The State of Play on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, featured the unveiling of a new trailer for the highly anticipated remake of Silent Hill 2, marking the second trailer released since the title was officially announced. However, the rollout did not meet expectations as some players swiftly reacted negatively to the direction indicated by this “Combat Trailer.” They view it as a marketing misstep by Konami, suggesting that the game will resemble recent titles like Resident Evil and The Last of Us 2 in terms of gameplay style. Early fans argue that such choices are unacceptable because Silent Hill is renowned for its psychological atmosphere, not for being action-heavy.
With Silent Hill 2, we are encountering a game widely recognized as one of the greatest horror titles ever created, credited with elevating the genre’s prestige. The game is known for its bleak, anxiety-inducing atmosphere, an unappealing town, pervasive mist, and the transformative experiences it offers. At the heart of Silent Hill 2 lies its narrative and the character of James Sunderland, the main protagonist, who is tormented and broken by his wife Mary’s death. However, this new trailer takes a different direction, focusing on gunplay, chaotic shootouts, and close-range shotgun blasts aimed at nurses’ heads, which may cause confusion. It remains too early to determine if the game will emphasize action over atmosphere, but it is evident that the marketing message targets a specific audience of players who prefer firearms and relentless action.
Visually, Resident Evil 2 Remake has not impressed many, particularly regarding character and creature animations, and overall rendering quality, which suggests that the budget was insufficient to bring Silent Hill 2 back as a forefront title. This is not scandalous, but for many, this remake appears more like an AA production rather than a AAA game. However, it should come as no surprise given that the Polish team from Bloober Team studio is responsible for it; despite the hype surrounding their recent successes, their games have never been known for exceptional technical achievements. In essence, if the art and atmosphere can conceal any technical limitations, there may not be significant issues once the game releases. That said, following the trailer’s release during State of Play last evening, enthusiasm for the game has noticeably diminished; people are feeling disappointed, especially early fans, and it is crucial to maintain fan satisfaction for a franchise that hasn’t had new content in nearly 15 years.
