Playing Silent Hill F proves entertaining, minus the inner voice constantly driving comparisons to Silent Hill 2 in each scenic encounter.

In the world of psychological horror, Silent Hill has always been a standout. The latest instalment, Silent Hill f, is treading new ground, initially sparking concerns among OG Silent Hill fans. However, the first three and a half hours of the game feel almost identical to what players have come to expect from Silent Hill games, providing a sense of familiarity amidst the change.

The game's protagonist, Hinako Shimizu, lives in a small Japanese rural town in the 1960s. Hinako is more multifaceted than simply being a Silent Hill protagonist who's scared of what dastardly deeds they've committed in the past; the fear in Silent Hill f seems to be focused on what is to come. Hinako, who is forced to reckon with her past trauma with her abusive father and now-absent older sister, uses various weapons to fight monsters in the game.

The setting of Silent Hill f, Ebisugaoka, is eerie, intricate, and beautiful, making it a perfect location for a psychological horror game. Ebisugaoka is isolated, somewhat decaying, and seems stubbornly stuck in the past, adding to the game's atmosphere.

Contrary to the rumors, Silent Hill f is not a soulslike game with harder fights and big boss battles. The fights, including a boss fight against Priestess Sakuko, are manageable, even on story mode. Hinako's dodging and health are important factors in combat, but they have limits during times of trouble. Weapons in the game can break if not repaired with toolkits, adding an extra layer of strategy to the combat.

Silent Hill series producer Motoi Okamoto and NeoBards game director Al Yang stated that Silent Hill f isn't a massive departure and its story mode is designed to appease classic Silent Hill fans. This is evident in the game's storyline, which delves deep into Hinako's personal struggles, and in the game's atmosphere, which is reminiscent of the original Silent Hill games.

Elie Gould, a news writer, expresses excitement for Silent Hill f and considers hiding out to play it longer at Gamescom. Despite fearing being chased, Elie has a preference for horror games. In her free time, Elie is interested in filming short documentaries about video games and has a collection of Pokemon TCG cards. Elie previously worked at TechRadar Gaming as a staff writer and studied at JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries.

In conclusion, Silent Hill f is a fresh take on a classic horror series that stays true to its roots while introducing new elements. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, Silent Hill f offers a hauntingly beautiful and engaging experience.

Playing Silent Hill F proves entertaining, minus the inner voice constantly driving comparisons to Silent Hill 2 in each scenic encounter.