Silent Hill 2 Remake Needs a Way to Shake the Inevitable Comparisons

Silent Hill 2 Remake Needs a Way to Shake the Inevitable Comparisons

As a longtime fan of the survival horror genre, I’ve played my fair share of classics, from the original Resident Evil to Silent Hill 2. The nostalgia I hold for these games is deep-rooted in my gaming history, and I can’t help but feel a pang of apprehension when it comes to Bloober Team’s upcoming remake of Silent Hill 2.


The remake of Silent Hill 2 by Bloober Team appears to be progressing well, with its latest gameplay trailer showcasing a refined and glitch-free appearance. However, the new camera angle, graphics, and mechanics in Silent Hill 2, despite being impressive, won’t guarantee its place as a major player in today’s market. Survival horror enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when it comes to top-notch games, making Silent Hill 2 a formidable adversary in the competition.

In modern gaming, remakes are commonplace, but fans of “Silent Hill 2” seem more hesitant than usual. Several factors contribute to this apprehension. Konami’s past actions have raised concerns, including their decision to cancel “Silent Hills,” a highly anticipated horror project from Kojima Productions, and their handling of the “Silent Hill” franchise since “Silent Hill 3.” Additionally, Bloober Team’s involvement in the remake has sparked controversy due to their previous mishandling of sensitive themes. However, there is another challenge for the “Silent Hill 2” remake that requires attention.

Silent Hill 2’s Remake Could Have Trouble Standing Out

Silent Hill 2 Is Releasing During a Survival Horror Resurgence

The new version of “Silent Hill 2” has drawn parallels to popular survival horror games like “Resident Evil,” “Alan Wake 2,” and “The Last of Us.” This is largely due to the abundance of modern AAA (triple-A) horror titles currently available. The successful formula of “Resident Evil 4” has influenced many horror games, combining action elements with suspenseful horror and careful resource management. Based on the gameplay revealed for the “Silent Hill 2” remake, Bloober Team appears to be adhering to this modern design approach.

The remake of the original “Silent Hill” game departs significantly from its roots. Instead of the stationary camera angles and simplistic graphics, it now features an over-the-shoulder perspective and combat similar to Capcom’s games. This change makes the remake quite distinct from many elements of the classic “Silent Hill,” which might diminish what made the original unique. Bloober Team’s take on “Silent Hill 2” could potentially rival recent successes like the “Resident Evil 4” and “Dead Space” remakes, a noteworthy endeavor.

Silent Hill 2 Will Inevitably Be Compared to the Original

In simpler terms, when creating a new version of “Silent Hill 2,” Bloober Team must ensure that their modernized design sets it apart from other current survival horror games and offers an enhanced experience compared to the 2001 game. Though they plan to keep the storyline consistent with the original, the success of the remake largely depends on improved visuals, such as high-definition graphics, refined facial expressions, and more detailed surroundings. If these elements fail to significantly upgrade the narrative, players might question the value of choosing the updated version over the classic one.

In addition, Bloober Team’s significant modifications to the gameplay of “Silent Hill 2” need to be a thoughtful improvement from the original version. Given that the initial release didn’t boast refined combat or navigation, these alterations appear to be an uncomplicated task for the developer. However, some fans have raised concerns based on early previews of the game’s combat, expressing doubts about how it will compare to contemporary titles.

In summary, if the revamped version of “Silent Hill 2” fails to bring something new and distinct to the survival horror genre, merely offering a slightly improved version of the original game, it may harm the franchise’s reputation. The goal is for “Silent Hill 2” not to be seen as an inferior or economical alternative to the “Resident Evil” remakes, or just a shallow re-issue of the 2001 game.

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2024-07-16 18:55