This game managed to terrorize me in a very particular way since I suffer from severe thalassophobia, which I know is entirely subjective.

Regardless, something abut being stuck in a tiny submarine that's not even built for the depths you're thrown into is terrifying for me. Your only way of somewhat taking a peek outside of the submarine is by taking pictures of what's directly in front of you - and, of course, that design choice is what makes this whole thing work.

Made me crap my pants more than once but I'd still recommend it.

This game always meant quite a lot to me. This is where my love for psychological horror as a whole started for sure, and I've never been able to look back.

Silent Hill 2 was probably the first horror game I was truly infatuated with because of the way it dealt with themes like depression, abuse and trauma -- which by today's standards may not be all that amazing or groundbreaking, but still. The art style, the oppressive atmosphere, the sheer symbolism behind most things that are presented to you always got stuck with me and randomly pops in my head every now and then.

I'd be lying if I said this game's story didn't make me shed a couple of tears, too. Its narrative can feel heart-breaking if you have a way of somehow relating to it - and just for that I think it earned a permanent spot in my heart.

On a personal note, this experience also shaped some of my taste in music and even my desire to become a videogame composer at some point. Got Akira Yamaoka to thank for that.

Anyway, this game is for sure one of my favorite games of all time.