Silent Hill f Launches to Strong Reviews: A New Direction for the Classic Horror Franchise
The highly anticipated Silent Hill f, developed by NeoBards Entertainment, has officially had its review embargo lifted, and early critical reception is overwhelmingly positive. Following an earlier leak from Japanese publication Famitsu, which rated the game higher than the Silent Hill 2 remake, a wider range of reviews have now emerged, shedding light on what players can expect from Hinako's terrifying journey.
As of this writing, Silent Hill f holds an impressive 86 on Metacritic for its PS5 version and an 85 on OpenCritic, with 78% of critics recommending the title. Reviewers widely praised the game's stunning visuals, creative monster designs, genuinely unsettling atmosphere, and a captivating story brought to life by convincing voice acting. The soundtrack, featuring contributions from series veteran Akira Yamaoka and other talented composers, also received high marks for enhancing the horror experience, alongside engaging gameplay.
What Critics Loved and What They Didn't
While the overall sentiment is positive, critics did point out some areas for improvement. Common criticisms include a sometimes awkward camera in tight spaces, puzzles that are not considered the best in the series, a somewhat limited enemy variety, and minor performance issues, with framerates occasionally dropping significantly in action-heavy scenes. MP1st reporter Alex Co specifically noted, "For those curious: the game seems to run better on a standard PS5, as there are no (or almost no) stutters in performance mode."
A notable shift in Silent Hill f is its increased emphasis on combat, which, unlike earlier entries where it was a last resort, now plays a more central role. This design choice may not appeal to all long-time fans of the survival horror genre, but many reviewers found the combat elements well-executed and enjoyable. However, a few critics felt the combat could be exhausting and frustrating due to a "overloaded system" that could lead to "endless stun-locks."
New Game+ and Replayability
Journalists also highly recommend replaying Hinako's story in New Game+, as the initial ending is reportedly "quite unexpected." Liam Croft from Push Square wrote, "Silent Hill f is designed for repeated playthroughs that will unlock new storylines and endings," hinting at significant narrative depth and reasons to revisit the game.
Review Highlights from Across the Industry
Here are some excerpts from various reviews:
- GameSpot – 90/100: "I am blown away by the virtuosity with which Silent Hill f explores gender roles, personal freedom, isolation, identity, relationships, and femininity, and how the game perfectly balances clarity and ambiguity to create something profound and thought-provoking... Silent Hill f is not just a return to roots; it's a striking evolution: a visual masterpiece, a benchmark for psychological horror, outstanding storytelling, and a new standard for the entire Silent Hill series." – Jessica Cogswell
- VGC – 80/100: "Silent Hill f certainly deviates from the traditions of the main series in many (mostly successful) ways, but at its core, it remains a true Silent Hill game. The emphasis on action – especially after an unexpected mid-story twist – might deter some survival horror fans, as battles take center stage rather than serving as a last resort. Some puzzles feel overly convoluted, which can also be annoying. Nevertheless, it's a strikingly beautiful game that horror fans should definitely experience, even with its flaws." – Chris Scullion
- Eurogamer – 80/100: "Silent Hill f's disappointing first half is more than compensated by a brilliant, insane second half – it's well worth enduring the difficult beginning for." – Vikki Blake
- IGN – 70/100: "Silent Hill f offers a fresh Japanese setting to explore, a dark, gripping plot to unravel, and plenty of twisted creatures ready to torment you. However, the combat system didn't entirely satisfy me: initially, it felt more like a burden than entertainment, and later, it made you so powerful that the sense of fear lost its grip. I respect NeoBards Entertainment for such a bold attempt, but, like Hinako's long swing with her annoyingly fragile crowbar, the result wasn't quite what I'd hoped for. Nevertheless, the stunning art design, creative puzzles, and charismatic protagonist make this new main entry in Konami's iconic series worthy of a rating higher than Silent Hill F; it's more like Silent Hill B-." – Tristan Ogilvie
Release Details
Silent Hill f is set to launch on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The official release date is September 25, but those who purchased the Deluxe Edition will gain early access on September 23. Players are encouraged to check their local time zones for exact launch details.
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