Konami's latest Silent Hill Transmission has provided a deep dive into the eagerly anticipated Silent Hill f, an upcoming installment in the iconic horror franchise set in 1960s Japan. First announced in 2022, Silent Hill f was described as a game set in a "beautiful, therefore terrifying" world, penned by the acclaimed Japanese visual novel writer Ryukishi07, known for the Higurashi and Umineko series.
After nearly three years of anticipation, Konami has unveiled a wealth of new information about Silent Hill f, emphasizing its theme of "finding the beauty in terror." The game will present players with a beautiful yet terrifying choice set against the backdrop of 1960s Japan. While the exact nature of this decision remains under wraps, Konami shared a glimpse into the story through the protagonist, Shimizu Hinkao, an ordinary teenager whose life takes a dark turn when her town becomes engulfed in fog and undergoes horrific transformations. Hinkao must navigate this altered environment, solving puzzles and battling strange enemies to survive and ultimately face a pivotal choice. This narrative promises an original story accessible to newcomers, while also including Easter Eggs for long-time fans of the series.
The setting for Silent Hill f is the fictional Japanese town of Ebisugaoka, inspired by the real location of Kanayama, Gero, in the Gifu Prefecture. Creature and character designer kera expressed his excitement and reverence for the Silent Hill series, particularly citing the influence of Silent Hill 2. He discussed the challenges of designing monsters that honor the series' legacy while introducing a fresh, culturally distinct approach suited to the Japanese setting.
Music plays a crucial role in Silent Hill f, with long-time Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka and Kensuke Inage, known for his work on the Dynasty Warriors series, collaborating to craft the game's soundtrack. Inage's contribution will blend ancient Japanese court music with ambient echoes, aiming to immerse players in the protagonist's emotional journey through unsettling yet beautiful soundscapes.
While a specific release date was not announced, Silent Hill f is confirmed to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, promising to deliver a hauntingly beautiful experience that bridges the gap between terror and beauty in the iconic Silent Hill universe.