At Anime Expo 2025, Silent Hill fans were treated to a glimpse of the highly anticipated Silent Hill f, the latest installment in the iconic horror series. ComicBook had the unique opportunity to interview key figures behind the project, including producer Motoi Okamoto, scriptwriter Ryukishi07, and composer Akira Yamaoka. With a massive presence at the convention, Silent Hill f is poised to redefine the series with its fresh take on Japanese culture and a unique narrative set in the 1960s.
Silent Hill f takes a bold step by shifting the setting from the familiar American locales to a fictional Japanese town called Ebisugaoka, inspired by the real-life Kanyayama district. The game follows the journey of Hinako Shimizu, a young schoolgirl whose life is turned upside down by the eerie fog and horrors that plague her town. For the first time, the Silent Hill series will explore Japanese identity and culture, focusing on the nation’s traditions and dark history.
In an interview with ComicBook, producer Motoi Okamoto discussed the approach to monster design in Silent Hill f. The new enemies are heavily influenced by Hinako’s trauma and inner turmoil, crafted through a collaborative effort between the developers, scriptwriter, and character designer.
The creatures will draw inspiration from Japanese culture while retaining the haunting essence that made Silent Hill famous as a series. Yamaoka, known for his unforgettable soundtracks, shared that the music will reflect the Showa era, with distinct Japanese influences to match the time period.
Scriptwriter Ryukishi07 further elaborated on the narrative’s focus on psychological horror, explaining that the game’s subtle and eerie presentation draws from Japanese horror films, blending the familiar Silent Hill themes with a new layer of cultural depth. He also touched on the vulnerability of the protagonist, Hinako, whose young age amplifies the fear and tension as she navigates the terrifying world of Silent Hill f.
I believe that the protagonist for the game, Hinako, is in her years when she probably feels the most vulnerable and impressionable. I believe having her at this age will probably contribute to her sense of vulnerability.
With atmospheric cutscenes, terrifying monsters, and another immersive soundtrack from Yamaoka, Silent Hill f is slated to be a standout entry in the franchise. Scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 and PC on September 25, 2025, just in time for Halloween, this new chapter will hopefully send shivers down the spine of all of us fans, old and new.
For more insights, visit ComicBook to read the full interview and continue to check back here for all things Silent Hill.
