Following the success of Bloober Team’s 2024 Silent Hill 2 Remake, expectations were high for the franchise’s next step, and Silent Hill f seems poised to exceed them. Developed by Taiwan-based NeoBards and previewed by both IGN and Game Informer, this is a bold reinvention that stays true to the psychological DNA of the series while breaking haunting new ground. Set in 1960s rural Japan, Silent Hill f blends rich storytelling, methodical survival horror mechanics, and an evocative setting that’s already leaving a strong impression.
You can read on below for a summation of pros and cons gathered from those who were lucky enough to conduct a hands-on preview of the title prior to our scheduled review of the game upon release.
Pros
Story-Rich Setting: Both IGN and Game Informer praised Silent Hill f‘s depiction of Ebisugaoka, a fictional Japanese mountain village steeped in history and dread. IGN described it as “one of the most impressive contemporary Japanese townscapes” in gaming, complete with fog-drenched rice fields, rusted mailboxes, and shrines hidden among overgrown paths. It’s a setting that rivals genre staples like Ghostwire: Tokyo or Shenmue, only far more unsettling.
Fresh Yet Faithful: Though it’s set decades and continents away from the original Silent Hill, f is spiritually aligned with its predecessors. Game Informer noted that despite the drastically different setting, the title “feels like a return to the classic entries,” capturing the franchise’s signature blend of the disturbing and surreal.
Character-Driven Psychological Horror: Protagonist Hinako’s story, as reported by both outlets, grounds the horror in real-world trauma, abuse, isolation, and adolescent identity struggles. Her journal not only tracks the game’s events but evolves dynamically, sometimes shifting perspectives and subtly reframing earlier experiences.
Exploration at the Forefront: Unlike the SH2 remake, which kept players mostly indoors, Silent Hill f invites exploration. IGN highlighted that the bulk of the demo time was spent roaming the eerily abandoned town, uncovering its mysteries through visual storytelling and environmental clues.
Smart, Integrated Puzzle Design: Puzzles in Silent Hill f are personal and contextual. Game Informer described challenges like decoding childhood trauma via scarecrows or deciphering cryptic poems while dodging blind beasts. IGN appreciated that puzzles struck a good balance, offering just enough hints to keep players thinking without handholding.
Satisfying, Tactile Combat: While combat has its critics, both outlets acknowledged its originality. There are no guns, only melee weapons like knives, bats, and pipes, all with durability limits. A Focus system allows players to dodge or counter enemies at key moments, tying into Hinako’s Sanity and stamina systems.
Replayability and Alternate Endings: True to series tradition, Silent Hill f offers five endings, including the beloved UFO gag. However, only the canonical ending is available on the first playthrough. Subsequent runs factor in player choices to branch the narrative in unpredictable ways, adding meaningful replay value.
Terrifying Creature and Sound Design: From grotesque bosses to eerie scarecrows, enemy design is top-tier. Game Informer emphasized how disturbing enemy behavior, paired with excellent 3D audio, created moments that “raised the hairs” on their neck. Akira Yamaoka’s haunting score further heightens the dread.
Cons
Stamina Regeneration Feels Unbalanced: Game Informer took issue with the stamina system, noting how Hinako, supposedly a former track athlete, regenerates stamina too slowly. This delay left them vulnerable during tough encounters, especially against faster enemies.
Boss Difficulty Spikes: Both outlets described the demo’s boss fight as punishing. With fast attacks, erratic movement, and tight dodge windows, some players struggled for nearly an hour. While the challenge isn’t inherently bad, the combination of slow stamina and tight counters proved frustrating.
Omamori RNG System: Shrines let players trade resources for omamori (buff-granting charms), but Game Informer criticized the randomized “loot box” nature of this system. Spending large amounts of the in-game currency “Faith” only to receive a potentially unhelpful charm was noted as an annoyance in an otherwise calculated game.
Even with minor hiccups in combat balance and a divisive perk system, Silent Hill f is shaping up to be a triumph. With elegant storytelling, rich worldbuilding, and meaningful gameplay depth, NeoBards has crafted something both reverent and daring. According to IGN, the town of Ebisugaoka “feels like the perfect fit for a psychological horror narrative,” while Game Informer believes the game has “the makings of a strong entry” that builds on the remake’s momentum.
With its release set for September 25 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Silent Hill f could be the next great chapter in survival horror and maybe even a Game of the Year contender. I look forward to reviewing the game myself upon release and providing our readers with an in-depth look at the next mainline Silent Hill entry.
