In recent weeks, I have delved into NeoBards Entertainment’s Silent Hill F, driven by an interest in how Konami is revitalizing its renowned horror series. While I am not well-versed in franchises like Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania, or Silent Hill, this attempt at revival, first announced in 2023, piqued my curiosity due to its unique development strategy involving multiple studios without a cohesive visual style.
Unlike the remake of Silent Hill 2, which effectively capitalized on the iconic monsters from the previous games, Silent Hill F distinguishes itself with a fresh approach. However, this raises an interesting question: why do the game’s monsters seem to lack the iconic status of their predecessors?
The design of the creatures in Silent Hill F, influenced by Japanese folklore, has not sparked the same level of recognition as past figures like Pyramid Head. This could largely be attributed to advances in high-quality 3D graphics, which have raised the visual bar across the gaming industry. The monsters, such as the scarecrow-like Ayakakashi and the unsettling “Spawning Monster,” still boast impressive designs that resonate with players, embodying the protagonist’s personal fears and struggles. The Shiromuku, another creature, adopts a bridal motif, while the mysterious “Fox Mask” character adds a layer of intrigue, guiding the protagonist through eerie circumstances with an unsettling calmness.
Despite the strong concepts underpinning these designs, they may not achieve iconic status because the gaming landscape features numerous visually captivating creatures, even outside the horror genre. Titles like Elden Ring and Clair Obscur present their own disturbing monstrosities, making it challenging for Silent Hill F’s creatures to stand out.
Historically, limitations in technology played a role in shaping iconic characters. The constraints of the original PlayStation 2 era led to creative solutions, such as the fog in Silent Hill, which facilitated the emergence of memorable figures like Pyramid Head. In today’s context, it may be unrealistic to expect every new design to resonate similarly when there are so many high-quality competitors.
Konami’s approach—involving a broad release strategy—potentially offers valuable lessons for reviving dormant franchises. By launching the revival with the iconic Silent Hill 2, the company successfully re-engaged players with the series, creating a smooth transition to Silent Hill F, which feels like a natural evolution rather than a mere side project.
When franchises struggle, as Silent Hill did in the 2000s, revitalizing them can be complex. The approach taken in Silent Hill F illustrates how developers can breathe new life into series: by balancing familiarity with innovative concepts across different projects and engaging various creative teams.
With over one million copies sold shortly after its launch, Silent Hill F exemplifies a successful milestone in the franchise’s revival, showing promise for the future of psychological horror. Konami’s strategy reveals a clear vision that goes beyond individual characters, focusing on crafting experiences where the true horror stems from the characters’ innermost demons—and in doing so, highlighting the monstrous aspects of the human psyche.