Summary
Earlier in February, fans got a peek at whatSilent Hill f, the latest upcoming entry in Konami’s seminal psychological survival horror series, will hold in store during the Transmission showcase. A second look atSilent Hill fwas recently unveiled at PlayStation’s State of Play, delving more into its designs along with a release date now slated for later this year, on September 25.
Silent Hill fis being developed by NeoBards, but before it, Konami tapped Polish studio Bloober Team for theSilent Hill 2 Remake. Bloober’s previous work on its own surreal psychological games likeThe MediumandLayers of Fearmade it seem a natural fit for the project. And though there was some initial fan uncertainty surrounding it before its launch last October,Silent Hill 2 Remakesold welland delivered a highly satisfying modern version of the 2001 classic that put the franchise on firm footing ahead ofSilent Hill f’s release.
A special guest panel forSilent Hill fwill be held at the upcoming Anime Expo on July 4.
Silent Hill 2 Remake Smoothly Set the Stage for Silent Hill f
Silent Hill 2 Remake Was a Make-or-Break Moment for the IP
Silent Hill 2comes up time and again in discussions and lists ofmost influential horror games. The original’s harrowing story of James Sunderland’s surreal search for his wife, Mary, and his own redemption has become etched among the genre’s best-known and executed works. In light of its reputation and status, there were legitimate questions about how it was possible that the beloved classic could, or even should, be given the remake treatment without risking losing what made it so memorable and effective in the first place. This was perpetuated by negative reactions to some ofSH2 Remake’s trailers and designs at the time, causing some to worry that it appeared misguided.
Bloober Team proved that Konami’s faith in it wasn’t misplaced, however, andSilent Hill 2 Remakepreserved the important balanceof intense gameplay and cathartic, emotional storytelling.SH2 Remakepleased new and old fans and brought positive attention back to the series. Now, riding this goodwill, the series is poised to usher in a new era withSilent Hill f’s planned shakeups to established traditions.
Silent Hill f Is Set Up for Success Thanks to Silent Hill 2 Remake
A few weeks ahead of its showing at State of Play,Konami clarified a fewSilent Hill fquestions. Notably, the publisher stated that the next entry is a standalone title, not strictly an extension of the main franchise. While a bit of an unexpected move, this also gives it more breathing room for fans to embrace its other experimental elements, not the least of which is being set elsewhere than the town itself.Silent Hill fwill be set in a small village in 1960s-era Japan, both of which are big departures from the usual fare.
Ryukishi07, author of Japanese visual novel seriesWhen They Cry, is penningSilent Hill f’s twisted tale, which centers on teenager Hinako Shimizu as she gets drawn into the IP’s patented world of horror. Footage so far contains many recognizable visual and atmospheric aspects on par withSH2 Remake, but also distinctly captures the mood and tone of the new story and setting. On the gameplay side, it appears to closely resemble that ofSilent Hill 2 Remake’s sturdy direction as well, with some touches and flourishes of its own that further serve to distinguish it.
The upcoming title thus looks promising in many areas, and arguably has more hype behind it given how wellSilent Hill 2 Remaketurned out and thatSilent Hill fseems to be taking all the right lessons from it. It bodes well for the series, and perhaps grants permission forSilent Hill fto inspire further deviationsas it simultaneously forges ahead with its own identity.
