First Impressions Are Strong for Silent Hill f Early Access
Early access for Konami's highly anticipated horror title, Silent Hill f, has officially kicked off for players who own the Deluxe Edition, and the initial reception is overwhelmingly positive. Within its first 24 hours, the game achieved a "Very Positive" rating on Steam, garnering an impressive 87% approval from over two thousand reviews.
Atmosphere and Optimization Shine
Players have been quick to highlight the game's exceptional atmosphere as a major strength, noting its success in capturing the classic Silent Hill dread. Beyond the chilling ambiance, the technical performance has also received significant praise. Many reviewers are commending the game's excellent optimization, particularly given its use of Unreal Engine 5. Players report smooth gameplay without the common stuttering issues often seen in other UE5 titles, even on mid-range PCs and Valve's Steam Deck.
One player, "hymntothesea," shared their enthusiasm: "Wow, a game on UE5 without stutters, even on my very average PC (runs super smoothly on Steam Deck too)! The optimization is already better than half of AAA games out there. Incredibly atmospheric with excellent voice acting and a soundtrack that perfectly conveys the oppressive, dark, and deeply personal spirit of Silent Hill."
Combat System Receives Mixed Feedback
While the game's atmosphere and technical polish are widely applauded, the combat system has garnered some mixed reactions. A shift towards a greater emphasis on action, combined with what some describe as an awkward or clunky combat feel, hasn't resonated with everyone. However, some players have drawn comparisons to Silent Hill 4, suggesting that while stamina management is present, it's not a soulslike experience. The importance of careful swings and dodges is noted, differentiating it from the faster pace of Silent Hill 2.
The same reviewer added, "The combat might deter anyone who's only played Silent Hill 2. Yes, there's stamina, but relax, it's not a soulslike. It's much closer to Silent Hill 4, so there's nothing fundamentally new for the series here. The action is a bit clunky, and unlike the faster SH2, every swing and dodge matters. The enemy variety is excellent, and their design is simply chef's kiss. Grotesque, artistic, and makes you wonder what happened to them. Each enemy has strengths and weaknesses, so you can't just hack your way through like a beat 'em up."
A New Chapter for Silent Hill
Silent Hill f is developed by the Taiwanese team NeoBards Entertainment and marks a significant departure from the series' traditional American setting. The game transports players to 1960s Japan, following the poignant story of Hinako Shimizu, an seemingly ordinary schoolgirl. She finds herself battling inner demons after her hometown is engulfed by a sinister, cursed fog. The narrative is being penned by Ryukishi07, known for his work on visual novels like Higurashi When They Cry, fueling player confidence in the story's depth.
The game is available on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It also includes Russian text localization for broader accessibility.
What This Means for Players
These early access reviews paint a promising picture for Silent Hill f. While the combat might require some adjustment, the strong praise for its atmosphere, story potential, and notably, its optimization, suggests that NeoBards Entertainment has successfully crafted a compelling new entry in the iconic horror franchise. Players looking for a return to psychological horror with a fresh setting and strong technical performance may find Silent Hill f to be a welcome and terrifying experience.
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