Summary
TheSilent Hill 2remake has a monumental legacy to live up to. The game, which could be dropping onPS5 as early as this year, aims to modernize the gameplay and visuals of the original, but recreating the singular, iconic atmosphere of the 2001 title should be prioritized above all else. To achieve this end, Bloober Team must stick the landing when it comes to music and sound design.
One of the reasonsSilent Hill 2has such an enduring legacy is its unmistakable tone and ambiance. This sense of character pervades just about every element of the game’s design, from the thick, moody fog drifting throughout the town, to the uncanny character animations and eerie cutscenes. So many ofSilent Hill 2’s best moments are punctuated by either Akira Yamaoka’s legendary soundtrack, or creepy, very PS2-era sound effects. Whether Bloober wants theSilent Hill 2remake to be a faithful recreationor a significant reimagining of the classic title, it would do well to recapture the essence and personality of the game, on an aural level.
Silent Hill 2 Remake: Nailing Music & Sound Design
Bloober Team Is Off to a Good Start
In the world of video game soundtracks, few are as revered and idolized asSilent Hill 2’s. Just about every track in the game perfectly blends classic horror music tropes with original composition, mixing genres like ambient, industrial, and rock to create unforgettable, evocative musical moments. The soundtrack’s success can be attributed tocomposer Akira Yamaoka, who lent his talents to every mainlineSilent Hillgame, alongside several other games, films, and TV shows likeCyberpunk Edgerunners.
Thankfully, Bloober Team appears to recognize Yamaoka’s vital role in shapingSilent Hill 2’s identity, as the studio has brought him on for the remake. The reveal trailer for the game also features music from the original 2001 release, which could simply be a form of nostalgia bait, but could just as easily be a way of showing deference to it. How much of the remake’s soundtrack will be original music and how much will be remixed or remastered versions of the classic songs remains to be seen, but Yamaoka’s involvement suggests Bloober is going in the right musical direction, regardless.
Konami has struggled with re-releases ofSilent Hill 2in the past. Specifically, theSilent Hill HD Collectioncame under heavy firefor changing key elements of the original releases, such as the voice cast and artistic style. However, music is arguably more essential to the experience than most other aspects, so a soundtrack with a similar style is a must-have in the remake.
Silent Hill 2’s Sound: More Than Just Music
The overall sound design ofSilent Hill 2, beyond the soundtrack, is just as important when it comes to establishing tone and atmosphere. Small details like the menu sound effects, or the brief sting that plays upon starting a new game or entering the Save Game screen, lend themselves to the sense of unease and terror that the game provides in spades. Even the choice to present certain parts of the game in complete silence, with nothing but James' footsteps, helps support the overall tension of the experience. While Bloober Team may feel tempted to"improve" these parts ofSilent Hill 2by adding more contemporary sound effects or overextending the soundtrack, it would be best to retain some of these more subtle sonic elements.
Replicating the success and cultural impact of the originalSilent Hill 2is no easy task. In truth, Bloober Team’s remake will likely never truly replace the original 2001 game, but by smartly leveraging Akira Yamaoka’s musical stylings and being thoughtful when it comes to overall sound design, theSilent Hill 2remake might be able to reignite its spooky spark.
