Silent Hill f Review Roundup: Can Konami’s Revival Match the Classics?
- Sagar Mankar
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Konami’s Silent Hill f is set to release on September 25, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The game marks a striking departure for the franchise, shifting its foggy terror to 1960s Japan during an era of cultural change and post-war trauma. Developed by NeoBards Entertainment and written by Ryukishi07, the mind behind Higurashi When They Cry and Umineko, Silent Hill f has already sparked heated debate among critics.
With review embargoes lifted, early impressions are now live. Metacritic scores average 86/100, and OpenCritic sits at 85, suggesting a strong return that rivals the series’ classics. But the consensus isn’t unanimous. Critics agree that Silent Hill f is daring, but some question whether it strays too far from the formula.
What’s Different About Silent Hill f?
The story follows Hinako Shimizu, a young woman searching for her missing classmate in the eerie town of Ebisugaoka. Her journey spirals into nightmarish encounters with yokai-inspired monsters, Shinto folklore, and grotesque body horror.
Unlike earlier Silent Hill titles, the game abandons series staples like radios and flashlights. Instead, it emphasizes:
Melee-focused combat over firearms
Cultural puzzle design tied to Japanese rituals
Branching endings that add replay value
Critical Reception: The High Scores
Dexerto: 10/10
Dexerto awarded Silent Hill f a perfect score, praising its reinvention and atmosphere.
“Silent Hill f is a bold new direction for Konami’s iconic survival horror series. While it may put a heavier emphasis on combat, NeoBards has expertly concocted a nightmarish cocktail oozing with enough stomach-churning monsters, disgustingly beautiful environments, and psychological dread to be just as good, if not better than, Silent Hill 2.”
The outlet also highlighted its replay value, calling Hinako’s journey “suffocating and compelling.”
Inverse: 10/10
Inverse echoed the enthusiasm, calling the game potentially the best in the franchise.
“The game honors the series’ legacy while pushing it in a new direction, potentially being the best Silent Hill to date.”
Reviewers praised Ryukishi07’s script as a psychological powerhouse that blends folklore and personal horror, with endings that “linger like a curse.”
CGMagazine: 9.5/10
CGMagazine commended Silent Hill f’s risks and rewards.
“NeoBards Entertainment has taken bold risks, resulting in one of the most unsettling, personal, and rewarding horror games in years.”
The review cited its stunning visuals and grotesque creature design, though admitted combat occasionally felt clunky.
Gamepressure: 9.5/10
Gamepressure hailed Silent Hill f as a redemption arc for the series.
“After many long years, Silent Hill f is the series’ most exceptional installment, reintroducing it to the top tier of horror and regaining its reputation as the pinnacle of virtual terror.”
The Polish outlet lauds the "deep story and improved combat system that emerges reborn and digs deep into the psyche." They appreciate how the 1960s setting infuses cultural authenticity, making every fog-shrouded encounter feel profoundly unsettling.
Noisy Pixel: 9/10
Noisy Pixel highlighted Ryukishi07’s influence.
“Silent Hill f is a chillingly elegant return to form for the franchise, melding Ryukishi07’s signature psychological storytelling with a hauntingly atmospheric 1960s Japan setting.”
The outlet calls it a "deeply emotional and cerebral entry that lingers long after the credits roll," balancing survival mechanics with introspection flawlessly.
GameSpot: 9/10
GameSpot compared the experience to surrealist cinema and manga horror.
“With its brilliant writing, haunting atmosphere, well-designed gameplay, and spectacular visuals, Silent Hill f sets a new benchmark for the Silent Hill series.”
The review noted influences from horror manga legend Junji Ito and filmmaker Satoshi Kon, applauding the game’s "grace, nuance, and conviction" in tackling heavy themes rarely touched by AAA titles.
More Moderate Takes
Video Games Chronicle (VGC): 4/5
VGC called Silent Hill f “a gorgeously grotesque spin-off that fascinates despite its flaws.”
“By focusing more on action—especially after a surprising twist halfway through—it risks alienating some survival horror fans. Still, it’s an astoundingly beautiful game that horror fans should experience regardless of its flaws.”
IGN: 7/10
IGN offered a more critical take, noting inconsistent combat.
“Silent Hill f serves up a fresh new Japanese setting to explore, a fascinatingly dark story to unravel, and plenty of twisted freaks to torment you with… but the combat system feels like too much of a chore early on, and too empowering later to be consistently scary.”
Push Square: 7/10
Push Square praised the ambition but criticized performance issues.
“Silent Hill f, from developer NeoBards Entertainment, is anything but conventional… performance issues were impossible to ignore.”
Eurogamer: 8/10
Eurogamer described Silent Hill f as a rewarding endurance test.
“Silent Hill f’s frustrating first-half is outweighed by a brilliant, delirious second that’s well worth the initial slog.”
The Harshest Criticism: CNET
CNET stood out with a negative review, arguing Silent Hill f lacked the franchise’s essence.
“To say I’m disappointed with Silent Hill f is an understatement. You could give this game a totally different name, and it would be just a passable survival horror game. Putting that ‘Silent Hill’ name on it is downright offensive to fans of the series.”
The outlet criticized bland character models, underwhelming music despite Akira Yamaoka’s involvement, and untranslated Japanese text that could alienate non-Japanese players.
Common Praises and Criticisms
Praises:
Atmospheric immersion with fog-drenched streets and folklore-inspired horror
Narrative depth from Ryukishi07’s layered psychological storytelling
Replayability with multiple endings and branching paths
Art design blending beauty and grotesque terror
Criticisms:
Combat shortcomings due to melee-only mechanics
Pacing issues with a slow, frustrating first half
Technical glitches including frame drops and bugs
Deviation from formula leaving some fans unsatisfied