In Konami’s lineup of upcoming games, Silent Hill f stands out as one of the most compelling titles. Unveiled at the Silent Hill Transmission event in 2022, this game marks the first new addition to the main Silent Hill series since 2012’s Silent Hill: Downpour. It’s primarily being developed by Neobards Entertainment, a studio that has mostly assisted with other major games like Resident Evil 2 (2019) and Marvel’s Avengers until now. Adding to the intrigue, the script for Silent Hill f is penned by the renowned Japanese writer Ryukishi07, celebrated for his work on the When They Cry visual novel series.
The initial trailer hints that Silent Hill f isn’t going to be your typical Silent Hill game. Instead of being set in the notorious American town the series is famous for, this one takes place in Japan during the Showa period (1926-1989). Since such a setting hasn’t been explored in the previous main entries, Silent Hill f might be seen as a sort of prequel. Its standalone nature and detachment from the series’ complex narratives make it a potentially great introduction for newcomers to the Silent Hill saga. Yet, launching it right after the Silent Hill 2 Remake could be a gamble, possibly sidelining some new fans.
Silent Hill 2 Remake recently breathed new life into the franchise, much to the delight of its long-time fans. Developed by Bloober Team, this surprise hit came after a string of less successful releases like Silent Hill: The First Message and Silent Hill: Book of Memories. Released on PS5 and PC last year, the remake was lauded by critics and fans alike, with many declaring it a standout in the horror genre. The faithfulness to the original, despite a longer narrative and revamped combat system, helped it capture the essence of the classic 2001 game while appealing to both veteran and new audiences. As one of the fastest-selling entries in the series, it has likely served as the inaugural Silent Hill experience for many players.
However, Silent Hill f finds itself in a challenging spot following the remake’s success. Its divergence from the psychological and Lynchian horror style of Silent Hill 2 Remake sets it apart, as it leans heavily on Japanese folk horror and East Asian folklore. These genres are both captivating on their own, but pairing Silent Hill f’s distinct approach too closely with the remake might set misleading expectations for fans about the future direction of the franchise.
Furthermore, with Konami rumored to be working on remakes of Silent Hill 1 and 3 alongside Bloober Team, these potential projects similar in tone to the SH2 remake could overshadow Silent Hill f. If these remakes emerge for modern platforms ahead of Silent Hill f, they could further accentuate its differences, and players anticipating a style akin to Silent Hill 2 or 3 might find themselves dissatisfied.
Neobards Entertainment leads the development effort for Silent Hill f, marking an exciting venture for the studio as it steps into a leading role for such a highly anticipated project. The gaming community eagerly watches, curious about how Silent Hill f will fit into the broader narrative of this iconic horror series.
