As the year draws to a close, MonsterVine’s annual Best of 2024 Awards celebrates the unexpected hits that shocked and delighted us. This year, the award for Best Surprise goes to the Silent Hill 2 Remake, a faithful yet bold reimagining of one of gaming’s most iconic horror titles.
Despite the challenges associated with remaking such a beloved classic, Bloober Team and Konami delivered an experience that both respects its legacy and breathes new life into its haunting world. Here’s what our writers had to say:
Best Surprise – Silent Hill 2
James: It’s odd to call a remake of one of the most beloved horror games of all time Best Surprise, but considering the circumstances of Silent Hill 2, it is a bit of a shock how well it turned out. Not only is Konami a strange and messy developer in the modern era, rarely releasing new games outside of Yu-Gi-Oh, but Bloober Team is best known for making horror games that range from mediocre to just fine. Somehow these two companies came together to put together a faithful remake that expands the original in smart ways, while not shying away from the darker themes and horror elements that made the original a classic. The remake isn’t attempting to replace the original, but instead expand its reach to modern audiences and it exceeds in that mission in impressive ways.
Samantha: When rumors first started circulating about a Silent Hill 2 remake, I was skeptical. If you asked me, it didn’t need a remake, and a remake couldn’t possibly compare to the original. When it was announced, I fully intended to skip it, and early impressions didn’t sway me. I never would have guessed the remake would turn out to be one of the best surprises of 2024. It gives me hope that our beloved Silent Hill really is making a comeback.
Spencer: Silent Hill 2 is one of the last games I’d ever say needed a remake, but I was cautiously optimistic once I heard the solid reception the sequel was getting. After playing it over the holiday break, I was immediately drawn into the remake and blown away by how faithful it was to the original masterpiece. The dark themes hit harder and the brilliant sound design further sold how gross and haunting the world of Silent Hill 2 is. If you’ve got any skepticism remaining for this remake, I highly advise you to give it a go, as I was caught off guard by how much I loved it, even with my reverence for the original.
The Silent Hill 2 Remake stands as a testament to what remakes can achieve when approached with care, respect, and creativity. It’s a remarkable reimagining that honors the original while bringing its terror and emotional depth to a new generation of players, earning its spot as our Best Surprise of 2024.
