Verdict
Silent Hill f masterfully reinterprets the legendary horror franchise for today’s audience, serving as both a heartfelt tribute and a bold vision for Silent Hill’s future.
Among the series, Silent Hill 2 stands as the most significant and revered title. As a devoted fan, I approached the 2024 remake with skepticism, and Bloober’s upcoming rendition of the original left me unenthused. However, Silent Hill f struck a different chord. I believed that a well-crafted new entry could breathe fresh life into Silent Hill without compromising the essence that made the first three games so cherished. My instincts proved correct.
Silent Hill f encapsulates the unique spirit of the series—particularly that of Silent Hill 2—without attempting to replicate it in a formulaic manner. The modern graphics and design choices enhance rather than detract from the experience, as developer Neobards skillfully navigates the delicate balance between innovation and homage. This makes Silent Hill f an instant classic, securing its place in the canon in a way that titles like Homecoming, Downpour, and The Short Message could not.
The journey begins with a cutscene featuring our teenage protagonist, Hinako, seated at a dinner table in a small-town setting of 1960s Japan. The atmosphere is thick with tension: her father is abusive, her mother timid, and Hinako embodies rebellion. This initial glimpse offers insight into the personal demons that haunt this young girl.
As the title screen appears, a hauntingly nostalgic melody envelops the player, unmistakably signaling that this is a Silent Hill experience. The nohkan flute, accompanied by Japanese lyrics, elegantly intertwines the series’ rich history with its new cultural backdrop.
Your first quest, ‘head down the mountain,’ echoes the opening of Silent Hill 2. Just as James Sunderland descends into the town, Hinako follows a similar path. Within minutes, it becomes evident that we are in for a thoughtfully crafted homage.
However, my initial impressions of Silent Hill f were mixed. A gust of wind rustles through the headset, accompanied by the sound of rain, yet the surrounding trees and leaves remain eerily still. Hinako’s movements felt awkward as she trudged down the hill, creating a clunky experience that contrasted sharply with the expertly executed introduction. Yet, I urge players not to let these early impressions deter them; the game gradually unfolds into something truly captivating.
Upon reaching the base of the mountain, players find themselves in Ebisugaoka, a Showa-era Japanese town where Hinako and her high school friends reside. While Ebisugaoka diverges significantly in appearance from Silent Hill, the exploration retains a familiar essence. Instead of collecting a map, players fill it in as they navigate Hinako’s distorted hometown. The absence of townspeople, blocked paths by debris, and locked doors contribute to an atmosphere that feels both unsettling and nostalgic.
In place of the familiar Otherworld, Silent Hill f introduces the Dark Shrine, a distinct location that shifts both style and gameplay. This departure is refreshing; one of my main critiques of the Silent Hill 2 remake was its overly polished graphics, which dulled the grotesque ambiance of the original Otherworld. In contrast, the Dark Shrine presents an opulent space that evokes unease for entirely different reasons.
The Dark Shrine is not merely an alternate version of Ebisugaoka but a dream realm that Hinako enters during sleep or unconsciousness—a frequent occurrence. It is a space both beautiful and haunting, characterized by outdoor areas of bridges surrounded by water and fog, alongside interiors adorned with gilded kitsune statues and rooms dedicated to shrines and talismans. This world serves as a canvas for Hinako’s fears, with the deity of Inari, symbolized by the kitsune fox, representing transformation.
While the Dark Shrine may not visually resemble Ebisugaoka, it serves as the other half of the same narrative coin. The decaying town mirrors Hinako’s current struggles, while the Dark Shrine reveals her anxieties about the future. This remains a Silent Hill story, featuring a new protagonist, fresh fears, and novel threats.
Neobards leans into the Japanese horror trope of ‘terror in beauty,’ a theme that permeates Silent Hill f. This motif is evident not only in Hinako’s personal journey but also in the lavish design of the Dark Shrine and the floral disease plaguing Ebisugaoka. The monsters, particularly the mannequin-like enemies, evolve as the game progresses, becoming more beautiful and formidable as their infection worsens. This transformation seems to symbolize resilience, particularly among the game’s female characters, who grow stronger through their suffering.
As a long-time admirer of Masahiro Ito, it was disheartening to learn that the creator of iconic figures like the mannequin, nurse, and Pyramid Head would not contribute to this installment. However, Kera, the artist stepping into this role, has delivered remarkable designs. Kera’s interpretation of mannequins and their gradual corruption is just the beginning, as childhood toys morph into nightmarish foes, with one particularly striking enemy embodying the horrors of motherhood.
The combat mechanics in Silent Hill f are deeply satisfying, with each enemy type presenting a unique moveset to master. As players advance, they face increasing numbers of foes, with challenging boss battles that test their skills. The abundance of weapons and health items scattered throughout Ebisugaoka can sometimes make the game feel easier than anticipated on the recommended difficulty. Some consumables even serve a dual purpose, allowing players to trade them at save points for Faith, which can be used to enhance health, stamina, and other attributes.
Sound designer and composer Akira Yamaoka returns, lending an air of authenticity to the game. His familiar compositions accompany every step, sound, and musical cue, reinforcing the connection to the franchise’s legacy. Additionally, Kensuke Inage contributes to the Dark Shrine’s soundscape, a decision that initially raised questions but ultimately aligns with the distinct nature of this alternate realm.
Puzzles play a crucial role in Silent Hill f, and the game excels in this area. Players encounter a mix of straightforward challenges, brute-force enigmas, and more complex puzzles that demand thoughtful engagement, especially on higher difficulty settings. Each puzzle seamlessly integrates with the overarching narrative, evoking memories of the most iconic moments from the series’ past.
One critique I hold is that Silent Hill f may lack the subtlety of its predecessors. The series is celebrated for its allegorical storytelling and room for interpretation, yet much of Hinako’s fear and loathing is presented overtly. While the story, penned by newcomer Ryukishi07, maintains some intrigue in its latter half, certain lines, such as “The road twists and turns; it’s like I’m walking through my head,” leave little to the imagination. The presence of a literal ‘Fog Monster’ feels somewhat heavy-handed.
Another aspect worth noting is the saving mechanism. The classic experience of searching for a dedicated save point is a hallmark of the Silent Hill franchise. Unfortunately, Neobards has opted for a frequent autosave feature that cannot be disabled. However, akin to soulslike games, Hokora shrines serve as pivotal locations for leveling up and trading items, making them essential even without the traditional save function.
Perhaps the more direct storytelling and autosave feature reflect a conscious effort to modernize the series for an audience with shorter attention spans. Despite its 1960s setting, Silent Hill f addresses contemporary issues such as patriarchal control, female oppression, and mental health—true to the spirit of Silent Hill.
In the realm of beloved game franchises, comparisons to earlier entries are both inevitable and necessary. To carry the Silent Hill name is to uphold its legacy. While I initially harbored doubts about Neobards’ ability to secure its place in Silent Hill history, Silent Hill f has genuinely won me over. It stands as a commendable homage to the series while simultaneously charting a compelling course for its future.
