Score: 85
Overall User Average: 8.48 / 10 (85.4%)
Gameplay User Average: 7.87 / 10
Graphics User Average: 8.76 / 10
Sound User Average: 9.17 / 10
Whisper
Date reviewed: June 13, 2005.
Overall: Survival horror games have always had a special place on my game rack since the original Resident Evil games for the playstation made the genre what it is today. Silent Hill 2 is a great, though not perfect survival game.
Gameplay: Silent Hill 2 is a very atmospheric game. Though sometimes you walk for a long time without coming across anything, that is something you have to live with in games like this. The puzzles can be tedious and repetetive, but scary atmosphere keeps it entertaining for longer than it should.
Graphics: A grainy overlay is present for a lot of the game. At first I thought this was either a terrible mistake, or a stupid purposely included aspect. It was purposely included, and I grew to like it. It really adds to the atmosphere. The monsters and character models are decent, as are the environments. Shading and lighting effects are very good.
Sound: Turn the !&%$@#* crackling radio off. Other than that, the sound makes this game what it is. Very scary sound effects enable this game to make you jump at any moment.
Suggestions: Sequels.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 90 %
Jonesy545
Date reviewed: August 4, 2004.
Overall: When i first layed eyes on this game i didnt think much of the graphics, because i didnt like the grainy look effect, but once i got into the game i understood why they had put it in the game, its because of this effect at times i was so scared of the game, i used to hate walking down the dark corridors incase id suddenly hear my radio start to crackle, (jonesy shakes with chillin memories of those horrific moments), also a fine if not the best feature of this game, the sound, without the ambient noises and the music this would not have scared me so much, every sound given off was chilling, whether it was a noise coming from the other side of the corridor or if it was the radio (dam that thing), i was still terrified to walk 2 steps but i did it, also on my last note gameplay was awesome, terrifyingly addictive, i loved shooting every evil demonic thing i came across except those !&%$@#* ed pyramid heads (OH THE PYRAMID HEADS, ARGGGGGGGHHHH
"Jonesy Runs Away In Fear"
Gameplay: Awesome! Totally Horrifc, this game will well and truly scare the CRAP outta ya, let this be a warning to all those easily scared.
Graphics: After you understand why the grainy effect was put there, sensational. Oh just thinking about those pyramid heads is terrifying.
Sound: I still have nightmares, just thinking about walking down a corridor just to hear a noise. And that radio, FOR GODS SAKES MAN TURN IT OFF....TURN IT OFF....ARRRG
Suggestions: Nope. Great Job!
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
colosso
Date reviewed: November 30, 2003.
Overall: first of all,i always hate resident evil,but
when i got my hands on silent hill
everything went diferent,don,t get me
wrong i still hate resident evil,but i love
silent hill
Gameplay: gameplay is fun,perhaps interesting after
all,it,s one of those games that make you
think and continue over and over,very
fun and well executed,after all this title is
way better than stupid resident evil.
Graphics: it,s a port from the ps2,tha,s why it looks
crappy,perhaps is not a bad looking
game ,but is not the best on this
deparment,they should make this better
since is a xbox game,it doesn,t show the
power of the XBOX
Sound: the sound is perfect to me,nothing really
matters since the game is good,but the
graphics don,t need to be the same like
sorry ps2.
Suggestions: i heard KONAMY make this game for
PS2 only,i think that,s not right,but still
since all the japanese video company
hate msft and xbox,nothing will stop xbox
become the best video console of human
history.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 100 %
Galen
Date reviewed: April 28, 2003.
Overall: Silent Hill 2 scared me more than any game yet. I have to admit, I neverplayed the original Resident Evil games.... but this game is so dark....its like playing someones nightmare. It is one of the most creative horror games I have seen.
Overall, I love 99% of this game. There are multiple endings so....if you love it.... you can play it again. I was pretty breain dead after playing it once....so I put it on the shelf for about 3 months and then tried again( and you get a CHAINSAW the second time thru! wooo!) If you like horror games....or if you havent ever tried one.... this is one of the best. especially now that its "platinum" and you can get it for 20$.... its
Gameplay: Game play is a bit !&%$@#* bersome. Its one of those..."face my direction and
the prestt UP....no matter what direction I am facing in" type games. Its hard to get used to and not really too instinctive. but. one you get it down...you can manuever pretty well. I found that my fear of the controls actually racked my nerves even more when playing this horrific title. :)
Graphics: Graphics are strange. There is ALWAYS fog. i think it was kind of a cheap trick to make the graphics seem better than they actually are.... but in reality ..it works. you cant see whats coming 5 feet in front of you (thats where the sound comes in). And the character motion is really well
done.
Sound: Sound is where this game really excells. There are parts where the sounds are so freaking scary that I littereally got chills. that has never happenned to me before from a movie or a game. Only once in real life when i thought someone was chasing me in an alley at night. Seriously. The sound in this game is top-notch.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
justinmorris4
Date reviewed: January 4, 2003.
Overall: this game is one of the greatest games i have ever played. the only thing that isnt a great facter on it is the graphics but hey , it did come out in 2001.
Gameplay: the controls were a lil diificult at first but (being sarcarstic) did u know that u can change the controls to 2D instead of 3D. once i figured that out everything was all well. this game could be in the runnings for game of the year (2001)
i think it was but hey that is also the same time HALOcame out...
Graphics: the graphics are not this games strong points at first i thought that it really couldnt get any better seeing as how it came out in 2001 but so did HALO and look at its graphics. the graphics are not that bad though especialy in the cut scenes, they looked smooth and perfect. They just didnt take advantage of modern technology (the Xbox)
Sound: the sound is very unique maybe its me but i have never heard a game sound as good as this one. the music for this game captures the times and moments in which u are playing. this is a classic, to bad no1 understands that FACT.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 100 %
AmpedRider
Date reviewed: December 22, 2002.
Overall: This game is crazy!!! I totally recommened you buying this. I picked it up last night at about 8. I came home at about 10 and played all night. This game will make u p*ss your pants at some parts
Gameplay: The game play kicks ass. If you ever need a good scare be sure to pick this up. The shooting is pretty easy, it aims for you. The camera sometimes can be a little screwy, as if you run forward the camera is infront of you. Even though the camera can get in the way it doesnt slow the gameplay down one bit. Gore. Gore is what this game is made of, even though its not a big shooter like RE when you incounter the monsters, IE piramid heads there is lots of gore.
Graphics: The graphics are amazing. You can play with the noise on which makes it all fuzzy or play it chrystal clear. The fog looks incredibly real. If you buy this game just read the walls and see the thought that went into this game. The blood also looks real, I really noticed this when one of the bosses was knawing on a dead body.
Sound: The sound is creepy and when I say creepy I mean it gives the game its juice. If Silent Hill didnt have the sound it wouldnt be as scary. If you just take a little bit and listen to the sounds in the building you will understand what I mean. With Dolby Digital this games sound will put any of the PS2 SH games to shame.
Suggestions: Fix the camera angles and give us silent hill 3!
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
laughs
Date reviewed: December 5, 2002.
Overall: Nice creepy feel to this one. Great story which keep you playing to learn more. Characters are also great and have debt.
Gameplay: Great puzzles which make you think. Puzzle difficulty setting is a nice touch. Pretty easy to destroy the enemies in this one...plus theres lots of ammo
Graphics: Nice looking stuff. The mist is a great touch and creates the perfect feeling to this game. Also the shadows are done perfectly.
Sound: The sounds are creepy....they add greatly to the intensity level of the game. Hearing your radio freaking out....well freaks you out too.
Suggestions: Give us Silent Hill 2. One thing I don't like is that you have to run a lot from one area to the other. This can sometimes be boring. Give more objectives in between areas and have a little less mist so you can see more things.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
Dimples
Date reviewed: November 30, 2002.
Overall: Horror at it's best, at first. Walk around, talk awhile, swing a pointy stick at some creepy creep. Then this title starts to go silently downhill.
Gameplay: The question is what gameplay. You walk around from cutscene to cutscene. When you actually do something you just get from point A to point B with no room for innovation or discovery. A good effort for those who want to see a good horror, a bad effort for those who want to play a game.
Graphics: A bit grainy for my taste. You could probably turn it down or make it darker. Never explored those options. Still the overall effect is a beautiful game visually, good lighting, fog is a bit much, fits the mood though. You can tell a lot of work went into the animations, and the few creatures that lurk around.
Sound: The music scared me more then the visuals. A couple of monsters is expected in games, but the music is purely creepy. I got some shivers down the spine, and I must say teh voice work is remarkable
Suggestions: More action, less reaction
Overall: 40 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 100 %
fastback69
Date reviewed: September 7, 2002.
Overall: The overall appeal of the game is great, if your into a slower moveing action/horror this is the game for you.
Gameplay: The gameplay is actually really good. the riddles are hard to very hard, if you play on the hard level. theres a good amount of killing and blood. one can play for hours and still be intersted in it.
Graphics: The graphics in the game are great so I gave them a five, at times you can't go into certain areas to look at things where access seems possible but its still quite amazing.
Sound: The sound is what really makes this game work, sometimes even whem there's not much going on the sounds keep you on the edge of your seat.
Suggestions: The story line could use a little work.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
BillyDKid
Date reviewed: August 28, 2002.
Overall: Eerie, survival horror differentiating itself from RE with more subtleness, atmosphere, mood & story. Style and creepiness outweigh dated graphics and gameplay, but not by much.
Gameplay: Play this game in a dark room by yourself at night. Wonderfully creepy game, which slowly and subtly heightens tension till you can't take it anymore. Unfortunately most of the game you spend walking in this wonderfully creepy atmosphere not doing a whole lot. There are plenty of disturbing creatures to kill, a maddeningly confusing story complete with 5-6 alternate endings, but too much down-time, repetition, bad (and few) puzzles, and poor graphics. Completely linear and non-interactive environments top off the list to make this a decidedly last generation game, but still worth a look and rental at least.
Graphics: Very poor graphics for this generation. It's a ported 1st gen PS2 game with no improvements to main game graphics.
Sound: Sound is done very well and adds enormously to the feel of the game.
Suggestions: Longer game, interactive environments, more puzzles, better puzzles.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 70 %
Graphics: 50 %
Sound: 90 %
lllSmokelll
Date reviewed: August 20, 2002.
Overall: When Silent Hill was origanally realesed it was supposed to compete with The Resident Evil Francise in the Survival Horror Genre. While Silent Hill 2 is still supposed to be survival horror it doesnt qualify as a surival because its just too easy even when you are playing on hard.
Gameplay: There's some Xbox Extras in this version. Here they are: Option to turn off the noise filter & stop the ''grainy'' effect. You can also change the controls from 3D to 2D...which i did cause 2D is much more easy to control!!! In the game there is the main scenerio which is called Letter From Silent Heaven, and there is also a sub scenerio which is short and is called BORN FROM A WISH...id also like to add that the entire game is short....the main scenerio took me 7 hours to complete my first time around.....and there is plenty more to come back for because there is multiple endings.....the game lists 4 but rumor has it that there is some secret endings. Once you beat the game you get new weapons. After beating the game its pretty easy to zip through the game one more time. Each time you beat it it gets easier and shorter. Heres some tips to make it last. Try to get every ending Get the new weapons. Try to beat your best time in the Original mission and sub-mission. Explore the town. The game is scary at times....like when your in the apartment building and its dark....even with your flashlight but you turn the corner in the hall and BAM....there is some zombies there to scare the living **** out of you. Ill tell you this when i played and the game scared me i got cold and got goosbumps.....and i was scared.....but i liked it. Its listed as survival horor....maybe horror but not survival....because this game is easy even when you play it on hard. In the game you meet several weird characters...Like Eddie...hes messed up...theres like a few living people in silent hill and he kills most of them....including dogs and he later tries killing you....but hes easy to kill....theres Laura...a little girl that you meet early in the game when you try to reach for a key beetween some bars and she kicks the key away (stupid girl), theres maria a woman that looks like your characters dead wife....and maria dies several times in the game but somehow comes back to life. and the final character Mary....your characters wife.... The story is very confusing, but as you go along and look back at what happened in the first installment of SILENT HILL you'll have a better understanding of what's going on. Well heres the story James Sunderland gets a letter from his wife, Who has been dead for 3 years saying that shes alive and waiting in their special place in the town they lived in called SILENT HILL. James heads for Silent Hill wondering what the hell is going on, what he finds might not be his wife but a deserted town full of many strange mutated creatures. Will he find Mary? Will he find any one in this deserted town? Will he survive? Buy this great game and find out. This story will surprise you, it's also one of those story's that leave you at the edge of your seat. There are 3 guns when you play the main scenerio......and rifle...when you play the sub scenerion theres a revolver...and after you beat the game once you get the...CHAINSAW....it takes too long for it too shoot sometimes and to reload but thats not a big problem. Some of the puzzles are hard to figure out....especially when playin on hard but after a few tries i always get the puzzle.
Graphics: Presented very well. I turned off the noise effect....its like this effect that makes the game look like a old movie....but after you turn it off the game looks smoother and overall much nicer. when you play there is always thick fog that you cant see past 5 feat and when you are in a building where it is pitch black and you have a flashlight you still cant see past 5 feet. the cut scenes look increddible but it shows off the power of the ps2 on the xbox....its a port of the ps2 version with some little improvements...i remember in the end when there was a cutscene their was fire which looked horrible but the game above par in the visual aspect
Sound: there is this thing....a radio that you find which makes noises when you get close to a zombie which is scary...the music is scary only in the beggining of the game but it gets repetitive later in the game...the music in Silent Hill 1 was much...much better!
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 80 %
BlindSniper
Date reviewed: July 24, 2002.
Overall: This game kinda blows, I mean most horror games have difficult controls but this one jus hit rock bottum. THE CONTROLS ARE FREGGIN TERRIBLE AND IT IS SOOO BORING. Whoops sorry for that but ewhat i mean is its very difficult to control and master. Second of all you dont really do anything but run around struggling with controls while killing a bit of guys. Its so confusing but the only good thing about this gfame would have to be the gtraphics.
Gameplay: As I said before it absolutly stinks to control. It is so frustrating, Alos there is only one mode in the game to play which most horror games have but its jus a borring story mode....
Graphics: These visuals are superb, they capture the xbox's potential. I mean all the cars and streets and buildings (not too mention ugly creatures) it all is very well done.
Great job here but nowhere else.
Sound: I said above nowhere else i lied a bit. The sound really gets you scared, the music makes you build suspense. Then boom scraggle scraggle arahhhhh some dumb !&%$@#* creature attacks you. Very freaky feeling.
Suggestions: CONTROLS
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 90 %
mrmp3
Date reviewed: July 19, 2002.
Overall: I've rented all the new games at Hollywood and was desperate to find something new. But then I noticed Silent Hill 2. I completely forgot it was on the Xbox. I loved the Resident Evil 1 and 2 but it slowly lost it's spookiness in games like Code Veronica and Resident Evil 3. It's nice to play a game that doesn't focus on the T, U, X, viruses or w/e the hell they were. The main character (forgot his name) recieved a letter from his wife who passed away 3 years ago. He doesn't really believe she is alive but decides to explore anyways. The undead creatures in the game really aren't that scary. Once I ran into Pyramid Head, things started getting really creepy. Over all, if your tired of the Res Evil series, I strongly recommend trying this as the new story line and unfamilar enemies brings back the crepyness.
Gameplay: The frustration factor is UNBELIEVABLE. I spent hours figuring out what keys unlock what doors and the puzzles (especially the one with the coins) !&%$@#* the hell out of you. I really recommend going to Gamefaqs and looking at the strategy guide for it will save you from sending your controller half way into orbit. The 3D controls are similar to Res Evil while 2D controls are similar to a 3D action game. You will meet a lot of interesting people and some who know information about Mary, however, they usually keep it to themselves. I have only come across two weapons that I can use so I don't know if there is much variety.
Graphics: The graphics are pretty good. Although most of it is just fog, when your inside buildings it's quite a sight. The blurry effect is quite annoying but luckily you can turn off the screen effect. The graphics although not spectacular are still pretty good and are not an eye sore.
Sound: Love the sound in this game. The eerie noises, the footsteps, everything becomes spooky once you get in Woodside apartment. Very nice job done here.
Suggestions:
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 100 %
LTM360
Date reviewed: July 15, 2002.
Overall: First off I just want to tell XBA-Stephen I'm 13 I'll play any M rated or AO rated game, my parents don't care cause they know I know it's fantasy. I was overall a little dissapointed. I expect to be freakout more then one time. Now I Havn't beat the game yet so I still might be missing out on something. This isn't Resident Evil quality, but since Capcom turned gay and went to Nintendo's Gaycube it is a good resort.
Gameplay: You walk around, the game plays creapy music making you think somethings going to happen (Like RE does) but to no avail nothing happens, you either see a person, or find a key and leave. This is a horror game so this is kinda what you'd expect.
Graphics: It has a PSX's Final Fantasy 8 vibe going here, a little at least. The main chrachter sort of looks like Squall and their design's are sort of similar, not really Xbox quality. Seems to be a direct port from PS2. In the start the fog is really annoying I wish you could turn it off.
Sound: Like I said it plays music trying to scare you, the killing and gun effects are decent, not great. Good door sounds (thats not really hard though).
Suggestions: Not really, not so much fog, and add a lot more stuff that will make someone pi$$ themselves.
Overall: 70 %
Gameplay: 70 %
Graphics: 60 %
Sound: 70 %
AZRIce
Date reviewed: July 14, 2002.
Overall: This is the most boring game I've ever played! I wouldn't recommend this game to anyone. This game bore me to death. To my opinion, it's a mistake that I ever bought this game.
Gameplay: The gameplay is not appealing at all. It gets boring after a short while. It's the silence that only creeps you out a little. I don't really find this game exciting.
Graphics: The visual appeal is ok, but I expect better from Xbox games. They got some messed up monsters. I find them so annoying and pathetic.
Sound: This game has funny sounds. When the monsters got hit, they make very weird sounds. When Maria was hit, she doesn't sound right.
Overall: 50 %
Gameplay: 20 %
Graphics: 60 %
Sound: 40 %
Megaherz *RAGE*
Date reviewed: July 12, 2002.
Overall: In my restless dream i see that town ... Yes it the beginning of the letter from Mary. In Silent Hill 2, we are James a braveheart who receive a letter from his wife who died three years ago. So he decide to investigate and search for her on their special place at silent hill. He found some crazy character that in fact are supposed to be a part of the soul of mary herself. Prepare for the ultimate puzzle and horror game ever done ! The first hour of Silent Hill is not really amazing but when you heard more about the story you are really into the game. Have you ever see a strong story like that before ? Possibly but not on x-box. In conclusion Silent is really the best horror game that came to the x-box and it's probably because it the only one but it's also one of the best game ! Finally, the end in the water is really sad, man i was crying when mary was reading the letter !
Gameplay: You are walking on the street of Silent Hill to search for your dead wife who is supposed to be in your special place , so you must resolve some difficult puzzle to fight your way back to your wife. Trough the game you will meet some character that are really insane and some of them will help you through your quest. In fact the gameplay in silent hill is really easy to understand but the puzzle is making it really harder that it look like.
Graphics: The grainy effect is really bad, but you can put it down and when it's done you are able to see great graphic possibly one of the best for a ps2 port. Ok, the fog is really bad because we can't see where we are going or what is behind or in front of us. It's really boring to have a powerful x-box and we are not able to see all the city and of course they can do it but they are lazy. Finally the graphic is not as i expect for a great game like that but i just don't care because i really love it.
Sound: The creepy sound of zombie, the voices of the character, the noise on the street or in a building they all rock to me !
Suggestions: Better graphic and that mean no fog, i want to see all the city in one shot not part by part. But it's really a nice work, i really love your game !
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 80 %
Lakers1Illini1
Date reviewed: May 25, 2002.
Overall: This game is so tight! I havent gotten to anything that has really freaked me out yet, but im not that incredibly far in the game, pretty far i guess for just getting it a couple days ago. TIGHT ASS GAME!
Gameplay: The gameplay is great. Controls are easy, good gameplay. yeah whatever u kno its tight !&%$@#* with the gameplay but i dont really analyze it like them other people do at XBA
Graphics: these graphics are the !&%$@#* . Sometimes they r a lil fuzzy but its still a 5. The monstors and the fog are great, tho the fog pisses me off sometimes cuz i cant see shit.
Sound: the sound is good, the guns, hitting the monstors with that wood bat type thing, everything sounds aight
Suggestions: make another
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
code_warrior
Date reviewed: April 19, 2002.
Overall: VERY cool game, i had alot of fun on the frist one for playstation and this continued the saga with better graphics sound and gameplay. DEFINATLEY worth buying or renting if you enjoy a scary game with tight graphics.
Gameplay: the controls take a little bit of getting use to but not much, a real gamer wil have no problems. Once again it isn't posible to aim your gun at a zombies head, it auto aims itself. unless i was to drunk to remember the aiming thing. excellent game to drink a bottle of johnny with, deep long sips are recommended.
Graphics: very crisp nice graphics, i really can't complain about them. we plaed on a crapy tv and it still looked tight. The fog looks realistic.
Sound: i love the sound in these games. scares the crap out of ya. its like a western guitar being strummed, anyhow i can't explain it, its just freaky, again use the scotch
Suggestions: ability to aim better. longer. drive cars etc. better fighting sequences. oterwise i look forward to the next one.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 90 %
z123
Date reviewed: April 7, 2002.
Overall: Found this game to be incredibly scary. Do NOT play this game at 4:00 AM alone in the dark. Especially when you see Pyramid head for the first time in the Bluewater Appartments.
Gameplay: Controls ify, but you get used to it after a while. The map is really useful and you don't come across games with maps with street names and the actual streets have the names as well.
The story line is great, and twisted at the same time. I found this game to be very incredible.
AND as an added bonus the Born From A Wish mini game is awesome as well. Poor PS2ers don't have that. Makes the story line so much easier to understand.
Graphics: The effects are awesome. Especially with that grain filter over top. And then when you take it off the graphics are just plain scary. Instead of watching a game/movie it feels like your really in Silent hill encountering monsters and messed up locals.
Sound: INCREDIBLE. The first song you hear on the intro scene when your getting ready for a new a game is just... WOW the guitar rifts are so amazing.
The sound plays an important role in a survival horror game and this game has it down to an art form. There are places where you will get really scared because of the sound.
Suggestions: Born from a wish could have been longer. and more secrets, and things should open up when you pass the game
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Xboxian
Date reviewed: March 27, 2002.
Overall: This game felt like it was going somewhere and it hit a dead end wall. Although it had graphics wwhich ere semi-good, scary music, and a whole buncha stuff to shoot, it wasn't very much different from the first version. The monsters were, in my opinion, very poorly done and the gameplay stay relatively the same as the first version.
Gameplay: How can I be excited about a game which was exactly the same as its predecessor? I couldn't. It was awful as I sat playing the game wondering didn't I just do this last time I played? The gameplay of the original was good for a first, but they should have at least attempted something more original. Cmon guys
Graphics: For the most part, visual appeal was grand. Backgrounds were more detailed as were the characters. The fog and dim lights added to the extremely cool atmosphere of the entire game. However, I was disappointed with the monsters. They looked like just blobs of wutever...almost like they were made at the last minute. All in all visuals helped at to the atmosphere of, what IS, Silent Hill.
Sound: The sound, of course, was the most impressive factor of this game. It really makes you sweat in some parts where others it can just plain scare you. Without the sound, this game wouldn't be half as good. Even tho at times it can seem a little disturbing, hey, you get what you paid for! Nice job guyz
Suggestions: Guys!! Wake up! People don't want to play the same game over and over again. Lets get a little more original with our storyline and gameplay, spruce up the graphics of the characters and maybe add a few more touches to make it look professional this time? that would be great. Thanks
Overall: 50 %
Gameplay: 40 %
Graphics: 70 %
Sound: 90 %
balckviper
Date reviewed: February 28, 2002.
Overall: This has to be by far one of the scariest horror games that I have ever played. And unlike resident evil I can't just easily kill all the zombies in sight without breaking a sweat. From the footstep sounds behind you the pyramid creature the game is awesome.
Gameplay: The gameplay is very fun and with multiple endings it has a lot of replay value. However the controls are hard to master at first and can easily give you a few hours of headache before you get them down. But I love the fact that things such as a flashlight and human error are incorporated into the gameplay. Very solid all around gameplay.
Graphics: The visuals are stunning whether the noise effect is on or off the graphics are great. The noise effect and fog add a scary atmosphere to the game that has not been done better by any company. The video sequences also look very good. The only disappointment is that sometimes the camera is placed at a bad angle in key fighting sequences but other than that the visual are great.
Sound: The sound is great I love the footsteps and rustling bushes because they remind me of a Friday the 13th movie. The radio with its cracking static that detects zombies to the sounds that the zombies make when they are being killed it is all very well done.
Suggestions: Keep doing what you are doing. This is a great game and truly the only thing I can see that needs to be fixed is the camera because sometimes it is placed in a bad position.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Wiz
Date reviewed: February 27, 2002.
Overall: Silent Hill 2 is one the best horror games of all time. The eerie sound effects with the unexpected happenings in the game makes it an awesome horror experience that makes you want to bust out a flashlight the next time you walk in the dark. Xbox's enhanced graphics and extra story of Maria makes the Xbox version that much better than the PS2 version. It's a must for any horror fan who has not played this series yet.
Gameplay: The gameplay is challenging and fun at the same time. You can either be a psycho monster killing maniac or a simple run in all situations type of guy. It's nice that you don't HAVE to kill every single monster you encounter, because sometimes it gets too tedious, but you can still get your blood and gore fix when you want it. The puzzles within the game are also challenging not so frustrating that you'd throw your controller at your TV (I hope not).
Graphics: As I have said, the graphics are better in the Xbox version of this game. Also, there's an option straight from the get go (ps2 version requires you beat the game before being able to turn it off) that allows you to turn off the noise effect, which shows the graphics in sharper detail.
Sound: A horror game without good sound is pointless, and the Silent Hill series have some of the best sound effects to scare the spirit out of you.
Suggestions: Let's see more games from Konami for Xbox.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
sillk504
Date reviewed: February 26, 2002.
Overall: Silent Hill is very appealing, to the eye, and to the hardcore gamer.You can spend countless hours playing, and still have fun.
Gameplay: Silent Hill 2 overall was a good game but im not going to say great, after a while the game would get eventually old and stressing, but a lot of fun and challenge. The puzzles had me stumped, but i liked the fact that you could control the diffuculty level of the puzzles. One thing though, i hated the controls, they were clunky, and took some getting used to. But they were all right once i played a while.
Graphics: To tell you the truth, i wasn't very impressed with silent hill 2s graphics, i heard the graphics were so great, so i wanted to see for myself, the graphics were awesome, on the scenes, on the scenes they were amazing, but throughout the game it just looked like and old playsation one game, but this is just my opinion.
Sound: The sound was pretty good, it was awesome for the most part, except for the constant grown of the zombies. They just made the same noise over and over. But besides that, awesome, the music was creepy like a movie, and got you into the game, which was a plus. And the voices were awesome, everything just clicked, and made this aspect of the game tight.
Suggestions: Touch up the controls, they were a little confusing. And fix up the graphics, this is the x-box the scenes were amazing, but the rest didnt impress me. Give the zombies some variety in voice, they shouldnt all sound the same
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 70 %
Sound: 100 %
XboxHybrid
Date reviewed: February 22, 2002.
Overall: Not bad for Konami but nicer graphics will be much better A really good scary game (I still get nightmares from this game)
Gameplay: Nice gameplau there are 2 options for gameplay mode and it extends replay value and can understand more
Graphics: Graphics are good but not great it's maybe just me I don't really like the graphics that much but it's not bad
Sound: From every single haunting or cries you can hear everything very scary when ur just walking and hear moans
Suggestions: More options
Overall: 50 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 100 %
fear_this
Date reviewed: February 21, 2002.
Overall: This game is totally outstanding. It was nothing what I expected it to be. I mean the graphics are amazing, the people almost look real and the story line is really really good too. Even the 'things' that are attack you, there pretty frekin scary themselves. Although i`m not all that far into the game, I cant play it for all that long. I don't know why but it really creeps me out. But the game, its not bad at all. Its really good. Almost everything about the game is amazing.
Gameplay: The appeal to the game is great. I mean, that it has a great story line. And doesnt really give you all that much information on what to do so you basicly have to find everything out on your own. Which I like since its kinda like a quest type game.
Graphics: The graphics are amazing. The people almost look real in the game. And those 'things' they look totally disgusting. I mean, they couldn't have made something to make those things more hiddious. (Maybe if they made them like my mom when she wakes up in the morning then okay) But the graphics are great.
Sound: The sound is pretty good actually. I think its sick when I hear the sound of one of those 'things' coming around. And the way they walk too. It fits really good into the game. Good Job.
Suggestions: I dont really all know what I can say. I mean its a great game. How could you make something from this a lot better?
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
MixMasta
Date reviewed: February 17, 2002.
Overall: I loved this game. It had a good storyline, good graphics, great sound, and was just plain creepy. Although I enjoy the Resident Evil series(mostly the second) this has to be the second best survival horror series ever. And since no Resident Evil has been announced for XBox (even though there has been rumor) were going to have to make due with what we have. And trust, I didn't just settle for SH2:RD-it's an amazing game. It has the best graphics of any survival horror style game. This is a fun game that is a must have for any survial horror fan!
Gameplay: The gameplay is very direct. You follow a path that is laid out for you by road blocks, fences, and other sorts of things. But sometimes it can be very confusing when it comes to finding items. A strategy guide definitely aides you in thsi game. Also, the controls are somewhat confusing, but with some practice their very easy to master. Also, I thought this game was somewhat short though the extra scenario will add some more gameplay, and there are 5 different endings to the main scenario.
Graphics: This game has great graphics. Definitely, take the noise filter off in the options sections. Event though it might take away a little from the atmostphere the result is a stunning picture that is worth showing off. The fog is very realistic and somewhat annoying since it creates a narrow and short path of viewing. The CG sequences play right into the game which is very cool.
Sound: The sound only adds to the horror of Silent Hill. The moans of the zombies, the door slamming, the crying of a little girl-it way too cool. The sound by itself will make you want to keep the lights on when you play this game.
Suggestions: Make it longer, add more enemies and bosses, make it even gorier, and add even more weapons. Also follow Resident Evil's footsteps. Make it more than one playable character in the main scenario. That would add immensely to the gameplay
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
murken
Date reviewed: February 13, 2002.
Overall: Silent Hill is definately a niche game. This game is part egy and part horrer, but overall wasn't enough of either. It did both parts well, but is definately short (it'll take about 10 hours to beat) and could use a few new strategy tricks. This game is meant to be played with all the lights low, the sound high and the spookiness cranked to 11. If you're in this mindset, the game can be very scary. There are times when James enters some alternate-reality or dream world; these are never explained or introduced effectively (some say this adds to the game, but I found it confusing) The overall mystery of Silent Hill is never really explained well and the ending will leave you with just as many questions as answers; perhaps Konami is leaving an opening for another installment. Overall, the developers did a great job and you actually want to help James find his wife.
Gameplay: Yes, the controls are tricky, but the ever-changing camera angles and not always knowing whats ahead of you certainly adds to the experience. I love the fog effect, it really adds to the gameplay. Playing as Maria is also a nice addition, and fills in some of the holes left by the main game. The game path is probably the sticking point of the game. Basically it's layed out for you: if you find a key for room #312, then go there. Another major issue is that the environment isn't very interactive. You can't try to open windows or doors outside, you can't pick-up or move items that aren't part of the layed-out game path. Another problem is the actual 'problem/solving' aspect, it could definately use an improvement and additional difficulty for future games like this.
Graphics: Exceptional. There are 2 viewing options in the game depending on if the noise-filter is turned on or not. Without it, the screen displays a grainy effect which adds to the creepiness and looks like an old movie. The other way is extremely stunning.
Sound: The sound is slightly above average. Nothing great or nothing terrible to report here. The character's voices are some times annoying (mostly Eddie); the monster sounds are decent, and the radio 'warning' definately helps in some parts. The greatest sound comes from gunshots and weapon attacks.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 60 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 70 %
buckminster
Date reviewed: February 11, 2002.
Overall: I like Puzzle/Adventure games, and playing this reminded me of the really scary parts of Nocturne and Blair Witch I games for the PC. Dark, moody lighting, cinematic camera angles, freaky creatures to fight. Although some of the game elements seemed lacking (not enough puzzles to be a full adventure game, not enough fighting to be a full survival/horror game), the story is pretty interesting and the multiple endings are nice
Gameplay: I didn't like the gameplay all that much, since it didn't seem to have enough of either survival/horror or adventure aspects. Nocturne is a good example of having a lot more creatures to have to fend off and deal with odd puzzles that are well integrated into the story; What kept me going was the twisted storyline with more than one possible ending
Graphics: Very creepy feeling. I thought the lighting and textures were very cool, although they should have done more to utilize the X-box. BTW, keep the visual noise turned on for a better look to the game IMO.
Sound: Sound was very good, I got very antsy everytime I heard the radio static. Hearing the random noises in the background and the music was very good.
Suggestions: Put a little more effort into either the puzzle/adventure aspect and/or the survival/horror parts and this game would totally win me over.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 90 %
RemiO
Date reviewed: February 8, 2002.
Overall: Silent Hill 2 is a very well put together game. The atmosphere, puzzles, graphics and music comes together to create one of the better games I've played the past few years.
Gameplay: The important thing to remember is that this game is very different to Resident Evil, even though it looks the same on the surface. While RE relies on mediocre plot with cheap scares, this game has a great backstory (which you can learn more about while exploring SH) and uses a tense psychological terror. This is really what makes the game so fun (in lack of a better word!) to play.
Graphics: Great foggy effects, well thought out monster design and some great animation. This game is very realistic looking.
Sound: SH2 probably has the best soundtrack I'e heard in years, but what really makes the sound shine is the use of the background noises. Walk into an empty room and you'll hear some weird whispering. Try to open a door, walk away from hit and hear a large bang and a scream coming from it. All crazy stuff.
Suggestions: I'm ready for Silent Hill 3 now :)
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
ronin_matt
Date reviewed: February 1, 2002.
Overall: The second I played Resident Evil 2 for the N64 years ago, I instantly became hooked on the emerging survival horror genre. When I bought Silent Hill 2 a week ago, I thought that it had no chance against the Resident Evil series. However, Silent Hill 2 immediately showed me that it was a force to reckon with. Playing Silent Hill 2 is like reading an incredible book, except much better. This game absolutely messes with your mind. It differs from Resident Evil because it is much more of a psychological thriller than just straight up frights. And believe you me, this game is bloody scary.
Gameplay: I personally think this game has a ton of replay value. Anyone who says otherwise is not a true survival horror fan. I played Resident Evil through 5-6 times, and I'm planning on that with this game too. Don't listen to those people who say the game is five hours long. It's not at all that short, especially if you take the time to enjoy the game. Plus, it comes with an extra scenario, where you play one of the supporting characters. I would complain about the camera in this game, but a crappy camera comes with survival horror territory. so don't complain about the camera.
Graphics: Absolutely beautiful...this game does a great job of looking disgusting, which is what they wanted. The visuals are excellent, and there is cut-scenes galore. At first, I thought the "Screen Noise" effect (it makes the game really grainy like a movie) which they included in the game sounded stupid. I mean who want crappy, grainy graphics by choice? I was wrong thought, it adds to the game, and the graphics are just as good. You can turn this feature off anyway if you want.
Sound: I'm sure they're good, I can't tell because I have a mono TV. Yeah, waste of an Xbox, I know. Shut up, I'm working on it.
Suggestions: More weapons...like the flamethrower from Resident Evil. Otherwise, excellent job.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 80 %