After decades of silence (no pun intended), Konami is finally back on track doing what they once did best—making great games. Reviving nearly all of their beloved franchises, Silent Hill is no exception. First released in 1999 on the original PlayStation, the series now sees a new entry after more than 15 years: Silent Hill f.
Silent Hill F delivers on the psychological horror the franchise is known for. Unlike previous entries, it leans more heavily into Japanese horror, embracing the theme of “finding terror in beauty.” The game is helmed by Ryukishi07, best known for his visual novel Higurashi: When They Cry. Ryukishi07 was the perfect choice to lead this project, as he deeply understands the essence of Japanese horror. One quote from the developers encapsulates this well: “When something becomes too immensely beautiful and perfect, it becomes deeply unsettling.” Konami felt that, over the years, the franchise had become overly westernized, diminishing the Japanese influence that once defined it.
Set in a fictional town inspired by Gifu, Japan, the game reflects the unsettling beauty of the region’s real-life geography. The town carries a strong sense of time and decay—its structures grow and evolve with the residents’ lives. Hinako, the protagonist, was created in the spirit of the series’ iconic leads, designed to endure deep psychological suffering. She is a resilient character, constantly questioning her journey into the unknown, and ultimately becomes a powerhouse of endurance by the game’s climax.
Kera, who served as the monster and character designer, brings grotesque beauty to life in each of the terrifying creatures Hinako faces. The classic blood-smeared, rust-covered scenery of Silent Hill blends seamlessly with Kera’s disturbing creature designs, pushing players’ psyches to the limit. Take, for example, Kashimashi—a nightmarish being stitched together from lumps of flesh, smiling eerily while wielding a knife. Or Ayakakashi, a scarecrow-like figure resembling crucified high school students, armed with farm sickles and triggered by close inspection. As players progress, more unsettling creatures are introduced, each testing their courage further.
Complementing these monstrosities is one of the most disturbing soundscapes in gaming history, crafted by Akira Yamaoka and Kensuke Inage. The eerie, haunting, and oppressive atmosphere makes players feel constantly hunted. The sound design blends traditional Japanese instruments—taiko drums, melancholic shakuhachi flutes, and the distorted strings of the biwa—into an otherworldly, whirling sonic experience that must be heard to be understood.
While the game’s combat received mixed early reactions, the developers clarified that Silent Hill F isn’t intended to be a Souls-like game. Most enemy encounters can be avoided if needed. Like Silent Hill 2 remake, weapons are breakable and should be used strategically, as they are scarce.
Hinako is a strong female lead capable of performing perfect dodges when timed right, allowing her to stun enemies and unleash devastating combos when they’re vulnerable. While the combat may occasionally pull players out of the horror experience, it’s still enjoyable and satisfying in its own right.
Traversing the Showa-era Japanese setting brings a unique flavor to the horror. The quiet, heavy atmosphere fuels a deep sense of dread. Red spider lilies—symbolizing both death and beauty—grow not only from buildings, walls, and the ground, but also from the enemies themselves. The game explores heavy themes, including the repression of women in a patriarchal society, adding layers of depth to its narrative.
As always, narrative puzzles remain a core pillar of the Silent Hill experience, and Silent Hill F is no different. Players are fed fragments of information, slowly revealing a much larger mystery. The game features three difficulty levels for both combat and puzzles. Puzzle difficulty changes the solutions, requiring players to draw on different kinds of knowledge—deciphering cryptic wall writings or solving environmental symbol puzzles. It can be frustrating at times, but once everything clicks into place, it feels incredibly rewarding.
All in all, Silent Hill F is a refreshing and worthy entry in the series—one that both longtime fans and newcomers will enjoy. While some backtracking can feel tedious and getting the true ending requires completing the game four times, its stunning visuals and top-tier sound design deliver a masterclass in psychological horror and haunting beauty.
Silent Hill F is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC.
