Call me old fashioned if you want but ever since I recently purchased a Playstation 2, I’ve been seriously rocking out on it. While you wild and crazy kids, with your new-fangled next generation graphics, have been Modern Warfaring it up, I’ve been battling cyborgs to save a futuristic Tokyo and most recently, exploring the dilapidated environs of Silent Hill. Throw in the fact that I spent a quarter of what I would have buying Modern Warfare 2, and you’re looking at a very happy starving artist.

That’s why, with the 10 year anniversary of the PS2 upon us, I’ve decided to look back at the little black box with year-long coverage and an entire month special in October. But perhaps I’m getting a little ahead of myself. For now, you can look forward to new Plusle and Minun reviews, all devoted to the many games for the Playstation 2. So whether you’ve played your PS2 to death or you’ve never touched a dual shock controller (gasp!), hopfully this ongoing coverage will encourage you to pick up a controller and play these aging gems.

Silent Hill 2
Survival Horror done right.

Current Price: $14.99 (Gamestop), $15 (eBay)

The Good:
+ Two words: Pyramid Head.
+ One of the most unsettling games ever.
+ Superb atmosphere. Whether it’s the claustrophic lighting, the chilling soundtrack and sound effects that perfectly set the mood, or the grotesque creature designs, Silent Hill 2 delivers.
+ An interesting (and demented) cast of characters.
+ A deep and intriguing plot that’s not only dark (with subjects like abuse, mental illness, and abandonment being explored) but one of the best in gaming.
+ Multiple endings and unlockable weapons (chainsaw anyone?) ensure you will be venturing back into Silent Hill again and again.

The Bad:
- A short adventure that will last you 8 hours tops.
- May prove to be a bit redundant to some. Repetitive corridor exploring, going from one room to the next in search of loot, solving the ocassional puzzle, and smoting down (or running away from) monsters are all on the order of the day.
- Stiff character control reminiscent of the old school Resident Evils.
- OK voicework that seems forced at times.
- Multiple endings and unlockable weapons might not be enough reason to replay the game for some.

Overall Rating: B+