Silent Hill f stands out as a fresh addition to the iconic Silent Hill series, not serving as a sequel but as a standalone narrative. Drawing inspiration from Silent Hill 2, it promises an independent story that doesn't rely on prior knowledge of the series. Konami, the game's publisher, has officially confirmed on X/Twitter that this latest installment will be a "completely new title," designed to be accessible and enjoyable even for newcomers to the franchise.
This approach aligns well with the series' history. While Silent Hill 1, Silent Hill 3, and Silent Hill Origins weave a connected narrative, other entries like Silent Hill 2 have offered more detached experiences. Similarly, parts of Silent Hill 4: The Room and Homecoming occur beyond the boundaries of the infamous town. Konami's statement clarifies that Silent Hill f's unique setting in 1960s Japan won't require familiarity with the 26-year-old series' lore.
Set in the culturally rich backdrop of 1960s Japan, Silent Hill f follows the journey of Shimizu Hinako, a teenager grappling with societal and familial expectations. The game's narrative is penned by Ryukishi07, renowned for the When They Cry visual novel series. The Japanese-language reveal trailer showcased in March highlighted that this game marks a milestone as the first Silent Hill game to receive an 18+ rating certification in Japan.
As Silent Hill f remains in development, its rating might evolve. Historically, Silent Hill, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill 3, and Silent Hill: The Room were rated CERO:C, suitable for those aged 15 and above, while other international releases typically fell into the CERO:C or CERO:D categories, aimed at ages 17+. Currently, Silent Hill f is rated Mature in the U.S., PEGI 18 in Europe, and CERO:Z in Japan, reflecting its mature content.
While a release date for Silent Hill f has yet to be announced, details about No Code's forthcoming Townfall are still under wraps.