Emerging from an extensive five-hour preview of Silent Hill f, it is clear that this latest installment sets a remarkably high standard for the survival horror genre. Despite being helmed by an entirely different developer, Taiwan-based Neobards has masterfully crafted an experience that rivals the quality and polished feel of Bloober Team’s acclaimed Silent Hill 2 remake, albeit within a distinctly new and culturally rich setting.
The game immediately immerses players in Ebisugaoka, a dense yet deserted fictional town nestled in the mountains of rural Japan during the Sixties. The meticulous attention to detail in this Japanese setting, combined with an immersive over-the-shoulder perspective and a minimalist UI, allows Silent Hill f to convey its narrative and atmosphere powerfully through visuals alone. Any initial skepticism regarding a non-Japanese developer tackling such an authentic Japanese townscape was swiftly dispelled by the sheer depth and authenticity of Ebisugaoka, a testament to the developers’ understanding and execution.
Unlike its predecessor, the Silent Hill 2 remake, which often confined players to interior spaces, Silent Hill f prioritizes exploration of its sprawling town. The vast majority of the five-hour play session was spent navigating Ebisugaoka’s narrow alleys, lined with old wooden houses, scattered with everyday objects, and crisscrossed by small streams and footpaths. This expanded outdoor exploration offers a refreshing dynamic, allowing the environment itself to tell much of the story and providing a deeply atmospheric experience that feels like a significant evolution for the series.
The narrative unfolds with a keen understanding of Japanese horror, focusing not merely on direct threats but on creating an pervasive sense of unease. Hinako’s journey to escape Ebisugaoka is punctuated by interactions with companions that often veer into unsettling territory, subtly disrupting the player’s comfort. Furthermore, Hinako’s personal notebook serves as a unique storytelling device, offering in-depth lore and character insights that can subtly shift perceptions of events and individuals, reinforcing the game’s theme that appearances can be deceiving.
Silent Hill f introduces a robust melee-centric combat system, distinguishing itself with its weighty, realistic feel. Players wield various weapons from iron pipes to kitchen knives, with resource management now featuring tradable items, a welcome improvement over the abundance found in the Silent Hill 2 remake. The implementation of timed dodges and counterattacks adds a layer of depth, rewarding precise reflexes, though the “Focus mode” offers a strategic alternative for players to charge power attacks or extend counterattack windows, ensuring accessibility while maintaining challenge.
The game’s difficulty settings allow for tailored experiences, though combat on Normal mode proved demanding, skillfully making the player feel vulnerable. One particularly challenging boss encounter, though taking nearly an hour to overcome, provided immense satisfaction upon victory. Producer Motoi Okamoto’s mention of inspiration from popular difficult action games, while not classifying Silent Hill f as a ‘Soulslike’, highlights a design philosophy that encourages learning and mastery, culminating in rewarding triumphs.
Adding another layer to its rich world, Silent Hill f features an alternate dimension that transports Hinako to a more traditional, mystical Japan. Guided by a mysterious masked figure, she discovers traditional Japanese weapons like the Naginata, which, though impermanent, aid her against unique threats. This alternate realm not only expands the game’s lore but also visually contrasts with the decaying modernity of Ebisugaoka, deepening the psychological horror and cultural immersion.
From its captivating world-building and intriguing story to its solid combat mechanics and atmospheric sound design by Akira Yamaoka, Silent Hill f delivers a consistently compelling experience. With an estimated playtime of 12-13 hours and the promise of multiple endings, the initial five hours suggest a balanced horror narrative that intelligently blends exploration with tense encounters. Scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 25, Silent Hill f possesses all the hallmarks to become a serious contender for game of the year, particularly for fans who cherished the Silent Hill 2 remake.
