Silent Hill 2

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Sep 24, 2001
Silent Hill 2 Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1081 Ratings

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  • Summary: Players assume the role of James, who receives a cryptic letter from his wife (who has been dead for 3 years) beckoning him to meet her in Silent Hill, a place that holds great meaning for the couple. The mystery of the letter compels him to return to the surreal horror and all-too-realPlayers assume the role of James, who receives a cryptic letter from his wife (who has been dead for 3 years) beckoning him to meet her in Silent Hill, a place that holds great meaning for the couple. The mystery of the letter compels him to return to the surreal horror and all-too-real danger in Silent Hill.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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.
  2. Into Liquid Sky
    100
    It uses a combination of sight, sound, imagery and imagination to create the scariest game on any home console. Turn off the lights, grab your controller and enjoy the horror of Silent Hill 2.
  3. GameSpy
    96
    If "Resident Evil" was likened to "Night of the Living Dead," then think of Silent Hill 2 as "Twin Peaks," minus the damn fine coffee, but plus the atmospheric gloom and cast of insane deviants, with the entire mixture then taken out back into the woods, shot, hacked into small chunks, and buried.
  4. GameZone
    90
    With a unique and interesting story, mind-blowing graphics, incredible soundtrack, great gameplay and FIVE endings, it’s hard to find fault with Silent Hill 2.
  5. 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.
  6. Next Generation Magazine
    80
    The action, though, is simply repetitive, as even the most common creatures must be bludgeoned repeatedly to “kill” them (and there are a lot of creatures). [Nov 2001, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. All Game Guide
    70
    Suffers a bit from being too close to its predecessor in terms of gameplay, but it does manage to scare up enough dread to be a worthy game for fans of the genre.

See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 192 out of 213
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 213
  3. Negative: 8 out of 213
  1. 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 completelyWouldn'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
  2. DanielM
    Jan 21, 2010
    10
    In my opinion, this is game of the year, all years. This game, is more then a game. It is so deep that almost every last little detail, from In my opinion, this is game of the year, all years. This game, is more then a game. It is so deep that almost every last little detail, from a wall's wallpaper, to a whisper that's just barely audible, and a radio's seemingly random burst of static, all has a profound and revealing reason to be there. I feel so bad that I read the ending before playing this game. If you plan on buying this game, and this is your first non-spoiler review, please. Do not continue reading reviews, just buy it. Many reviews here have spoilers. I hope they make another Silent Hill as good as this one, and that next time, I can play through it with my knowladge of the plot inexistant.… Expand
  4. Sebascr12
    Oct 22, 2018
    10
    A masterpiece,. The ost is spectacular and atmosphere too. is "Silent Hill" the town of your dreams.
    The old Konami the good one
  5. RuuddeBruut
    Nov 15, 2001
    10
    I didn't play it jet but it is now already a classic.
  6. DylanC
    Nov 30, 2010
    10
    This game is like no other when you compare it to other survival/horror games out there (maybe except Fatal Frame, Siren, etc...). The storyThis game is like no other when you compare it to other survival/horror games out there (maybe except Fatal Frame, Siren, etc...). The story becomes climatic, symbolisms are scattered throughout the game, the characterizations and atmosphere create an overwhelming sense of isolation. I could go on, but in short, a classic psycological experience meant to be played by all… Expand
  7. Ryuail
    Feb 1, 2020
    9
    There is a reason the latter day Silent Hill games keep attempting to ape SH2. This game is brilliant. From the opening trek into the town, toThere is a reason the latter day Silent Hill games keep attempting to ape SH2. This game is brilliant. From the opening trek into the town, to the enormously vast lake that separates James from his goal this game has pacing, theming, and atmosphere nailed down perfectly.

    The camera is a pinch unwieldy which can lead so some dizziness if you're not used to how it operates, and strafe stepping is bizarrely fast. But these are the tiniest knit picks in a game that is as beautiful as it is horrific.    … Expand
  8. Prof_Wild_Young
    Jan 23, 2021
    0
    Average at best, but people are brainwashed into thinking this is the best videogame ever, so much so that they begged for more and thenAverage at best, but people are brainwashed into thinking this is the best videogame ever, so much so that they begged for more and then whined every time they got more.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best PS2 Game of 2001
4
#4 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
6
#6 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001