Silent Hill f Review: A Bold and Brutal New Take on a Classic Series

The long-awaited return of the legendary Silent Hill franchise is upon us. After a string of missteps and years of dormancy, Konami has delivered a new, ambitious entry with Silent Hill f, developed by Neobards Entertainment and written by acclaimed Japanese author Ryukishi07 (of Higurashi: When They Cry fame). The game, which officially launched on September 25, 2025, is a major departure from the series’ traditional American setting, transporting players to a rural Japanese town in the 1960s. The result is a bold, beautiful, and deeply unsettling experience that has critics and fans divided, yet almost universally agreeing that the series is finally back in top form.

The Story and Atmosphere: A Return to Form

The first thing to strike players is the game’s powerful sense of place and atmosphere. As high school student Hinako Shimizu, you are thrust into the small town of Ebisugaoka, which has been consumed by a sinister fog and a mysterious, deadly red plant. The narrative, penned by Ryukishi07, is a dark and complex psychological horror that delves into themes of societal pressure, gender roles, domestic trauma, and the corrosive nature of grief. The game’s use of Japanese folklore and its unique setting provide a fresh canvas for the series’ signature style of storytelling, which relies on symbolism and psychological torment rather than cheap jump scares. The narrative is widely praised for its daring and uncompromising approach, offering a layered and emotional story that begs for multiple playthroughs to fully unravel its mysteries. The visuals are stunning, with a unique art style that masterfully juxtaposes the grotesque monsters with the serene, haunting beauty of the Japanese countryside.

The Controversial Combat: A Divisive Shift

While the game’s narrative and atmosphere have been met with near-universal acclaim, the combat system has proven to be a point of significant contention. Unlike the slow, methodical combat of previous entries, Silent Hill f introduces a more action-oriented, melee-focused system. Hinako relies on improvised weapons like spears and blades, with a system that includes light attacks, heavy attacks, a sanity meter, and a parry/counterattack mechanic. The combat is often described as feeling clunky and unpolished, with some critics pointing to a lack of enemy feedback and a frustratingly high difficulty curve. The combat is far from a Souls-like experience, and its focus on frantic, desperate encounters often clashes with the game’s otherwise slow-burn, psychological horror. However, other critics have defended the combat, arguing that its awkwardness adds to the feeling of vulnerability and panic, making Hinako’s struggle to survive all the more desperate. The lack of guns is a major departure from the series’ formula, but it forces players to confront enemies up close and personal, which many believe adds to the game’s tension.

The Critical Reception: A Game of Extremes

The critical response to Silent Hill f has been a fascinating case study in a divided fanbase. Review scores have been high, with the game receiving a Metascore of 85, placing it in the same league as the critically acclaimed Silent Hill 2 remake from 2024. Many reviews laud the game for its bold narrative, art direction, and puzzle design, hailing it as a masterpiece of psychological horror. GameSpot gave the game a 90, calling it “a remarkable evolution” and “a new benchmark for the Silent Hill series.” However, a significant portion of the critique centers on the combat, with one TechRadar review going so far as to call the game one of the most frustrating they’ve ever played due to its “miserable” and “atrocious” combat. This creates a dichotomy where players who prioritize a deep, thematic story and unsettling atmosphere will find one of the best horror games in years, while those who cannot get past the flawed combat will find the game a tedious slog. The consensus is clear, however: for all its flaws, Silent Hill f is a true and authentic Silent Hill experience that dares to break new ground while honoring the spirit of the series.

In the end, Silent Hill f is not a game for everyone, but it is exactly the game the franchise needed. It is a confident, brutal, and beautiful return to form that re-establishes Silent Hill as a premier force in the horror genre. By taking bold risks with its setting and narrative, it has proven that the series can evolve while retaining the core elements that made it a classic. For fans who have waited years for a true sequel, the journey to Ebisugaoka is a horrifying and rewarding one.