Summary
Highlights
The video introduces 'Silent Hill f' as a completely new game in the Silent Hill franchise, noting its significance given the series' dormancy since 2012. The reviewer acknowledges the franchise's past struggles but highlights that 'Silent Hill f' attempts a fresh start with a new time period, setting, character, and horror presentation. He gives a solid, but not incredible, initial assessment of the game, praising its atmosphere and art design despite some flaws.
Players control Hinako, a young girl in 1960s Japan, who encounters mysterious fog, grotesque monsters, and is transported to strange worlds. The game is a straightforward, linear third-person survival horror experience. Combat is more prevalent than expected, offering a mix of slow, deliberate attacks and precise dodges/parries, empowered by a sanity meter that fuels special focus attacks. However, the reviewer notes issues with combat in close quarters, a repetitive enemy roster, and weapon degradation that adds a stressful risk-reward element to exploration.
Players collect items to cash in at shrines for perks like improved health or stamina, with the option to trade in valuable items for upgrades. Inventory management is described as messy due to limited space and a multitude of similar item types. While the game transports players to darker, creepier places in true Silent Hill fashion, the 'otherworld' visuals are not as impressive as classic Silent Hill worlds, though the conceptual ideas are interesting.
The game features challenging puzzles with a dedicated difficulty slider. Some puzzles were frustrating and felt inconsistent, often locking the player in a room until solved. Hinako's journal serves as an important resource for puzzle clues and additional story context, crucial for understanding the intentionally vague surface narrative. The reviewer highly praises the story as the best aspect of the game, hooking him despite other frustrations.
The game boasts impressive visuals, particularly in the town and interior designs, with disgusting and detailed enemy types. Atmospheric effects and soundscapes contribute to tension. Performance on PS5 Pro was generally smooth, though some choppiness was noted towards the end. A New Game Plus mode is heavily encouraged, offering additional content, interiors, items, puzzles, and story elements, though the reviewer acknowledges combat fatigue by that point.
The reviewer concludes that 'Silent Hill f' is a good return to the franchise, delivering a strong story that tackles mature themes, which is a hallmark of Silent Hill. While not a perfect masterpiece, it's a solid adventure with an interesting narrative that Silent Hill fans should consider trying, despite some combat oddities. The video ends with a call for viewer comments and engagement on social media.