Konami's latest Silent Hill Transmission unveiled Silent Hill f, a chilling new entry in the beloved horror franchise transporting players to 1960s Japan. First announced in 2022 as a game set in a "beautiful, therefore terrifying" world, Silent Hill f is penned by Ryukishi07, the acclaimed writer behind Higurashi and Umineko.
Silent Hill f Aims to Blend Beauty and Terror in 1960s Japan
Konami showcased a new trailer and revealed the game's core concept: finding "the beauty in terror" and presenting players with a profound, yet terrifying choice within the backdrop of 1960s Japan. While the nature of this pivotal decision remains shrouded in mystery, the story begins with Shimizu Hinkao, an ordinary teenager whose life takes a horrifying turn when her town is enveloped in fog and undergoes a grotesque transformation. Hinkao must navigate this unrecognizable landscape, solving puzzles, battling strange enemies, and ultimately confronting a fateful choice. This original story offers a welcoming entry point for newcomers while including Easter eggs to delight series veterans. The game is set in the fictional Japanese town of Ebisugaoka, inspired by the real-world location of Kanayama, Gero, in Gifu Prefecture.Creature & Character Designer Kera's Vision
Kera, the game's creature and character designer, shared their inspiration, citing the profound influence of *Silent Hill 2*, particularly its atmospheric messages, music, and monster designs. They emphasized the challenge of creating a distinct yet authentic *Silent Hill* experience within a Japanese setting, promising a unique vision while remaining true to the series' spirit. The design of the monsters, Kera noted, presented the greatest hurdle, requiring careful consideration of previous iterations while forging a new direction.A Symphony of Sound
The musical score will be a crucial element of Silent Hill f's atmosphere. Akira Yamaoka, a longtime Silent Hill composer, and Kensuke Inage (known for his work on the Dynasty Warriors series) will collaborate to create the soundscapes of the Fog World and Otherworld, respectively. Inage described his composition as blending ancient Japanese court music with ambient echoes, aiming to evoke the protagonist's agony, internal conflict, and fear.
Platforms and Release
While a release date remains unannounced, Silent Hill f is confirmed for release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.