Konami's latest Silent Hill Transmission has provided a deep dive into Silent Hill f, the eagerly anticipated addition to the iconic horror franchise set in 1960s Japan. Initially announced in 2022, Silent Hill f promises to immerse players in a "beautiful, therefore terrifying" world crafted by the renowned Japanese visual novel writer Ryukishi07, known for his work on the Higurashi and Umineko series.
After nearly three years of anticipation, fans now have a wealth of new information about Silent Hill f, which aims to "find the beauty in terror" by presenting players with a significant and haunting decision set against the backdrop of 1960s Japan.
Konami unveiled a fresh trailer and a host of new details, emphasizing the game's theme of finding beauty amidst terror. While the exact nature of the pivotal decision remains under wraps, Konami shared a glimpse into the story:"Shimizu Hinkao was living her life as an ordinary teenager," the official description states. "That is, until her town is suddenly shrouded in fog and begins to change in a horrific way. Now, she must explore a town she no longer recognizes while solving puzzles, fighting strange enemies, and doing everything she can to survive... in order to face the ultimate decision that she must make. This is a tale about a beautiful yet terrifying choice."
Silent Hill f introduces an original story, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers, while also including Easter eggs for long-time fans of the series. The game is set in the fictional Japanese town of Ebisugaoka, inspired by the real-life location of Kanayama, Gero, in Gifu Prefecture.
Creature and character designer Kera shared his excitement and the challenges of working on Silent Hill f, particularly in adapting the series' iconic elements to a Japanese setting.
"I love the Silent Hill series, and it's been a big influence on me," Kera said. "In particular, I am constantly remembering Silent Hill 2, and the messages on the walls, the music, and the monster designs. So, when it came to Silent Hill f, and bringing the setting to Japan, we had to come up with something that felt just a little different, and I had to really think about how to get that feeling.
"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 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 create the game's soundtrack. Inage described his approach to the music:
"I have composed music for an unsettling yet beautiful world that uses imagery from shrines, blending ancient Japanese court music with ambient echoes," Inage said. "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 was not announced, it was confirmed that Silent Hill f will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.