Silent Hill f: A Risky Move Post-Silent Hill 2 Remake

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As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation when I think about Konami’s upcoming lineup, particularly the enigmatic “Silent Hill f.” This game has caught my eye ever since its announcement at the Silent Hill Transmission event in 2022. It marks a significant milestone as it will be the first major installment in the iconic “Silent Hill” series since 2012’s “Silent Hill: Downpour.”

The development of this game is being led by Neobards Entertainment, a studio that has primarily provided support for AAA titles such as “Resident Evil 2” (2019) and “Marvel’s Avengers.” However, the script for “Silent Hill f” is being penned by none other than Ryukishi07, a renowned Japanese writer famous for his work on the “When they Cry” visual novel series. I can hardly wait to see how this unique blend of talents will breathe new life into one of my favorite horror franchises.

From the look of its unveiling trailer, it appears that the upcoming game titled “ Silent Hill f ” will deviate from the traditional format of the “ Silent Hill ” series. Instead of being set in the franchise’s namesake fictional American town, this new installment will be set in Japan during the Showa era (1926-1989). Since previous mainline “ Silent Hill ” games have never been set during the mid-to-late 1900s, “ Silent Hill f” can essentially be seen as a prequel. As a standalone entry with minimal narrative connections to other titles in the series, it could make for an excellent starting point for newcomers to the “ Silent Hill ” franchise. However, releasing “ Silent Hill f” immediately after the remake of “ Silent Hill 2” might discourage some potential new fans due to its proximity.

Silent Hill f May Not Appeal to New Silent Hill 2 Fans

Silent Hill 2 Remake Successfully Revived the Silent Hill Franchise

The highly-anticipated “Silent Hill 2 Remake,” crafted by Bloober Team, brought a breath of fresh air for long-waiting Silent Hill enthusiasts. Following a series of disheartening releases such as “Silent Hill: The First Message” and “Silent Hill: Book of Memories,” many had almost given up on the game franchise, assuming another failed revival effort by Konami. Yet, when it was launched for PS5 and PC last year, the “Silent Hill 2 Remake” turned out to be a massive hit. To the astonishment of some, the game received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, with many hailing it as one of the finest horror games in recent years.

The reimagining of Silent Hill 2 by Bloober Team and Konami stays true to the essence of the 2001 horror original, despite featuring a more extended playtime and an overhauled battle system. This preservation of the game’s spirit suggests that Konami made a wise decision in selecting the Silent Hill 2 Remake for reviving the franchise. Not only does it resonate with long-standing series enthusiasts, but it also offers a modern touch to entice newcomers. Given that the Silent Hill 2 Remake is one of the most successful launches within the SH series, it’s likely that many people are experiencing the Silent Hill universe for the first time through this remake.

Silent Hill f and Silent Hill 2 Remake Are Two Different Types of Games

The success of the remake of Silent Hill 2 places the upcoming Silent Hill game in a challenging situation, as both games seem to offer distinctly different experiences that might not cater to the same fanbase. While the remake leans heavily into the Lynchian and psychological aspects of horror, similar to Twin Peaks, the new game appears to draw inspiration from Japanese folk horror and East Asian mythology in general. Although these two styles of horror are captivating individually, the immediate sequel to the Silent Hill 2 remake might create unusual expectations for the future direction of the Silent Hill series.

Silent Hill 1 and 3 Remakes May Make Silent Hill f Look Like the Black Sheep of the Family

It’s rumored that Konami is collaborating with Bloober Team to rework Silent Hill 1 and 3, which share a tone similar to SH2. If these remakes are released for contemporary platforms soon, they could eclipse Silent Hill f even more, making it a standout game in the franchise. This might lead new players anticipating a Silent Hill 2 or Silent Hill 3 experience from Silent Hill f to feel let down instead.

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2025-01-31 22:00