What Silent Hill 2 Teaches Us About Grief

A.K.A. "Not Another Silent Hill 2 Endings Analysis"
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#SilentHill2 #NotAnotherSH2Analysis #ObligatoryFudgeKonami

[@FookMi69]

_"I was weak.. That’s why I needed you.. Needed someone to punish me for my sins.. But that’s all over now, I know the truth.. Now its time to END THIS."_

[@jasonblundelldobebussing]

Ah yes, a very relatable and *breathtaking* couple.

[@Shadow-zf5uc]

And only relatable to Sid and Nancy

[@jasonblundelldobebussing]

@@Shadow-zf5uc "So sexy, almost evil. Talkin' about butterflies in my head. I used to think that happy endings were only in the books I read. But you made me feel alive when I was almost dead".

[@Borderlines]

I see what u did there

[@raelogan]

Take my upvote

[@Xehanort10]

You could say they were so close it was suffocating.

[@vahlok1426]

"Leave" to me is the ending that makes the most sense, and to me is my head canon ending. James learns from the experiences and horrors of it all, and receiving the blessing of Mary herself deciding to move on and try to become a better person. If we assume he takes Laura with him, then in that he also wishes to fulfill Mary's final wish of adopting her and giving her a real family. It all to me just comes together to make the horrific visions of the town and James' own mind have weight upon him that leads to his moving past not only the memories of it all but also his suicidal tendencies. TL;DR The Leave ending is my favorite and head canon ending because it feels like a true progression of James' story in my opinion.

[@anassortmentofplaylists2058]

I agree! Especially because Mary actually finishes her letter in this version. I’ve heard people make the argument that “In Water” makes more sense narratively, as it best depicts SH’s theme of being unable to let go. But I feel as though you already get that in Angela and Eddie’s stories just fine. To have it happen to James after that just feels repetitive.

[@bobblinggoblin2g2g2g2]

I like to believe it as well. I know it might not be the case but I like to think that the town of Silent Hill actually teaches it’s victims important lessons in life. In SH2 besides James there are also Eddy and Angela - two people who are also tortured by the town but in notably different ways. Throughout the game both of them fail to learn their lessons and forced to stay there in one way or another. «Leave» seems like a more poetic ending because of this contrast

[@mhz163]

Technically James will continue with the psychopath after killing his wife.

[@bluesyrupgc4224]

@@anassortmentofplaylists2058 true. And I feel like the 3 first endings kinda represent each character individually. In Water: Angela. Angela cannot move on with her life, so the best thing she can do is end it, just like how the ending depict James cannot move on without Mary. Maria: Eddie. Eddie succumbs to the town’s illusions, and fails to learn the lesson, just like how James fails to learn how to move on and accepts Mary’s copy as a replacement Leave: personally, my canon ending. James, after seeing Angela and Eddie’s ends, decides to be better, learns the lesson, and adopts Laura just like how Mary wished.

[@James-Sunderland010]

Mary. You look so peaceful. Forgive me for waking you. But without you I just can't go on. I can't live without you, Mary. This town, Silent Hill.... The Old Gods haven't left this place. And they still grant power to those who venerate them. Power to defy even death. Ah... Mary.

[@TheDigitalApple]

Any top 10 lists that put a # is a immediate red flag.

[@kevinbalfe]

4:38 You have to move past Mortal Kombat's 3d era ending, it wasn't your fault!

[@sindelscat9336]

No it was netherrealm's fault.

[@th3seek3r60]

"WE HAVE TOYED WITH NINJA LONG ENOUGH"

[@bandarsalh1338]

All of SH2 characters that got called to the town deal with some sort of greef guilt Each one of them deals with it differently Eddie switches the blame and justify his actions Angela blames herself and gives up on life James denies it then faces it, resulting in one if the endings

[@mrturtletail3945]

"Since we discount the joke endings." You mean the doggo ending? The actual true canon ending to SH2. The only one that fits the narrative perfectly

[@Xehanort10]

3:53 Maria was a younger healthy idealised version of Mary created by Silent Hill for James to have sex with since him killing her was out of anger and sexual frustration. The fact he made up a story where she was in Silent Hill waiting for him shows how much he wanted to deny her death and his own responsibility for it.

[@Xehanort10]

You can tell the people who call Joker and Harley relationship goals have only ever seen the Suicide Squad version of their relationship which despite being portrayed as loving is as abusive as every other version since he shocks her into insanity and manipulates her into jumping into the same chemicals he fell into.

[@TheKing-qz9wd]

They say "No use worrying over spilt milk" but real life never gives you milk anyways. It gives you blood though. Depression is just the continued development of the consciousness, coming to the understanding and acceptance of reality. That's my view though. This however is strange. What lunatic would be like in the preface and view this relationship as ideal? Keep your distance from said person or you might not wake up when you lie down.

[@Patrick-pc3vq]

Depression is complete opposite of being concious about life, it only showcases the negative aspects of one's life while completely ignoring the positive ones and if you have positivity in your life depression will numb itself because it cannot function in positivity which is also a part of life.

[@TheKing-qz9wd]

@@Patrick-pc3vq What you said I find to be interesting but little else.

[@Patrick-pc3vq]

@@TheKing-qz9wd Why would you consider depression true conciousness? Sadness is not some supreme emotion over happiness, anger, fear etc. so it cannot be the true perspective, if a person who is fearful said fear is conciousness would the person be right? Because emotions are just reactions to things happening to someone and nobody is depressed if positive things happen to them, are people that are happy in life not concious about it?

[@TheKing-qz9wd]

@@Patrick-pc3vq I believe it to be so by reason of how the conscience becomes more active with time, and the mind becomes more self reflective and self destructive. I don't claim sadness to be some supreme emotion, for the only supreme emotion I have ever recognised is anger. I do however find sadness to be the default setting of a human being, because again, the mind only becomes more self destructive with time, implying whether by pettiness or loathing or malice or complacency, a human by default finds cause to be sad at any point in their life. As I was speaking of a view, a perspective if you will, it is ingerently subjective, and you cannot refute a subjective claim or an opinion. Opinions aren't designed to be refuted, they are these virtually invincible ideas we humans create. To an extent, that person is correct. Fear is a part of consciousness. If they believe that to be the driving force, that's fine, especially if the coward themself is driven by it. Hypocrisy is a terrible thing. I'm still sad and depressed and I'm listening to music so beautiful I'm smiling ear to ear and could cry blood. You seriously cannot try and argue about views, especially to convince me otherwise. It won't work. The only thing partially correct is that emotions are reactive, because yes they usually are a response. Now then, are opinions like facts in that there is a right and wrong to them? We aren't talking about things with moral importance obviously, but rather the mind, observation, behaviour, a kind of "human experience" if you would. So why pester me so as if I even intended to be regarded as an authority?

[@Patrick-pc3vq]

@@TheKing-qz9wd Fair argument.

[@SeparateWay]

That's a very interesting comparison between the endings of the three games. Silent Hill 2's In Water ending, which like SH1 could be seen as the bad ending, is in fact completely suited to the story. So much so that when I first played it and got the In Water ending, not knowing that there were multiple endings, it completely changed me as a person. I had never played a game like it before nor experienced an ending so heartbreaking and fitting for what your character endured. It was incredibly cathartic and masterful.

[@curtisjackson5793]

Same here, also it's the ending that you get by exploring the most of it (the most complete). When Mary's letter finished and the metal song started playing and I finally realised what just happened, for me it became the canon right there - and, most importantly, changed my head over suicide.

[@kmikzikrs1959]

>4thsnake upload its SH2 good day time :))

[@ibra2275]

Please give us more Silent Hill, this is amazing!

[@MrAxedead]

"James, you made me Happy!"

[@DrWinde]

I highly disagree with your assessment of the SH3 endings. Heather's goal there isn't to stop the Silent Hill cult. It's about getting her revenge on Claudia for killing her father. And what do the endings display? Heather either getting over her feelings of revenge after Claudia's death, or she doesn't and kills Douglas, whose involvement indirectly led to her father's death. Heather was blaming him on many occasions in the game. And the factors towards the bad ending are not arbitrary at all. The more monsters she kills (fueling her bloodlust) the closer it gets to the bad ending. Vincent clearly spells it out to her that she "enjoys spilling their blood and listen to them cry out". She also gets more "evil points" if she forgives the woman in the confessional (pretty much accepting her role as judgemental God). She loses "evil points" though if you have an optional talk with Douglas, which would show her empathy and care towards Douglas, even though he considered shooting her to "end this nightmare" not five minutes ago. It means Heather would give in to the pain and grieve and become like Claudia who also killed Heather's father partially out of revenge. That's why the ending is called "Possessed", not because the cult's God is possessing her somehow (even though Heather killed Her) but because of her being possessed by her lust for revenge.

[@freaknr1]

Exactly. And that is why Silent Hill 3 is way better at exploring themes of revenge than, say, The Last of Us 2.

[@bluesyrupgc4224]

This is my interpretation, but I don’t think Heather kills Douglas out of vengeance, but more of confusion. I think after the event of SH3, she was so scared and couldn’t differentiate from human and monsters, so she just killed Douglas, who was involved in the plot from the beginning. This might be a result of doubting her senses, like when Vincent said the infamous line: “They look like monsters to you?”

[@bluesyrupgc4224]

@@freaknr1 To be fair, I don’t think it is fair to compare the two games’ theme, since both portrayed revenge in notably different ways.

[@andrewrogers3067]

Anything with a hashtag used in a sentence must be immediately disregarded and seen as nonsense

[@keynanmartinez]

This is why Silent Hill 2 is one of the best Survival Horror Games Ever Made.

[@firemeetsice2516]

One of if not the best game ever made

[@mrb4783]

When I was young I had never heard of Silent hill though I admit I wish I could give any of the first 4 games a try because they really are masterful games

[@marcocaru]

Very well made and great analysis.

[@Vinci480]

20 Seconds ago LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO!!!!

[@solid_fire9388]

your videos are like that guy on youtube called Nerrel, don’t matter what the subject is it, it’s always interesting to listen and watch !

[@blackdragoncyrus]

One of the best games ever made; Atmospheric, depressing, and masterfully-written. I think I discover new things everytime I revisit the game.

[@mhmdbilani]

Aaaaah Silent Hill 2 video, just what I was waiting for

[@TheGoldenAlchemist86]

Um um um what???? RELATIONSHIP GOALS!?!?!?!?!?!??!? Also mario and peach???? Peach has shown no romantic interest towards him

[@DrawingABlanka]

Thank you for a video with an interesting perspective rather than the same old analysis which is so often repeated.

[@kayleenilsson3825]

As you say nothing new really, yet very good points and interesting listening to you talk about it. You don't really need an excuse to talk about this masterpiece IMO. Great video 👌

[@mageeaaron2624]

This is fascinating

[@HorrorCritical]

When will we get a new Silent Hill game? I wonder why they haven’t decided to make a new one. It will be cool to see pyramid head in next gen graphics Also MK11 Kabal wasted Potential pls, he was treated as a jobber

[@spider-manunknown9193]

Yeah I almost forgot he was in the game.

[@HorrorCritical]

@@spider-manunknown9193 I know that Kabal is in MK11 because he’s my main

[@Ineedgames]

You forgetting that Konami hates you now?

[@HorrorCritical]

@@Ineedgames it sucks that Konami won’t continue the Silent Hill franchise

[@OrigamiPhoenix]

Even though Silent Hill as a video game franchise is very much dead, there have been plenty of other psychological horror games that have taken influence from it. Its legacy very much lives on in death, not unlike Mary.

[@RazorChampion99]

Ah, yes... what any relationship strives for... the murder of your partner. I hate those top 10 lists by companies who think they know better. Hell, I've only ever played Silent Hill 2 for a little bit (just so you know, I played up until you see Pyramid Head in that cutscene where bangs the mannequin) and even I know what happens in James and Mary's tragic relationship. P.S. Please do more Silent Hill-related videos. Thank you.

[@dbzpark1931]

I love this game. Masterpiece of a game work of art. Truly game that's never disappoint every playthrough

[@StudentOfKasumi]

Although I never played this. , I still enjoyed watching this because it helped me learn something

[@th3seek3r60]

I originaly came here for MK content... I don't know why,but your videos are inspiring no matter what the videos are about.

[@melantharosewood]

I need to find that article because I’m curious with what other picks they had for “Relationship Goals”.

[@yungmahon715]

Finally I see that town again

[@ryansinbela6396]

If any non SH2 player wants to know the song it’s called Fermata in Mistic Air

[@Danilabagrov1997]

“James...you made me happy”

[@JohnSydney225]

Man, killing your wife with a pillow is totally #RelationshipGoals

[@arrownoir]

It teaches me that I’m an iron butted warrior with a heart of solid marble.

[@Rough_Estimates]

Please canon ball the *Yakuza* franchise

[@autistic-dan455]

Fascinating. As a coward, I tend to keep clear of the horror genre and always saw Silent Hill from a distance being another creepy game that wouldn't appeal to me. I never really thought they'd be deeper meanings at play. ....W-Wait, so that Twitter thing was suggesting that an example of an ideal relationship is one where one of them is killed by the other?? What the fuck?!?

[@iicyspice4542]

Why was this video low-key a therapy session?

[@ebesonen]

You can also play Dead Space 2 as well, it also shows us the five stages of greif with Isaac and Nicole 😭

[@nibbanibba5064]

You know this reminds me of cowboy bebop, they have to live life with shit in their past and each character has an ending fitting for each of them, it’s up to them whether to live in whether they decide to live life in the present or lose it all and dwell in the past, but in the end you have to address the past for better or worse

[@Laura_M-16]

James was a lizard man all along!

[@ServerHater]

Holy fuck this is deep

[@waterdog737]

Perfect

[@spider-manunknown9193]

Who else watches 4thsnake just to get things off our minds?

[@gaz4553]

Rebirth is my favorite ending. It feels like the darkest ending imo.

[@Hakuru15]

It taught me James love sexy nurses.

[@JordanKane97]

Hey Snake, this is completely unrelated but, did you ever play Chronicles of the Sword mode on SoulCaliber 3? If so what did you think of it?

[@sindelscat9336]

If that's the website that makes shao Khan and twindel a couple goal, then that's like saying Captain marvel and Nick fury are a couple goal.

[@allwedoisgame1522]

Still waiting on the MK vs DC critique

[@theitfactorjameswheezer2852]

James Gordon Jr.???

[@richardblack3385]

Shao Kahn and twindel lmaooo it's Sindel

[@thomasoconnor8279]

No it's not. Sindel never would willing be Shao Kahn's wife which is why she killed her self. The only time she was "happily" with him was when she was under mind control but once that was broken by her daughter she left him. Then when a lot of the heroes were under mind-control including her daughter she stepped up to help save them all not wanting to abandon her again like she did with Shao Kahn 10,000 years ago. Twindel is a badly written retcon of an iconic character and should never be called by the name that netherrelm pretends she has.

[@dakotaroot_8816]

But the real question is what number on the list was Pyramid Head and the mannequins

[@jdd9678]

I think you should do a review on telltale batman

[@mumblerogre2455]

What if you analyze these games? I would watch that

[@rjdujon3320]

Imagine if bluepoint remade this

[@syrupman2887]

teaching us how to stop the pain 🥺

[@DontPretendtoCare]

Taste the pain.

[@syrupman2887]

@@DontPretendtoCare i will taste it all

[@DontPretendtoCare]

@@syrupman2887 Comment of the century.

[@syrupman2887]

@@DontPretendtoCare you know i make it the best

[@InternetNinja100]

what is your thoughts on original Silent Hill game ?

[@MilestheDirtyMindedGoblin2099]

What's the song playing at the beginning of the video?

[@TylerMcWilliam]

28 baybyyyy

[@DontPretendtoCare]

James and Mary is the ideal perfect relationship to strive towards. They were so happy on vacation.

[@ladyaceina]

i just groan at anyone who thinks joker and harley are a good couple side note im still salty DC broke harley and ivy up in comics

[@saloz9483]

I mean just cause james and mary had a good relationship before the disease I dont think using SH2 for relationship goals is smart since yea he gets sick of his wife being sick and kills her. Also if SH2 has taught us anything is in order to get over grief we need to go to a spooky town so we can face the manifestations of our emotions

[@ArthursLittleWorld]

Only now I remembered that there still, somehow, exist a company named Konami ... the spiritual brother to EA... poor Silent Hill franchise :,(

[@redwolfcorprevamped8266]

"Video games are the greatest storytelling medium there is" Wholeheartedly disagree. Not because video games aren't a great platform to tell your story. 1. Because there are plenty of games with amazing stories that have explicitly poor game design which as far as I'm concerned, does hurt the story (Super Paper Mario for example). Some stories straight up & down don't work in video game format (See The Last of Us pt. 2). I don't disagree on the point that video games are the optimal choice for telling a story like Silent hill 2 (the game in question). But this depends on a variety of factors including the game's genre, direction, and layout. 2. I'm someone who personally prefers titles which emphasize on gameplay rather than plot focus (Super Mario, any Mega Man entry, Kirby titles, etc.). I believe that video games should always be a good game first, then focus on story later. Other mediums (comics, movies, etc.) don't have to carry that baggage. I've seen plenty of stories written in books and other forms that wouldn't fare well as a video game. Say what you will, and I respect your take, but I just don't feel you on the issue.

[@princeaphan8274]

Video game articles just don't make sense.

[@Lucis_hexed]

This articles I *swear*

[@Otherfabbros]

I'm surprised 4thsnake still care of all these fanboys site. We are talking of the same people who decided that Mk1 Liu kang finisher is the worst fatality ever made despite it was explained multiple times that he is a shaolin monk and he doesn't want to kill people. They are also the same people who call MoKap one the worst mk characters but they are perfectly fine with Jaquie "Strong indipendent woman bullshit" Briggs, Pre-armageddon Blaze and Mk11 Sindel. I wouldn't be surprised if they are also fans of Screwattack deathbattle.

[@Ineedgames]

Those articles are as stupid as that one article that had God of War made me a better farther.

[@Achieme]

I'm sorry but how are Mario and Peach a couple, Mario just save peach countless times and get a couple pecks on the cheek, and Peach is just a damsel Princess. And I'm sorry but didn't peach reject both Mario and Bowser and straight up left them on the moon in Mario Odyess. If anything Mario and Peach are just friends ( and for those say Peach kisses Mario so I must mean she kinda likes him, yah on the nose and or cheek not on the lips) Is there a game where Mario and peach are a couple and get married? I seriously want to know.

[@sindelscat9336]

Super Mario Odyssey that's when they get married.

[@Achieme]

@@sindelscat9336 didn't Bowser kidnapped her and forced her into marriage then Mario had to Save her? Peach rejected Both Mario and Bowser.

[@sindelscat9336]

@@Achieme yeah but then she was telling Mario to come with her so I wouldn't count that as a rejection.

[@Achieme]

@@sindelscat9336 Wait I'm going to find a couple of clips and see, But do they show a scene of them getting married? I'm seriously asking.

[@sindelscat9336]

@@Achieme it was at the beginning they had a wedding but then Bowser captured her.

[@nemesis3587]

Who could really choose James and Mary relationship goal, seriously? By the way this game is still a masterpiece, for story telling it's ahead of time.

[@redwolfcorprevamped8266]

Gfuel is trash. Don't bother screwing around with anything on that site. In Luigi's Mansion 3's opening cutscene, we see that Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach are all given different rooms. What does this mean? This means Mario & Peach aren't an actual couple... They'd probably be sleeping together if they were.