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 the Higurashi and Umineko visual novel series.
Silent Hill f: Finding Beauty in Terror
A new trailer and details reveal Silent Hill f's aim: to blend beauty and terror. The game presents players with a crucial, terrifying choice within the stunning yet unsettling backdrop of 1960s Japan. While the nature of this choice remains shrouded in mystery, Konami offers a glimpse into the narrative:
"Shimizu Hinkao lived an ordinary teenage life until her town is enveloped in fog, undergoing a horrifying transformation. She must navigate this unrecognizable town, solving puzzles, battling strange enemies, and fighting for survival to ultimately confront a devastating decision. This is a tale of a beautiful yet terrifying choice."
This original story provides a perfect entry point for newcomers, while seasoned fans can expect rewarding Easter eggs. The game is set in the fictional Japanese town of Ebisugaoka, inspired by the real-world Kanayama, Gero, in Gifu Prefecture.
A New Vision of Horror
Creature and character designer, kera, shared their inspiration, highlighting the influence of Silent Hill 2 and the challenge of creating a distinctly Japanese yet authentically Silent Hill experience:
"The monster designs were the hardest. I had to consider everything that's come in Silent Hill before, and figure out how to take this game in a different direction, but still be Silent Hill. It might not be the exact same blood-smeared, rusting scenery, but I sincerely hope you'll enjoy our vision and the world we've created."
Music plays a vital role. Longtime Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka and Kensuke Inage (known for the Dynasty Warriors series) are crafting the soundscapes of the Fog World and Otherworld, respectively. Inage describes his composition as:
"An unsettling yet beautiful world that uses imagery from shrines, blending ancient Japanese court music with ambient echoes. I wove in various techniques that will connect the player to the protagonist's agony, internal conflict, fear, and other emotions."
While a release date remains unannounced, Silent Hill f is confirmed for release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
