Konami has officially revealed Silent Hill f , a new chapter in the renowned horror franchise. Unlike previous titles, the game abandons Western settings and is set in 1960s Japan. The plot follows Hinako Shimizu, a young woman who sees her hometown of Ebisugaoka consumed by a mysterious mist. As the place transforms into a living nightmare, she must face grotesque creatures and unravel dark secrets to survive.
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The narrative is in the hands of Ryukishi07, author known for psychological horror works such as Higurashi When They Cry , and promises a gripping story full of mysteries and twists. Additionally, the soundtrack will feature compositions by series veteran Akira Yamaoka and Kensuke Inage, who brings new sonic layers to the game's horror.
Coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Silent Hill f will be a standalone title within the franchise, allowing both veterans and new players to explore its terrifying atmosphere.
A return to the roots of Japanese horror
Over the years, Silent Hill has undergone several iterations, many of them set in the West, which has diluted the franchise's Japanese essence. According to Motoi Okamoto, the game's producer, this shift was one of the main reasons for bringing the story to Japan.
"We believe that Silent Hill was born from the fusion of Japanese and Western horror. However, because the franchise spent so much time set in the West, the Japanese essence was lost. This made us think, 'What if we created a 100% Japanese Silent Hill?' And that's how this game was born ," explained Okamoto.
Akira Yamaoka, the series' iconic composer, reinforced this vision. "Even when the games were set in the United States, there was a Japanese perspective behind everything. Now, we're fully embracing that identity ," he stated.
The 1960s setting adds a nostalgic and disturbing tone to the game. Inspired by Japanese myths and legends, Silent Hill f uses symbolism and metaphors to create a world where beauty and horror coexist. The game's aesthetic reflects this duality, with desolate landscapes and deformed creatures that appear to grow like living organisms, incorporating floral and biological elements in grotesque ways.
Silent Hill f will have a mysterious plot and impactful choices
The story of Silent Hill f revolves around Hinako Shimizu and her struggle to survive the horrors that grip her town. In addition to dealing with the mist and the creatures that emerge around her, the protagonist must make decisions that affect the unfolding of the narrative.
Ryukishi07 revealed that the game will address themes of regret, guilt, and inevitable choices. "The essence of Silent Hill has always been to place the player in uncomfortable situations and challenge them to interpret events for themselves. We wanted to bring this feeling to the story, with moments where something seems meaningless at first, but takes on greater meaning later ," the writer explained.
The protagonist will be a central element in this construction. Unlike passive characters, common in some games of this genre, Hinako will have an active role, and her decisions can lead to different outcomes. This reinforces immersion and makes each choice even more impactful for the player.
Creature design and spooky atmosphere
The creature designs were entrusted to Kera, an artist inspired by Japanese folklore to create terrifying foes. The idea was to balance innovation and tradition, respecting Silent Hill without repeating previously explored concepts.
"We needed to create something that felt unique while still maintaining the franchise's identity. The creatures in Silent Hill are different from what we've seen before, but they retain that psychological unease that defines the series ," explained Kera. The game's monsters have an organic feel, as if they were part of the surrounding environment, reinforcing the feeling that the town is alive and consuming everything around it.
The soundtrack will also play a key role in building the atmosphere. Akira Yamaoka, a veteran series composer, will be responsible for the melodies of the "World of Mist," while Kensuke Inage will be in charge of the "Otherworld," called the "Dark Sanctuary" in the game. The soundtrack will combine elements of traditional Japanese music with electronic sounds and unsettling environments, creating a sonic landscape that intensifies the psychological horror.
"I composed tracks that combine traditional Japanese instruments with ambient echoes and haunting melodies. My goal was to create a sound that connects the player to the protagonist's inner conflict, the fear and despair she feels," revealed Kensuke Inage.
Gameplay and new features of the franchise
While Silent Hill f features classic series elements like exploration, puzzles, and tense combat, the game will introduce new mechanics to enhance immersion. The city of Ebisugaoka will be an interconnected environment, where each location hides secrets and unexpected dangers.
According to the developers, progression will be influenced by Hinako's choices, altering not only the story's events but also how the protagonist interacts with the world around her. The gameplay also promises a balance between confrontation and stealth, challenging players to choose between facing the horrors of Ebisugaoka or avoiding them.
"The idea is not just to scare, but to create a constant feeling of tension and uncertainty. The player will never be sure if the path ahead is safe ," Okamoto explained.
Konami hasn't yet revealed details about the combat system, but has indicated that Silent Hill f will focus on a balance between confrontation and stealth. The presence of lethal monsters and the scarcity of resources may lead players to avoid direct combat, opting for more strategic solutions to survive.
A new chapter for the Silent Hill
Despite being a standalone title within the series, Silent Hill f promises to please both veterans and new players. For longtime fans, the game will feature subtle references to the franchise, such as small narrative and visual details that recall previous titles. For those who have never played a Silent Hill , Hinako Shimizu's story will serve as a gateway into the series' dark universe.
"Our goal is to create an experience that honors the legacy of the franchise, but also brings something new. Silent Hill f is a return to the roots, but with a fresh and innovative perspective ," Okamoto highlighted.
With no release date yet set, Silent Hill f can now be added to wishlists on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. While fans await more news, the game's first trailer already hints that this new approach could be one of the most memorable chapters in the franchise.
