Got the PAL Director's Cut on PS2 which I've read is just the European 'Restless Dreams' version.
I was looking forward to playing this but at the same time massively dreading it because most highly-rated stuff (no matter the medium) is always overhyped by some sort of mob mentality and didn't want to be crucified for not adding to that. These fears came true in the first hour or two with the clunky movement, "meh" combat and poor voice acting but I quickly got used to it and really got into it.
Is this the greatest game ever made? Fuck off. Is it one very spectacular one that I thoroughly enjoyed? Fuck yes!
This game is clearly very special due to the incredible amount of detail put into it. The sound design is easily the best aspect but every aspect of this game works so well together to truly make you feel horrified.
Lots of people seem to have had a severe emotional reaction (other than "ooh, spooky") to this game and that's fine. I'm not trying to discredit that but this game did not do that for me. I already had my eye-opening therapeutic experience this year so that's all used up for the next five I'd say. But I can see why it could cause such a reaction in some. James' own guilt and trauma could act as a reflection to some, I suppose, even if it's for something different. Which I think was the intention given the save screen of James looking back at you looking at him on your TV -- like a mirror to indicate you're the same person.
Anyway, I'm sure I'm not bringing anything new to the table so I'll stop here:
Silent Hill 2 is a mesmerizing experience carefully crafted by some very passionate people. While I don't think it fully takes advantage of the video game medium, it truly is something special in this medium. There's a reason why people still talk about it today and that's because the story and symbolism are almost perfectly executed from a writing standpoint.
Worth paying £46 for a copy off eBay even 21 years after it came out. And that will stay in my collection until I die.
Also, I got the 'Leave' ending which I was very satisfied with in the moment and even more proud of myself after watching what the other endings are. I think it's the best ending.
I would like to add that I really don't understand the hype for "Born from a Wish", though. Perhaps, it's just cos it kinda fucks with my interpretation of the main scenario.
I was looking forward to playing this but at the same time massively dreading it because most highly-rated stuff (no matter the medium) is always overhyped by some sort of mob mentality and didn't want to be crucified for not adding to that. These fears came true in the first hour or two with the clunky movement, "meh" combat and poor voice acting but I quickly got used to it and really got into it.
Is this the greatest game ever made? Fuck off. Is it one very spectacular one that I thoroughly enjoyed? Fuck yes!
This game is clearly very special due to the incredible amount of detail put into it. The sound design is easily the best aspect but every aspect of this game works so well together to truly make you feel horrified.
Lots of people seem to have had a severe emotional reaction (other than "ooh, spooky") to this game and that's fine. I'm not trying to discredit that but this game did not do that for me. I already had my eye-opening therapeutic experience this year so that's all used up for the next five I'd say. But I can see why it could cause such a reaction in some. James' own guilt and trauma could act as a reflection to some, I suppose, even if it's for something different. Which I think was the intention given the save screen of James looking back at you looking at him on your TV -- like a mirror to indicate you're the same person.
Anyway, I'm sure I'm not bringing anything new to the table so I'll stop here:
Silent Hill 2 is a mesmerizing experience carefully crafted by some very passionate people. While I don't think it fully takes advantage of the video game medium, it truly is something special in this medium. There's a reason why people still talk about it today and that's because the story and symbolism are almost perfectly executed from a writing standpoint.
Worth paying £46 for a copy off eBay even 21 years after it came out. And that will stay in my collection until I die.
Also, I got the 'Leave' ending which I was very satisfied with in the moment and even more proud of myself after watching what the other endings are. I think it's the best ending.
I would like to add that I really don't understand the hype for "Born from a Wish", though. Perhaps, it's just cos it kinda fucks with my interpretation of the main scenario.
2 Comments
You're asking me to recall something I did 4 months ago and didn't particularly care for?!!
I assumed Maria was a manifestation created by James and therefore didn't get why he'd be imagining her in this scenario. It just didn't feel very purposeful to me, I guess.
I assumed Maria was a manifestation created by James and therefore didn't get why he'd be imagining her in this scenario. It just didn't feel very purposeful to me, I guess.
KidKangaroo
1 year ago
Elaborate