about 10 - 12 hours or more. Interestingly enough, Some people unknowing downplay the importance of the Greatest Hits version because they feel the reissue is "inferior" in some way because of the different packaging. However, this game along with Star Ocean 2 are two of the best examples of GH games being far superior to the original releases. In other words, when you see that Silent Hill 2 GH here on ebay, you'd be missing out on something really special if you decide to pass it up. No matter which version you end up with, you're getting one of the PS2's true gems and a game that will keep you sleeping with the lights on for a while. g.Read full review
This game was the highest point yet in the series. Though it may not be the top of the line anymore, you still get lots of goosebumps playing it. Being from the early PS2 era (2002ish) it's graphics are a bit dated now and the battle system isn't the best (This is definitely not a fighting or action game), finding all the little items and fulfilling the requirements for all six endings is very satisfying. (NOTE: Only the "Greatest Hits" version has six endings and a special side story with alternate playable character Maria) NOT FOR CHILDREN! This game is Rated M for a reason! Murder, incest/rape and some rather frightening images line this game. Even though the gore isn't as bad as many games you see out now, it does go pretty deep to the heart of this game. If you can get past all that THIS STORYLINE IS SECOND TO NONE! The characters are easily related to and the puzzles are both challenging and (usually) involved in the storyline. The music is FANTASTIC and the graphics still take my breath away, even if they are ten years old. The hilarity of the UFO and DOG endings just make it that much better after a very deep and intertwined story. If you like a deep, tangled storyline, lots of hidden items to find, an entire foggy town to explore and characters that are just as deep and intriguing as the town, then this is a game that you don't want to miss out on.Read full review
I remember buying Silent Hill 2 as a new release; having enjoyed the first title, I was pumped and hoping for a pretty similar experience. Konami delivered...in quite a different way. Seeing the recent Silent Hill film prompted me to repurchase the game (I had sold it a local video game store). This is truly head and shoudlers above any other horror game, even in the 'Silent Hill' series. Most games will boast horror as blood, gore, violence, and unexplainable ghostly figuers. Silent Hill 2 uses a different method; it jumps into your head, grabs hold, and may even keep you awake at night. The Story: James is quite a lonely man after the death of his beloved wife. Two years after her death to an unexplained illness, James receives a letter from her. She's in the city of Silent Hill in their 'special place.' Waiting for him. When James arrives, however, the city is deserted. The ghost town is choked by a thick white fog. He'll travel through broken-down apartment buildings, hospitals, and even amusement parks, fighting his way through what can only be called monsters to get a glimpse of his late wife. Logistics Sound: The Silent Hill series has always been known for its ability to maintain an ambience, and this game is no different. The white noise from the radio has returned. The 'monsters' themselves can be heard shuffling down the hallway, grunting, and moaning. The voiceovers are decent at best (I suppose it can't be too great in order to maintain the spirit of the horror genre). 5/5 Control: Let's copy the control scheme of Resident Evil, give him strafe, and make him clumsy. It works for the genre, but combat can be difficult. Again, I'll venture to say that this is apporpriate. Not everyone can be accurate with a pistol or know how to swing a steel pipe correctly. 4/5 Graphics/Rendering: The true low point for this game, even for its time I say low point of the game, but that doesn't mean they're not fantastic. The CG's are beautiful, but the game definitely has some rendering issues (hence the white fog). The visuals work, and they work well. The design of the enemies is a bit on the odd side, but they're just creepy enough to keep the lights on. 4/5 Misc: I've been told by various people that, since the strategy guide book is out of print, to keep a psychology book close by to study James as he progresses through the city. After doing this for about an hour, I gained a whole new respect for this title. It's done something that no other game has done. It's taken the 'BOO' factor out and replaced it with a more subtle, psychological terror that sticks with you and keeps you awake at night. This is something that should be in any fan-of-the-genre's collection, period. Very rarely will I buy a 'Greatest Hits' title, but this one is packed with extra content apart from the original 'Black Label' (all of the content from the Restless Dreams version that made its way to the XBox). For twenty dollars, I certainly can't complain. Here's to hoping that fans find this title at a reasonable price, as I believe even the Greatest Hits version is out of print.Read full review
This is the best written game of all time. A brilliant story takes you through the fragility of the human condition, the dark depravity of selfish desires, and the terrifying abyss of the psyche. A true gem of mature gaming, where symbolism and mystery outshine the overdone blood and gore of typical M-rated fare. What a tour de force of emotions. If you haven't already done so, play it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I've heard a lot about this game from friends, and online reviews. I must say, the horror aspect of this game lives up every bit to its reputation. The moment you get comfortable with your environment, Silent Hill does something to make you check over your shoulder. The scariest part ofthe game is not even the content, but what isn't there. You expect a descriptionless horror to pop out at you from around every corner. it may, or may not at all. This sequel does a great job of filling Silent Hill's shoes on the horror front,and blows its predecessor out of the water in the graphics department. What else would you expect a console generation later? My only complaint holds true for both Silent Hill 1 & 2: their cheesy acting. I understand the characters are supposed to be nervous, psychotic wrecks, but they should at least retain enough common sense to know that some facets of their situation are *not* normal. Armless nightmares, blood smeared walls, lone children wandering about in the dense fog; if it were James (protagonist) playing this game, he wouldn't understand the game's "M" rating at all. Despite its character's obvious lack of awareness, Silent Hill 2 is a truly wonderful horror title. From peering over the decrepit handrail of a fog laden lake, to searching through a possessed hospital for the woman you loved, Silent Hill will keep you fixed in your seat for hours at a time.Read full review
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