Survival horror enthusiasts are in for a treat with Silent Hill 2 finally coming out on the PlayStation 5. The only problem? We don’t know when it’s coming. But, good news appears to be coming, with pre-orders recently having gone live on a pair of iconic retailers, GameStop and Amazon.
Of course, there are some caveats. For one, the pre-order listing for Silent Hill 2 Remake on Amazon has a placeholder release date of December 31, 2099. On the other hand, the GameStop listing is no longer available. Still, this glimpse is enough for fans to cheer in anticipation for what could be the start of the revival of the Silent Hill franchise.
Bloober Team is helming the reimagining of Silent Hill 2 after proving its mettle with psychological horror titles such as Layers of Fear, The Medium, and Blair Witch. Announced in September 2022, the remake brings on board two names synonymous with the Silent Hill franchise: the series’ original character designer, Masahiro Ito, and its composer, Akira Yamaoka.
In the past 24 hours, @VideoGamesPlus_ and now @GameStop have opened pre-orders for Silent Hill 2 Remake.
It looks like we'll be hearing something imminently ๐๐ซ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/JbgU7TjBcl
— Will | Resident Evil Central ๐๏ธ (@ResiEvilCentral) November 2, 2023
Bloober Team is committed to preserving the ambiance that made the original a horror masterpiece while introducing modern enhancements in controls and presentation. Emulating the Resident Evil remakes, Silent Hill 2 will adopt an over-the-shoulder third-person perspective, marrying the classic with the contemporary.
The original Silent Hill 2, which came out in 2001, was a masterpiece in storytelling, exploring themes of trauma, abuse, and taboo subjects seldom touched upon in the gaming world of its time. The sequel’s profound narrative as well as its atmospheric prowess solidified its place as a seminal work, building on the solid foundation established by the original game. This distinguished history makes the upcoming remake a redemption arc for Konami, particularly after criticisms faced by the 2012 Silent Hill HD Collection, which was seen as a lackluster attempt to modernize the classic. Konami’s partnership with Bloober Team, coupled with the reintegration of original creative forces, signals a steadfast commitment to honoring the Silent Hill 2 legacy.
Although if we’re being honest, fans grow more concerned about Konami’s efforts in regards to the remake following the release of Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 and Silent Hill: Ascension.
With Silent Hill 2’s listing appearing at a price point of $69.99, expectations are sky-high for it to deliver an experience, worthy of its stature and cost.
With the promise of enhanced visuals, possible 4K resolution support, and revamped gameplay, Konami is positioning Silent Hill 2 as a possible resurrection of a long-dead franchise that pays homage to its roots while paving the way for more.
As the fog of uncertainty gradually lifts, what remains clear is the eagerness with which fans and newcomers alike await the return to the eerie streets of Silent Hill.
Aside from Silent Hill 2, Konami is also working on several other projects and remakes, including Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which impressed with its latest trailer.