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. JurgenRamnball
    Mar 9, 2016
    9
    I never resource to subjectivity when I give an opinion, but this is the right time to do so. You are free to think I'm an idiot and moron because I am saying something considering what I felt, not critic facts that would indeed build an opinion. Silent Hill 2 made me feel very depressed and guilty, I want to play it again, but I'm afraid my experience can be even worse (in the better wayI never resource to subjectivity when I give an opinion, but this is the right time to do so. You are free to think I'm an idiot and moron because I am saying something considering what I felt, not critic facts that would indeed build an opinion. Silent Hill 2 made me feel very depressed and guilty, I want to play it again, but I'm afraid my experience can be even worse (in the better way possible). If you are dating a girl and you are getting bored of her, play Silent Hill 2 and it will completely revitalize your relationship.… Expand
  2. slim1985
    Feb 21, 2016
    10
    still one of the best survival horror game ever made i always love to go through it each 3-4 years the soundtrack and the atmospheric feelings is OMG despite the confusion of the story but it was really deep and psychological i loved SH2 love story or should i call it hate story it will always be special for me
  3. Termin8ter
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    Silent Hill 2 is just as good, if not better than the original. The gameplay is exactly the same as Silent Hill 1, but the graphics are massively improved, almost in the same way that MGS2 improved its graphics from MGS1. There are no pixelated character models, fully relying on detailed facial structures and weapons, same as in MGS2. The story changes protagonists from Harry Mason toSilent Hill 2 is just as good, if not better than the original. The gameplay is exactly the same as Silent Hill 1, but the graphics are massively improved, almost in the same way that MGS2 improved its graphics from MGS1. There are no pixelated character models, fully relying on detailed facial structures and weapons, same as in MGS2. The story changes protagonists from Harry Mason to James Sunderland, who receives a cryptic message from his dead wife, which leads him to Silent Hill. The majority of the game, you will be collecting weapons and ammo, and killing strange monsters, while searching for James' wife. Just like in Silent Hill 1, there are lots of scares and moments of insanity. Buy this game if you have not already.… Expand
  4. ChrisMuller1992
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Silent Hill is a game that given us scares and more scares,a game that given horror a new meaning and took it to the next level.It was so good that it has released a number of sequels,comic and even two movies.The sequels weren't that good or terrifying and had gotten worse over the years.There was Silent Hill 2,the sequel which has surpass the original in every way.The story is about a 29 year old James Sunderland who received a letter from her wife Mary a few days ago,but guess what,she died three years before the start of the game,James,suspects its a prank,goes anyway to Silent Hill to see if Mary is actually there waiting for him in their special place.The story although very well written and the acting belieable,it is not scary,probably makes this the oldest sequel not to be scary at all,but the story is so mysterious so twisted that it will have you hooked on the game from the beginning to end.Monsters aren't that scary nor hard to defeat although there are a few points of the game where i startled but thats pretty much it.A classic game despite it being classified as a survial horror its not scary at all but it compensates with its really mysterious and twisted story that will make you play to see if James dead wife is actually alive....Only for you to play to find out.It really deserves a 10

    In my restless dreams,i see that town....Silent Hill.You promise you'll take me there again someday...but you never did...Well..i'm aline there now..in our special place...waiting for you....    … Expand
  5. GinasLoveJohnny
    Jan 1, 2016
    8
    This is a very well made game very scary and thrilling. What sort of ruins this game for me is the constant walking around getting lost and the very confusing puzzles to figure out. All throughout the game you are trying to figure out puzzles and after a while the game becomes unpleasant and frustrating. The game loses it's excitement when you are constantly having to figure things outThis is a very well made game very scary and thrilling. What sort of ruins this game for me is the constant walking around getting lost and the very confusing puzzles to figure out. All throughout the game you are trying to figure out puzzles and after a while the game becomes unpleasant and frustrating. The game loses it's excitement when you are constantly having to figure things out that are pretty hard. I had to play this game looking up each time i passed a level how to figure out these very confusing puzzles. Overall great game for its time but the challenging puzzles and concepts sort of takeaway from the experience. This game would have gotten a 10 if it weren't so hard to figure out the things in the game. I give this game an 8 for how well it was done.… Expand
  6. turqouise_bluse
    Dec 13, 2015
    4
    I don't know why, it just doesn't seem interesting to me at all. The story is not anything to get shocked with. It seems to me like just the one of the "better games" back in the time it was released. But I am not going to give this a good review just because it's one of the first good games. Because it is absolutely boring, voice acting sucks and the story just seems a bit exaggerated.I don't know why, it just doesn't seem interesting to me at all. The story is not anything to get shocked with. It seems to me like just the one of the "better games" back in the time it was released. But I am not going to give this a good review just because it's one of the first good games. Because it is absolutely boring, voice acting sucks and the story just seems a bit exaggerated. And fighting those monsters for all the time gets very not enjoyable.… Expand
  7. Maneinarr
    Oct 26, 2015
    6
    I've enjoyed all Silent Hills to a degree. This is the one I enjoyed the less.

    As usual, because this is an old era game I will not discuss graphics. Gameplay is as good as any silent hill out there, except it is too easy... I never got scared of dying... yeap, not once (I always set games to maximum difficulty from the start to get the full experience) Story is good, but not    I've enjoyed all Silent Hills to a degree. This is the one I enjoyed the less.

    As usual, because this is an old era game I will not discuss graphics.

    Gameplay is as good as any silent hill out there, except it is too easy... I never got scared of dying... yeap, not once (I always set games to maximum difficulty from the start to get the full experience)

    Story is good, but not amazing. Also, it unfolds too late so you get the feeling of an "outstretched story".
    Also the game does little effort to inmerse you in silent hill... a thing that, done properly, it really gets your "what da **** is happening... I need more" mojo going, you know? After all Silent Hill is what horror games should be more about: atmosphere, fear factor, twisted psyques, suspense, mysteries. SH2 fails at creating suspense, the atmosphere is strong at first but loses intensity fast, there are no jump scares to trigger fear, but given there is no suspense you wouldn't jump even if there were some. The "crazyness" is well described of course... it's silent hill... even by mistake they would do it right anyway.

    Characters are bland as fu**, it's hard to relate with anyone there... from the bad guys to the good guys to anyone... I mean, to know what actually happens in James head is interesting, but the character himself is not... the secondary characters are totally whimsical and also seem to wander around silent hill almost unscathed, which, in my case, increases my disbilief and makes SH just a lonely town insted of hell's gate.

    Oh, and monster design. Most monsters were ugly, yes, but not scary ugly, but "weird" ugly, the only exception being of course Pyramid Head... Without pyramid head the game would go as down as 4 maybe...

    A mediocre SH in my opinion, but still a good horror game. You can never fail with SH    … Expand
  8. caligula_king
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    Es el mejor juego de horror de la historia , SH 2 tiene una trama muy compleja y oscura (Cada personaje del juego tiene una historia que te deja traumatizado ) . El Mejor de la saga sin ninguna duda
  9. Lyserg1260
    Aug 23, 2015
    10
    Best one in series for me. It's not that scary as SH1 and SH3 by itself, but i think it's scarier because of plot and sadness in game. This game is not about cults and demons, this game is about real life, it just use allegories. It shows us a world of people who blame themselves for some reasons, people who try to run away from their past, to forget it. The monster, whole city can beBest one in series for me. It's not that scary as SH1 and SH3 by itself, but i think it's scarier because of plot and sadness in game. This game is not about cults and demons, this game is about real life, it just use allegories. It shows us a world of people who blame themselves for some reasons, people who try to run away from their past, to forget it. The monster, whole city can be considered as allegory of their own hell. They can't escape it and they fight it. It's terrific. That's why this game is so scary. It's something more than just being in abandoned place with monsters. It's not about this.… Expand
  10. Joeshadowman
    Jul 22, 2015
    5
    Silent Hill 2 has the best story a game has ever offered. I can honestly say that I have never cared as much about a games story as I have for Silent Hill 2's story. And I'm not much of a survivor horror fan, but this game knows how to make use the gameplay to perfection. Though, at times, I feel that the gameplay is the reason for why you will die, and that is my biggest problem with theSilent Hill 2 has the best story a game has ever offered. I can honestly say that I have never cared as much about a games story as I have for Silent Hill 2's story. And I'm not much of a survivor horror fan, but this game knows how to make use the gameplay to perfection. Though, at times, I feel that the gameplay is the reason for why you will die, and that is my biggest problem with the game. Look, the game is worth playing though once for it's story. But I can't go back to it. It is the right way to do a survival horror game, but the gameplay will keep me from playing it ever again. 5/10… Expand
  11. tsakiym
    May 21, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  12. sonofelysium
    May 6, 2015
    9
    A staple in the genre. What makes it so frightening has nothing to do with tricks or scare tactics (though they are definitely in there), but rather the disturbing and brutal portrayal of the darker aspects of the human condition.
  13. Ramiro1992
    Mar 13, 2015
    9
    One of the best horror games ever made, the music is a masterpiece! The graphics are very well done, i never heard such a beautiful music in a survival horror game.
    The controls are fluid and well designed, Of course the ps2 is a cheap version with inferior graphics, the xbox and the pc version are awesome. I don't have many words to say how good this game is, much better than sh 3 or sh4    One of the best horror games ever made, the music is a masterpiece! The graphics are very well done, i never heard such a beautiful music in a survival horror game.
    The controls are fluid and well designed, Of course the ps2 is a cheap version with inferior graphics, the xbox and the pc version are awesome. I don't have many words to say how good this game is, much better than sh 3 or sh4 of course, the horror elements are the best addition, you can enjoy a excellent storyline while progressing in the game, the characters have a great personality, each one with a personal story waiting to be revealed, This game is fun and creepy at the same time, unlike the **** we are seeing today.    … Expand
  14. Dartboard
    Mar 12, 2015
    10
    The symbolism alone makes this worth a few replays, not to mention the alternate endings you can unlock. The story is haunting once it comes into place, and the atmosphere is immeasurable. One of the best psychological horror games ever, if not the best. Play it with the lights off -- you'll be terrified.
  15. Darko84
    Feb 3, 2015
    9
    Silent hill 2 is the best game on the SH Franchise so far (I am waiting for silent hills).
    The atmosphere, the characters and the music are just amazing (Soundtrack is wonderful).
    Story wise is also very creepy and will keep you going forward to uncover the truth.
    The only flaw in this game is the poor graphics.
  16. slappycider
    Jan 8, 2015
    10
    Honestly, this is the greatest game of all time. It's not overrated in the slightest and deserves every bit of praise it receives. People may dislike it, but if you dislike it... shut up about it and let the people who appreciate it love it. The mechanics are aging... but the story and the atmosphere remains just as chilling as they were the day this game was released. I really hope SilentHonestly, this is the greatest game of all time. It's not overrated in the slightest and deserves every bit of praise it receives. People may dislike it, but if you dislike it... shut up about it and let the people who appreciate it love it. The mechanics are aging... but the story and the atmosphere remains just as chilling as they were the day this game was released. I really hope Silent Hills stands up to this game, because at this point... I don't see how anything can top this.… Expand
  17. Rahsmoove
    Nov 25, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was very great for it's time. I couldn't believe it was mad in 2001. It felt like it was made in 2004. The cut sences, the movement, and battles really made it stand out. The overall plot does feel very weird though, and the graphics changing is very annoying.… Expand
  18. celebi734
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    Silent Hill 2 is more then just a game. it is one of the last (and best) survival horror games. With a great storyline, legitimate scare, and of course Pyramid Head. How could you not get scared?
  19. KittyPaine
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My favorite game of the Silent Hill franchise. It has good gameplay, decent graphics for a PS2 era title and the story is in depth. The further you get into the game you can tell there's clearly something wrong with the protagonist and it makes you want to press on to find out exactly what happened to him "three years ago". Depending upon your actions in the game there are 5 possible endings to achieve, 2 are only available in a New Game+ and require certain items to be collected during a playthrough, which adds to the replayability. There are also unlockable weapons some of which are only awarded upon getting a certain score on the End Results Screen. And replaying the game may offer more insight into James' psyche as well as the manifestations in Silent Hill.… Expand
  20. LobosJordan
    Aug 22, 2014
    10
    Simply a masterpiece. Sound/Soundtrack flawless by Akira Yamaoka. Story flawless. Graphics great for 2001. Gripping, chilling, terrifying. But at the same time feels like home.

    10/10
  21. DontFeedSquirl
    Aug 12, 2014
    0
    Falls extremely short of my expectations. Not bad, still scary, but nowhere near as scary as everybody makes it out to be. I'm extremely disappointed with it but it still has managed to get me to jump a few times. Wouldn't recommend it to any seasoned horror game/movie fan.
  22. Carlitoxic
    Jun 19, 2014
    10
    Una auténtica obra maestra del terror. Cuando Silent Hill parecía insuperable, llega esta segunda parte que sin ser mejor, sólo distinta, puso en una nueva órbita a la saga, creando toda una legión de acérrimos fanáticos enamorados del planteamiento. Su madurísima trama, los momentos impactantes e inolvidables, sus misteriosos personajes y el resultado final le han ganado un lugarUna auténtica obra maestra del terror. Cuando Silent Hill parecía insuperable, llega esta segunda parte que sin ser mejor, sólo distinta, puso en una nueva órbita a la saga, creando toda una legión de acérrimos fanáticos enamorados del planteamiento. Su madurísima trama, los momentos impactantes e inolvidables, sus misteriosos personajes y el resultado final le han ganado un lugar privilegiado en la historia del género junto a su hermano SH1.… Expand
  23. OzZyBoi86
    May 4, 2014
    10
    Simply the greatest,and scariest survival horror game ever. Not for the faint hearted mind, this game can make you feel suffocated and depressed, i first played this game in 2001 when i was just 14 and even now it still scary. Classic
  24. Rolento
    Feb 20, 2014
    10
    Wouldn't it be crazy if, like, a very good game had a sequel that actually lived up to it, in some ways even surpassed it, did a completely different thing from the first one plot-wise but still maintained its basis perfectly, which had an astounding art direction even for today's standards and with a great intricate yet not entirely open but deducible plot that despite having the mostWouldn't it be crazy if, like, a very good game had a sequel that actually lived up to it, in some ways even surpassed it, did a completely different thing from the first one plot-wise but still maintained its basis perfectly, which had an astounding art direction even for today's standards and with a great intricate yet not entirely open but deducible plot that despite having the most cliché premise of all time still managed to pull that off amazingly, which had puzzles that manage to not undermine the player's intelligence, had replay value, and had music as amazing as the first one but with added acoustic guitar goodness, and on top of it all the authors had moral standards about things such as natural acting for their voice actors and actually did quite some thinking and research in order to deliver the innovative psychological experience they wanted to deliver?

    Man, that would rock.    … Expand
  25. carloswalnuts
    Feb 4, 2014
    10
    Probablemente el mejor Silent Hill de la serie, por su increible atmosfera e historia apasionante, hasta donde estarias dispuesto para encontrarte nuevamente con tu gran amor de tu vida si sabes que ella no esta en este mundo.
  26. Inlikeflynn
    Feb 1, 2014
    6
    Silent Hill 2 is overrated; I'm not saying is bad but I don't think is the best survival horror ever or the best Silent Hill game to that matter. The story of James Sunderland's quest for the truth about his wife has heart, but is not has touching has Harry's search for his daughter, not the mention the passing is unfocused and characters that, while interesting, play no importance to ourSilent Hill 2 is overrated; I'm not saying is bad but I don't think is the best survival horror ever or the best Silent Hill game to that matter. The story of James Sunderland's quest for the truth about his wife has heart, but is not has touching has Harry's search for his daughter, not the mention the passing is unfocused and characters that, while interesting, play no importance to our protagonist's journey, is very distracting. Art direction is phenomenal, music is excellent and gameplay is well incorporated for a survival horror. Silent Hill 2 is a good fallow up and I'm glad I played it but is not the best game in the series and the praise it gets makes me call it one of the most overrated titles of all time...… Expand
  27. Axlyss
    Jan 24, 2014
    10
    First game i ever played where i liked all the characters! And actually cared about what happens to them! The story is deep and most people may not get why James personal silent hill has bars and chains link fence everywhere (no spoilers look it up) You know a games good when even the atmosphere of the game ties into the characters inner suppressed feelings.10/10 most own stay far awayFirst game i ever played where i liked all the characters! And actually cared about what happens to them! The story is deep and most people may not get why James personal silent hill has bars and chains link fence everywhere (no spoilers look it up) You know a games good when even the atmosphere of the game ties into the characters inner suppressed feelings.10/10 most own stay far away from the 'clear' or 'cleaner' HD remake silent hill 2 is ment to be murky and foggy. Not to mention even the main terrifying enemy Pyramid head has a meaning (this one will surprise you for sure). Only negative is the game takes 12 hours to beat. I recommend playing it at night and reading all the dairy entries.… Expand
  28. XavierBlaq
    Jan 5, 2014
    10
    If you are going to play this game, get ready to be ruined forever on a majority of horror video games. This game does not go for the over-the-top thrills and the constant presence of visceral horror, but rather goes for an atmosphere of inescapable paranoia and disturbing visuals that are almost more horrifying after completing the game than during. In fact, it is the subdued nature ofIf you are going to play this game, get ready to be ruined forever on a majority of horror video games. This game does not go for the over-the-top thrills and the constant presence of visceral horror, but rather goes for an atmosphere of inescapable paranoia and disturbing visuals that are almost more horrifying after completing the game than during. In fact, it is the subdued nature of the game that makes it so horrifying, as very little of the game leaves a realistic (or at least as realistic as possible) setting. However, while you are being driven out of your mind by the static of the radio that tells you something is there when you cannot see it, the game tells a masterful story of stories, as the people (including the protagonist) all deal with the unspeakable things that have happened in their life, and their own terrible deeds that are even more haunting. The gameplay is also top-notch for a survival horror game, and in truth has better gameplay than many of the games that follow it (remember: the occasional awkwardness in the controls is intentional, since its purpose is to increase the feeling of helplessness in the disturbing setting). All this combines into a game that transcends game-generations, and makes it a timeless classic of this fading genre.… Expand
  29. sgy0003
    Dec 12, 2013
    10
    This game tested my sanity. I had nightmares sometimes. It's that scary. This game uses lot of creepy environment, things that weren't there before, and terrifying looking enemies to scare you. While doing all this, it manages to keep the storyline well flowing. Highly recommended
  30. sengork
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    An original Silent Hill fan here. Not having played this game until recently is my largest gaming mistake I ever made (never owned a PS2). I'd want to wipe my memory of it and go back in time when PS2 originally came out just to play it there and then. For now I'll have to settle in with what I've got (a PC port of it in 2013). Akira Yamaoka is surely one of the best game music composersAn original Silent Hill fan here. Not having played this game until recently is my largest gaming mistake I ever made (never owned a PS2). I'd want to wipe my memory of it and go back in time when PS2 originally came out just to play it there and then. For now I'll have to settle in with what I've got (a PC port of it in 2013). Akira Yamaoka is surely one of the best game music composers I've come across through gameplay. This game is a great example of what happens when a team (Team Silent) succeeds with 1st game and gets enough funding for a sequel while not losing their tempo. Something similar happened when Remedy released Max Payne 2, you could see what dedication with enough funding results in.… Expand
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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

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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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