Silent Hill 2

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1661 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,417 out of 1661
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 1661
  3. Negative: 204 out of 1661
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  1. Zespedes
    Feb 26, 2022
    10
    Este juego simplemente es una obra maestra, me ha logrado conmover con su historia como ningún otro videojuego, unas mecánicas que hoy en día no son nada novedosas, pero que en la época del PS2 fueron y son una pequeña parte de lo que hace hermoso a este juego. Como dato de ayuda para todas las personas, la mejor versión para jugar a Silent Hill 2 es la versión creada por un fan, la cualEste juego simplemente es una obra maestra, me ha logrado conmover con su historia como ningún otro videojuego, unas mecánicas que hoy en día no son nada novedosas, pero que en la época del PS2 fueron y son una pequeña parte de lo que hace hermoso a este juego. Como dato de ayuda para todas las personas, la mejor versión para jugar a Silent Hill 2 es la versión creada por un fan, la cual es la Enhanced Edition para PC, mejora todo en cuanto a gráficos de la versión de PS2 y los deja muy bellos, no pide requisitos altos, con un ordenador normal se puede disfrutar al 100%, ademas es gratis.… Expand
  2. Joeldude
    Jun 7, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. That stupid dog ending I played this on a rental ps2 and when I gave it back to the owner he didn't even belive me what kind of game has the twist of a dog that is dumbest possible idea for a video game why does it have so much praise… Expand
  3. Lyu_
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    A beautiful and sad psychological horror, one of the best PS2 games with one of the best scenarios.

    The realistic theme weighs heavily on the player, and the city, enemies, and direction are all intertwined with the main storyline, adding depth to the story through their synergy, which is what makes Silent Hill 2 a masterpiece. Although it is called "Silent Hill 2," the story is    A beautiful and sad psychological horror, one of the best PS2 games with one of the best scenarios.

    The realistic theme weighs heavily on the player, and the city, enemies, and direction are all intertwined with the main storyline, adding depth to the story through their synergy, which is what makes Silent Hill 2 a masterpiece.

    Although it is called "Silent Hill 2," the story is independent except for the setting related to the town of Silent Hill, which is not a problem at all.

    The story is similar to Final Fantasy 10, although the gameplay and genre are completely different.

    The truth about Mary is revealed as you follow a letter from her dead wife, Mary, with the clear objective of searching Silent Hill for her. This is James' story of redemption.

    Those of you who make it to the end will surely be moved to tears.    … Expand
  4. WilliamG.
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    I loved this game when it was initially released, and I still do. James is, by far, one of the best video game characters ever created. It's not often you get to play a title featuring a haggard, depressed shell of a human so far lost in despair that he couldn't hope to claw his way out even in the best possible outcome. With all subsequent titles hinting at James' true I loved this game when it was initially released, and I still do. James is, by far, one of the best video game characters ever created. It's not often you get to play a title featuring a haggard, depressed shell of a human so far lost in despair that he couldn't hope to claw his way out even in the best possible outcome. With all subsequent titles hinting at James' true ending resulting in his suicide after learning the truth behind his wife's death, it makes this experience even more unique. No happy endings, no light at the end of the tunnel. It's everything Silent Hill should be; hopeless, desperate and lost, in a good way, of course. Unlike the other titles in the series, James plays no significant part in the events surrounding Silent Hill's creation and existence. He's simply another hopeless soul lost in the chaos. No sacrifices, no ceremonies or resurrections, he's utterly and completely irrelevant in regards to the "big picture." He's a pebble in a whirlwind, and it's so fantastically ironic that the character with the least significance in the series also provides the most psychological and enthrawling experience to the player. Kudos to the Konami team for their effort and to Akira Yamaoka for the best "survival-horror" soundtrack ever recorded.… Expand
  5. AndrewV.
    Oct 10, 2001
    10
    This was one of the scariest games I have ever played. The scenery itself sends a chill down my spine. This is a must get game.
  6. AnonymousMC
    Dec 30, 2001
    10
    i played the first one due to a friend telling me about it and i loved the scare lol. and i have just started the second one, and so far its scary to. interesting game,and hey if you love a scare , its the perfect game. wish there was a wallkthrough for it though. just to know its being played right.
  7. BenN.
    Apr 4, 2003
    9
    Brilliant, really scary and i brought the directors cut version, just play this game in the dark and you are gonna s**t urself.
  8. ThisPerson
    Jun 27, 2009
    9
    Silent Hill 2. The cult-hit, the game you hear mentioned over and over again when talking about horror games or deep stories in games. Considered often the best game in the series with the very first one. And for a good reason. Forget Resident Evil's "Monster-through-the-window"-scares, gore enough to fill a pool and hi-tech weaponry, Silent Hills focus on so called "Psychological Silent Hill 2. The cult-hit, the game you hear mentioned over and over again when talking about horror games or deep stories in games. Considered often the best game in the series with the very first one. And for a good reason. Forget Resident Evil's "Monster-through-the-window"-scares, gore enough to fill a pool and hi-tech weaponry, Silent Hills focus on so called "Psychological horror", where the very disturbing images, settings and audio make you feel uneasy and disgusted. Most of the time it's the what you can't see but you hear that scares you the most, and that's what Team Silent knows. The game's nearly totally covered in either thick fog or darkness where the only light source you often have is your flashlight. Add creepy, disgusting and most importantly very... original sound effects and music track, and you'll find yourself being spooked by even complete emptiness. What about the story? Well, where SH1 mostly focused on "demonic-forces" pouring from the "possessed", suffering mind of certain victim of horrible past, SH2 offers a bit different kind of, "more gentle" story where it's not always clear what is "real", while still implying every thing's not just a dream, the "forces" of the town apparently just working in the background. All the characters have some sort of tragic past and are experiencing the town in their very own way, making the line between "reality", "delusion" and the "otherworld" blur even further, leading to some serious mind-screwing at best. Judging by some review here, not everybody has payed enough attention during the game, they either played it just once by rushing it or they have not researched about all the symbolism and gentle hints of the game that it offers. Add 6 different endings depending on HOW you play the game and what you have done while playing it, unlockable bonuses and a beautiful but sad and disgusting story, SH2 offers a great mature horror experience that does not just throw blood and guts at you. I also do recommend the other games in the series, especially the first and third ones, both of which present a quite a bit more "aggressive" experiences, still having some psychological-teasing and symbolisms.… Expand
  9. JayL.
    Sep 28, 2001
    9
    This is a great game. After playing Silent Hill 2, what was that other series... Resident something... haha.. it doesn't matter anyways. The Silent Hill series is here to stay.
  10. MarcL.
    Sep 30, 2001
    7
    This is a good game. The graphics, sound and atmosphere are great. But I feel the first Silent Hill did a better job of conveying the feeling of fear. The characters and story were far more interesting in the first one. Still if you?re a fan of these types of games, then this is a must have.
  11. Rachael
    Jan 12, 2002
    9
    It's brilliant....fantastic graphics, great story line but its too short! Thats the only thing which is bad about it. Its way better than the first one ( because of graphics and story line!) oh yeah complete it 3 times and you get the '...' ending its hilarious!
  12. FinesM.
    Jan 5, 2002
    8
    It's a great game, but it needs better controller manuverability, but all in all its a great game.
  13. Nemesis
    Feb 18, 2002
    8
    I'm not done with it yet but I too am "coming off" of MGS2 and Silent Hill isn't supposed to compare to it, they're two completely different genres. Anyways, the graphics in this game I admit could be better but the lighting in the game is excellent as is the very spooky music that matches the enviroments exactly, the voice acting is fine, some sound effects could be I'm not done with it yet but I too am "coming off" of MGS2 and Silent Hill isn't supposed to compare to it, they're two completely different genres. Anyways, the graphics in this game I admit could be better but the lighting in the game is excellent as is the very spooky music that matches the enviroments exactly, the voice acting is fine, some sound effects could be refined more though. And yes, as everyone says, this game is very scary and disturbing (so far that i've played). The outdoor enviroments do suck i think though, filled with buttloads of fog it makes it hard to navigate. … Expand
  14. AndrewJ.
    Aug 1, 2003
    7
    This game has great improvement with graphics, but sems to lack the atmosphere that the first "Silent Hill" had.
  15. ApocalypseBrown
    Oct 23, 2005
    9
    Never since the likes of Resident Evil 2 and Metal Gear Solid has a game gripped me and filled me with such joy, pain and scary memories. Yes the controls are flawed, yes the camera is awful but all of these add to the sense of fear and inpending doom. The story is the best on the ps2, but it's losing a ten due to some really pointless bits in the game (walking in the dark for an Never since the likes of Resident Evil 2 and Metal Gear Solid has a game gripped me and filled me with such joy, pain and scary memories. Yes the controls are flawed, yes the camera is awful but all of these add to the sense of fear and inpending doom. The story is the best on the ps2, but it's losing a ten due to some really pointless bits in the game (walking in the dark for an hour to find a key). Overall a must for all horror fans, until project zero 2 comes round.… Expand
  16. GrantZ
    Aug 22, 2009
    9
    Silent Hill 2, is quite possibly one of the best horror's to grace the Playstation, creepy, tense and has good sound. However it's not as good as the original mainly because, the main protagonist is hateful. I cared about Harry Mason, he couldn't run right FGS, then James comes along, killing his own wife, and wondering why a massive man with a pyramid for a head and a huge Silent Hill 2, is quite possibly one of the best horror's to grace the Playstation, creepy, tense and has good sound. However it's not as good as the original mainly because, the main protagonist is hateful. I cared about Harry Mason, he couldn't run right FGS, then James comes along, killing his own wife, and wondering why a massive man with a pyramid for a head and a huge sword is coming after him. Still it's a pretty epic game, let-down by some graphical glitches, it was my entry into the series, and i love it still. Story is just tacky. BUT WOOOO, it introduced us to the infamous Pyramid Head. "Hello Nice To Meet You" I LOVE HIM. "MARRY ME PYRAMID HEAD!!!!".… Expand
  17. MikeS.
    Sep 29, 2001
    10
    This is so far the best horror game to hit any gaming system. Everything is great, the story, the graphics, the sound. Let me tell you something though, if you want to get really, really scared, play this game at about 11-12 at night with the lights off and you will be terrified. Buy this game if you don't... well go buy it anyway!
  18. MikeyC.
    Jun 18, 2002
    9
    I loved every second. it scared the hell out of me. its got to be one of the top five games for ps2. the graphics are so good. i cant wait for the next one. the only thing i have to complain about is the story line. i stopped and scratched my head a few times, but after the 4th time i beat it i think i got it down.
  19. NinjaMafia
    Nov 28, 2003
    9
    Wow. Thats what I said when I finished Silent Hill 2. Not only is it a good sequel to an already superior game, but it manages to deliver one of the best stories I have ever heard. Okay, you are James Sunderland, your wife died years ago. Suddenly, you get a letter from Mary, youre wife, telling you to meet her at the town of Silent Hill. You are a bit confused but go anyway. When you get Wow. Thats what I said when I finished Silent Hill 2. Not only is it a good sequel to an already superior game, but it manages to deliver one of the best stories I have ever heard. Okay, you are James Sunderland, your wife died years ago. Suddenly, you get a letter from Mary, youre wife, telling you to meet her at the town of Silent Hill. You are a bit confused but go anyway. When you get there, it is desserted. You eventually find a few living people, one of them looks exactly like youre wife. I haven't even scratched teh surface yet. This game has a disturbing mature story that video games don't often have. The story deals with murder, sexual abuse, the fragile emotions of a human being and other stuff. Yeah, it might take you a while to get the story, even after you have beaten the game, but it is a very good one. No thats and understatement, a Ultra extreme good one. Now on to the gameplay. The gameplay is actually very good. You will get scared plenty of times. But don't expect the Resident Evil scare. Think of I'm going to make you creeped out by the atmosphere scary. The graphics were also superb. The grainy look gave it a spooky touch. The only reason I'm not giving this game a ten is because I didn't feel like replaying it over and over again. Every game should do that, even suvival horros. Yeah and now I'm off to explain to Mike some things about silent hill. What created the monsters? It was actually James taht created the monsters. Listen to the story once in a while, you might pick up on something. Oh and no comparision to MGS2 eh? Only your entire review was comparing the two games. I don't remember much but I'm POSITIVELY sure that MGS2 and SH2 are COMPLETELY different games. Silent Hill is a Horro, MGs is a stealth. and also, how much of the game did you play? You didn't just see yellow lines throughout the whole game. There were walls and buildings. Oh and excuse me for not being able to not make the pipe strike the wall. Did it really matter that much? Same with moving the chair, really. MGS2 was incredibly unrealistic, this game even tries to be more onrealistsic but you bash it for that. I couldn't shoot through the little holes in the lockers in MGS2 could I? No but that didn't make me hate that game anymore. All in all, if you are looking for a disturbing storyline, pick Silent Hill 2 up NOW!… Expand
  20. MattP.
    Apr 14, 2003
    9
    Silent Hill 2 is one of my top games, the sound and look are like nothing else on PS2 and it's scary as hell. Plus you get a bonus disc (PAL version).
  21. Undertuto
    Nov 9, 2019
    10
    Mi juego de terror favorito. Akira Yamaoka en su esplendor. Historia, gráfica, música, efectos, ambientación. TODO perfecto.
  22. Nathaniel_Cage
    Dec 11, 2020
    10
    the best horror game ever made!! Game made me cry at the end realizing what was the story of james & Mary #BringBackSilentHill
  23. PastVSPresent
    Mar 1, 2013
    9
    You know that feeling when you always look at the cover of one game that you want to try but for some reason never buy? Well that's what happened to me for years and after craving for an psychological horror/mystery experience i decided to give this old game a chance in this age.

    Lets start with the graphics. Il be honest that the the first cutscene was mind blowing and very nice. You    You know that feeling when you always look at the cover of one game that you want to try but for some reason never buy? Well that's what happened to me for years and after craving for an psychological horror/mystery experience i decided to give this old game a chance in this age.

    Lets start with the graphics.
    Il be honest that the the first cutscene was mind blowing and very nice. You see and feel that dark vibe immediately. It isn't that bad, really. Of course it shows his age but it will definitely not stop you from seeing what is going on in the game.

    Gameplay:
    Silent Hill has that reputation of bad camera angles and awkward controls. Let me tell you that i got used to it after 5 minutes. Its just like playing a new game with great graphics. You just get used to the eye candy after an hour or so. So don't let the story's scare you off.

    Atmosphere and Story:
    The atmosphere is the reason why fans of the genre wanna play this game. I immediately get sucked in the game and couldn't stop playing it. The mist and area's gave me some claustrophobic feel and in the first hotel i had the feeling i didn't want to go to the next hallway or floor. The music really had a great effect in this and i got easily addicted to it. The composer did a great job. The story was pretty predictable but setting it up the way Team Silent did was out of this world.
    I don't give much info here because i hate to spoil the fun. Last verdict: Its really a solid 9 for me and i am not someone who just gives 10's at randoms. I guess the 1's and 4's people give on this game don't really appreciate psychological games like this. They speak about monsters that are to weak but they don't see the point that the monsters in this game are here to make a more psychological effect on the gamer and not just creatures to defeat.

    If you want to play a heavy atmospheric game that works on your nerves don't look further and get this gem.    … Expand
  24. AhmadAlsumain
    Feb 13, 2021
    10
    All I can say is this: Silent Hill 2 is the best horror game ever. From its mindblowing story to its amazing music, and the creepy automosphere. It is as perfect as it gets!
  25. Rem
    Jan 22, 2017
    10
    In the history of games, few games come close to Silent Hill 2 in design communicating with gameplay to craft an experience not wrought with fun, but with a lasting impression of both melancholy and ardency. The follow up to the first Silent Hill contains similarities and differences in all the right places to ensure players guiding the protagonist through the eponymous town not leaveIn the history of games, few games come close to Silent Hill 2 in design communicating with gameplay to craft an experience not wrought with fun, but with a lasting impression of both melancholy and ardency. The follow up to the first Silent Hill contains similarities and differences in all the right places to ensure players guiding the protagonist through the eponymous town not leave without food for thought.

    Remaining from the first Silent Hill is an improved take on its survival horror gameplay. Players explore the fogged town, survive its monstrosities, and solve a greater number of puzzles than ever before. Each element is tweaked to an ever higher quality, and considering the game's greater focus in immersing the players, the complete lack of a HUD serves to accentuate its mechanics which is designed to communicate an omnipresent feeling of dread.

    Despite the much functional similarities, Silent Hill 2's differences from the first is what marks it as the magnum opus in the survival horror genre. This time around players guide James Sunderland, a man who traverses the town in search of his dead wife, only driven by a letter sent by her which is deemed impossible. I won't delve into further story details, but it is Silent Hill 2's greatest aspect and the reason to continue. The journey undergone by James Sunderland will send him through severely dark moments and one that expertly explores the human psyche without being blatant. It is a genius take and by the game's conclusion, you as the player will feel changed to an extent in addition to being exhausted. It is a draining experience that is both beautiful and dreadful as a result of its story points and how it conveys it to you. Not one moment is spelled out for the player, and much like the first Silent Hill, ultimately trusts the player in uncovering the town's mysteries and why James is there in the first place. It is much more effective and nuanced in its subtlety and themes, and stands as a hallmark in how to tell story in videogames.

    Rather than a blanket of terror, this iteration communicates a greater sense of emptiness, and it works beautifully. Much of the time, players will hardly engage in combat, but rather walk the empty town and its buildings. When you do come across the town's monstrosities, they are disturbing in how unconventional they are. Gone are the blood and rust stained enemies of before replaced with creatures that are more intricately tied with the plot in hand, and serves to tell a player a story without words. James isn't totally alone in here, but the few souls he comes across contribute in allowing the player to learn the story at hand, while unmasking the themes tied to both James and the few people he comes across, sane or not.

    Like the first game, Silent Hill 2's audio is a lesson in how to build terror. But this time around, the few musical tracks scattered throughout are masterfully crafted and thematically tied to its tone and feeling. The feelings of emptiness and melancholy is captured to a fever pitch by Akira Yamaoka, and this iteration is easily his best work. Some of these tracks will long remain in your mind by the game's conclusion and that is a testament in audio design congealing with feeling.

    But among all things, Silent Hill 2 is still a horror game at heart, and while some may walk away unafraid at what the game threw at them, it was hardly a matter of conveying fear. Silent Hill 2's story wasn't one to terrify, but rather unsettle, not out of the monstrosities that inhabit the town, but instead what sickeningly dark secret and motives drew the player in the first place. It's explicit, but so overt that it's tasteful and well thought out. It's unsettling in the sense it guides the player not through a blood soaked hallway, but rather a hallway filled with symbolic apertures waiting to peered in. It guides you along while giving you no return till you finish what you started. It's a horror game that defeats you and allows triumph in scant moments.

    In as few words as possible, Silent Hill 2 is a work of art, one that is symbolic and tied to design. It lacks any fun and enjoyment to rack any GOTY awards, but it is magnitudes higher in delivering an engrossing experience that will stick with you long after you have left the game. It isn't a sole classic in the horror genre, but games in general in providing a storytelling experience like no other. James Sunderland's journey through the eponymous town is wrought with stilted voice acting, long stretches of nothing, and cryptic messages, but every element crafted for this game has purpose, and everything fits so perfectly, including parts that appear to be flaws heighten the experience to perfection. Even returning again brings about new insights in addition to endings shaped by the player's actions in subtle ways. It's perfect through its imperfections. 16 years after its release, no other videogame has been quite as cerebral and effective.    … Expand
  26. Steyraus
    Nov 22, 2020
    10
    Simply one of if not the best Survival Horror games in history. Playing it today through a PS2 to HDMI connector makes it even more insidious and creepy as it fells like a beast from the past, full of history and horror.
    Really wish we could get a Xbox enhanced version of the Xbox version as the more recently released Silent Hill HD collection is not Sillent Hill 2 , its a butchering of    Simply one of if not the best Survival Horror games in history. Playing it today through a PS2 to HDMI connector makes it even more insidious and creepy as it fells like a beast from the past, full of history and horror.
    Really wish we could get a Xbox enhanced version of the Xbox version as the more recently released Silent Hill HD collection is not Sillent Hill 2 , its a butchering of the game and it would be a shame for future generation to think it the game we all played 20 something years ago.    … Expand
  27. iddqd4
    Jan 23, 2018
    10
    Серьезный артхаус, с тяжелой атмосферой и великолепной музыкой, есть даже полноформатная книжка по разбору отсылок и метафор сюжетной составляющей, что неплохо характеризует саму историю. Игра кстати совсем не стареет.Серьезный артхаус, с тяжелой атмосферой и великолепной музыкой, есть даже полноформатная книжка по разбору отсылок и метафор сюжетной составляющей, что неплохо характеризует саму историю. Игра кстати совсем не стареет.
  28. Brunn0121
    Jan 24, 2017
    9
    Amazing soundtrack, amazing story, amazing characters, this game just proves it doesn't need to tell the story of a cult to get a silent hill game right.
  29. crimsondoor
    Jan 19, 2020
    10
    Controls and mechanics are quite aged and I should have to give it a 7 if I have to rate it as a game, but no, because the story, music, atmosphere, design philosophy, psychological aspect and symbolism made up for the whole game. This is not merely a game, but art. A true work of art and masterpiece that fully deserves its reputation as one of the best games of all times.
  30. Winner
    May 1, 2023
    10
    Simply art! No more words need to be said, since its a landmark in horror of the 2000s
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best PS2 Game of 2001
3
#3 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
6
#6 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Core Magazine
    100
    While Silent Hill 2 retains the same basic format of the original, the story is decidedly more coherent and the graphics have been upgraded immeasurably.
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  2. Playboy
    85
    Quite simply, mature PS2 owners craving a creepy game that's perfect for playing with the lights out and speakers cranked, pick up a copy of Silent Hill 2 and you will not be disappointed. Clean underwear not included.
    Read full review
  3. GamerWeb Sony
    90
    The game is one of the longer offerings Konami has offered on PS2 to date...[but] you'll still be left wanting more when the game is over.
    Read full review
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