I played the first five hours of the Silent Hill 2 Remake and was pleasantly, if not cautiously, surprised

GamesSurvival HorrorSilent HillSilent Hill 2I played the first five hours of the Silent Hill 2 Remake and was pleasantly, if not cautiously, surprisedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesSurvival HorrorSilent HillSilent Hill 2I played the first five hours of the Silent Hill 2 Remake and was pleasantly, if not cautiously, surprisedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Konami) Their apparent anxiety (and pride) reminds me of something Okamoto-san has just told us, specifically of Konami’s initial move to enlist the Polish studio in its remake of thebest Silent Hill gameever. “What we wanted to seek in our partner was the strong passion towards the game,” he said. “So we had a list of candidates that we were willing to work with, and we reached out [to Bloober Team]. I have first-hand selected them as my own decision.” The unfinished game isn’t without its hiccups even at this late stage, but that passion Okamoto speaks of is instantly palpable. You promised you’d take me there again someday (Image credit: Konami) Blast from the past(Image credit: Konami)Silent Hill 2 probably isn’t the game you remember Blast from the past (Image credit: Konami)Silent Hill 2 probably isn’t the game you remember (Image credit: Konami) Silent Hill 2 probably isn’t the game you remember It’s clear that the Silent Hill 2 Remake proudly holds tight to what the production teams identified as its core tenets, from its tension and atmosphere, to the belter of a reworked soundtrack. But the five hours I spent with the game would also go on to unveil a curious sense of hesitancy, constantly pulling it back from being either a totally faithful remake or a brave reimagining entirely. Before we get started, Okamoto walks us through the game’s nine key new features. We know to expect a thick and realistic blanket of fog enveloping Silent Hill thanks to the game’s 4k graphics, including faithful recreations of key locations “down to miniscule items,” and facial mo-cap to make cutscenes “as emotional as possible.” On the technical side, he also mentions 3D sound design to heighten immersion, an over-the-shoulder third-person camera perspective, reworked combat featuring a dodge mechanic and aiming reticule, remapping of existing enemies, new and expanded areas and puzzles, and the inclusion of all original endings. There will even be some brand new Silent Hill 2 endings that can “only be accessed in New Game+,” Bloober Team tells GamesRadar+, though the studio shies away from revealing more. (Image credit: Konami) Feeling so lost in a world I thought I knew pretty damn well is an appropriately jarring sensation. Feeling so lost in a world I thought I knew pretty damn well is an appropriately jarring sensation. Keeping all of this in mind, I set out on my Silent Hill 2 Remake journey. The game picks up at exactly the same place as the 2001 original, with protagonist James Sunderland arriving at the small, deserted town after receiving a mysterious summons from his supposedly deceased wife. It’s charged with as much creeping dread as ever. The team discussed making the iconic introduction “more action-heavy,” says creative director Lenart, but admits it “did not feel like it was very Silent Hill, and this is why we made the choice to keep it as it was and only pick up the pace after some time.” But after taking my first few steps into the mist, I find myself needing to swap over to performance mode in order to achieve smooth 60 frames-per-second gameplay. It’s a little troubling so close to release, especially with quality mode not seeming to boost fidelity much at all, though it’s possible this is an older build of the game. But even these instances of texture drop-out while staring into the recesses of West Vale’s many overfilled dumpsters isn’t enough to ruin my day. That’s because these opening scenes excel at nailing the atmosphere of Silent Hill as a location, turning it into an expansive, malevolent entity in itself. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more It might be more modern than fixed camera angles, but the third-person perspective does nothing to detract from how disorienting it feels not to be able to see more than a foot in front of you. Likewise, don’t bother to memorize any of the puzzles and key item locations from the original game – you’ll find many of them have been remapped entirely in the remake. Feeling so lost in a world I thought I knew pretty damn well is an appropriately jarring sensation, demonstrating Bloober’s understanding of how to create uncanny familiarity that keeps you on your toes. It’s something that instantly drew me intoCapcom’sResident Evil 2 Remakeback in 2019, and I’m relieved to see flashes of brave mechanical innovation in Silent Hill 2 Remake as well. The addition of a single new puzzle while exploring West Vale, involving a broken record, is an example of this, proving formative in altering my pathing through the town as I’m led on a wayward treasure hunt. Repairing the record and listening to the music triggers a memory, and where does it lead me? The next main area: Wood Side Apartments. I find it a simple yet effective change to how James makes his way there in the original, but purists may find the tweak too extreme. Trigger happy (Image credit: Konami) “We didn’t want to change anything completely, because we were too afraid of touching the game.“Maciej Głomb “We didn’t want to change anything completely, because we were too afraid of touching the game.” Hardwood plank in-hand, I take on the iconic Lying Figures enemies with relentless aggression. I know I don’tneedto kill them all – and in some Silent Hill games, you’d be wise not to – but the satisfyingthwackof wood against meaty carcass is worth every moment of overkill. The precision element is certainly refreshing in Silent Hill 2 Remake, trading the unwieldy clunk of the original’s fixed camera angles for a more targeted approach that allows me to off far more monsters than I would playing the original. The more I play, the more the puzzles and combat stand out to me as the biggest mechanical strengths of Silent Hill 2 Remake – even if Ito-san insists that “the game is not heavily oriented toward combat.” The former is something Lenart is especially proud of himself. “I think we have been able to capture this smooth balance between the memory of the original game and new content that can, I think, surprise the long-time fans of the series,” he says of the puzzle and level design reworks. As a fan of third-person shooters and the way survival horror games have implemented their combat in recent years –Alan Wake 2, I’m looking at you – I’m not mad about it. It just gives James more ways to approach a situation, as well as giving me a fighting chance should I be unable to sneak past a foe. But with a game like Silent Hill 2, even the smallest of changes are bound to surprise its dedicated fans one way or another. “At the very beginning, we didn’t want to change anything completely, because we were too afraid of touching the game,” lead producer Głomb admits, acknowledging the risks of remaking such a cult classic video game. “But after time, we saw that we needed to expand on the game in a way that would be competitive in this generation of consoles.” (Image credit: Konami) As I aim my flashlight-mounted handgun to help navigate the detritus of the nightmare apartment block, relief floods my body. The coast is somewhat clear, for now. It’s a brief respite, because I soon come face to face with the Spider Mannequins. Or as I like to call them: the bane of my absolute stinking life. I mean that with a lot of love. These monsters scurry across the floor, dodging my painstakingly-timed shots with unfair levels of grace that James can only dream of in his drab khaki raincoat. Mannequins give me the biggest jumpscares of the day, as many a lurking developer unfortunately becomes privy to. Every time I enter a room only to have a mannequin suddenly move in the corner, I’m thrown into a fear-fueled frenzy and batter it to death with my melee weapon, hissing the vilest profanity known to the English language to the gleeful titters of Team Silent and company. Even this rage is borne of love. For all of Silent Hill 2 Remake’s reworks to the form, flow, and style of the original, it more than succeeds at delivering a compulsive survival horror experience. Modern flourishes seek to bring it in line with today’s genre standards, falling just shy of making any truly huge moves to break with its core conventions while showing new sides to a beloved franchise that’s finally emerging from dormancy. Having had a closer look at what Bloober Team is aiming for on October 8, I’m more than ready to give Silent Hill 2 Remake the chance it deserves. Silent Hill 2 launches on October 8 for PS5 and PC. Check out the otherupcoming horror gamesslated to launch in 2024 and beyond if you already have your eye on the horizon. 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Jordan Blum explain why comics are still the perfect medium for superhero stories - “Visuals that will never be achieved in TV or movies can be achieved in comics” Team Asobi’s gigantic 2024 proves it’s time to free Astro Bot from PlayStation’s past Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was the favorite shooter of the year, and it also made me fall even harder for my fiancé 17 years on, Sam Barlow reflects on Silent Hill: Origins: “To pull it out of the bag with a seven-out-of-ten game was incredibly rewarding” Here’s our Black Ops 6 multiplayer playlist to keep you and your pals connected over Christmas Spy x Family season 3: Everything we know so far One of 2024’s best anime shows subverts all expectations, but that’s its biggest strength How Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth represents the best of Final Fantasy’s past while charting a course for the future I’m proclaiming 2024 to be the year of outstanding indie puzzle games The Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: “I couldn’t be happier” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on 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trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”