Silent Hill f features more action-oriented gameplay to avoid being a Silent Hill 2 clone. Read on to learn more about the developers’ gameplay design approach and what fans think about this new style of combat.
Silent Hill f Gameplay to be More Action-Oriented Than Previous Titles
Avoiding Being A Silent Hill 2 Clone and Appealing to New Audiences
Silent Hill f features a more action-oriented approach to its gameplay, catering to new audiences, while distinguishing itself from previous Silent Hill games. In an interview with GameSpark on August 1, the Silent Hill f devs shared their thoughts on the latest installment of the beloved horror franchise.
Compared to previous titles in the series, such as Silent Hill 2, which focused more on the psychological horror aspect of puzzles and challenges in the game, Silent Hill f shifts to a more action-focused style where players must fight devilish bosses in the story.
Silent Hill series Producer Motoi Okamoto said, in Japanese, that it was their goal to "add the fun and pleasure of action", and with NeoBards Entertainment developing the game, he is confident that this new style will be implemented well.
He explained, "I think that crunchy action games are becoming more popular among young users these days, so I think that incorporating such action will resonate with people who have never played it yet."
Furthermore, Game Director Al Yang said that they wanted to create something new, not just another clone of Silent Hill 2. He stated, "To add to Okamoto's words, I don't want to repeat the reproduction of SILENT HILL 2, and I can't keep making clones. In order not to repeat the monumental work, we chose to make the action more action-oriented."
Okamoto also expressed the same sentiment in a PlayStation blog post on June 4, where he detailed the game as an "all-new, groundbreaking entry." He stated, "The game features unique combat. The encounters are as challenging as the obstacles that Hinako must overcome in life. The combat will have a heavier focus on melee and be more action-oriented compared to last year’s Silent Hill 2."
Although the game looks to introduce new mechanics geared towards new audiences, as it is considered to be a perfect spinoff for newcomers, Writer Ryukishi07 described the game as a layered "salad dressing" of psychological and supernatural elements, promising to retain and even elevate the horror features the series is known for.
Fans Compare Silent Hill f Gameplay to Soulslikes
As more footage of the game’s first 5 hours spread online via various media outlets, fans noticed Silent Hill’s new approach to combat, which became a hot topic in the community. According to Game Informer recently, where they had a hands-on preview of the game, Silent Hill f has "shades of the subgenre From Software popularized," referring to Soulslikes.
Soulslikes are a subgenre of action RPGs known for their punishing difficulty and methodical stamina-based combat that was popularized by developer FromSoftware, starting with their Souls series. With Silent Hill f adapting somewhat the same style with its new combat and boss fights, fans are divided on KONAMI’s vision for the game.
Over at Reddit, the community argued whether it was fair for people to compare the game to Soulslikes. Many noted that the genre is "being thrown around way too casually," and that "not every game that involves dodging is a soulslike."
Meanwhile, other players welcomed the change as it would add more depth to Silent Hill’s melee gameplay, keeping it more engaging. However, some are on the fence about it, as even though they thought the previews looked fun, it may take away from the horror aspect of the game.
Regardless of its gameplay, fans are excited to experience a new style of horror for the Silent Hill series. With renowned Japanese horror author Ryukishi07 tasked to craft a bone-chilling story, and NeoBards Entertainment at the helm of creating a unique combat fitting to the game's feel, KONAMI has a great lineup of creative minds to bring the series' signature horror to Japan.
Silent Hill f launches on September 25 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Players who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition will gain early access starting September 23. To stay up to date with the latest information about Silent Hill f, click on our article below!
Source:
Interview with the development team of "SILENT HILL f"! The reason why I chose the era of the 1960s, so that it would not be a reproduction of "SILENT HILL 2"
Silent Hill F Gameplay
Silent Hill f launches September 25, PS5 gameplay revealed
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