View source for Pyramid Head

{{Short description|Fictional video game character}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2011}}
{{expand Russian|topic=cult|Пирамидоголовый}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Pyramid Head
| image = [[File:Pyramid Head.jpg|250px|alt=A screenshot of a painting featured in a video game; a pale-skinned, spear-wielding and muscular monster, with a bloodstained and rusty triangular head, stands in the center, surrounded by caged humanoids.]]
| caption = Pyramid Head as he appears in ''Silent Hill 2''
| first_major = [[Silent Hill 2]] (2001)
| series = [[Silent Hill]]
| designer = [[Masahiro Ito]]
| portrayer = Roberto Campanella
}}

'''Pyramid Head''', also known as "'''Red Pyramid Thing'''" (レッドピラミッドシング, Reddo Piramiddo Shingu), {{nihongo|"'''Red Triangle Head'''"|赤い三角頭|Akai Sankakutō}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Silent Hill 3 公式完全攻略ガイド/失われた記憶 サイレントヒル・クロニクル |trans-title=Silent Hill 3 Official Strategy Guide / Lost Memories: Silent Hill Chronicle|date=2003-07-31|publisher=[[NTT Publishing|NTT Publishing Co., Ltd]]|language=ja|location=Japan|isbn=4-7571-8145-0|page=49|chapter=''Silent Hill 2'' Creature Commentary}}</ref> or {{Nihongo|"'''Triangle Head'''"|三角頭|Sankakutō}}, is a [[Character (arts)|character]] from the ''[[Silent Hill]]'' series, a [[survival horror]] video game series created by Japanese company [[Konami]].

Introduced in the 2001 installment ''[[Silent Hill 2]]'', he is a type of monster that serves as the secondary antagonist, stalking [[James Sunderland (Silent Hill)|James Sunderland]], the primary [[player character]], who comes to the town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his deceased wife, Mary. The ''Silent Hill'' series, particularly the second installment, frequently utilizes psychology and symbolism; Pyramid Head represents James's wish to be punished for Mary's death. [[Masahiro Ito]], the designer of ''Silent Hill 2''{{'}}s monsters, created the character because he wanted "a monster with a hidden face". Known for his large triangular helmet that conceals his head, Pyramid Head lacks a voice or a visible face, and his appearance stems from the town's past as a place of execution.

He has since appeared in the 2006 film ''[[Silent Hill (film)|Silent Hill]]'' as "Red Pyramid", in the 2007 first-person shooter ''[[Silent Hill: The Arcade]]'' as a [[boss (gaming)|boss]], and in the sixth installment of the series, ''[[Silent Hill: Homecoming]]'', as the "Boogeyman". He has also made an appearance outside of the ''Silent Hill'' series as a playable character in the games ''[[New International Track & Field]]'', ''[[Super Bomberman R]]'', and ''[[Dead by Daylight]]''. Positively received in ''Silent Hill 2'' for his role as an element of James' [[Psyche (psychology)|psyche]], he has been cited by reviewers as an iconic villain of the series and part of ''Silent Hill 2''{{'}}s appeal.

==Concept and design==
[[File:Pyramid Head concept art.jpg|thumb|A monster with a concealed face was the concept behind Pyramid Head's design; Ito rejected his initial sketch (left), which resembled a masked human, and gave the creature a pyramid-shaped helmet (right).<ref name="Making of"/>]]
Ito wanted to create "a monster with a hidden face", but became unhappy with his designs, which resembled humans wearing masks. He then drew a monster with a pyramid-shaped helmet.<ref name="Making of"/> According to Ito, the triangle's sharp right and acute angles suggest the possibility of pain.<ref name="Making of">[[Konami Corporation]]. ''The Making of Silent Hill 2 DVD''. [[Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo|Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc]], 2002.</ref> Of the creatures that appear in ''Silent Hill 2'', only Pyramid Head features an "overtly masculine" appearance.<ref name="PH Allure 1"/> He resembles a pale, muscular man covered with a white, blood-soaked robe reminiscent of a butcher's [[Smock-frock|smock]]. He does not speak, but grunts and moans painfully.<ref name="PH Allure 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_112/1372-Seeing-Red|title=The Escapist: Seeing Red: The Repulsive Allure of Pyramid Head|page=1|author=González, Christina|date=2007-08-28|work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|publisher=Themis Group|access-date=2010-08-04|archive-date=October 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004173455/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_112/1372-Seeing-Red|url-status=dead}}</ref> His most outstanding feature is his large red, triangular helmet.{{#tag:ref|While Ito designed the monster to have a pyramid-shaped helmet,<ref name="Making of"/> one of the potential endings to ''Silent Hill: Homecoming'' re-imagines it lined with spikes on the inside that is put on the [[player character]] to turn him into a Pyramid Head (or Bogeyman, as the monster is referred to in ''Homecoming'').<ref>{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming|developer=[[Double Helix Games]]|publisher=[[Konami Digital Entertainment|Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.]]|date=2008-09-30|level=Boogeyman ending}}</ref>|group="note"}} His weapons consist of the deadly and heavy Great Knife,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill 2|developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc|publisher=Konami of America, Inc.|date=2001-09-21|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''On-screen text:''' Massive weapon wielded by Pyramid Head. Hard to use, but lethal.}}</ref> which the player can find and use for the rest of the game,<ref name="least scary"/> and later a spear.<ref name="CW"/> As a German [[World War II]] [[tank]] enthusiast, Ito was inspired by the lower hull of the [[Tiger II|King Tiger]] heavy tank when designing the edges of the character's helmet; other military vehicles from that region and era informed design elements as well.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=adsk4|number=867407857762705408|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120081030/https://twitter.com/adsk4/status/867407857762705408|url-status=live|archive-date=2019-01-20|title=Edges of Pyramid Head's helmet is inspired by skirt of lower hull of German tank 'King Tiger' in WW2. Yes, I'm WW2 German tank enthusiast|first=Masahiro |last=Ito|date=2017-05-24|access-date=2019-01-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=adsk4|number=867419611813117952|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120081316/https://twitter.com/adsk4/status/867419611813117952|url-status=live|archive-date=2019-01-20|title=The design of Pyramid Head is influenced by an avant-garde like this. It's a German experimental ramjet-powered interceptor designed in 1944|first=Masahiro |last=Ito|date=2017-05-24|work=[[Masahiro Ito]]|publisher=[[Twitter]]|access-date=2019-01-20}}</ref>

According to Konami's ''Lost Memories'', his appearance was a variation of the outfits of the executioners from the fictional history of the town. They wore red hoods and ceremonial robes to make themselves similar to Valtiel,<ref name="p. 85">{{cite book|title=Silent Hill 3 公式完全攻略ガイド/失われた記憶 サイレントヒル・クロニクル |trans-title=Silent Hill 3 Official Strategy Guide / Lost Memories: Silent Hill Chronicle|date=2003-07-31|publisher=[[NTT Publishing|NTT Publishing Co., Ltd]]|language=ja|location=Japan|isbn=4-7571-8145-0|page=85|chapter=I: The Magician - Valtiel}}</ref> a monster who appears in ''[[Silent Hill 3]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/482701/page_5.html|title=Silent Hill 3 Guide/Walkthrough – Enemies|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[IGN Entertainment, Inc]]|access-date=2010-08-05|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312102126/http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/482701/page_5.html|archive-date=March 12, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Like Valtiel, Pyramid Head dresses in gloves and stitched cloth and pursues the game's main protagonist.<ref name="p. 85"/> According to ''Silent Hill 2''{{'}}s character designer Takayoshi Sato, he appears as a "distorted memory of the executioners" and of the town's past as a place of execution.<ref name="PH Allure 1"/><ref name="satoint">{{cite web|url=http://coregamer.web.simplesnet.pt/sato.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831193214/http://coregamer.web.simplesnet.pt/sato.html |archive-date=August 31, 2011 |title=Interview with Takayoshi Sato: Seizing New Creations |date=2009-05-15 |author=Dieubussy |work=Core Gamers |publisher=CoreGamer |access-date=2011-01-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Christophe Gans]], the director of the film adaptation of ''[[Silent Hill (film)|Silent Hill]]'', suggested that Pyramid Head "was one of the executioners in the original history of the town" and "there is not one particular or exclusive manifestation of him as an entity."<ref name="PH film names"/> However, Ito rejected this suggestion, stating "they really misunderstood Pyramid Head. I designed that only for James."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://twitter.com/adsk4/status/1216647897267097600 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117124038/https://twitter.com/adsk4/status/1216647897267097600 | archive-date=January 17, 2020 | title=伊藤暢達/Masahiro Ito on Twitter: "Umm...they really misunderstood Pyramid Head... I designed that only for James.… " }}</ref> In October 2022, it was revealed that Pyramid Head's executioner background was inspired by characters in the 1995 film ''[[Braveheart]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/silent-hills-pyramid-head-was-inspired-by-a-braveheart-character|title=Silent Hill's Pyramid Head was inspired by a Braveheart character|author=Kennedy, Victoria|date=October 14, 2022|work=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=November 24, 2022|archive-date=November 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124115754/https://www.eurogamer.net/silent-hills-pyramid-head-was-inspired-by-a-braveheart-character|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Appearances==
===In video games===
In ''[[Silent Hill 2]]'', after receiving a letter from his deceased wife, Mary, and arriving in the foggy town of Silent Hill to search for her, the game's protagonist and primary player character, [[James Sunderland (Silent Hill)|James Sunderland]], encounters Pyramid Head several times over the course of the game.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill 2|developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc|publisher=Konami of America, Inc.|date=2001-09-21|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''James:''' You're not friends with that red pyramid thing, are you? / '''Eddie''': Red pyramid thing? I don't know what yer talkin' about. Honest.}}</ref> Pyramid Head, under the new moniker "Bogeyman", makes a significant appearance in 2008 installment ''[[Silent Hill: Homecoming]]'', but his role is limited to non-interactive scenes,<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Joe|last=Rybicki|title=Review of ''Silent Hill: Homecoming''|magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]]|publisher=Future US, Inc|issue=13|date=December 2008|page=64}}</ref> appearing only twice to the game's main protagonist Alex Shepherd (once in the Grand Hotel in Silent Hill and, much later, in a church, where he executes Alex's father by splitting him in half).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/777941/page_19.html|title=Silent Hill Homecoming Guide/ Walkthrough|page=9|work=IGN.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|access-date=2010-08-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619042517/http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/777941/page_19.html|archive-date=June 19, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/777941/page_39.html|title=Silent Hill Homecoming Guide/ Walkthrough|page=29|work=IGN.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|access-date=2010-08-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721091912/http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/777941/page_39.html|archive-date=July 21, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> His last appearance is in a possible ending to the game: Alex wakes up in a wheelchair as two Pyramid Heads appear, each with part of a helmet, which they use to turn Alex into one of them. After this ending is played, the player obtains the Bogeyman's costume for Alex to wear.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/777941/page_10.html|title=Silent Hill Homecoming Guide/ Walkthrough|page=10|work=IGN.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|access-date=2010-08-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721091945/http://uk.guides.ign.com/guides/777941/page_10.html|archive-date=July 21, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Mindful of Pyramid Head's role in ''Silent Hill 2'', the developers chose to include him as "the embodiment of a myth [that] parents started to keep the children out of trouble" and "the accretion of the activities going on in the town of Shepherd’s Glen."<ref name="DH interview">{{cite web|url=http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/11/11/double-helix-reflects-on-silent-hill-homecoming/|title=Double Helix Reflects On The Good, Bad And Scary Of Making 'Silent Hill: Homecoming'|author=Klepek, Patrick|date=2008-11-11|publisher=MTV|access-date=2010-08-24|archive-date=June 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604040603/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/11/11/double-helix-reflects-on-silent-hill-homecoming/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Pyramid Head appears as a boss in the 2007 first-person shooter ''[[Silent Hill: The Arcade]]'',<ref>{{cite web|author=Epperson, Justin|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3157304|title=Previews: Silent Hill: Arcade|work=1UP.com|publisher=News Corporation|date=2007-02-17|access-date=2007-08-22|archive-date=September 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927193141/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3157304|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as ''[[Silent Hill: The Escape]]'', but with a composite design with the Butcher, and as a [[Super deformed|super-deformed]] selectable character in the 2008 [[Nintendo DS]] title ''[[New International Track & Field]]'', an installment of the ''[[Track & Field (video game)|Track & Field]]'' series, another spin-off ''[[Krazy Kart Racing]]'' alongside Robbie the Rabbit, and in 2017's ''[[Super Bomberman R]]'' as Pyramid Bomber, alongside [[Simon Belmont]] from the [[Castlevania]] series, and [[Gradius]]'s Vic Viper.<ref name="GameDaily Track"/><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/bomberman/264013/silent-hills-pyramid-head-is-coming-to-super-bomberman-r|title= Silent Hill's Pyramid Head Is Coming to Super Bomberman R|first= Matthew|last= Byrd|date= 2017-04-21|work= [[Den of Geek]]|publisher= [[Dennis Publishing]]|access-date= 2019-02-03|archive-date= February 3, 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190203144009/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/bomberman/264013/silent-hills-pyramid-head-is-coming-to-super-bomberman-r|url-status= live}}</ref> The 2007 game ''[[Silent Hill: Origins]]'' also included a similar monster named "The Butcher",<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-silent-hill-origins-54669.phtml|title= Silent Hill Origins|first= Brad|last= Rice|date= 2007-11-18|work= Destructoid|publisher= modernmethod|access-date= 2010-12-11|archive-date= June 30, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120630163210/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-silent-hill-origins-54669.phtml|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Origins">{{cite web|url= http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/20-Silent-Hill-Origins|title= Silent Hill Origins|first= Ben|last= Croshaw|date= 2008-01-09|work= The Escapist|publisher= Themis Group|access-date= 2010-12-11|archive-date= May 12, 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120512191433/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/20-Silent-Hill-Origins|url-status= dead}}</ref> whom the protagonist occasionally encounters killing other monsters (unlike other versions of Pyramid Head, the Butcher can and must be fought and killed in combat) and a painting of Pyramid Head is seen in the burning house of Alessa.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Silent Hill: Origins]]|developer=[[Climax Group|Climax Studios]]|publisher=Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.|date=2007-11-06|platform=[[PlayStation Portable]]}}</ref> In the 2012 installment ''[[Silent Hill: Downpour]]'', Pyramid Head makes a cameo appearance in the "Surprise!" ending, along with various other characters from the franchise. Pyramid Head's most recent appearance was in 2012's ''[[Silent Hill: Book of Memories]]'', where he is a monster that can spawn randomly to fight the player. Pyramid Head also appeared as a costume for the Playstation Home.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/sh/shbm/shbmint.html | title=RPGamer > Feature > Silent Hill: Book of Memories Interview with Adam Tierney and Tomm Hulett | access-date=November 24, 2022 | archive-date=November 24, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124122331/https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/sh/shbm/shbmint.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

Pyramid Head was included as a purchasable killer for the survival horror game ''[[Dead by Daylight]]'' with the release of the CHAPTER 16:Silent Hill DLC on June 16, 2020. His title is "The Executioner", a nod to his past as the executioner of Silent Hill.<ref>{{cite web|author=McWhertor, Michael|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/26/21270326/silent-hill-dead-by-daylight-dlc-pyramid-head-cheryl-heather-mason|title=Silent Hill's Pyramid Head comes to Dead by Daylight|work=Polygon|date=2020-05-26|access-date=2020-05-27|archive-date=May 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526202541/https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/26/21270326/silent-hill-dead-by-daylight-dlc-pyramid-head-cheryl-heather-mason|url-status=live}}</ref> Pyramid Head was a boss character in the Silent Hill DLC of Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals, In where he's referred to by his original name of Red Pyramid Thing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/silent-hill-dlc-brings-pyramid-head-to-dark-deception-monsters-mortals-today/|title=Silent Hill DLC Brings Pyramid Head To Dark Deception|website=thegamer|date=March 23, 2021|language=en|access-date=2021-03-23|archive-date=October 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004181008/https://www.thegamer.com/silent-hill-dlc-brings-pyramid-head-to-dark-deception-monsters-mortals-today/|url-status=live}}</ref> Pyramid Head also makes a cameo appearance in the [[PlayStation 5]] game ''[[Astro's Playroom]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamepur.com/guides/every-cameraman-reference-in-astros-playroom|title=Every cameraman reference in Astro's Playroom|website=Gamepur|language=en|access-date=2020-11-12|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113055305/https://www.gamepur.com/guides/every-cameraman-reference-in-astros-playroom|url-status=live}}</ref>

===In other media===
{{quote box|width = 29em|border = 1px|align = left|bgcolor = #c6dbf7|halign = left|quote = "The big change in Red Pyramid
 for me was not his head as much as his body. In the game, he has a very deformed body almost a hunchback. Instead we decided to make him a tall, powerful character a little like the Warrior God in ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'' that [[Patrick Tatopoulos]] created. Why? Because for me there is a little of Anubis<!-- Please don't correct the typo, as it is already indicated by the "sic." Thank you. -->{{sic}}, the Egyptian God of Death in the Red Pyramid."|source = —[[Christophe Gans]]<ref name="director"/> }}

Pyramid Head makes an appearance in the [[Silent Hill (film)|2006 film adaptation of ''Silent Hill'']] as "Red Pyramid", and is portrayed by Roberto Campanella. In the film, the psyches of the female characters shaped the character's physical appearance.<ref name="PH film names">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/silenthill/productiondiary/archives/2006/04/on_the_red_pyra.php|title=Silent Hill: On The Red Pyramid, Carol Spier as Production Designer, and Exploring Society in Horror Films|author=Gans, Christophe|date=2006-04-06|publisher=Sony Pictures Digital Inc.|access-date=2010-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060408214613/http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/silenthill/productiondiary/archives/2006/03/on_adapting_sil.php|archive-date=2006-04-08}}</ref> Gans claimed that replicating the character's head exactly and having the actor move while wearing it proved to be impractical; he noted that, despite the name, Pyramid Head actually wore "a basin" instead of a triangle-shaped helmet.<ref name="director">{{cite web|url=http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/silenthill/productiondiary/archives/2006/03/on_adapting_sil.php|title=On Adapting Silent Hill Lore, The Red Pyramid, and Using "Centralia" as a Temp Film Title|date=2006-03-15|author=Gans, Christophe|publisher=[[Sony Pictures Digital|Sony Pictures Digital Inc.]]|access-date=2010-03-14|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213143637/http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/silenthill/productiondiary/archives/2006/03/on_adapting_sil.php|archive-date=February 13, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Red Pyramid's sword and helmet were constructed out of lightweight material painted to appear heavy.<ref name="Movie Making of"/> For the role, Campanella wore a "five-part [[prosthetic]]"; it took two-and-a-half to three hours to get him into costume and make-up.<ref name="Movie Making of"/> His boots had a hidden {{convert|15|in|cm|adj=on}} sole which made him just under {{convert|7|ft|m}} tall.<ref name="Movie Making of">{{cite AV media|title=Making Silent Hill – Path of Darkness|date=2006|publisher=[[TriStar Pictures|TriStar Pictures, Inc.]]}}</ref> [[Patrick Tatopoulos]], who worked on the make-up effects and monsters, enjoyed the project of designing the character. According to him, Red Pyramid serves as a symbol of the town's darkness and harbinger of its changed character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528769/20060414/story.jhtml|title=No Green Screen Here – 'Silent Hill' Baddies Report To Set|author=Carroll, Larry|date=2006-04-17|publisher=[[MTV Networks]]|access-date=2010-08-28|archive-date=November 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105100423/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528769/silent-hill-baddies-report-set.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gans considered the monsters of the film "a mockery of human beings", and commented: "The real monsters are the people, the cultists who tortured Alessa. When I approached the film, I knew that it was impossible to represent the monsters as simply beasts that jump on you."<ref name="1up">{{cite web| last = Bettenhausen| first = Shane| date = 2006-02-23| url = http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=6605116&publicUserId=1002415| title = Silent Hill Movie Interview: The Director's Cut| work = [[1UP.com]]| publisher = [[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]]| access-date = 2011-07-22| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120927032245/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=6605116&publicUserId=1002415| archive-date = September 27, 2012| df = mdy-all}}</ref>

In the 2012 film ''[[Silent Hill: Revelation]]'', the Pyramid Head, once more portrayed by Roberto Campanella,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.best-horror-movies.com/news?name=new-york-comiccon-report-on-silent-hill-revelation-3d |title=New York ComicCon Report on Silent Hill Revelation 3D |publisher=Best-horror-movies.com |date=2012-10-14 |access-date=2014-06-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222143408/http://www.best-horror-movies.com/news?name=new-york-comiccon-report-on-silent-hill-revelation-3d |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> is both a monster and a guardian. More than once, it saves Sharon from the forces of Silent Hill. This is explained by its loyalty to Alessa: since Heather is the good half of Alessa's soul, it sees them as the same being and is thus bound to protect both from harm. Pyramid Head is also seen controlling the carousel where Heather and Alessa face off against each other, then it kills the cult leader Claudia Wolf after the amulet shows her inner, monstrous nature.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3704165/finding-fun-and-fan-service-in-silent-hill-revelation-the-silver-lining/|title=Finding Fun and Fan-Service in 'Silent Hill: Revelation' [The Silver Lining]|author=Luiz H. C.|date=February 23, 2022|website=BloodyDisgusting|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326110247/https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3704165/finding-fun-and-fan-service-in-silent-hill-revelation-the-silver-lining/|url-status=live}}</ref>

He also makes a [[cameo appearance]] in the 2008 [[Silent Hill (comics)|''Silent Hill'' comic book]] ''Sinner's Reward'', published by [[IDW Publishing]]. The writer, Tom Waltz, later said he regretted the cameo, which only functioned as [[fan service]].<ref name="Waltz interview"/> To him, Pyramid Head is a psychological construct created for James; however, he stated that: "At the same time, I don't think that ruined the comic. Some people really liked it. To some people, Pyramid Head should be in all the stories because they do like him."<ref name="Waltz interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/interview-tom-waltz-from-comics-to-silent-hill-8-180084.phtml|title=Interview: Tom Waltz: From comics to Silent Hill 8|date=2010-07-28|author=North, Dale|work=[[Destructoid]]|publisher=modernmethod|access-date=2010-08-23|archive-date=April 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417160809/http://www.destructoid.com/interview-tom-waltz-from-comics-to-silent-hill-8-180084.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, the character was portrayed from October 2 to 31, 2009, in the [[haunted attraction (simulated)|haunted attraction]] Sinister Pointe, based on ''Silent Hill'', in [[Orange County, California]], United States.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/102/1027481p1.html|title=Silent Hill Haunted Maze to Debut at Sinister Pointe in Orange County, California|date=2009-09-22|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|access-date=2011-09-22|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831200830/http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/102/1027481p1.html|archive-date=August 31, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/94918-Pyramid-Head-Gets-Real-In-Silent-Hill-Haunted-Maze|title=The Escapist: News: Pyramid Head Gets Real In ''Silent Hill'' Haunted Maze|author=Cavalli, Ernest|date=2009-09-22|work=The Escapist|publisher=Themis Group|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-date=October 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005104543/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/94918-Pyramid-Head-Gets-Real-In-Silent-Hill-Haunted-Maze|url-status=dead}}</ref> Merchandise featuring Pyramid Head includes action figurines.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.siliconera.com/silent-hill-pyramid-head-pop-up-parade-figure-carries-its-knife/ | title=Silent Hill Pyramid Head Pop up Parade Figure Carries Its Knife | date=June 23, 2023 | access-date=June 25, 2023 | archive-date=June 25, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625014347/https://www.siliconera.com/silent-hill-pyramid-head-pop-up-parade-figure-carries-its-knife/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.siliconera.com/silent-hill-2-bubble-head-nurse-and-pyramid-head-figures-teased/ | title=Silent Hill 2 Bubble Head Nurse and Pyramid Head Figures Teased | date=February 11, 2022 | access-date=June 25, 2023 | archive-date=June 25, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625014347/https://www.siliconera.com/silent-hill-2-bubble-head-nurse-and-pyramid-head-figures-teased/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

He also makes a [[cameo appearance]] in the 2019 video game [[Katana Zero]], produced by game developer Askiisoft. The cameo occurs in the "Studio 51" level, where once all enemies have been dealt with, on the way back to the elevator the character can be seen slowly approaching the player, damaging them as the illusion of the moment crumbles once it's revealed that it's not the actual character itself, but a robotic recreation made as a prop for the studio (this area of the level pays tribute to the video game series [[Silent Hill]], although here it is renamed as "Quiet Hills").

==Analysis==
The ''Silent Hill'' series uses symbolism and psychology; the town of Silent Hill draws upon the psyche of its visitors, ultimately creating an "[[otherworld]]," a twisting of reality that manifests delusions and elements of their [[Subconscious|subconscious minds]], varying from character to character.<ref name="p. 111">{{cite book|title=Silent Hill 3 公式完全攻略ガイド/失われた記憶 サイレントヒル・クロニクル |trans-title=Silent Hill 3 Official Strategy Guide / Lost Memories: Silent Hill Chronicle|date=2003-07-31|publisher=NTT Publishing Co., Ltd|language=ja|location=Japan|isbn=4-7571-8145-0|page=111|chapter=XXI: The World - Another World}}</ref> Specifically, in the case of ''Silent Hill 2''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s primary player character James Sunderland, the version of the town he explores is influenced by him. Many of the monsters that roam the town symbolize his guilt, wish for punishment, for his wife's three-year-long illness,<ref name="p. 111"/> and cease to exist after James comes to terms with the fact that he killed his wife Mary, partially to end her suffering and partially out of resentment and frustration.<ref name="p. 111"/><ref>{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill 2|developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc|publisher=Konami of America, Inc.|date=2001-09-21|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''James''': Forgive me... / '''Mary''': I told you that I wanted to die, James. I wanted the pain to end. / '''James''': That’s why I did it, honey. I just couldn’t watch you suffer. No! That’s not true... You also said that you didn’t want to die. The truth is I hated you. I wanted you out of the way. I wanted my life back.... / '''Mary''': James... if that were true, then why do you look so sad?}}</ref> James knew she had a terminal illness,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill 2|developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc|publisher=Konami of America, Inc.|date=2001-09-21|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''James''': Mary's going to die...? You... you must be joking! / '''Doctor''': I'm very sorry. [...] As her doctor, I promise that I'll do what I can. But... there's still no effective treatment for her condition. / '''James''': How long does she have? / '''Doctor''': I'm afraid I'm not sure. 3 years at most... Perhaps 6 months...}}</ref> which has been speculated to be cancer,<ref name="PH Allure 2"/> and he often read medical textbooks, searching for something to help her.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill 2|developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc|publisher=Konami of America, Inc.|date=2001-09-21|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''James''': I've already read enough medical books. None of them ever did any good.}}</ref> During her last days alive, she became physically repulsive as a result of the illness and treated James abusively, ordering him to leave one moment and begging him to comfort her the next.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill 2|developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc|publisher=Konami of America, Inc.|date=2001-09-21|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Mary''': Between the disease and the drugs, I look like a monster. Well what are you looking at? Get the hell out of here. Leave me alone already! [...] Are you still here? I told you to go! Are you deaf?! Don't come back! James... Wait... Please, don't go... Stay with me. Don't leave me alone. I didn't mean what I said. Please, James... Tell me I'll be okay. Tell me I'm not going to die. Help me...}}</ref> The knowledge of her terminal illness caused her to become angry and to hurt her loved ones, particularly James, and it pained him to visit her in the hospital.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill 2|developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc|publisher=Konami of America, Inc.|date=2001-09-21|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Mary's letter''': Whenever you come see me, I can tell how hard it is on you...I don't know if you hate me or pity me... Or maybe I just disgust you... I'm sorry about that. When I first learned that I was going to die, I just didn't want to accept it. I was so angry all the time and I struck out at everyone I loved most. Especially you, James.}}</ref> Pyramid Head functions as an executioner of Maria, a delusion of James's who strongly resembles Mary.<ref>{{cite book|title=Silent Hill 3 公式完全攻略ガイド/失われた記憶 サイレントヒル・クロニクル |trans-title=Silent Hill 3 Official Strategy Guide / Lost Memories: Silent Hill Chronicle|date=2003-07-31|publisher=NTT Publishing Co., Ltd|language=ja|location=Japan|isbn=4-7571-8145-0|page=46|chapter=Silent Hill 2 Character Commentary}}</ref> Through Maria's repeated deaths, Pyramid Head reminds James of Mary's death and causes him to experience guilt and suffering.<ref name="Maria's death 1">{{cite video game|title=Silent Hill 2|developer=Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc|publisher=Konami of America, Inc.|date=2001-09-21|platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''James''': Maria’s dead. I couldn’t protect her. Once again, I couldn’t do anything to help. [...] Mary... What... What should I do? Are you... really waiting somewhere for me? Or is this your way of taking...}}</ref><ref name="p. 110"/> His appearance as an executioner stems from a picture that James saw while visiting the town three years ago with Mary.<ref name="p. 110">{{cite book|title=Silent Hill 3 公式完全攻略ガイド/失われた記憶 サイレントヒル・クロニクル |trans-title=Silent Hill 3 Official Strategy Guide / Lost Memories: Silent Hill Chronicle|date=2003-07-31|publisher=[[NTT Publishing|NTT Publishing Co., Ltd]]|language=ja|location=Japan|isbn=4-7571-8145-0|page=110|chapter=XX: Judgement - Red Pyramid Thing}}</ref>

Pyramid Head's Great Knife is actually one half of a pair of scissors. The developer's intent was for James to obtain the other half of the scissors later in the game, symbolizing Pyramid Head's role as a reflection of his psyche. However Ito did not have enough time to put a second Great Knife in the game. James ultimately obtains the same knife wielded by Pyramid Head.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1324059631828697088 |user=adsk4 |title=Yes, my decision. Coz I meant it's one side of a scissors. James gets the other side of it at the room. I wanted to depict it's one of tips that means Pyramid Head is the other James. But, in fact, the one James gets is just the same as PH's tho. I didn't have time to make it. |first=Masahiro |last=Ito |date=4 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Thread |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105044057/https://mobile.twitter.com/adsk4/status/1324116100502618113 |archive-url= |access-date= |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref>

Reviewers have suggested various interpretations. According to Christina González of [[The Escapist (magazine)|''The Escapist'']], Pyramid Head acts as "judgement personified, a dark butcher," and "James' masochistic delusion" which punishes him for Mary's death.<ref name="PH Allure 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_112/1372-Seeing-Red.2|title=The Escapist: Seeing Red: The Repulsive Allure of Pyramid Head|page=2|author=González, Christina|date=2007-08-28|work=The Escapist|publisher=Themis Group|access-date=2010-08-04|archive-date=June 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613083910/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_112/1372-Seeing-Red.2|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ken Gagne of ''[[Computerworld]]'' suggested that the monster "represents James' anger and guilt."<ref name="CW"/> A critic for ''[[IGN]]'', Jesse Schedeen, considered Pyramid Head's role throughout the ''Silent Hill'' series to be "a manifestation of a person's guilt", commenting: "Pyramid Head is just there to help you serve your penance in the most painful and grotesque way possible."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/925/925158p2.html|title=The Monsters of Gaming|date=2008-10-31|author=Schedeen, Jesse|work=ign.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|page=2|access-date=2011-09-02|archive-date=March 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305000010/http://stars.ign.com/articles/925/925158p2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
Critical reaction to Pyramid Head has been favorable for his distinctive appearance and role as an element of James' [[Psyche (psychology)|psyche]]. Critics cite him as an iconic villain of the ''Silent Hill'' series,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-game-characters/|title=50 iconic video game characters|first=Rachel|last=Weber|date=November 8, 2021|website=gamesradar|access-date=November 17, 2021|archive-date=November 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130073904/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-game-characters/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.ign.com/articles/103/1035126p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018074542/http://games.ign.com/articles/103/1035126p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2009|title=Cheers & Tears: Horror Games|author=IGN staff|work=IGN.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|date=2009-10-14|access-date=2010-09-22|quote= Besides, Silent Hill 2 provided the series with its iconic villain, Pyramid Head, a figure designed to haunt both monsters and characters alike.}}</ref><ref name="50 Best">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-top-50-videogames-of-the-decade-20-11--155590.phtml|title=Top 50 Videogames of the Decade (#20–11)|date=2009-12-04|author=Concelmo, Chad|work=Destructoid|publisher=modernmethod|access-date=2010-09-22|quote=...''Silent Hill 2'' is most memorable for its introduction of iconic videogame character Pyramid Head.|archive-date=April 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417190021/http://www.destructoid.com/the-top-50-videogames-of-the-decade-20-11--155590.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Page 3">{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_198/5984-Love-Triangle.3|title=The Escapist: Love Triangle|page=3|author=Xu, Samantha|date=2009-06-21|work=The Escapist|publisher=Themis Group|access-date=2010-08-03|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021000727/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_198/5984-Love-Triangle.3|url-status=dead}}</ref> a favorite among fans,<ref name="GR villains"/> and part of the appeal of ''Silent Hill 2''.<ref name="GR villains"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/211978/the-40-best-ps2-games-2009-edition-page-2/|title=The 40 Best PS2 Games: 2009 Edition|page=2|author=GamePro staff|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=GamePro Media, Inc|date=2009-09-09|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017093727/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/211978/the-40-best-ps2-games-2009-edition-page-2/|archive-date=2010-10-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/772/772296p2.html|title=The Top 25 PS2 Games of All Time|page=2|author=IGN staff|date=2009-08-10|work=IGN.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-date=August 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829052827/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/772/772296p2.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]'' compared Pyramid Head's appearance to [[Leatherface]], the main antagonist of ''[[The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (franchise)|The Texas Chainsaw Massacre]]'' series of [[slasher film]]s, and found him the most terrifying monster in ''Silent Hill 2''.<ref name="Gamespot PC">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/silenthill2/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs |title=PC - Silent Hill 2: Director's Cut - Reviews |author=Dulin, Ron |date=2002-12-04 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive Inc]] |access-date=2007-01-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926212734/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/silenthill2/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs |archive-date=September 26, 2007 }}</ref> ''[[Computerworld]]'' named Pyramid Head as one of the most terrifying villains in computer and video games.<ref name="CW">{{cite web|author=Gagne, Ken|date=2008-09-16|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2541492/you-can-run--but-you-ll-only-die-tired--gaming-s--baddest--villains.html|title=You can run, but you'll only die tired: Gaming's 'baddest' villains|work=[[Computerworld]]|publisher=Computerworld Inc|access-date=2022-08-20|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231031240/http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9022399/You_can_run_but_you_ll_only_die_tired_Gaming_s_baddest_villains?pageNumber=5|archive-date=December 31, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar]]'' interpreted the scene in which he kills the two other monsters as rape and called it unsettling, since the subject of rape is not often tackled in video games,<ref name="shocking scene">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-10-most-shocking-game-moments-of-the-decade/a-20091221122845427051|title=The 10 most shocking game moments of the decade|author=GamesRadar staff|work=GamesRadar|date=December 29, 2009|publisher=Future US, Inc|access-date=2010-03-15|quote=The emotionally-loaded subject of rape has never really been dealt with in games before or since Konami’s survival horror....Still, even though it’s a hugely disquieting moment, there’s no question it further adds to Pyramid Head’s mystique as one of the most terrifying video game villains ever.|archive-date=June 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615184838/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-10-most-shocking-game-moments-of-the-decade/a-20091221122845427051|url-status=live}}</ref> and disliked the final battle with him because of how anticlimactic it was, in comparison with his role throughout the rest of the game.<ref name="least scary">{{cite web |last=Reparaz |first=Mikel |title=The 7 least-scary moments in scary games |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-7-least-scary-moments-in-scary-games/3/ |work=[[GamesRadar]] |date=November 1, 2006 |publisher=[[Future plc|Future US, Inc]] |page=3 |access-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-date=February 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218143934/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-7-least-scary-moments-in-scary-games/3/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Red Bull]]'' stated Pyramid Head is "the stuff of nightmares in video games, quite literally. Pyramid Head has terrorized game audiences and fans of the Silent Hill franchise for years."<ref name="Redbull">{{cite web|url=https://www.redbull.com/mea-en/scariest-games-villains-of-all-time|title=Scariest Games' Villains of All Time|author=Red Bull MEA|date=October 28, 2020|access-date=September 17, 2021|website=[[Red Bull]]|archive-date=May 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512014913/https://www.redbull.com/mea-en/scariest-games-villains-of-all-time|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'' described him as one of the greatest video game characters, commenting that "Stalking the claustrophobic corridors of the vacant town, he remains one of the few masculine entities in the series and one of the most shocking monstrosities in gaming history."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/|title=The 50 Greatest Video Game Characters – 41. Pyramid Head|work=Empire|first1=James|last1=Dyer|first2=David|last2=McComb|first3=Alastair|last3=Plumb|first4=David|last4=Scarborough|date=May 26, 2010|access-date=August 2, 2013|archive-date=November 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102113748/http://www.empireonline.com/features/50-greatest-video-game-characters/default.asp?film=13|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Den of Geek]]'' noted its popularity and said that "before we knew exactly what Pyramid Head was, the mere sight of the monster triggered something inside of us that overcome our cynicism and defenses. He intrigued us, he repulsed us, but he made us feel something that so many other monsters can’t make us feel. It’s easy to get caught up in the cynicism of how marketing and products often turn characters into caricatures. Yet, that process has to start with the creation of something truly incredible. In his original form, Pyramid Head was most certainly that."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/silent-hill-pyramid-head-backstory-legacy-popularity/?amp|title=Silent Hill: How Pyramid Head Became a Horror Icon|author=Greenbaum, Aaron|date=October 14, 2022|website=[[Den of Geek]]|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-date=November 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124120730/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/silent-hill-pyramid-head-backstory-legacy-popularity/?amp|url-status=live}}</ref>

Magazines have also called him as one of the scariest<ref>{{cite web |author=Workman, Robert |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210075928/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-scariest-video-game-monsters/?page=21 |archive-date=2008-12-10 |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-scariest-video-game-monsters/?page=21 |title=Top 25 Scariest Video Game Monsters |work=[[GameDaily]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |access-date=2011-10-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psu.com/a008328/The-top-ten-scariest-monsters-to-infest-a-Sony-platform |title=The top ten scariest monsters to infest a Sony platform - PlayStation Universe |date=October 31, 2009 |publisher=Psu.com |access-date=2014-06-22}}</ref><ref>James Hawkins, [http://www.joystickdivision.com/2010/04/the_top_ten_scariest_character.php?page=2The Top Ten Scariest Characters in Video Game History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527150136/http://www.joystickdivision.com/2010/04/the_top_ten_scariest_character.php?page=2The |date=May 27, 2012 }}, Joystick Division, April 1, 2010</ref> and best video game villains.<ref name="GR commentary">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-25-best-new-characters-of-the-decade/a-20091221171910974007/p-4|title=The 25 best new characters of the decade|work=GamesRadar|publisher=Future US, Inc |access-date=2010-01-04 |date=2009-12-29}}</ref><ref name="GR villains">{{cite web |title=The scariest villains ever |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-scariest-villains-ever/a-2008061315431334063/p-6 |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future US, Inc |access-date=2009-01-05 |date=2008-06-16 |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616054424/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-scariest-villains-ever/a-2008061315431334063/p-6 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/11/coolest-video-game-villains-of-all-time/silent-hill |title=15. Pyramid Head — The 50 Coolest Video Game Villains of All Time |publisher=Complex |date=2012-11-01 |access-date=2013-07-21 |archive-date=December 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228213348/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/11/coolest-video-game-villains-of-all-time/silent-hill |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.gamesradar.com/villains-in-video-games/3/|title = The best villains in video games|date = February 10, 2018|access-date = July 25, 2021|archive-date = November 23, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211123122540/https://www.gamesradar.com/villains-in-video-games/3/|url-status = live}}</ref> ''GamesRadar'' has praised Pyramid Head's role as an antagonist and describing him as one of the best villains in video game history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-villains-video-games/|title=100 best villains in video games|publisher=GamesRadar|author=GamesRadar Staff|date=May 17, 2013|access-date=June 21, 2013|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522093553/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-100-villains-video-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a 2009 retrospective on the [[survival horror]] genre, ''[[IGN]]'' noted that ''Silent Hill 2'' incorporated "a 'stalker' element similar to ''[[Clock Tower (video game)|Clock Tower]]'' and ''[[Resident Evil 3: Nemesis|Resident Evil 3]]''," and wrote: "To this day, Pyramid Head is remembered as one of gaming's most frightening villains."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/104/1040759p6.html|title=IGN Presents the History of Survival Horror|author=Fahs, Travis|work=ign.com|date=October 30, 2009|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|page=6|access-date=2011-08-05|archive-date=December 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224083436/http://retro.ign.com/articles/104/1040759p6.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''IGN'' also described Pyramid Head as one of their favorite video game monsters of all time, stating that "Pyramid Head is no stranger to ''IGN'' Stars lately, having shown up in several recent character countdowns. There's just something about Halloween that makes us go all gushy for this horrific monster."<ref>Schedeen, Jesse (2008-10-31). [http://stars.ign.com/articles/925/925158p8.html Monsters in Gaming] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024221205/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/31/the-monsters-of-gaming?page=8 |date=October 24, 2012 }}. [[IGN]]. Retrieved on 2008-12-26</ref>

His appearances outside ''Silent Hill 2'' have received mixed critical reaction. Critics generally agreed that Pyramid Head's appearance in ''Homecoming'' struck them as [[fan service]], though Chris Hudak of ''[[GameRevolution]]'' called it "damned effectively-employed."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps3/silent_hill_5|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming - PS3 Review|date=2008-10-03|access-date=2010-04-17|work=[[Game Revolution]]|publisher=AtomicOnline, LLC|first=Chris|last=Hudak|quote=...even Pyramid Head’s appearances feel more like fan service (albeit damned effectively-employed fan service).|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204140317/http://gamerevolution.com/review/ps3/silent_hill_5|archive-date=December 4, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/284-Silent-Hill-Homecoming|title=The Escapist : Zero Punctuation: Silent Hill Homecoming|last=Croshaw|first=Ben|date=2008-10-22|work=The Escapist|publisher=Themis Group|access-date=2010-08-09|quote=Pyramid Head also makes his contractual appearance for no better reason than fan service.|archive-date=May 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512175012/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/284-Silent-Hill-Homecoming|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="review_ign">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/915/915002p1.html|title=Silent Hill: Homecoming Review|first=Jeff|last=Haynes|date=2008-09-30|work=IGN.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|access-date=2010-08-09|quote=...even the few sequences where Pyramid Head pops up are more like brief guest appearances for fans, although he does have a great scene towards the end of the game.|archive-date=July 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719094238/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/915/915002p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Masahiro Ito commented that Pyramid Head was designed specifically for James' story in ''Silent Hill 2'', and that, if he were to make another ''Silent Hill'' game, he would either not use Pyramid Head again or kill him off entirely in the opening scene.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=adsk4|number=867501554554724352|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120081337/https://twitter.com/adsk4/status/867501554554724352|url-status=live|archive-date=2019-01-20|title=If I should make a new Silent Hill, I would not use Pyramid Head or kill him in its opening|first=Masahiro |last=Ito|date=2017-05-24|access-date=2019-01-20}}</ref> Film critics commented on his role in the film adaption, with several finding him disturbing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117930293?refcatid=31|title=Silent Hill - Film Reviews|date=2006-04-21|author=Harvey, Dennis|work=Variety|publisher=[[Reed Business Information]]|access-date=2011-07-22|archive-date=November 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112182935/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117930293?refcatid=31|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/silent-hill-starts-creepy-quickly-turns-silly-wbna12424826|title='Silent Hill' starts creepy but quickly turns silly|author=Lemire, Christy|date=2006-04-21|publisher=Today.com|access-date=2011-07-22|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421015835/https://www.today.com/popculture/silent-hill-starts-creepy-quickly-turns-silly-wbna12424826|url-status=live}}</ref> ''DVD Reviews'' praised Campanella's portrayal of Pyramid Head and another monster, writing: "These are without a doubt some of the most striking bogeymen that I have seen on screen in a long time."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdreview.com/reviews/pages/2403.shtml|title=DVD Review - Silent Hill|date=2006-08-21|work=DVD Review|access-date=2011-07-22|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713042647/http://www.dvdreview.com/reviews/pages/2403.shtml|archive-date=July 13, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> His appearance in ''[[New International Track & Field]]'' received mixed critical reaction. ''GameDaily'' disliked it, finding it awkward that a character like Pyramid Head was competing in sporting events with characters like [[Frogger]] and [[Sparkster]],<ref name="GameDaily Track">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/bad-career-move-video-game-characters-worst-moments/?page=15|title=Bad Career Move: Video Game Characters' Worst Moments|date=2009-01-27|author=Workman, Robert|work=[[GameDaily]]|publisher=[[AOL Inc.|AOL Inc]]|access-date=2010-03-14|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607020320/http://www.joystiq.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> while ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' called it enjoyable and "hilarious".<ref name="Escapist Track">{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/5128-Review-New-International-Track-and-Field|title=The Escapist: Review: New International Track and Field|author=Stoklasa, Thaddeus|date=2008-08-14|work=The Escapist|publisher=Themis Group|access-date=2010-08-30|archive-date=November 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126215443/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/5128-Review-New-International-Track-and-Field|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Nemesis (Resident Evil)|Nemesis]], a similar character in the ''[[Resident Evil]]'' survival horror video game series

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |url=http://www.etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/content/silent-hill-2-doris-c-rusch |title=Staring Into The Abyss – A Close Reading of Silent Hill 2 |date=2009-03-10 |series=Well Played 1.0: Video Games, Value and Meaning |author=Rusch, Doris C. |editor=Davidson, Drew |publisher=ETC-Press |location=[[Pittsburgh]] |isbn=978-0-557-06975-0 |oclc=429229240 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016194234/http://www.etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/content/silent-hill-2-doris-c-rusch |archive-date=2009-10-16}}
* {{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/silent-hill-website-release-date-announcement-kojima-1849666497|title=Silent Hill Website Still A Shit Post Amid New Game Announcement Hype|author= Gach, Ethan|date=October 17, 2022|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=June 25, 2023}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/sh2/index.html ''Silent Hill 2'' official website] {{in lang|ja}}
{{Silent Hill}}

{{Good article}}

[[Category:Male horror film characters]]
[[Category:Male characters in video games]]
[[Category:Silent Hill characters]]
[[Category:Video game bosses]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 2001]]
[[Category:Video game characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:Video game characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Video game mascots]]
[[Category:Monster mascots]]
[[Category:Mascots introduced in 2001]]
[[Category:Fictional mass murderers]]
[[Category:Male horror film villains]]
[[Category:Fictional monsters]]