Silent Hill F arrives on PlayStation 5 carrying the heavy weight of expectations. As the first fully new entry in the franchise in over a decade, developed by NeoBards Entertainment and published by Konami, it steps into uncharted territory both thematically and geographically. Set in 1960s Japan, the game shifts the series’ familiar foggy American backdrops to the eerie rural town of Ebisugaoka, creating a blend of Silent Hill’s psychological dread with Japanese folklore and cultural unease. It’s a bold move that signals both a continuation of tradition and a fresh start.
At the heart of this entry is Shimizu Hinako, a fragile yet resilient protagonist whose personal struggles entwine with the nightmare consuming her hometown. Written by Ryukishi07, known for his work on horror visual novels, the narrative leans into themes of trauma, repression, and cyclical suffering. The story starts with a slower pace, deliberately grounding you in Hinako’s relationships before the horror fully unfolds. While this approach builds atmosphere and emotional connection, it also risks testing the patience of players who expect quicker thrills. The payoff, however, is a narrative that’s layered, unsettling, and reflective – qualities that feel very true to Silent Hill’s identity and make it stand out from other horror titles.
Gameplay follows the series’ tradition of mixing exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival combat, but Silent Hill F tweaks the formula with some unique mechanics. Environmental puzzles often draw from Japanese traditions and local myths, which makes them feel fresh compared to the more abstract riddles of earlier titles. Combat, meanwhile, is more deliberate than flashy – encounters with grotesque plant-infested creatures emphasize evasion, resource management, and psychological pressure rather than action. This lends authenticity to the survival horror feel but can occasionally make battles feel sluggish, with controls that lack the fluidity of more modern horror games.
Visually, Silent Hill F is stunning in its grotesque beauty. The creeping fungal infestation that overtakes both environments and monsters gives the game a distinctive identity, blending decay with almost floral elegance. The PS5’s hardware allows for hauntingly detailed environments, whether it’s the claustrophobic streets of Ebisugaoka or interiors where rot and bloom coexist. Character designs are equally striking, though some animations can feel stiff, breaking immersion in moments that otherwise drip with atmosphere. Still, this is one of the most visually arresting horror entries in the series’ history.
Sound design remains a vital pillar of the experience, with Akira Yamaoka contributing to a soundtrack that mixes his signature haunting tones with Japanese-inspired instrumentation. Subtle ambient noises, the crunch of footsteps in mist, or faint whispers in the distance all add to a sense of paranoia. The 3D audio implementation on PS5 makes headphones practically essential, amplifying unease as noises creep from every direction. The voice acting is strong too, bringing depth to Hinako and her supporting cast, though some secondary characters don’t quite escape melodrama.
Where Silent Hill F falters a bit is in pacing and replay value. The opening hours may feel overly drawn out, and while the game introduces multiple endings after the first fixed conclusion, the incentive to revisit depends largely on how invested you are in its lore and symbolism. For some, peeling back the layers will be irresistible; for others, one journey through Ebisugaoka may suffice. Even so, the mixture of a compelling protagonist, unnerving atmosphere, and confident return to psychological horror makes this entry a strong revival for the franchise. It doesn’t reinvent Silent Hill, but it does prove that the series still has plenty to say – and plenty of ways to unsettle.
Score: 8.5/10
Press Play Media 