The recent remake ofSilent Hill 2by Bloober Team has managed to reinvigorate the previously waning reputation of the franchise, earning acclaim from longtime fans of the story and new players alike. While it largely adheres to the same arc for James Sunderland throughout most of the game, the remake also manages to make new additions that align with the tone of the original and even the greater series. Through featuring two brand-new endings that tease connections to the canon of Team Silent’s other entries, Bloober Team has implied that The Order’s impact remains pervasive even inSilent Hill 2.
In the time since its release, it’s become increasingly clear thatSH2exists in an isolated place despite its status as the most popular entry. With the first game focused on Harry Mason uncovering the cult behind the town’s dark energy and his daughter’s disappearance, and the third then solidifying Heather Mason’s ties to The Order, James' separate journey has always been an outlier. According to theendings added in theSilent Hill 2remake, however, his experiences may not be so disconnected after all.
The References to Other Silent Hill Games in the Bliss and Stillness Endings
The White Claudia in Bliss is a Callback to PTV
In a chilling and enigmatic sequence of events, the Bliss ending sees James seemingly disappearing into the world of the videotape at the end of the game, averting the truth of the source of his guilt. This seems to be due to consuming a bottle of extract from the hallucinogenic White Claudia plant that can befound inSilent Hill 2’s Brookhaven Hospital, removing James from the pain of reality. This is a direct reference to the PTV drug fromSilent Hill, a substance distributed by The Order to create visions for their rituals.
The Halo of the Sun in Stillness Originates From SH3
Similarly, the item used to trigger theStillness ending in theSilent Hill 2remake, a variation of In Water, features another reference to the town’s cult. The Key of Sorrow item which is used to open the safe containing the Toluca postcard needed for this outcome clearly bears the Halo of the Sun design, a sigil of The Order which was only introduced inSilent Hill 3.
The Symbolism of the Silent Hill 2 Remake’s Cult-Based Endings
Even James Can’t Escape The Order’s Influence
It was already clear that the power of the town had a hold on the game’s protagonist, but thechanges inSilent Hill 2’s remakehave fueled speculation around the theory that the game could be depicting an agonizing time loop. The Key of Sorrow is found in a car strangely similar to James', which he seemingly dies in during In Water; combined with new notes only found in New Game Plus, there’s a possible implication that he is only able to break out of a repeating cycle using the magic of the Order. Given the personal themes of the narrative, however, it’s equally likely that his internal resolve is what pushes the town’s occult energy to change his path, as proven by the apparent darkness of the Bliss ending’s disregard for consequences.
Uniting the Psychological and Supernatural Sides of Silent Hill
There was risk involved in blending the explicitly spiritual elements of the other games withSH2’s tone, but Bloober Team has left room for interpretation that respects both sides of the spectrum. In the same way that the PTV drug being used by The Order acknowledges the horrors of the mind when wielded by theoccult forces ofSilent Hill, signs of their impact on James Sunderland through his mental struggle form the foundation of the series' mystical elements and help create a sense of unease.
Silent Hill 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2.High-end Graphics and SoundWith ray tracing and other cutting-edge technical enhancements, the world of SILENT HILL and its unsettling ambiance is even realer than before.And with the inclusion of new, immersive soundscapes, you’ll feel like you’re standing in the thick of it.Larger EnvironmentsExplore locations and buildings that were once inaccessible, or are newly added in the remake. Enjoy the same acclaimed story, even while you experience the town of Silent Hill with fresh eyes across an expanded map.Over-the-shoulder CameraThe remake moves from the original’s fixed-camera viewpoints to an over-the-shoulder perspective, putting you closer to what James sees, for a more thrilling, more immersive experience as you explore the town and come face-to-face with monsters.Evolved Combat GameplayFamiliar weapons like the steel pipe and handgun make their return, but now with an updated combat system. Avoid attacks with carefully timed dodges, aim down sights, and more, making monster encounters more engaging and nerve-wracking than ever.
