Silent Hill f: Pure Japanese horror with high-level narrative and gameplay

In an era dominated by remakes and recycled formulas, Silent Hill F arrives to remind us why this saga defined a generation. We exclusively played the first five hours of the game, and we can assure you: it's a work that not only pays homage to its legacy, but transforms it . With a narrative written by Ryukishi07, an oppressive setting, and deep gameplay mechanics, this title has everything it takes to become a modern survival horror classic.

Rather than following the traditional storyline, Silent Hill f is set in rural Japan in the 1960s , with a dense atmosphere and folkloric aesthetic. The protagonist, Shimizu Hinako , is a high school student dealing with trauma and dysfunctional relationships. When her village is invaded by supernatural crimson vegetation, a nightmare begins that is not only visual, but deeply psychological.

Hinako's diary , a brilliant narrative device, gives us access to her emotions, thoughts, and fears, while the enemies reflect her internal traumas. It's a return to the psychological horror that defined the series' best titles.

During our playthrough, we didn't use firearms. Instead, the game relies on durable melee weapons (ozes, knives, swords), a stamina bar, and a sanity system that decreases upon receiving psychological damage.

Added to this is a "faith" system, a new mechanic in the series. At certain shrines, you can exchange items for faith and unlock passive abilities , such as health recovery or sanity boosts. This strategic layer deepens decision-making in combat and exploration.

The map structure is nonlinear , with areas that feel like they're straight out of a rural purgatory. Fog-covered rice paddies, lonely streets, and houses that ooze tension. Exploring feels both rewarding and dangerous, just like in the Silent Hill classics.

Every corner is designed to be unsettling , with monsters emerging from the darkest corners and a constant sense of claustrophobia. It's a world where horror isn't just seen, it's breathed.

The soundtrack is masterful. Akira Yamaoka returns, accompanied by Kensuke Inage, blending shoegaze, industrial ambient, and Japanese folklore . The music not only accompanies the film, it tells part of the story.

The art design is another highlight. Visual horror combines with symbolism that reflects Hinako's fractured psyche. This aesthetic direction redefines what we understand as Japanese horror in video games.

Without a doubt. Although we played a preview build, what's been shown so far indicates that Silent Hill f is a fresh, mature, and terrifying game that respects its heritage while creating its own mythology.

Konami seems to have learned from its mistakes. The team behind this title opted for the soul of psychological horror instead of cheap scares. And that, in 2025, is a statement of intent.

Silent Hill f is officially released on September 25, 2025 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC . With just a few weeks to go, it's shaping up to be one of the biggest titles of the year in the genre.