This week, Konami has revealed an English story trailer for Silent Hill f, the first franchise installment to take place in Japan. The developers also hosted a hands-on demo at Gamescom 2025 to show new gameplay. After visitor’s test-played the game’s protagonist, Hinako Shimizu’s combat, Silent Hill fans became wary of how soulslike it felt.
Okamoto-San and Al Yang Explains Combat Change
On Aug. 23rd, IGN posted a second interview with Silent Hill Series Producer, Motoi Okamoto, and Director Al Yang. Yang explained that despite Silent Hill f’s combat system appearing as a soulslike, there are two previous mainline titles it took inspiration from.
Hinako has a charge meter next to her stamina and health bar to determine the strength of her attacks. Silent Hill 4: The Room was the first title to include this feature in 2004. The combat also became more melee-focused, which makes it perfect for the junior high school girl with no firearm training.
As for the stamina bar, this was inspired by Silent Hill 3’s protagonist, Heather Mason. Konami gave her one to show her inexperience in combat, but she is determined to survive. She can dodge enemies in a fight, but it will decrease her meter. This influenced players to practice their timing to waste less energy.
Heather’s lean physique helped Konami understand how Hinako should handle weapons. Larger weapons will make her attack slower and consume more stamina, smaller ones require close distance, and medium ones keep her battle stance steady.
Intentionally Slow-Paced & Heavy Friction
According to Gamespot’s Lucy James, Silent Hill f’s slow pace and heavy friction is what made many gamers define its combat as “soulslike.” Yang explained that this is intentional to attract a new audience who are into the action horror playstyle. The developers also wanted to preserve the original series’ tension by having Hinako feel heavier in combat.
Combining these ideas gave Silent Hill f a familiar yet intriguing gameplay. Konami implemented crosshairs to help players focus on their enemy’s movements. It fits perfectly with Hinako’s nature as she dealt with handling family trauma and bullies. They are programmed to shift her body into a frightened stance. Her tight weapon grip shows she’s afraid of the monster she faces. And with her hesitant swings and dodging displays her will to survive.
Does Silent Hill f‘s Combat Ruin the Horror?
Since the first hands-on experience in early August, many Silent Hill fans have criticized that the action will overtake the new installment’s horror aspect. Others, however, see Silent Hill f’s combat as a better defense system. Hinako’s fighting style forces her to dodge and parry enemies. She can patiently wait for an opening to strike, block attacks, or escape deadly blows.
The junior high schooler’s artillery also offers a narrative aspect to why melee-focused combat is chosen. In previous titles, players had an assortment of weapons to choose, from blunt objects to firearms. Silent Hill f will have access to traditional Japanese and improvised weaponry due to the Firearm and Sword Possession Control law established in 1958.
The game’s setting takes place in the 1960s, when the country was determined to lower its suicide rates. The 1950s saw a rapid rise in Japan’s youth after World War II ended, with the second leading cause of death related to firearms. These monsters swarming around Hinako’s town could be the embodiment of suicide causes and reasons.
Unfold Hinako’s Tale This September
Konami revealed more of Hinako’s story on Gamescom 2025 Opening Night. The mystery revolves around Silent Hill f, which shows spiritual interference saving her soul. A fox mask stranger claims that the young girl has saved her life and wants to return the favor. She wanders alone in a temple, getting hunted by monsters. Soon, she returns to her village with a woman’s voice saying:
“You need to start getting ready. It’s time to say your goodbyes. You’re going to kill them with your own hands.”
Hinako is afraid and enters what appears to be her home. The trailer presented a bath filled with bloody water, a living room filled with table legs, and a study and bedroom filled with smoke. Hinako finds herself wanting to end her own life. Discover the truth behind her story when Silent Hill f launches on September 25th.
