(Image credit: Konami)
Our anticipation for Silent Hill f finally reached a climax last week. After over two years of silence following its reveal, a brand new trailer was unveiled during the Silent Hill Transmission livestream. This installment promises to deliver thrills that surpass previous Silent Hill standards. Notably, it’s the series’ first to receive an 18+ rating in Japan. The ESRB description further teases grim scenes, such as “a character sawing off her own arm” and “faces ripped apart,” setting the stage for a truly chilling experience.
Despite its gruesome allure, the essence of any Silent Hill game lies within its spooky town. Breaking from tradition, Silent Hill f is set in the Japanese town of **Ebisugaoka**, inspired by **Kanayama**, Gifu Prefecture. Game’s producer, Motoi Okamoto, shared that the team immersed themselves in Kanayama to capture authentic elements, even recording day-to-day sounds.
Writer Ryukishi07 championed this unique setting, expressing, “I chose it because you can really feel its history,” highlighting its “labyrinthine alleyways” and the evolution of its structures over time. This decision seemed serendipitous, as some fans attested on social media. Twitter saw a fan express amazement upon discovering that their grandmother’s hometown was the game’s setting, transforming everyday paths into bizarre landscapes. Automaton caught this online discussion that shed light on the town’s unsettling charm.
In a blend of reality and game mystique, the fan shared photos on Twitter showcasing eerily cursed scenes that wouldn’t seem out of place in Silent Hill. One standout was a candy store, its handprint-covered windows could easily be mistaken for a foreboding landmark from the game. While Kanayama isn’t quite Silent Hill, adventurous fans might find their own haunting discoveries there. For those itching for Silent Hill f’s release, perhaps a trip to Ebisugaoka is in order.
After achieving acclaim with works like Higurashi When They Cry, Ryukishi07 noted a content sentiment stating, “I wouldn’t mind if Silent Hill f was the last thing I ever wrote.” With this game, he aims to leave a comprehensive legacy in the realm of horror storytelling.