Silent Hill has always been one of the most iconic horror franchises in gaming history. With more than 20 titles under its belt, the series has carved out a reputation for unforgettable psychological scares, unsettling imagery, and stories that linger long after the credits roll. For me, Silent Hill has been a constant touchstone in horror gaming, going all the way back to the fever-dream atmosphere of the very first game. Silent Hill f not only honors that legacy, but also manages to push the franchise into exciting new territory.
Story: Fear, Loss, and Growing Up
Silent Hill f follows the journey of Hinako, a high school student grappling with abuse at home, the weight of social expectations, and the terror of discovering that the world inside her head might be more real than the one outside. The game moves you between her infected hometown, Ebisugaoka, and the haunting, liminal space called the Dark Shrine—an escape of sorts, but one that also forces you to confront the horrors she can’t leave behind. It’s deeply personal, beautifully written, and packed with details you’ll miss if you don’t pay attention.
Gameplay & Mechanics: Puzzles, Combat, and Choices
The puzzles in Silent Hill f are some of the most clever and challenging in the franchise, especially because they vary drastically depending on difficulty. If you choose a tougher setting, expect puzzles that require more critical thought and patience. This design also means that players stuck on a particular challenge can’t simply look up a generic walkthrough, since each difficulty changes the solutions in meaningful ways.
Combat is equally engaging, and the boss fights stand out as highlights. They feel like puzzles themselves, demanding that you study attack patterns, dodge carefully, and make the most of limited resources. You’ll probably die a few times, but each attempt pushes you closer to that satisfying moment of victory. The game also makes it clear that you don’t need to fight every enemy you encounter. Choosing restraint and conserving resources can often be the smarter approach, which adds another layer of tension and strategy to the experience.
Graphics & Performance: A Fog That Feels Alive
If there’s one thing Silent Hill is known for, it’s the fog—and Silent Hill f uses it to its full effect. The visuals are arresting, the set pieces beautifully grotesque, and the environments feel alive in their detail. The fog creates an atmosphere of unease that perfectly balances the grotesque horror imagery, which is so disturbing yet meticulously crafted that you can’t help but stare even when you want to look away.
Performance-wise, the game is remarkably well-optimized. Running on high settings, I didn’t experience a single stutter or frame dip. Every transition is seamless, and the technical polish ensures that the immersion is never broken. In a horror game where atmosphere is everything, that kind of stability makes a huge difference.
Feedback: More Combat?
No game is perfect, and Silent Hill f has moments that may not land for everyone. Players who prefer horror that leans heavily on nonstop action may find some stretches a little slow, as the game thrives more on atmosphere and psychological tension than constant combat. The puzzle scaling system, while creative, can also lead to frustration for those who struggle and can’t find outside help for their chosen difficulty. And finally, the story’s thematic weight—touching on abuse, trauma, and anxiety—can make the experience emotionally heavy, which may not be what every player is looking for.
Final Verdict: A Horror Masterpiece
Silent Hill f is everything a modern horror game should be: emotionally resonant, visually stunning, mechanically solid, and deeply unsettling in all the right ways. The way it blends supernatural and psychological horror, the way it respects the lore of the franchise while building something new—it’s rare to see it done so well. In fact, with how polished and impactful it is, I think this game could easily end up winning Game of the Year.
If you’re a horror fan, or even just someone looking for a game that lingers with you long after you put the controller down. Silent Hill f is an experience you can’t miss.
Silent Hill f is available on PC via Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.
