S'ok I suppose.. (Silent Hill 2 (PS2))

Member Name: AdeG

Product:	Silent Hill 2 (PS2)
Date:	07/01/02 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely graphics, Effective creepy atmosphere, Good BGM

Disadvantages: Painfully linear, Painfully non-interactive, What's new.. really ?

When Silent Hill (1) first hit us on the PS1 we were astounded at the atmosphere, the graphics and we were delighted that we had to leave the lights on to go to bed; Back in those days, 99% of PS1 games were linear, we had no expectations of 'something more' however we now have the PS2, we expect more - unfortunately Silent Hill 2 does not provide the improvements we (or should I say I) have come to expect of the 'Next Gen Console'; The game plays exactly the same as it's predecessor... too much !!! Fair enough the graphics are improved but that's really about it.. the game is linear to the point of feeling that you're being pushed through the game as opposed to following your own path. Only buildings that have bearing on the plot can be explored (as long as you've completed the linear tasks to access them) - only objects that have bearing on the game can be looked at... no depth at all. I also found that if you wanted to look around an area, you would suddenly stop short ie. There's an area amongst a group of cars that you'd like to explore, there appears plenty of room to manouver, but you stop short about 3 ft away from it... cos you're not meant to be there... 'Pants' I say. Also the 'fog', the useage of which apparently allowed the developers to concentrate on the playability and 'indoor' graphics is, whilst effective in parts, absolutely annoying in others as it prevents you from seeing where you are or trying to move to. On a more positive note the graphics are much improved (indoors) and the game still manages to scare you silly with it's timely musical accompaniments and effective cut scenes; The game still has it's old character and players of the old game (who want more of the same) will not be disappointed - shame the developers didn't do more to make it a 'Next Gen Game'.

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