The first Silent Hill game is getting a remake, and SH2 developer Bloober Team has been tapped by Konami once again to give the beloved horror classic a fresh coat of paint. Silent Hill remains a standout psychological horror mystery, so the promise of getting to see it in a new light is compelling.
Last year, during the lead-up to the SH2 remake's launch, many were skeptical that Bloober Team would be able to pull off an adaptation that captured the unique tone of the original. Thankfully, the developer proved that it has what it takes to remake a classic Silent Hill game that not only honors its predecessor, but elevates many of the aspects that made it so special in the first place. Now that Bloober Team is taking the reins of the SH1 remake's production, the project is bound to have a lot of similarities to SH2. When it comes to the length of the remake, though, there are pros and cons to taking the same approach Bloober Team did to the second game.
Silent Hill’s Newfound Success is Balancing on a Great Knife’s Edge
The future of the Silent Hill franchise is looking quite promising, but the series could also be risking doing too much too soon.
If Bloober Team's SH1 Remake is Anything Like SH2, Then it May Be Quite Longer Than the Original
The Two Versions of SH2 Have Very Different Lengths
- The original SH2 takes around 8 hours to beat.
- The remake takes around 14-18 hours.
Depending on how one plays the remake, it can potentially take double the amount of time to get through the SH2 remake than its original version. While many of the game's changes and upgrades have been praised, the longer story can be divisive. At times, the SH2 remake can feel like it's dragging on, and this is the biggest con of giving SH1 the same approach.
Silent Hill f is also on the horizon. Developed by Konami, this new chapter launched on September 25.
The SH1 Remake Being Longer Could Make the Story Overstay its Welcome
When it comes to horror games, the last thing a developer wants is for a player to get bored. SH2 still maintains its status as a stellar remake, but there is an argument to be made that the longer length didn't exactly improve the story in any way that warranted twice the amount of play time. This isn't to say that a longer SH2 story isn't useful. However, twice as long is a lot. Bloober Team has yet to confirm whether the SH1 remake will be longer or not, but there is definitely a strong possibility.
Bloober Team Making SH1 Longer Has One Major Upside
- The original Silent Hill takes an estimated 7 hours to beat.
In general, the Silent Hill games have a tradition of being short. Most of the titles in the franchise are under 10 hours, and that's usually plenty of time to immerse oneself in a terrifying psychological nightmare. Silent Hill deals with intense subject matter, so it's definitely important for the story to not drag on for too long. However, the SH1 remake could benefit from being at least a little bit longer. Maybe not twice as long, but getting the opportunity to dive deeper into its story definitely isn't a bad thing.
This was one of the biggest upsides to the SH2 being longer, so it would likely benefit SH1 just as much. An extra two or three hours could give the story more room to breathe, so players can form a deeper attachment to Harry Mason and learn more about the titular town, expanding the franchise's lore.
Bloober Team is also working on an original game, Cronos: The New Dawn.
Regardless, it may be a while before Bloober Team shares more information about the SH1 remake. The announcement is still fresh, so only time will tell. SH1 could definitely benefit from being a little bit longer, but maybe not as long as the SH2 remake.
Silent Hill 2
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- October 8, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bloober Team
- Publisher(s)
- Konami
WHERE TO PLAY
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2.
High-end Graphics and Sound
With ray tracing and other cutting-edge technical enhancements, the world of SILENT HILL and its unsettling ambiance is even realer than before.And with the inclusion of new, immersive soundscapes, you'll feel like you're standing in the thick of it.
Larger Environments
Explore locations and buildings that were once inaccessible, or are newly added in the remake. Enjoy the same acclaimed story, even while you experience the town of Silent Hill with fresh eyes across an expanded map.
Over-the-shoulder Camera
The remake moves from the original's fixed-camera viewpoints to an over-the-shoulder perspective, putting you closer to what James sees, for a more thrilling, more immersive experience as you explore the town and come face-to-face with monsters.
Evolved Combat Gameplay
Familiar weapons like the steel pipe and handgun make their return, but now with an updated combat system. Avoid attacks with carefully timed dodges, aim down sights, and more, making monster encounters more engaging and nerve-wracking than ever.
