Summary
- The combat trailer for the Silent Hill 2 remake has received criticism for stiff animations, lack of weapon impact, and plinky sound effects.
- Bloober Team president clarified that Konami is responsible for the marketing and trailer, which does not reflect the spirit of the game.
- Despite the negative response, the president expressed confidence that gamers will have a different reaction to real gameplay.
The president of Bloober Team, the Polish developer behind the upcoming and long-awaited Silent Hill 2 remake, has stated that the recent combat trailer was handled by Konami. The video in question debuted during the January 31 PlayStation State of Play showcase and represented the first tangible gameplay footage of the Silent Hill 2 remake that fans have been clamoring for.
Unfortunately for both fans and developer Bloober Team, the Silent Hill 2 remake's “Combat Reveal Trailer” left a sour taste in the mouths of many. Criticism and concern seemed to be the most prevalent responses, or at least the loudest. Viewers commented on the stiff animations, the lack of any meaningful impact when weapons struck enemies, the plinky sound effects, and even that the shotgun seemed to inflict the same amount of damage as the pistol. While the atmosphere in the trailer appeased some fans, though not all, the combat showcased in said combat trailer mostly caused consternation and worry about the state of the remake in general.
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Bloober Team President Piotr Babieno recently spoke with Polish YouTube channel inwestorzy.tv, and though the video has since been removed, Eurogamer Poland had already transcribed some of the developer’s statements. Babieno clarified that Konami is entirely responsible for the marketing side of things and, therefore, the trailer and its ensuing negative reception. “I wrote these negative comments myself,” the developer joked. Babieno emphasized that the trailer does not accurately reflect the “spirit” of Silent Hill 2, as it was when originally released in 2001 or in the remake that Bloober Team is working on.
Silent Hill 2 Remake's Combat Trailer Has Fans Worried
Quite seriously, we are not responsible for the marketing side. Our partner [Konami] is entirely responsible for this. This trailer certainly does not reflect the spirit of the game.
Babieno expressed confidence that gamers will have a different reaction when they see real gameplay of the Silent Hill 2 remake. Keeping in mind that the Polish article was translated into English using a translation tool, the term “real gameplay” makes one wonder what was shown in the combat reveal trailer. As for the doubts about the game’s lackluster graphics, the Bloober Team president assured fans that the studio is using “all the capabilities of Unreal 5.” He also mentioned that, despite the seemingly predominantly negative response to the recent trailer, many people are still excited about the upcoming remake.
Though Konami seems intent on finally reviving the Silent Hill franchise after over a decade, the recent releases have many fans feeling dubious about what’s to come. Silent Hill: Ascension premiered in October 2023 to a generally negative reception, and many people dubbed the interactive experience a mere cash grab due to its monetization. Silent Hill: The Short Message also launched to negative reviews, despite the fact that it was free and reached over two million downloads in less than two weeks. So, it’s understandable that some series fans have waning expectations for the upcoming Silent Hill 2 remake.
Silent Hill 2
- Released
- September 25, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
THE SILENCE IS BROKEN...
James Sunderland's life is shattered when his young wife Mary suffers a tragic death. Three years later, a mysterious letter arrives from Mary, beckoning him to return to their sanctuary of memories, the dark realm of Silent Hill.
Now James must go back to that special place to uncover the truth, unaware that the answers he seeks require the ultimate sacrifice.
• Return to Silent Hill in an entirely new adventure with all-new characters and monsters.
• Battle horrifying creatures with a new arsenal of weapons and items.
• Riveting storyline, stunning graphics and true-to-life CG movies leave you on the edge of your seat.
• Atmospheric lighting and ambient 3D surround sound shift and change at each terrifying turn.
• Dynamic camera angles, beautifully rendered environments, and real-time weather effects deliver a cinematic horror experience.
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Team Silent
- Publisher(s)
- Konami
- Franchise
- Silent Hill
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 2, Xbox (Original), PC
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
