One of the most terrifying sections of changes from the original SH2 that make for a more immersive and chilling experience. One area, in particular, stands out with these tweaks and can surprise new and veteran players with one of the scariest sections that leaves a lasting impression.
The remake does an exceptional job of recreating the scariest aspects of the original game. This stands out in a few different areas, like the hospital and the labyrinth being some of the chilling parts. But the most horrifying and on-theme section of the game gains so much depth with the decisions made regarding its execution. From combat elements to forced exploration, one area creates a space that leaves players feeling the most mentally challenged and distressed.
A Complete Overhaul Makes Toluca Prison Terrifying
Toluca Prison's New Layout And Atmosphere Make A Horrific Setting
There were plenty of changes made in Toluca Prison, a lore-heavy area disguised by the front of the Historical Society in Silent Hill. The map layout is different, with a few new areas creating a larger map compared to the original, much like the rest of the remake. It is also overall much darker in lighting, giving players a smaller field of vision in its over-the-shoulder perspective. There are industrial lights that are timed, increasing the pressure and forcing players to face enemies mostly in the dark. The sounds and music in the prison are also new, creating a deeper eerie feeling.
Silent Hill 2 Remake Has Ruined The Franchise's Biggest & Best Meme (For Good Reason)
Silent Hill 2 has made some changes to update the game to modern standards, with one of its most iconic changes being a big improvement in tension.
The atmosphere created in the prison is its strongest point, alongside how it was lengthened. With how engaging and almost hypnotic the area became, spending a little more time in the section than the original was a good decision to make. The setting also reflects on the themes of judgment, so it is not an area that Bloober Team shied away from. The small details included in this new version and its entire reworking create an even more horrifying environment that relates to the themes of the game and James' journey in the town.
Enemies Are Much Scarier In SH2 Remake
One New Enemy Behavior Is Introduced In Toluca Prison
The enemies in the game are already set up to be terrifying, but beginning in the prison is where the player's knowledge is contested. One change about a single enemy will carry over to the rest of the game, which forces players to become more aware of walls and ceilings. The Mannequins now have the ability to climb and can jump down from above to attack James. They resemble spiders in the way they move with their limbs, becoming uncanny forms that will skim up the walls and drop on players.
Players also discover this new information while walking down a dark hall lined with prison cells and high ceilings. This, combined with the Mannequins' new spider-like movement, creates the perfect environment for enemy jumpscares. Enemies are also found inside the cells and lurking behind bathroom stall doors, confined spaces the player has to place themselves inside to defeat. There are a lot of enemy opportunities for surprise attacks in the prison, and combining this with the atmosphere can have players on edge the entire time.
Toluca Prison's Puzzles Have More Depth
Existing Silent Hill 2 Puzzles Are Combined For A New Experience
The puzzle found in the prison's courtyard is updated by pushing more exploration as well as combining another iconic puzzle with it. The first half presents players with a scale, where they have to find different sized weights that unlock new areas after balancing the scale. There are 4 blocked off areas marked by different animals that will unlock with the correct configuration of weights, so players are forced to investigate every area of the prison to find them. Scouring every section more than once is essential to moving on, scanning prison cells and new areas like the chapel.
Silent Hill 2 Remake: How The Map Size Compares To The Original Game
The Silent Hill 2 Remake aimed to expand the beloved horror game in more ways than one, increasing its overall quality and size over the original.
The second half brings in Silent HIll 2's gallows puzzle that happens later on in the original game, which is unlocked in the remake by finding all the weights. Instead of being confined in a small room, the puzzle is now on full display in a larger gallows structure. Players are presented with six new stories which need to be completed before players serve justice through the solution by finding who is innocent. The depth added to these puzzles, being a bit more interactive and relating to the prison, fit perfectly into the chilling setting.
The remake of Silent Hill 2 made Toluca Prison even more terrifying by changing multiple elements to its combined atmosphere and gameplay. With new enemy behaviors, in-depth puzzles, and more areas to investigate, the prison becomes a highlight in which sections can be considered the more terrifying. The themes of the game centered around judgment also come to the forefront in the prison, leaving an impression on players that is both physically and psychologically chilling. Bloober Team's portrayal of such an impactful section of the game is horrifying on all fronts in the most impressive and praiseworthy way.
Source: PlayStation/YouTube
Silent Hill 2
- Released
- October 8, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bloober Team
- Publisher(s)
- Konami
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Prequel(s)
- Silent Hill
- Franchise
- Silent Hill
The Silent Hill 2 Remake is an Survival Horror release from Bloober Team, the same creative squad behind Layers of Fear and Observer. Developers are reimagining James Sunderland's adventure through Silent Hill, with updated graphics and gameplay.
- Platform(s)
- PC
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