Took me a while to play this as I was busy. I actually dumped the ROM from my copy and emulated the game on my Steam Deck. Very good experience.

What can I say that hasn't been said. Silent Hill 2, with all of it's little quirks and slight annoyances, is still one of the most compelling games I've ever played. Every level and character is full of symbolism that tells a story of grief, hatred, and guilt.

Unlike newer games in the series, Silent Hill 2 focuses on a standalone story, with some bits of lore of the greater town. This is an odd choice, especially since there is no relation between Silent Hill 2's main characters and the first game's, but it works.

The levels nail such a great tone, and I attribute this to the game's excellent sound and decently aged visuals. I believe that since the art style was so strong and focused, it has visually aged better than other PS2 games. Every model and place looks beautiful and vibey. The lower quality textures and poly-counts give the game a haunting lo-fi aesthetic.

I would write more, but I can't be bothered right now. Just trust me that it's an excellent game and the story is told so well.