Silent Hill 2 (PS5)

Welcome to your own personal hell

From the moment you step into the fog-choked streets of Silent Hill, the game grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until the credits roll. This PS5 remake of the 2001 classic is a psychological horror experience that’s equal parts haunting and daunting. It’s now available on PS Plus Extra, and while some sections drag, horror fans should absolutely make the trip to fog city.

The story kicks off when James receives a letter from his deceased wife, Mary, urging him to come to Silent Hill. Hoping for a reunion, he travels to the fog-shrouded town, only to find that nothing is quite what it seems.

James Sunderland, the soft-spoken, perpetually glum protagonist, isn’t exactly “hero material.” His apathetic demeanor and far-off stare make him tough to root for at first. And I get it, it’s intentional, tied to the story’s deep dive into guilt, grief, and denial. Still, I couldn’t help but wish for a bit more… spark? Something to make me root for him beyond the narrative’s heavy themes.

I haven't played the original game that this is based on, but if if you’ve played the modern Resident Evil remakes, Silent Hill 2 will feel like a close cousin. The over-the-shoulder camera, gunplay, and tight resource management (bullets are scarcer than a sunny day in Silent Hill) give it that modern survival horror polish. I like it, but it gets repetitive fast. The same enemies—nurses, mannequins, and those grotesque lying things. They start out terrifying, but end up frustrating when you’re smacking them for the 100th time in another dim-lit hallway.

Some sections, like the prison or labyrinth, drag on like a bad dream you can’t wake up from. There was a point I felt like quitting. The heavy atmosphere, the darkness and the same enemies jumping at you at every corner was getting too much. Lowering the combat difficulty (props to the game for letting you tweak combat and puzzle difficulty separately) saved my sanity, shifting the focus back to the atmosphere. If you’re here for the story and vibes, don’t be ashamed to dial it down. It’s still plenty creepy, but not as annoying. 

The puzzles in the game are challenging but fair, usually revolving around finding missing pieces or clues. The world itself feels like one giant puzzle, interconnected and methodical. You’ll check your map a lot, explore every room and inspect every drawer, and slowly piece everything together. Even if it’s a little confusing at first, I rarely felt truly lost. Only once or twice did I have to stop and think about where to go next.

As a psychological horror game, Silent Hill 2 is as deep as it gets. This isn’t just monsters jumping out of closets. Silent Hill 2 is about inner demons, trauma, and guilt that literally claws at your soul. The narrative, environments, and enemy designs (hello, Abstract Daddy) are drenched in symbolism. It’s brilliant at making you question what’s real and what’s in James’s head. That said, I’ll admit I prefer real monsters over metaphorical. Give me Resident Evil zombies or The Last of Us clickers any day. If you like your horror cerebral rather than visceral, this is your jam. Though I have to admit, it can feel a bit heavy-handed.

Where Silent Hill 2 shines brightest is its atmosphere. The fog, the flickering lights, the way the radio static screams when something’s near. It’s a masterclass in dread. The sound design is phenomenal; every creak, whisper, and distorted wail amps up the helplessness. The town itself feels alive, like it’s watching you, judging you. Bloober Team nailed the vibe, making every step feel like you’re wading deeper into a nightmare. Even when the gameplay stumbles, the oppressive mood keeps you hooked.

Some areas overstay their welcome, and repetitive combat can sap tension. Yet when the game hits, it hits hard. It left me uneasy, conflicted, and helpless in a way few games manage. Any title that evokes that kind of discomfort is doing something right.

Silent Hill 2 Remake isn’t my all-time favorite game, but it’s a journey worth taking. The atmosphere, sound, and psychological depth are unmatched, even if gameplay loops and pacing drag. Grab a flashlight, brace for the fog, and dive in. Oh, and there are several different endings depending on how you play. Which one did you get? Let me know in the comments!

Final Rating: 8/10

Pros:

• Dense psychological horror and deep narrative
• Stunning atmosphere and sound design
• Challenging yet fair puzzles
• Modernized combat and camera for smoother gameplay

Cons:

• Repetitive combat and enemies
• Some areas drag, slowing pacing
• Protagonist is hard to root for (again, that’s intentional, but still…)