Ever since Resident Evil has been cranking out remakes of their most popular installments, gamers wonder what could be next within this genre. We got a Dead Space remake recently, which was a nice surprise, but what about other popular IPs? Of course, one of the most popular survival-horror titles in the industry, Silent Hill, has been pretty quiet this generation. Rumors have been circulating about a revival of fan-favorite Silent Hill 2 for a few years now. Well, it turns out that not only is the development of this title confirmed, but it is also slated to drop later this year.
Developer, The Bloober Team, is renowned for their prowess in remaking popular titles with updated designs and mechanics. Publisher Konami has been keeping a lid on the development until the beginning of 2024. Now, some details are drip-feeding all over the internet detailing what this revision will offer this generation. Of course, updated visuals and sound design are expected. However, what will the gameplay be like? The Silent Hill games can make a memorable playthrough, but the mechanics have always been a little wooden.
Silent Hill 2 Remake – Gameplay Potential
Players will be taking control of James Sunderland, who recently lost his wife, Mary, from a dilapidating disease. One day, he gets a letter from her, stating that she’s “waiting for him in the town of Silent Hill.” So, naturally, James sets off on a journey into the fog-laced town of Silent Hill to find Mary and see if it is really her or not. The games of Silent Hill were always mysteries in their core. That’s their main appeal and this particular installment has always been considered a ‘gem’ within the series.
Just like the Resident Evil remakes that came before it, the Silent Hill 2 remake will have updated camera angles. Everything will be shown through the over-the-shoulder perspective. The “fixed camera angle” for the survival-horror games of yesteryear is pretty much obsolete these days. This design is considered “retro” and will only be found on indie titles found within the same genre. So, with the new camera angle, everything will be more immersive. Complete with seamless transitions going from room to room.
Silent Hill 2 Remake – Development Team
Fans of Silent Hill 2 can rest easy in knowing that a lot of the original talent from Konami will be working closely with the Bloober Team. Akira Yamaoka, the series original composer, will be returning to score this remake. Given that this remake will be built from the ground up with Unreal Engine 5, Yamaoka’s score, along with 3D sound will be a treat. Everything will be getting an overhaul, including the combat. There will be a more elaborate melee system, along with more realistic shooting mechanics.
The haptic feedback on the PlayStation 5 will give the combat and movement more weight. Players will be feeling James’s struggles in their own hands. Of course, this will also hold true when solving puzzles. Which, as all fans know, the Silent Hill games are teeming with. Whether or not the same puzzles from the classic entry are in this remake remains to be seen. One thing that will definitely remain intact with the Silent Hill 2 remake, will be the atmosphere. The Silent Hill games all have a distinct vibe to them and the Bloober Team is committed to honoring that, all while simply updating gameplay.
Silent Hill 2 Remake – Design
Another legendary addition to the talent involved with the development of the Silent Hill 2 remake is Masahiro Ito. He will be working as the creature designer for this new installment. Of course, icons of this franchise such as Pyramid Head and the nurses will be returning to haunt players in this next-gen offering. Thus, there will most likely be some new surprises lingering in the fog, as well. Recent footage has showcased that this remake will indeed have the same aesthetics as its original counterpart.
Now, one thing to keep in mind is that this will be a timed exclusive for the PlayStation 5. Approximately one year after its launch, it will be going to other consoles. This also includes a PC port, as well. There will be more details and footage for the Silent Hill 2 remake in the coming weeks. There is a rumor that a PlayStation ‘State of Play‘ event is scheduled for the first quarter of this year. So, if this is the case, chances are that there will be a hearty showcase of Silent Hill 2 in the near future.
Conclusion
Even though there isn’t a solid release date locked in for the Silent Hill 2 remake, it is scheduled to be released sometime in 2024. With the rumors of more details and footage being shown to the public now swirling, the anticipation is building. There is more information to discover for this remake, so stay tuned. Based on The Bloober Team’s track record, the wait will be worth it. Silent Hill 2 remake will be available for PlayStation 5 and PC later this year.
