If you ask me to name the best story in any horror game, I’ll tell you to look no further than Silent Hill 2. It’s a harrowing and thoughtful journey through the depths of despair, dealing with themes of grief, trauma and guilt while still being scary. Over the years since its original release, the game has become so famous that there’s a good chance you’ve already had the interesting plot details spoiled. If you haven’t, I urge you to consider playing it and experiencing it for yourself. SH2 is one of those games that will have you firmly in its grip when you play it. It leaves you wondering exactly what’s going on every step of the way. What horrors lie around the next corner? How can a dead person send a letter? Can I trust the people I’ve met? How does a town inhabited only by monsters even exist? The deeper you delve, the more questions you’ll have. It’s a truly unforgettable journey, thanks in large part to the impeccable atmosphere. The whole town feels suffocating and oppressive due to the thick fog blanketing the streets, the rusty metal and decay littering the “otherworld”, and the surreal architecture that awaits in some areas. Akira Yamaoka’s soundtrack is strange and beautiful, mixing soft guitar and piano melodies with cacophonous noise to punctuate each scene. This game was also the birthplace of Pyramid Head, one of the most iconic modern horror villains who demands your attention whenever he’s on screen. Something I think is especially nice about SH2 is that both versions of it are great. The original is still well worth playing for any horror fan, but I feel the remake did it justice and brought its own interesting story additions and gameplay improvements to the table. This is a game that will both make you terrified to keep moving and bring a tear to your eye, which makes it a truly special work of art in this medium.