Survival horror is a fickle beast. Most games in the genre either lean so hard into action that they lose the "scary" part, or they get so obsessed with being a "walking simulator" that you forget how to hold a gun. Then there is The Evil Within 2 2017. Honestly, it’s a weird game. It’s a sequel that feels almost nothing like its predecessor, yet somehow manages to fix every single mechanical complaint people had about the first one.
Sebastian Castellanos is a mess. When we meet him again, he’s drowning his sorrows in a bar, haunted by the "death" of his daughter Lily and the absolute nightmare of the Beacon Mental Hospital incident. Then Juli Kidman shows up. She tells him Lily isn't dead—she’s the Core of a new STEM system called Union. Union is basically a simulated American idyllic town that’s currently falling apart because, well, that’s just what STEM does.
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It’s personal this time. That’s the big shift.
Why the Open World of The Evil Within 2 2017 Actually Works
Most horror games thrive on tight corridors and claustrophobia. If you can run away into an open field, the fear usually evaporates. But Tango Gameworks did something risky with the 2017 release. They gave us "The Marrow" and the semi-open streets of Union.
You’re walking down a quiet residential street. It looks like a normal suburb, except for the fact that the sky is literally falling apart and there’s a multi-limbed creature made of sewn-together corpses patrolling the intersection. The game doesn't force you into every house. You have to decide if that box of shotgun shells is worth the risk of entering a basement where you can hear wet, heavy breathing. This creates a specific kind of dread. It’s the "choice" that scares you.
Early on, you'll likely encounter the O'Neal safe house. From there, the map opens up. You’ve got a communicator that picks up "Resonance Points." These are essentially ghost stories you can track down. Sometimes they lead to a loot cache. Other times, they lead to a scripted sequence with Anima—a terrifying, singing entity that you cannot kill. She just stalks you through a distorted reality while humming a tune that will absolutely get stuck in your head for all the wrong reasons.
The pacing is wild. One minute you're scavenging for herbs and gunpowder in a garage, and the next you're pulled into a linear, psychedelic nightmare designed by a psychopathic photographer named Stefano Valentini.
The Villains Are Just Different
The Evil Within 2 2017 isn't just about zombies or "The Lost." It’s about ego. Stefano is the standout for the first half of the game. He’s an artist who wants to capture the exact moment of death in a loop. His "art" is everywhere in Union. You’ll find frozen explosions of blood and flesh suspended in time. It’s grotesque, sure, but it’s also strangely beautiful in a way that feels very "Shinji Mikami," even though John Johanas took the director's chair for this one.
Then you have Father Theodore. He’s the complete opposite. Where Stefano is all about aesthetics and the "moment," Theodore is about guilt and manipulation. He uses Sebastian’s past against him. He brings back the fires that supposedly killed Lily. This shift in antagonists keeps the game from feeling stagnant, though some fans argue Stefano was the more compelling of the two.
Surviving the STEM: Mechanics and Nuance
If you play on Nightmare difficulty, the game becomes a resource management simulator. You will be broke. You will be out of ammo. You will find yourself staring at a crafting bench wondering if you should make one sniper rifle round or three handgun bullets.
The crafting system is surprisingly deep. You can craft in the field, but it costs more resources. If you wait until you get back to a workbench, you’re more efficient. It’s a constant gamble. "Do I craft this now because I’m scared, or do I try to sneak past this guy to save my gunpowder?" Most of the time, I tried to sneak. Most of the time, I messed up and had to run for my life.
The skill tree is also expanded. You collect "Green Gel" from fallen enemies—a carryover from the first game—and give it to a very creepy version of Nurse Tatiana in the safe room. You can spec into stealth, combat, or athleticism. Pro tip: upgrade the "Bottle Break" skill under the stealth tree as soon as possible. It’s a literal life-saver when a Lost grabs you.
What People Get Wrong About the Story
A common criticism is that the story is "too cheesy." And yeah, Sebastian says some pretty cliché "tough guy" lines. But if you look deeper, the game is actually a very sincere exploration of fatherhood and trauma. It’s not trying to be a high-brow psychological thriller like Silent Hill 2. It’s a grindhouse horror movie with a heart of gold.
The ending—without spoiling the specifics for those who haven't finished it—is surprisingly emotional. It wraps up Sebastian’s arc in a way that feels earned. By the time the credits roll, you feel like you've actually been through a gauntlet. It’s a rare thing for a horror sequel to feel this conclusive.
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How to Optimize Your Experience Today
If you’re picking up The Evil Within 2 2017 now, there are a few things you should know to get the most out of it. It’s available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and it runs great on modern consoles via backward compatibility.
- Play with Headphones: The sound design is incredible. The directional audio for the "Lost" grumbles and the screech of the Guardian is vital for staying alive in the open-world sections.
- Don't Ignore Side Quests: In most games, side quests are filler. Here, they provide the "Syringe" upgrades and the "Broken Sniper Rifle" parts. You need these. The game is significantly harder if you just rush the main path.
- First-Person Mode: After launch, Tango added a full first-person mode. It changes the entire vibe. It makes the game feel more like Resident Evil 7, increasing the tension because you can't see what's lurking right behind your shoulder.
- Use the Crossbow: The Warden Crossbow is your best friend. Smoke bolts allow for easy stealth kills on groups, and Harpoon bolts (when fully upgraded) deal massive damage without using precious gunpowder.
The Legacy of 2017
Looking back, 2017 was a massive year for gaming. We had Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. In that context, a weird, semi-open survival horror game from a Japanese studio could have easily been lost. But it has endured. It’s a cult classic because it doesn't treat the player like an idiot. It gives you a map, a few bullets, and a terrifying set of monsters, then tells you to go find your daughter.
It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s occasionally frustrating. But it’s also one of the most imaginative horror games of the last decade. Whether you're dodging the buzzsaws of the Guardian or trying to figure out the slide projector puzzles in the safe house, there’s always something new to see.
Next Steps for Players:
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If you’re ready to jump into Union, start on Survival difficulty for your first run. It provides the best balance of "scary" and "fair." Focus your early Green Gel on the Stealth and Recovery trees. This ensures you aren't constantly burning through medical supplies. Once you've cleared the first few chapters, keep an eye out for the "Slide" collectibles; they provide deep lore hits that explain exactly what happened to the Mobius organization and Sebastian's wife, Myra.
Check your ammo, keep your flashlight off when sneaking, and remember: in STEM, your mind is the most dangerous weapon you have.