SILENT HILL 2: RESTLESS DREAMS (2002 version) for Windows

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Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams is a free survival horror game by Konami. This is the second iteration in the Silent Hill series and an extended version of the original Silent Hill 2. Even though there are different subtitles, such as Inner Fears or Saigo no Uta, they’re all the same game for different regions. 

This series has long been a staple when it comes to survival horror games, inspiring other titles such as The Devil and Sinister Within: Decay in terms of atmosphere and gameplay. The action takes place in the same town as the original title but with a different story and characters.

A step up from its predecessor

The story is one of the significant improvements in Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams when comparing it to the first game. This is improved from the original, with a focus on puzzles that allow you to progress and unravel the mysteries of this scary Maine town.

Combat is also satisfying. Instead of running for your life, you pack enough heat to deliver them to oblivion, thanks to the generous ammo and medical kits you can find. Even then, the game never loses the “horror” tag. 

Almost like the base game

There are a few differences in comparing Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams to the non-extended version. The current version has some features, such as toggling off the noise filter before completing the game and some slight graphical improvements.

That said, there’s a new mission called “Born from a Wish”, played with a different character. This is rather short and takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete, but it adds some interesting elements to the story.

Your ideal Silent Hill 2

When you compare it to the original game, Silent Hill 2: Restless Dreams won’t keep you awake at night. This is because it’s almost the same game. The extra features it offers, including the new mission, don’t add much to the overall experience. However, true fans might appreciate the extra bit of content.

If you have never played it before, this is the recommended Silent Hill 2 version for you. It only adds to the base game without making anything worse, so it’s a no-brainer to choose it. However, don’t expect incredible leaps regarding graphics or gameplay improvements.