Silent Hill f has been on my radar since it was first announced back in 2022 during the Silent Hill Transmission event. As a long-time fan of the franchise since the PS1 original, I was thrilled to hear a new entry—not a remake—was on the way. The excitement only grew when I learned that one of my favorite horror writers, Ryukishi007 (Higurashi, Umineko), was handling the story. After three long years, Silent Hill f is finally here. But was the wait worth it? Is this the Silent Hill fix fans have been craving, or does it fall into the fog of forgettable horror? Let’s find out in my review of Silent Hill f for the PS5.

Gameplay

Silent Hill f departs from the franchise’s traditional style, which is both a blessing and a curse. Players step into the shoes of Shimizu Hinako, a teenage girl navigating the eerie Japanese town of Ebisugaoka. Unlike many Silent Hill protagonists, Hinako is no helpless victim—she’s athletic, resilient, and more comparable to Heather from Silent Hill 3. This makes her both empowering to play as, but it also shifts the tone away from the series’ usual vulnerability.

Exploration still feels familiar: fog-covered streets, a map that marks blocked routes, and scattered health and key items. Yet Silent Hill f leans heavily into combat. Hinako can dodge, counter, and strike back against enemies with precision. A red hue signals incoming attacks, allowing for Soulslike timing mechanics. Instead of guns—fitting since the game is set in 1960s Japan—you’ll wield melee weapons like pipes, bats, and sickles. Each weapon varies in speed and damage, with a focus meter allowing for charged strikes. But stamina and sanity management prevent Hinako from becoming an unstoppable killing machine.

Weapons also have durability, forcing you to adapt as they break or require repair. While this pushes you to improvise, I rarely found myself completely unarmed. Running from combat is encouraged at times, but once you master dodge-and-counter mechanics, most regular enemies pose little threat, even on Hard Mode.

Puzzles return, but they’re inconsistent. While some were clever and logical, others felt more like frustrating guessing games. Compared to older entries, the balance of puzzles leans weaker here.

The sanity meter adds another unique layer. Sanity fuels powerful attacks but also impacts vulnerability—low sanity increases incoming damage. It can be restored at shrines or with specific items, but balancing health, stamina, and sanity creates a juggling act. Despite these systems, comparisons to the Silent Hill 2 remake are unavoidable, and in many cases Silent Hill f’s exploration, puzzles, and atmosphere feel less refined. Still, combat is smoother than ever in the franchise, even if that makes it less terrifying.

Graphics

Visually, Silent Hill f is a mixed bag. On one hand, the foggy, claustrophobic design of Ebisugaoka is haunting, and enemy designs are grotesquely detailed. On the other, character models and environmental details sometimes fall flat, especially when compared to the stunning Silent Hill 2 remake. While Silent Hill f looks “good enough” on its own, fans expecting the same level of polish as Konami’s recent remake may walk away underwhelmed.

Sound

If there’s one area where Silent Hill f truly shines, it’s the audio. With Akira Yamaoka returning alongside Kensuke Inage, the soundtrack is atmospheric, chilling, and unmistakably Silent Hill. Background sounds elevate the immersion: creaking buildings, shuffling monsters, and distorted echoes make every space feel alive. Combat effects also carry weight, and longtime fans will notice subtle callbacks to earlier games. The sound design alone cements Silent Hill f as authentically Silent Hill.

Story

With Ryukishi007 at the helm, Silent Hill f’s story dives into psychological and emotional horror. Hinako’s life is steeped in trauma—an abusive father, a perfect sister, strained friendships, and the pressures of adolescence. As the fog consumes her town, she and her companions face revelations that grow darker with every chapter. The narrative doesn’t shy away from themes of violence, guilt, and identity, and hidden lore rewards those who explore thoroughly. With five different endings, replay value is strong, and the storytelling feels both deeply personal and appropriately unsettling for the franchise.

Overall Impression

Silent Hill f is a solid entry but not one that will break into the franchise’s top tier. Its combat-heavy focus makes Hinako feel stronger than most protagonists, which diminishes the fear factor. While its puzzles stumble and visuals lag behind the remake, the story and sound elevate it. Despite its flaws, Silent Hill f is engaging enough to keep me coming back for alternate endings and hidden details.

Conclusion

Am I being too kind with my score for Silent Hill f? Realistically, no. Despite shortcomings—repetitive combat, weaker puzzles, and visuals that don’t quite meet modern standards—the game succeeds where it counts. The story, sound, and atmosphere remain true to the heart of Silent Hill. It may not match the heights of Silent Hill 2 or its remake, but Silent Hill f still proves that Konami hasn’t forgotten what makes this series special. Fans will find plenty to appreciate, and while it may not terrify like past entries, it earns its place as a worthy addition to the franchise.

—Aaron