With its Poe-like atmosphere, dense fog, pitch-black hallways, and a cryptic letter from a dead wife, Silent Hill 2 promises to surpass the paranoia created by its predecessor. The sequel opens with the average Joe protagonist, James Sunderland, and a mysterious message that reads, Silent Hill, our sanctuary of memories. Ill be waiting for you there. More puzzling is that the note is signed by Mary, James deceased wife.

James sets out for Silent Hill hopeful that hell find a trace of Mary. After an aborted attempt by car, he plunges into the dank fog and embarks on his quest by foot. Enter Maria, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Mary, and who also beckons him with another curious message. It seems James cant go back; strange things are happening in Silent Hill.

Silent Hill 2 offers 10 formidable new foes, plenty of puzzles, and bone-chilling gameplay. The sequels new story and characters promise to thrill and terrify. The visual and sound effects are amazingly detailed and macabre, and, if youre playing on a system with surround sound, you may find yourself keeping the lights on.