Silent Hill f Prioritizes Narrative Over Combat, Developers Confirm
In response to growing speculation and comparisons, the developers behind the upcoming Silent Hill f have firmly stated that their game is not a 'soulslike' title. This clarification comes as many gamers are quick to label any game featuring challenging melee combat as fitting the genre popularized by FromSoftware's 'Souls' series. The team behind Silent Hill f is keen to distance their project from such classifications, emphasizing a different core focus.
Story is King, Not Combat
Speaking with GamesRadar+ at gamescom, Silent Hill producer Motoi Okamoto made it clear that the narrative is the cornerstone of Silent Hill f. "The central element of f is not combat, but the story," Okamoto stated. "We would like to emphasize that at the core of this game lies the scenario, for which Ryukishi07 is responsible. And therefore, to get the optimal Silent Hill experience, we strongly recommend everyone try the 'Story' difficulty level. We see many trying to describe [Silent Hill f] as a soulslike, with which we do not agree." This statement highlights a deliberate choice to prioritize storytelling and atmosphere over demanding combat encounters.
Honoring Silent Hill's Legacy
Al Yang, director of Silent Hill f, echoed Okamoto's sentiments, asserting that the new installment truly honors the traditions of the classic Silent Hill series and does not emulate FromSoftware's creations. Yang addressed the common trigger for soulslike comparisons: "As soon as you [in the game] have stamina… and dodges, people immediately say, 'Ah, this is a soulslike.' But, honestly, we looked back at the classic Silent Hill parts to try and recreate the classic gameplay experience. In Silent Hill 4, you will see a strength [attack] bar, and it performed the same function." This suggests that any combat mechanics that might seem reminiscent of soulslikes are actually rooted in the series' own history, rather than being an attempt to follow a popular trend.
What This Means for Players
For players eager to step into the terrifying world of Silent Hill f, this clarification means the game aims to deliver a chilling, narrative-driven horror experience first and foremost. While combat will undoubtedly be a part of the gameplay, it will serve the story and atmosphere, rather than being the primary challenge. Fans can anticipate a return to the psychological horror and rich storytelling that defined the classic entries, rather than a grueling test of combat prowess. Silent Hill f is set to launch on September 25 for PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, complete with Russian subtitles.
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