Now that Bloober Team's Silent Hill 2 remake has revived the survival horror series with a successful release for the current gaming generation, fans are aware of the potential of what the studio could do next. While the remake essentially features a faithful recreation of everything in the original along with several additions, the later released Born from a Wish bonus scenario has notably been omitted. It now seems likely that this story will be coming to the Silent Hill 2 remake in the coming months, but Bloober Team shouldn't quit while it's ahead following that first DLC.
Following the chilling experience of coming to understand the turmoil of James Sunderland and his inner demons, seeing the perspective of Maria in an additional chapter is an enlightening and tragic encore that enhances the base game's Letter from Silent Heaven scenario. It offers an unprecedented look into how the projections of the town are manifested and employed, which has led to years of theorizing. Bloober Team continuing its approach of expanding on the Silent Hill 2 remake will probably extend to this as well, and it would leave the developer in a prime position to delve even deeper into the cast afterward.
Silent Hill 2 Remake Ups the Ante for Resident Evil 9's Rumored Open World
With rumors circulating about RE9 being open world, Silent Hill 2's more claustrophobic approach offers a challenge to its competitor.
Maria's Born from a Wish Scenario as DLC Would Be a Victory Lap Following the Silent Hill 2 Remake's Success
SH2R Has Paved the Way for an Expanded Take on Maria's Story
Due to the fact that the actual gameplay length of Silent Hill 2's Born from a Wish only amounts to about 45 minutes, it's probably safe to assume that Bloober will have to significantly iterate on it in order to justify the release of an entire DLC. The positive reception to the base game's changes can be shared by this expansion, as Maria has already received multiple new lines which can be seen as thematically appropriate enhancements.
It might prove tricky to properly add content to Maria's story, however, as revealing too much about her mysterious existence could risk hurting the ambiguity of Silent Hill 2's type of personal horror. The studio has to leverage the downsides of a short length for the expansion versus spoiling the appeal of the franchise, but leaning into further DLC for the rest of the cast could enrich the title in light of either route.
Silent Hill 2's Supporting Characters Could Carry Their Own DLCs in the Future
Exploring the Unseen Psyches of the People James Encounters
The implication that every person in Silent Hill is being subjected to their own personal hell that cannot be perceived by anyone else has long been a topic of speculation and debate within the series' community, and DLCs about Angela Orosco and Eddie Dombrowski in the Silent Hill 2 remake could finally explore this matter in detail. The dank and soggy decay of James' interpretation seen in SH2 is tailored around his own guilt, but it seems that Angela experiences flames and fleshy walls while Eddie finds himself in an icy, industrial setting. They might be going through similar journeys in the same town superficially, but the layouts of the actual levels and the designs of enemies can be built around these new looks into these tortured souls.
Angela and Eddie Can Provide Contrasting Approaches to Survival Horror Gameplay
On top of the drastic difference in visual theming which is possible, Angela's lack of combat ability would undoubtedly stick out against Eddie's violent nature and give each DLC its own identity. After James' balanced scenario and Maria's similar story, specific elements could be highlighted instead. As a victim who seems unable to fight, Angela could find herself navigating more puzzles while Eddie would through more combat in the Silent Hill 2 remake than any other character. With players wondering what SH2 is like for these people since its original release, Bloober should make the most of the technology used in its recent accomplishment by going beyond Born from a Wish alone.
Silent Hill 2
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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.
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Prequel(s)
- Silent Hill
- Franchise
- Silent Hill
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unsupported
- PC Release Date
- October 8, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- October 8, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 15 Hours
- How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)
- 26.5 hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
