As the spooky season concludes for another year, a passionate gamer has shared their compelling experience with Konami's latest survival horror offering, Silent Hill f, declaring it a serious contender for the coveted Game of the Year 2025 title.
A Deep Dive into Japanese Horror
The reader, who completed two full playthroughs of the game, described being initially uncertain about what to expect. The title did not initially evoke the same feelings as Western-developed Silent Hill games, instead channelling strong vibes reminiscent of classics like Siren and Project Zero. However, this perception shifted dramatically after the opening family scene and subsequent exploration of the game's fog-enshrouded village.
The protagonist, Hinako Shimizu, was praised as a great character, with the game's rich Shinto mythology brought to life through detailed architecture, books, shrine mysticism, and stories rooted in Japanese folklore. Supporting characters Shu, Sakuko, and Rinko were also highlighted as being well-developed and engaging, adding depth to the narrative.
Combat, Puzzles, and Psychological Terror
The enemy design received significant acclaim, with creatures ranging from mannequins to a massive meat blob adorned with spider lilies, and scarecrows populating fields and school areas. These monstrosities are not merely visual threats; they hold meaningful connections to the protagonist's psychological state and personal journey.
Combat mechanics were described as satisfying, focusing on melee combat styles rather than firearms. The dodging, countering manoeuvres, and focus attacks create an engaging system where managing one's sanity and defences becomes crucial. The tactical management of weapon upgrades and durability adds another layer of strategic thinking.
The game's puzzles were noted as being particularly well-executed, feeling integral to the experience rather than tacked on. Players must piece together narrative clues from journals discovered throughout their journey, creating deeply immersive and satisfying problem-solving moments.
Atmospheric Tension and Replay Value
For newcomers to the survival horror genre, Silent Hill f was described as particularly scary and oppressive, with the field of schoolboy and schoolgirl scarecrows singled out as a standout terrifying moment. The reader shared a particularly jump-scare incident where a presumed-dead enemy attacked from behind, causing them to accidentally press the PlayStation 5 main menu button in panic.
While some early enemy types were noted as becoming slightly repetitive, the game's respawn system was praised for not being overly punishing. The latter part of the game more than compensates with surprising areas and mature themes exploring historical constraints placed upon women, leading to some emotionally challenging sequences involving a character with a fox mask.
With a well-balanced game length and multiple endings offering new lore, bosses, and character development, Silent Hill f boasts excellent replay value. The graphically stunning journey through a different foggy Silent Hill village, complemented by an impressive map, leaves a lasting impression.
The reader concluded that Silent Hill f definitely stands as a Game of the Year contender for them, a sentiment they believe is shared by many other gamers who have experienced this masterful survival horror title.
