Silent Hill 2, a remake of the iconic 2001 PS2 survival horror game, takes players on a journey as the main protagonist, James Sunderland. Venture through the mostly deserted town of Silent Hill, a place filled with memories of his late wife Mary, as he comes to terms with these memories while encountering monsters and a cast of characters. The remake launches on PS5 October 8.

I recently had the opportunity to play the highly-anticipated remake. Join me for a chilling recap that stretches from the opening scene to the imposing boss encounter with Red Pyramid Thing (a.k.a. Pyramid Head).

Play Video

The story begins in a grimy public restroom

The game begins with James recollecting the content of the letter he received from his deceased wife in the dimly lit public restroom of the observation deck at the outskirts of Silent Hill. Back in 2001, the level of dirt and detritus in this bathroom was a high-watermark for realistic, atmospheric visuals in games.

At first glance, I noticed that although the public restroom was almost proportionally identical to the original, it looked more detailed and realistic, with graffiti and scribbles on the walls, dirty floors, and a filthy toilet bowl. This instilled eeriness as if to foreshadow the grueling journey that James was about to embark on.

A new, immersive over-the-shoulder perspective

The first thing that struck me when I started the game was the new over-the-shoulder perspective. While the original’s overhead perspective felt like I was watching a movie, the remake’s updated view put me closer to James’ point of view, supporting greater immersion and the feeling of being in Silent Hill. 3D Audio also deepens the immersion, making swishing leaves and James’ footsteps feel audibly real.

Thickening fog shrouding James’ state of mind

In the original game, the observation deck in the opening scene was shrouded in fog, whereas in the view is clear in the remake. At first… As James approaches the town the fog grows denser, almost symbolizing his state of mind and evoking anxiety in the player.

The first area that James visits is the eastern district of Silent Hill. At first the in-game map didn’t look much different from what I had remembered in the original, but I was soon proven wrong. The houses, apartments, shops, and other buildings are dramatically improved, with intricate details that were not present in the original. The detailed chairs, flowerpots, abandoned trash, and other props all faithfully recreat the ambiance of the fog-shrouded streets of Silent Hill.

The more explorable buildings add more fun

As I was exploring the town, I was surprised to find that the remake boasted more buildings James could go into compared to the original. In some instances, he had to smash window panes to break into the building. Ammunition and recovery items were hidden inside, making exploration vital and, at the same time, more rewarding. However, the monsters lurking inside these buildings meant I had to stay vigilant and engaged, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game.

Intense, up-close-and-personal combat

Fighting the terrible creatures of Silent Hill feels entirely different from the original. Monsters in earlier stages of the 2001 original are rather passive and can bludgeoned to death without much recourse.  In the remake, some enemies can now counterattack between player’s attacks. Successfully dodging these counterattacks and timing retaliation have adds a new engaging later to gameplay. The new, over-the-shoulder perspective also gives players a closer look at the grotesque foes.

Puzzles that challenge your wisdom and observation skills

I had a chance to play new puzzles where I had to collect multiple items to combine in order to solve them. Still, I encountered puzzles with clever references to the original, so I’m sure this will bring joy to fans of the original Silent Hill 2 and offer them something new to solve. It is also good to know, for those who are not avid puzzle solvers, that the difficulty level for puzzles can be set separately from that of game action elements such as combat level.

Newly renovated apartments

Remember the Wood Side Apartment and the Blue Creek Apartment from the beginning of the story? Well, their layouts have changed significantly from the original version. While the overall story remains the same, the locations where James finds items and puzzles and encounters enemies are entirely different, consequently challenging returning players to come up with a new approach for the remake.

Fans of the 2001 original remember loading screens when traversing between rooms. In the remake James can seamlessly move around the building. But be careful when dashing into a room. I was so focused on making progress that I was ambushed by a monster that made me jump.

Frantic Pyramid Head

The Pyramid Head encounter at the end of the apartment has also evolved significantly. James confronts the humanoid monster in a larger, more intense warehouse-like area than the original’s small room. Watching the iconic villain stalk towards you while dragging his massive, sparking blade across the ground is still an intimidating sight.

Pyramid Head’s movements and attacks are fairly slow. Staying calm is key to dodging its attacks or maintaining a safe distance. However, each blow from Pyramid Head is devastating, as I discovered when it swung its arm and sent James flying through the air.

As my time at the event was limited, I’m sure there must be some highlights that I missed. But for now, I will have to wait to explore every nook and cranny of the streets and buildings of Silent Hill until it launches on PS5 October 8.

Silent Hill 2, a remake of the iconic 2001 PS2 survival horror game, takes players on a journey as the main protagonist, James Sunderland. Venture through the mostly deserted town of Silent Hill, a place filled with memories of his late wife Mary, as he comes to terms with these memories while encountering monsters and a cast of characters. The remake launches on PS5 October 8.

I recently had the opportunity to play the highly-anticipated remake. Join me for a chilling recap that stretches from the opening scene to the imposing boss encounter with Red Pyramid Thing (a.k.a. Pyramid Head).

Play Video

The story begins in a grimy public restroom

The game begins with James recollecting the content of the letter he received from his deceased wife in the dimly lit public restroom of the observation deck at the outskirts of Silent Hill. Back in 2001, the level of dirt and detritus in this bathroom was a high-watermark for realistic, atmospheric visuals in games.

At first glance, I noticed that although the public restroom was almost proportionally identical to the original, it looked more detailed and realistic, with graffiti and scribbles on the walls, dirty floors, and a filthy toilet bowl. This instilled eeriness as if to foreshadow the grueling journey that James was about to embark on.

A new, immersive over-the-shoulder perspective

The first thing that struck me when I started the game was the new over-the-shoulder perspective. While the original’s overhead perspective felt like I was watching a movie, the remake’s updated view put me closer to James’ point of view, supporting greater immersion and the feeling of being in Silent Hill. 3D Audio also deepens the immersion, making swishing leaves and James’ footsteps feel audibly real.

Thickening fog shrouding James’ state of mind

In the original game, the observation deck in the opening scene was shrouded in fog, whereas in the view is clear in the remake. At first… As James approaches the town the fog grows denser, almost symbolizing his state of mind and evoking anxiety in the player.

The first area that James visits is the eastern district of Silent Hill. At first the in-game map didn’t look much different from what I had remembered in the original, but I was soon proven wrong. The houses, apartments, shops, and other buildings are dramatically improved, with intricate details that were not present in the original. The detailed chairs, flowerpots, abandoned trash, and other props all faithfully recreat the ambiance of the fog-shrouded streets of Silent Hill.

The more explorable buildings add more fun

As I was exploring the town, I was surprised to find that the remake boasted more buildings James could go into compared to the original. In some instances, he had to smash window panes to break into the building. Ammunition and recovery items were hidden inside, making exploration vital and, at the same time, more rewarding. However, the monsters lurking inside these buildings meant I had to stay vigilant and engaged, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game.

Intense, up-close-and-personal combat

Fighting the terrible creatures of Silent Hill feels entirely different from the original. Monsters in earlier stages of the 2001 original are rather passive and can bludgeoned to death without much recourse.  In the remake, some enemies can now counterattack between player’s attacks. Successfully dodging these counterattacks and timing retaliation have adds a new engaging later to gameplay. The new, over-the-shoulder perspective also gives players a closer look at the grotesque foes.

Puzzles that challenge your wisdom and observation skills

I had a chance to play new puzzles where I had to collect multiple items to combine in order to solve them. Still, I encountered puzzles with clever references to the original, so I’m sure this will bring joy to fans of the original Silent Hill 2 and offer them something new to solve. It is also good to know, for those who are not avid puzzle solvers, that the difficulty level for puzzles can be set separately from that of game action elements such as combat level.

Newly renovated apartments

Remember the Wood Side Apartment and the Blue Creek Apartment from the beginning of the story? Well, their layouts have changed significantly from the original version. While the overall story remains the same, the locations where James finds items and puzzles and encounters enemies are entirely different, consequently challenging returning players to come up with a new approach for the remake.

Fans of the 2001 original remember loading screens when traversing between rooms. In the remake James can seamlessly move around the building. But be careful when dashing into a room. I was so focused on making progress that I was ambushed by a monster that made me jump.

Frantic Pyramid Head

The Pyramid Head encounter at the end of the apartment has also evolved significantly. James confronts the humanoid monster in a larger, more intense warehouse-like area than the original’s small room. Watching the iconic villain stalk towards you while dragging his massive, sparking blade across the ground is still an intimidating sight.

Pyramid Head’s movements and attacks are fairly slow. Staying calm is key to dodging its attacks or maintaining a safe distance. However, each blow from Pyramid Head is devastating, as I discovered when it swung its arm and sent James flying through the air.

As my time at the event was limited, I’m sure there must be some highlights that I missed. But for now, I will have to wait to explore every nook and cranny of the streets and buildings of Silent Hill until it launches on PS5 October 8.

Since the mid-90s, the developers at Team Ninja have earned consistent praise for their precise, satisfying combat. Look no further than the Dead or Alive franchise’s dynamic fighting system or Ninja Gaiden’s lightning-fast combat for prime examples. The developer aims to continue and expand that legacy of satisfying melee mechanics in Rise of the Ronin.

Rise of the Ronin allows players to battle through a storyline set in the final days of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan, known as Bakumatsu, where they can enjoy an accessible but deep combat system using different play styles combining melee weapons and firearms. This involves draining enemies’ Ki, mastering Martial Skills, and becoming proficient with multiple fighting styles. Mix and match to find your approach on PlayStation 5 on March 22. 

To help players get ready to battle through historic Japan, Team Ninja shares a new behind-the-scenes developer diary diving into the combat of Rise of the Ronin.

Play Video

Ki-depleting battle actions

In Rise of the Ronin, Team Ninja combines its signature combat action with Katanas, spears, other melee weapons, and ranged weapons like foreign firearms. As a Ronin, you will battle foes utilizing these two types of weapons. 

The basic combat strategy involves performing melee attacks with Square, defending yourself from foes’ attacks with L1 to guard and Circle to dodge. When your foe’s Ki is completely depleted, they will become vulnerable and incapacitated, making it easier to deal massive damage with critical hits.

Similarly, when your Ki is exhausted, you temporarily won’t be able to attack or run, so pay attention to your Ki as you battle.

Using Counterspark and Martial Skills to damage Ki

When facing formidable foes, effectively parrying with the Counterspark action and utilizing Martial Skills can lower their maximum Ki, making it easier to defeat them.

Counterspark is an action that parries enemy attacks. To Counterspark, press Triangle to rotate the melee weapon in a large arc to counter the foe’s attack. When you use Counterspark to evade damage from attacks that you cannot guard yourself against, your foe’s Ki reduces, and they will be stunned briefly. This can create a window to deal even more damage to reduce their maximum Ki.

Martial skills (holding down R1 while pressing Square/Triangle) inflict more significant damage. They are also highly effective against strong foes.

Know your foes, weapons, and combat styles 

Each Japanese and Western weapon—Katana, spears, dual blades, bayonets, and sabers—has its own capabilities and attack actions. As you build bonds with characters you meet, you will acquire new combat styles and further evolve their capabilities to enhance your battle experience.

As you battle your foes, knowing which one of the three combat styles, Ten (Sky), Chi (Earth), and Jin (Human), is advantageous against their weapons and can help you gain the upper hand in battle—and parrying them with the proper combat style will knock them back significantly.

Main combat styles

Mumyo Style

Originating in the Kurosu Clan from an unknown master, it is a versatile martial art combat style performed in pairs. Those who mastered the style were called Veiled Edge.

Hokushin Itto Style

This style of swordsmanship, founded by Shusaku Chiba in the early 19th century, is used to overwhelm foes with a series of attacks. Their teaching is rational, emphasizing the mastery of techniques through training performed by an attacker and a defender. Their dojo, established in 1822 in Edo (today’s Tokyo), remains operational today. 

Yagyu Shinkage Style

The renowned military instructor of the Tokugawa clan founded this swordsmanship style. Starting with Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun, generations of shoguns and the Tokugawa clan are known to have studied this swordsmanship.

Nine weapons will be available for battling enemies, including dual blades, Oxtail Swords, great swords, and Odachi.

Long-ranged weapons

Bows and firearms require careful aiming to attack from a distance. Leveraging silent weapons like bows, you can perform a stealth takedown on unaware foes. While firearms are powerful, the gunfire will give away your attack to your enemies. 

The timed firing of a handgun will stun foes for a prolonged period. It can be used as an attack opportunity to reduce the foe’s Ki cap limit.

Fire Pipes blow powerful flames. You can use this long-range weapon to set a group of enemies ablaze or ignite a gunpowder barrel to explode.

Ingenious grappling rope actions

You can throw the grappling rope at a latching point to gain leverage in a flash. You can also wield it to pull distant enemies in during combat. Keep the grappling rope in mind to take control of the battlefield from afar.

You can hold down R2 to wield a grappling rope to grab a nearby gunpowder barrel and throw it at enemies. The barrel will explode, setting the enemies on fire and inflicting epic damage.

There is no right or wrong way to approach combat with the multitude of options in your arsenal. Experiment with gear and master the many styles Rise of the Ronin has to offer on March 22.

Since the mid-90s, the developers at Team Ninja have earned consistent praise for their precise, satisfying combat. Look no further than the Dead or Alive franchise’s dynamic fighting system or Ninja Gaiden’s lightning-fast combat for prime examples. The developer aims to continue and expand that legacy of satisfying melee mechanics in Rise of the Ronin.

Rise of the Ronin allows players to battle through a storyline set in the final days of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan, known as Bakumatsu, where they can enjoy an accessible but deep combat system using different play styles combining melee weapons and firearms. This involves draining enemies’ Ki, mastering Martial Skills, and becoming proficient with multiple fighting styles. Mix and match to find your approach on PlayStation 5 on March 22. 

To help players get ready to battle through historic Japan, Team Ninja shares a new behind-the-scenes developer diary diving into the combat of Rise of the Ronin.

Play Video

Ki-depleting battle actions

In Rise of the Ronin, Team Ninja combines its signature combat action with Katanas, spears, other melee weapons, and ranged weapons like foreign firearms. As a Ronin, you will battle foes utilizing these two types of weapons. 

The basic combat strategy involves performing melee attacks with Square, defending yourself from foes’ attacks with L1 to guard and Circle to dodge. When your foe’s Ki is completely depleted, they will become vulnerable and incapacitated, making it easier to deal massive damage with critical hits.

Similarly, when your Ki is exhausted, you temporarily won’t be able to attack or run, so pay attention to your Ki as you battle.

Using Counterspark and Martial Skills to damage Ki

When facing formidable foes, effectively parrying with the Counterspark action and utilizing Martial Skills can lower their maximum Ki, making it easier to defeat them.

Counterspark is an action that parries enemy attacks. To Counterspark, press Triangle to rotate the melee weapon in a large arc to counter the foe’s attack. When you use Counterspark to evade damage from attacks that you cannot guard yourself against, your foe’s Ki reduces, and they will be stunned briefly. This can create a window to deal even more damage to reduce their maximum Ki.

Martial skills (holding down R1 while pressing Square/Triangle) inflict more significant damage. They are also highly effective against strong foes.

Know your foes, weapons, and combat styles 

Each Japanese and Western weapon—Katana, spears, dual blades, bayonets, and sabers—has its own capabilities and attack actions. As you build bonds with characters you meet, you will acquire new combat styles and further evolve their capabilities to enhance your battle experience.

As you battle your foes, knowing which one of the three combat styles, Ten (Sky), Chi (Earth), and Jin (Human), is advantageous against their weapons and can help you gain the upper hand in battle—and parrying them with the proper combat style will knock them back significantly.

Main combat styles

Mumyo Style

Originating in the Kurosu Clan from an unknown master, it is a versatile martial art combat style performed in pairs. Those who mastered the style were called Veiled Edge.

Hokushin Itto Style

This style of swordsmanship, founded by Shusaku Chiba in the early 19th century, is used to overwhelm foes with a series of attacks. Their teaching is rational, emphasizing the mastery of techniques through training performed by an attacker and a defender. Their dojo, established in 1822 in Edo (today’s Tokyo), remains operational today. 

Yagyu Shinkage Style

The renowned military instructor of the Tokugawa clan founded this swordsmanship style. Starting with Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun, generations of shoguns and the Tokugawa clan are known to have studied this swordsmanship.

Nine weapons will be available for battling enemies, including dual blades, Oxtail Swords, great swords, and Odachi.

Long-ranged weapons

Bows and firearms require careful aiming to attack from a distance. Leveraging silent weapons like bows, you can perform a stealth takedown on unaware foes. While firearms are powerful, the gunfire will give away your attack to your enemies. 

The timed firing of a handgun will stun foes for a prolonged period. It can be used as an attack opportunity to reduce the foe’s Ki cap limit.

Fire Pipes blow powerful flames. You can use this long-range weapon to set a group of enemies ablaze or ignite a gunpowder barrel to explode.

Ingenious grappling rope actions

You can throw the grappling rope at a latching point to gain leverage in a flash. You can also wield it to pull distant enemies in during combat. Keep the grappling rope in mind to take control of the battlefield from afar.

You can hold down R2 to wield a grappling rope to grab a nearby gunpowder barrel and throw it at enemies. The barrel will explode, setting the enemies on fire and inflicting epic damage.

There is no right or wrong way to approach combat with the multitude of options in your arsenal. Experiment with gear and master the many styles Rise of the Ronin has to offer on March 22.