Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams

 Xbox
Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams Image
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

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  • Summary: James Sutherland's life is shattered when his young wife Mary suffers a tragic death. Three years later, a mysterious letter arrives from Mary, beckoning him to return to their sanctuary of memories, the dark realm of Silent Hill. Now James must go back to that special place to uncover theJames Sutherland's life is shattered when his young wife Mary suffers a tragic death. Three years later, a mysterious letter arrives from Mary, beckoning him to return to their sanctuary of memories, the dark realm of Silent Hill. Now James must go back to that special place to uncover the truth, unaware that the answers he seeks may require the ultimate sacrifice.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Electric Playground
    100
    In a game already so dark and visually menacing, the Xbox gives the phrase "jumping at your own shadow" a whole new shade of meaning.
  2. Play Magazine
    100
    A level of detail never before seen...This is the gold standard for adventure horror. [Apr 2002, p.62]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Hot Games
    90
    It's probably the scariest game of the last ten years, giving a face to the nameless horror that haunts many of our dreams.
  4. Yahoo!
    80
    It's not particularly gory, but it'll send chills down the most seasoned of horror fans' spines, especially if you play it as it should be played - at night and with the lights out.
  5. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    Everything – even the most innocuous thing in SH2 is scary. Want to read a note on the wall? It’s written in scratchy, scary letters. Even the doors are scary looking. [Jan 2002, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    Edging out its PS2 brother with enhanced graphics and a new mini-scenario, SH2:RD is the definitive version of Konami’s foggy frightfest. [Jan 2002, p.230]
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  7. netjak
    59
    The lack of exploration (linear gameplay) and terrible sound effects really plagued the game. I also was not keen on the control and shady camera angles.
    All this publication's reviews

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. raVen9
    May 12, 2020
    10
    When video games meet art...
    This ''game'' is not just a ''game'' actually. You must try this for the story. Game mechanics is too old for    When video games meet art...
    This ''game'' is not just a ''game'' actually. You must try this for the story. Game mechanics is too old for today but the story is top level.    … Expand
  2. NicholasB.
    Mar 1, 2002
    10
    Great Graphics, great story, little disgusting but still great, though not as good as Halo.
  4. doodlerman
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    Just as good as Silent Hill 2 on the PS2, but has a different scenario that is almost imperative to play. "Born from a Wish" is a must playJust as good as Silent Hill 2 on the PS2, but has a different scenario that is almost imperative to play. "Born from a Wish" is a must play and is considerably creepy seeing you have no flashlight or radio (two key tools used to survive in the normal story mode). Makes things interesting.… Expand
  5. GrahamM.
    Dec 29, 2002
    9
    This game is great but not as great as the original.
  6. RandyM.
    Sep 16, 2006
    9
    Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams has the power to utterly terrify you in ways you couldn't even imagine. With superb visuals, insanely Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams has the power to utterly terrify you in ways you couldn't even imagine. With superb visuals, insanely creepy and subtle music and sound effects, and a good control scheme, Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams will give you nightmares for months to come.… Expand
  7. GraceS.
    Jan 20, 2004
    9
    It's high on scares, surprises and detail but it is also high in monotany. You'll quickly get annoyed at the dodgy camera angles It's high on scares, surprises and detail but it is also high in monotany. You'll quickly get annoyed at the dodgy camera angles and all you do with run through rooms finding keys and other random items. Not so tough if only the places weren't so dark and complex. Anyway Silent Hill 2 isn't just a horror game, it has excellent drama in it too. It's quite long but not that long. You can also play as supporting character Maria in her own frightening scenario. The graphics are very realistic, especially the Baldwin Mansion. I loved staring at the lake at the beginning. The trek into town was made long on purpose to make you feel isolated. Silent Hill 2 is better than any horror movie I've seen. Buy this if you love a good scare! 10/10.… Expand
  8. AlexK.
    Jan 23, 2002
    3
    The additional episode actually serves to degrade the value of the game's main story in my mind. By putting players in Maria's The additional episode actually serves to degrade the value of the game's main story in my mind. By putting players in Maria's shoes, she becomes a sympathetic protagonist who exists on her own merits, which eliminates the interpretation that she is a part of James' personal experience in the town. Surprisingly I would recommend that PS2 version over this one. (P.S. The central game is completely intact here and just as good as the PS2 version, which is really good.)… Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Xbox Game of 2001
5
#5 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2001
3
#3 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2001