The new episode of Silent Hill walks away from classical people and takes us to rural Japan of the 60s, with an aesthetic that mixes terror and lyricism

When Konami says he returns to Silent Hill, It is not just a return to psychological terrorIt is a reinvention of everything we thought of knowing the franchise. March 13, the Silent transmission hill Has returned strongly, and this time All the looks have been placed in Silent Hill FThe next great title of saga. Since it was presented in 2022 as a mysterious teaser, Silent hill f It was an enigma. But now, after Konami’s recent streaming, we have many other clues … and many reasons to get excited (and tremble).

Terror with Japanese roots

The first large bombing of the event was a New trailer This left us with the mouth open. Silent hill f It does not develop in the legendary city of Maine or anywhere in the United States. This time we moved to Japan in the 1960sIn particular to the fictitious Ebisugaoka, based on the real Kanayama, on the prefecture of Gifu.

The change of scenario is not accidental: Konami wanted to recover the Japanese essence This has been diluted over the years. “Silent Hill has always been a mixture of western and Japanese horror,” said Motoi Okamoto, producer of the saga. “We have heard that we have lost part of that identity.”

And go if they recovered it.

A beauty that restless … and terrify

The new trailer clarifies it Silent hill f eg visually shocking. By moving away from the offers and classic oxide, the game presents an environment covered by Red and pink flowers This, far from being only decorative, They devour everything on their path: buildings, animals and people. A mixture of beauty and destruction that is deeply disturbing.

This aesthetic is directly inspired by the concept that Extreme beauty can become disturbingVery present in Japanese terror. The protagonist – a young woman who has to face difficult decisions – will explore this duality between beauty and monstrous.

A new narrative approach

One of the big names behind this project is Ryukishi07Author of visual novels When they cry. For him, silent Hill It is both a place and A metaphor of the inner torment of each character. And under that premise, he built a story that promises to remove emotions.

“Silent Hill is also a psychological battle with sin, suffering and internal trauma,” he said. And this time, the female character will not be a simple victim: Will make your decisionseven if they lead him to worse destinations.

The most beautiful and terrifying creature you have seen

To model this new universe, Konami had the artist withResponsible for the design of creatures. His challenge was to get something “beautiful and frightening”, keeping faithful to the spirit of the saga, but contributing to something unique. From what has been shown, his work has given in the nail.

In addition, the game will have a file New size called “Dark Shrine”The renewed version of the classic “Another world”. And, of course, this new dimension will have its sound atmosphere.

Music that freezes the blood (and the soul)

That it is better to compose the music of the world of the fog of Akira Yamaoka? The original composer of the saga returns to Silent hill fBy combining traditional Japanese sounds with that melodic anguish so. And in the dark sanctuary, he enters the scene Kensuke Insgewho created a more ritual sound, ethereal and chilling, based on The ceremonial music of the ancient Japanese courts.

According to Insge, “music is designed to connect the player with the suffering and fear of the protagonist”. And if there is something that this saga knows how to do well, it’s just that: immerse yourself in horror from the inside.

An independent story, but 100% silent hill

Although it does not connect directly to the previous graphs, Silent hill f It is pure silent Hill In the spirit. Has its own Parallel worlds, dark symbolism, deformed monsters and a narrative focused on trauma and guilt.

And for those who wonder if you have to have played the previous titles: the answer is no. Silent hill f Was designed to be accessible to new playersBut with enough winks for veterans fans to sit at home.

For now, There is no confirmed launch dateBut it can already be added to the list of wishes in PlayStation, Xbox, Steam and Epic Games. Of course, seeing the progress of development, it should not require much.

Is this the definitive rebirth of the saga?

After the success of Remake de Silent Hill 2 In 2024, expectations are in the clouds. And if Silent hill f He manages to respect what he promises, we could be addressed One of the most original and shocking chapters of the franchise.

Psychological terror, Japanese folklore, a brutal artistic direction and a protagonist who faces the horror with decision … Silent hill f Not only does it seem good, unforgettable painting.