Should You Play Silent Hill 2 First? Absolutely.
Yes, it is perfectly fine and even recommended by fans and critics alike to start your Silent Hill experience with the mind-bending masterpiece that is Silent Hill 2. Released in 2001 as the second installment in Konami‘s landmark horror franchise, SH2 delivers an unparalleled psychological thriller that stands utterly on its own.
Boasting atmosphere and storytelling still considered best-in-class over 20 years later, you need no familiarity with the series to dive right into what many regard as its indisputable high point.
While the fog-drenched streets and tortured psyche of protagonist James Sunderland draw clear inspiration from the original Silent Hill, this adventure marked a conscious shift from strict horror to psychological terror. So whether you‘re a horror gaming veteran or curious newbie, your initiation into the most disturbing game series ever absolutely should start with SH2‘s haunting tale of guilt, punishment and personal demons.
Why Silent Hill 2 Stands as an Ideal Starting Point
A Self-Contained Story: SH2 focuses on an entirely separate character and standalone plot not directly tied to any previous or future games. No lore or backstory required.
Considered Among the Best Horror Games Ever Made: Lauded by gamers and critics alike, SH2 appears on nearly every "greatest ever" list thanks to its visceral scares and emotional weight. Metacritic score holds at 89/100.
Specifically Designed as Entry Point for Newcomers: Leading up to its release, Konami devs stated their intention to craft SH2 as welcoming to those unfamiliar with gaming‘s scariest world.
Emphasizes Atmosphere and Psychology Over Action: With combat and puzzles both simplified, SH2 wants players focused on soaking up the disturbing ambience and unraveling James‘ crumbling psyche.
+------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| Standalone Merits | Silent | Other |
| | Hill 2 | Entries |
+------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| Self-contained story without lore needed | Yes | Sometimes |
| Considered best game in franchise | Yes | No |
| Specifically welcoming to newcomers | Yes | No |
| Emphasizes atmosphere over combat/action | Yes | No |
+------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+Lasting Impact Further Shows Strength of Standalone Story
Since its release over 20 years ago, Silent Hill 2 has only grown its reputation as a landmark achievement in psychological horror gaming. Let‘s look at how well this classic holds up based solely on its own merits.
Scores Over Time:
- Initial Score – Playstation Official Magazine (2001): 9.5/10
- Current Metacritic Score: 89/100
Recent Reviews:
- Destructoid (2018): 9/10 – "Aged like fine wine"
- PC Gamer (2012): 94/100 – "Immaculate horror"
Sales Figures:
- PS2 Original: Over 1 Million Units Sold
- 2012 HD Collection (PS3): Over 1 Million Units Sold
Cultural Impact:
- Countless games still inspired by SH2‘s artsy direction and mature themes
- Remains the critical high point/fan favorite across countless "Best Horror Games" rankings
Upcoming Remake Shows Lasting Power:
- Full graphical remake coming in 2024 from original devs and Sony based almost solely around SH2‘s brilliance
Whether you‘re revisiting this PS2 classic or boarding the foggy streets of Silent Hill for the first time, the nightmarish masterwork of SH2 provides the perfect horror game entry point. Claim your radio, ready your flashlight, and immerse yourself in its disturbing world of existential dread and madness wearing human skin. Just keep watch for Pyramid Head.
