Reviews are trickling in for the next installment in Konami’s once cherished psychological horror series, Silent Hill f. Silent Hill first broke the mold in 1999 on the PlayStation, and the fan favorite Silent Hill 2 released in 2001. Afterward, each subsequent release became divisive within the fan base, and the series eventually petered out by 2012 with Silent Hill: Downpour. However, we may’ve reached a turning point with the successful remake of Silent Hill 2 by the Bloober Team and the impending release of Silent Hill f. Based on Konami’s direction and bolstered by recent reviews, Silent Hill f may be what revives the series much like how Resident Evil made a massive comeback with Resident Evil 7.

The comparison between Silent Hill and Resident Evil is inevitable. While there is no doubt each series has its own distinctive features, both are genre titans that set the tone for horror in video games for years to come. As you may already know, Resident Evil‘s most beloved titles include Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4, and although there was some co-op fun to be had with Resident Evil 5 and 6, the franchise lost its luster with its over-the-top action and misplaced identity. Then, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard released in 2017 and received positive reception. Capcom scrapped the high-octane action shooting and boulder punching and dialed it back to the basic, adding first-person perspective to really immerse you in the Baker home. It also featured a new protagonist, the faceless Ethan Winters. The fresh perspective, immersive spooks, and new protagonist worked for Capcom, and they continued to charge ahead with Resident Evil: Village and the upcoming Resident Evil 9: Requiem.

There are lots of parallels I’ve observed between Resident Evil’s “comeback”–I understand they are always beloved by fans, but I’m speaking strictly of hype and overall success. First of all, although not in the same order, but Konami tested the waters with a remake. They handed the driver’s seat to established indie horror developer, Bloober Team, to rebuild James Sunderland’s experience in Silent Hill 2. Remakes of fan favorite titles are a great way to gauge the fan bases’ temperature about their feelings on the franchise and the direction they’re headed. The Silent Hill 2 remake was positively received in 2024, thanks to superb voice acting, faithful and realistic visuals, impeccable sound design, and improved controls. While Silent Hill f was already in the works, the remake was a great tester to pave the way for Konami’s next mainline game.

There are also some changes to expect to the Silent Hill “formula”, the largest of which is the fact the setting will not take place in the westernized town of Silent Hill. It will instead take place in 1960’s Japan. Konami has decided to take an eastern approach to their next game and building the foundation with the theme “find beauty in terror” with its art and sound design.

Another difference is how combat is shaping out to be. The game’s producer, Motoi Okamoto, firmly believes people should not be making comparisons to the soulslike nature some claim based in early impressions such as upgrading at checkpoints and the stamina bar. However, that will not stop people from making these comparisons, especially as reviews come out, and they continue to mention the “s” word. Regardless, there are gameplay changes, whether it constitutes as a soulslike or not.

These alternations to Konami’s first mainline Silent Hill title in over a decade gives me similar vibes of when Capcom spun on its heels with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and it’s exactly what the Silent Hill franchise needs it if wishes to thrive in the 2020s and beyond. The initial outpouring of reviews has confirmed this road to success:

I’m looking forward to getting my hands on Silent Hill f and experience the horrors in a new environment, new character, and new story. If the Silent Hill 2 remake is the spark to reignite the franchises’ fire, then Silent Hill f is the kindling. And with the original Silent Hill remake also in the works, we will soon be warmed by this metaphorical bonfire.

Do you think Silent Hill f is the key to unlock a revival of the series to fans old and new? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.

Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games

The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games – is the flagship show of the Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts⁠ Corey Dirrig and LeRon Dawkins⁠ are joined by friends, fellow creators, indie developers, and industry veterans to discuss the latest in the world of video games, including news, rumors, new releases, and what they’ve been playing. They also answer listener questions, debate important industry topics and Boss Rush Banter discussion points, and feature a rotating weekly segment. New episodes post every Monday.

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