In recent years, Konami has taken an interesting approach to reestablish itself in the video game market. Their strategy has been to give opportunities to lesser-known studios, many of which usually provide support in specific development areas. Thanks to this initiative, we’ve received remakes of classics like Metal Gear Solid 3, Suikoden I & II, and Silent Hill 2. Now, however, Konami surprises us with an original title that promises to shape the future of the franchise: Silent Hill F.
Although it is a brand-new entry, it’s officially considered a spin-off, as it’s not tied to the events of the first seven games. Much like Silent Hill: The Short Message, this installment focuses on delivering a story filled with psychological horror.
The narrative follows Hinako, a high school student with a traumatic past who struggles to make friends. After running away from her abusive father, she arrives in the town of Ebisugaoka, where a mysterious fog suddenly appears, swallowing the townspeople and giving way to terrifying monsters. The story takes place in 1960s Japan, a period where firearms were largely inaccessible and swords were already a thing of the past.
Drawing heavily from Japanese folklore, the game constantly throws grotesque and disturbing scenarios at you, pushing both the character and the player to the edge of sanity. The world design is mostly linear, with limited exploration, but visually it is stunning: the recreation of the era’s village, the lighting, and the environmental details create a unique and immersive atmosphere. Enemy designs are also striking, though a few lean closer to the kind of mutant aesthetics seen in other popular horror titles.
The music, however, is outstanding. The blend of ambient effects with a haunting soundtrack perfectly enhances the sense of dread and isolation, making the experience deeply immersive.
Unfortunately, gameplay is where Silent Hill F stumbles. Combat feels clunky and unsatisfying, relying on melee encounters with improvised weapons like bats and iron pipes. These weapons allow for light and heavy attacks but break after only a handful of uses due to durability limits. The stamina bar also drains quickly, leaving you vulnerable at the worst possible times.
Adding to the tension, the game features a sanity meter which, if it drops too low, allows enemies to unleash psychological attacks that can instantly kill you. While there are items to restore health and sanity, they are extremely scarce.
The biggest issue lies in combat responsiveness: enemies often feel like punching bags, your character doesn’t always react to inputs, and there’s noticeable input delay between your commands and their execution. On the bright side, boss battles are a highlight, usually providing more fitting weapons and more engaging encounters. Luckily, combat isn’t always mandatory, so many frustrating moments can be avoided by simply sneaking past enemies.
When it comes to difficulty, Silent Hill F is challenging though more because of its technical shortcomings than intentional design. Even so, its narrative shines brightly, keeping players hooked until the very end. The main campaign lasts about eight hours, but finishing it unlocks new routes, areas, and endings that add more layers to the mystery and encourage replayability.
In conclusion, Silent Hill F is an imperfect yet captivating entry. Its clunky gameplay drags it down, but its fascinating story and impressive audiovisual presentation succeed in carrying the torch of the franchise, while pointing toward a promising future for Silent Hill.
Score: 4/5
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