Leigh Alexander, scribe behind Aberrant Gamer, has an excellent analysis detailing how symbolism drives story in Silent Hill 2. It's an article with a "deep reading" of the game—analysis too often reserved for 18th century romantic literature and Far Side cartoons.

Some of the first enemies James confronts resemble piecemeal jointed mannequins, naked, shiny and flesh-toned, jerking as they move. But while they may be composed of human parts, they're not even complete mannequins—instead, they appear to be two hips fastened end-to-end, thighs splayed...the immediate onslaught of these telltale monsters is like a sudden break with reality—and for James, one could theorize that might be exactly what's happening, thrusting him into a white-edged limbo state deep inside the self, wherein he has the opportunity to confront the truth about...his deeds.

Sure, paranormal walking hip mutants aren't exactly the epitome of subtle symbolic themes, but they can be a lot more effective at reinforcing narrative than yet another cut scene or instruction manual filled with unread backstory.

The Aberrant Gamer - 'Sundering the Mind' [gamesetwatch]

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