AN ATMOSPHERIC ATTEMPT

Taking on a remake of Konami's classic Silent Hill 2 was always going to be a daunting task. Enter Bloober Team, the studio behind other psychological horror titles like The Medium and Blair Witch. While those were solid efforts in their own right, Silent Hill holds a special place in the hearts of horror fans, and any attempt to update it was bound to be scrutinized.

- ZELDA LEE

Right from the start, the Silent Hill 2 remake impresses with its atmosphere. The rusty streets, twisted signs, and grotesque monsters are all here, looking better than ever. But the real star of the show is the fog.

In the original, the fog was iconic, partly due to the technical limitations of the PlayStation 2. Here, it's reimagined as a thick, almost living entity that James Sunderland must physically push through, adding a tangible weight to his journey. It's a brilliant touch, and it makes the town feel like it's actively working against you.

Moving through the streets of Silent Hill, you'll find subtle but smart changes to the environment. Bloober Team hasn't just done a one-to-one recreation. Instead, familiar landmarks feel slightly off, like a half-remembered dream. Veterans of the original will find themselves second-guessing their movements, as locations have shifted just enough to keep them on edge. This sense of unease, where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, is one of the remake's strongest points. James' map has also been subtly improved.

His handwritten notes and markings are still present, but now they're enhanced by white cloth markers that drape over interactive elements. This clever design choice preserves immersion, guiding the player without the need for immersion- breaking icons or flashy indicators. It's a subtle but effective way to keep players engaged in the world without holding their hand.

One of the notable changes in gameplay is the removal of the old button-mashing mechanic used to escape enemies. Instead, you now hold a button to break free from a monster's grip. It's a small but sprinkled throughout the game, and they help modernize the experience without losing the core tension.