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, Silent Hill f was described as inhabiting a "beautiful, therefore terrifying" world. The game's narrative is penned by Ryukishi07, the acclaimed writer behind the Higurashi and Umineko visual novel series.
Now, after nearly three years, we have a much clearer picture.
Silent Hill f: Finding Beauty in Terror
Konami showcased a new trailer and revealed the game aims to "find the beauty in terror," presenting players with a crucial, terrifying choice within the stunning yet unsettling backdrop of 1960s Japan.While the nature of this pivotal decision remains shrouded in mystery, the story unfolds around 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 striving for survival to ultimately confront this fateful choice. The official description paints it as "a tale about a beautiful yet terrifying choice."
This original story offers a welcoming entry point for newcomers while including Easter eggs to delight seasoned fans. The game is set in the fictional Japanese town of Ebisugaoka, inspired by the real-world location of Kanayama, Gero, in Gifu Prefecture.
A Unique Vision of Horror
Creature and character designer kera shared their inspiration, revealing the influence of *Silent Hill 2*, particularly its evocative messages, music, and monster designs. However, kera also emphasized the goal of creating a distinct, yet undeniably *Silent Hill*, experience within a Japanese setting: "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."A Symphony of Sound
The music will play a vital role, with the collaboration of longtime Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka and Kensuke Inage (known for his work on the Dynasty Warriors series). Yamaoka and Inage will craft the soundscapes for the Fog World and Otherworld respectively. Inage described his composition as "an unsettling yet beautiful world that uses imagery from shrines, blending ancient Japanese court music with ambient echoes," aiming to connect the player with Hinkao's emotional turmoil.
While a release date remains unannounced, Silent Hill f is confirmed for release on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
