Original Silent Hill 2 Director Praised Remake’s Potential for New PlayersAdvancements in Technology Allow New Ways to Experience the Classic Horror Game, Said Tsuboyama
For many, Silent Hill 2 wasn’t just a horror game; it was a descent into a personal nightmare. Released in 2001, the psychological thriller sent chills down spines with its foggy streets and story that burrowed deep into the psyche. Now, in 2024, Silent Hill 2 has gotten a modern makeover, and the esteemed original game’s director, Masashi Tsuboyama, seems to be giving the remake a thumbs up—well, with a few lingering questions.
"As a creator, I’m very happy about it," Tsuboyama said in a series of tweets back in October 4. "It’s been 23 years! Even if you don’t know the original you can just enjoy the remake as it is." He seems particularly enthusiastic about the potential for a new generation to experience the warped town of Silent Hill 2.
One change Tsuboyama seems particularly fond of is the new camera perspective. The original Silent Hill 2 used fixed camera angles, which made controlling James Sunderland feel like you were piloting a massive tank. This was a design choice that was heavily constrained by the technical limitations of the time.
"To be honest, I’m not satisfied with the playable camera from many years ago," he admitted, noting that "It was a continuous process of hard work that was not rewarded. But that was the limit." The new camera angle, according to Tsuboyama, "adds to the sense of realism," which makes him "want to try playing the even more immersive remake of Silent Hill 2!"
However, there are some head-scratchers that seem to have Tsuboyama a bit perplexed: the game’s marketing. "The disparities between the original and the remake, 4K, Photorealism, the bonus headgear, etc. are all mediocre," he stated. "It seems like they’re not doing enough to convey the appeal of the work to the generation that doesn’t know Silent Hill."
The bonus headgear in question is the Mira the Dog and Pyramid Head Masks, included as pre-order bonus content. The former is a reference to the original’s famous secret ending, while the latter is based on the villain Pyramid Head. Tsuboyama might have felt the game’s pre-order content could lead to players wearing the aforementioned masks during their initial playthroughs, potentially diluting the intended impact of the game’s narrative. These masks might be amusing to fans, but Tsuboyama is less enthusiastic. "Who is this promotion going to appeal to?" he stated.
Tsuboyama’s overall praise of the remake shows that Bloober Team really nailed what made the original legendary Silent Hill 2 so terrifying, while also giving the classic’s story a contemporary coat of paint for modern audiences. Game8 gave the game a score of 92, noting that "the remake doesn’t just terrify; it leaves a lasting emotional impact, blending fear and sorrow in a way that lingers long after the credits roll."
For more on our thoughts on Silent Hill 2 Remake, check out our review here!
