I beat the first section of Silent Hill 2 today. I got to the next one too, but put it on hold for tomorrow, mainly because it was late. This whole section had me on edge just due to the ambience. And the sounds that play kept making me think Pyramid Head was right around the corner and i was going to have to run from him. I'm also in love with the rust everywhere, it makes it even scarier and gives it an industrial feel. I think that industrial feel is part of what makes it unsettling, because my brain is going "this is a domestic environment, but why does it look like a factory?".
It's such as shame this game doesn't have a Photo Mode because there's so many good shots obstructed by James taking up like 30% of the screen. Especially landscape shots, they would be amazing if i could get a proper lens control on it.
Here's a bonus screenshot i took of James up on the stage. I love the attention to detail with this because they could just as well had Maria not say anything:
Further on the attention to detail, in the Motel Maria can hold up her outfit from the original game and ask James if he thinks it suits her. it's a nod i thought was cool.
You're correct about the echoes but honestly that is not what I would consider subtle haha.