There was a rumor here. It’s gone now. That’s right, the Silent Hill 2 remake rumors have faded into the fog and become a reality. The cult classic title that, to this day, tops many of “the best horror games of all time” lists is getting a complete remake. Unlike the disappointment that was the HD Collection, this time, the game will be fully recreated from the ground up for modern hardware. Still, with such a beloved game, and Konami’s troubling track record in recent years, fans may have more concern at this announcement than immediate excitement.
Aside from a brand-new graphical overhaul, remakes can mean many different things. For Silent Hill 2, the question of exactly what will be — and, more importantly, won’t be — changed is on the minds of the dedicated fan base that holds the original in such high esteem. While Konami didn’t fully clear the fog on what Silent Hill 2 will be this time around, we turned on our radios, checked every locked door, and managed to come out alive with everything you need to know about the Silent Hill 2 remake.
Note: There will be very minor spoilers for the plot of Silent Hill 2, but nothing beyond the basic premise.
Further reading
Release date
Announcements can be hit or miss with giving release dates or even windows, and unfortunately, Silent Hill 2 remake’s reveal was deafeningly loud in failing to give us any form of time frame for when we can return to that town. That typically means the developers aren’t confident quite yet on when they expect to wrap up production, so we would guess there’s at least a year’s wait on this game, if not more.
Platforms
Silent Hill 2 remake was revealed as a true current-generation exclusive, but also a console exclusive for the PlayStation 5. PC players will also get to experience the game on launch, whenever that may be, but Xbox players will have to wait until the exclusivity deal runs out, which could be as short as six months or as long as a year.
Trailers
The announcement trailer for the Silent Hill 2 remake is technically called a teaser since there’s no actual in-game footage, but it still gives us a nice, long look at the creepy town of Silent Hill.
It opens in the same dingy bathroom as the original game, only this time, James looks far more distraught. He looks at himself in the mirror and asks himself if Mary could really be there waiting for him, knowing that she has already passed away from “that damn disease three years ago.”
James steps outside, passes by the familiar map of the town by a diner, and heads down a street as Mary’s voice comes in with the iconic line, “In my restless dreams, I see that town. Silent Hill.”
We cut to the disturbing scene where James first witnesses Pyramid Head in the apartments, as well as sees Laura outside the hospital. Even some late-game scenes, such as with the noose, are shown.
What appears to be a new cutscene of James attacking a nurse only plays for a moment but may indicate more additional scenes such as that.
Before the title drop, we see the meeting of James and Maria and Pyramid Head walking in from the rain.
Much more was revealed thanks to a PlayStation Blog post with Konami producer Motoi Okamoto and the creative director and lead designer at Bloober Team. It was mentioned in the trailer but reiterated that both Masahiro Ito and Akira Yamaoka, the original creature designer and composer, respectively, will join Bloober Team in developing this remake. Many attribute much of the original game’s success as a lasting horror masterpiece to the original Team Silent, so having two of those members involved may put some fans’ minds at ease.
The primary goal for Bloober Team with the Silent Hill 2 remake is to “preserve the atmosphere that made Silent Hill 2 so exceptional while also modernizing many aspects of the game’s overall gameplay.”
While they don’t explicitly mention how they will or will not be changing the story, that is probably the part most fans are curious about. While some shots do appear new, we will have to wait to see if any substantial changes are coming in that department.
Gameplay
The trailer showed off no gameplay, but again, the blog sheds light on how they intended to modernize Silent Hill 2.
The original Silent Hill 2 used a semi-fixed camera that would track and pan as you dynamically moved through environments. You had some control over it, but it was mostly meant to frame things in a specific way.
With the Silent Hill 2 remake, the team has decided to adopt a more traditional third-person, over-the-shoulder style, in a similar way that Resident Evil 2 Remake shifted from the fixed cameras of the original. This change is intended to make the game more immersive and visceral, which leads to a new combat system.
The original had a clunky (perhaps intentionally so) melee combat system and basic gunplay. We don’t know how much will be mechanically different, only that the team says they intend to use the new perspective and combat system to rebuild set pieces and ways to keep the player immersed.
The team also points out that the Silent Hill 2 remake will run on Unreal Engine 5, and they specifically point out the Lumen and Nanite features. Lumen is their dynamic illumination system that makes light interact with the environments in realistic ways to allow for more natural lighting. Nanite, meanwhile, is what was used to create highly detailed environments and levels.
Being a PS5 console exclusive, there will also be features that take advantage of that specific hardware. 3D audio was highlighted as a way to bring players deeper into the titular town, as well as utilize the controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Multiplayer
Nope. Staying true to the original, Silent Hill 2 remake will be a solitary, lonely, and foreboding experience that can only be tackled solo.
Pre-order
The Silent Hill 2 remake is a long way off. While we’d love to tell you how to reserve a place in this quaint resort town, it isn’t quite ready yet. As soon as pre-order information goes live, we will update you with all the gory details.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
