Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams
[Xbox]

Konami
Platforms Available On: X-Box, Playstation 2
Platform I Used: X-Box
Genre: Survival Horror

Restless Dreams was originally released for the X-Box and featured some extras that weren't included on the PS2 version, so it was eventually released on both systems.

It's a continuation on the original with a new character taking the lead role this time around, Mr. James Sutherland. James receives a mysterious letter from the wife that he had presumed dead, and this letter calls him back to their "special place" in the town of Silent Hill. It's a pretty spotty story and it tries its best to set a suspenseful mood, but all the story really does is confuse the gamer. It is pretty drama filled but I couldn't help but feel like too much was developing too quickly. Believe it or not however, the ending did almost bring a tear to my eye.

You'll fight ominous demons with the usual weaponry: shotgun, rifle, pistol, wooden plank with a nail in the end of it... Okay so maybe that last one isn't in the top percentile of choice equipment, but it does serve a purpose unlike many weapons in the gaming world. It's a lot of the same ol' crap asyou'll find yourself running around scrapping up all available ammo and medi-kits, just like almost every other survival horror game. The problem I had here was the fact that not even an hour in to the game, I had collected enough of everything to last me the extent of it (took me 8 hours). Unlike most survival horror titles, Silent Hill 2 actually encourages the gamer to just run and hide. Knowing things like; the flashlight attracts enemies so if you know where you need to go and you can get there quick, for god's sake, turn that James flash beacon off. The targeting system works well but the camera left me stranded with a horrid angle occasionally. This is mostly in part because the camera is wanting to stay fixed, but the controller allows you to change it with the right analog stick. No clue what's up with that. The boss fights are fun, but never difficult or remotely creative. The enemies rarely offer up any freak factor, and go down way too easily to be demonic beings sent to envelope even this small town. There are freaky moments undoubtedly, but not enough to make any one wet themselves. The key to this being a successful Silent Hill game lies in its moody music, strange sound effects, and creepy voice acting. If that was the key to your scared soul in the first or third game, fear Restless Dreams, for it offers up a juicy platter of disgustingness. Honestly, the ending that I mentioned at the beginning of this review was so well acted out by the voicer of Mary that I felt an emotional breakdown coming on. I felt what I think they felt. That's deep ability.

A purchase of this game comes down to is how much you enjoy the Silent Hill series, or just the survival horror genre in general. I think it can be skipped, but I did enjoy it more this time around than the first... It's 10-20 bucks and it offers up the original game plus the bonus scenario entitled "Born From A Wish." While it's nothing more than an extra 20 minutes of story and gameplay, it does add to the emotion that this game is able to inflict upon the gamer.

7/10

---Frayed