Silent Hill f was supposed to take place in the real Silent Hill, but Mt. Fuji was in the way. Read on to learn more about how they ended up with the setting and new character introductions that are vital to the game’s story.
Silent Hill f Setting and Character Details
Mt. Fuji’s Presence Was Too Strong For Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f was originally planned to be set in the "real-life" Silent Hill, but Mt. Fuji was in the way. In an interview with Famitsu on July 26, the developers of Silent Hill f shared more details about the highly anticipated return of the classic horror series.
Although the setting of Silent Hill f on the real-life town of Kanayama in Gifu Prefecture perfectly represents the haunting feel that the developers wanted, they revealed that they had another location in mind for the game to be set in.
According to writer Ryukishi07, they considered the Shizuoka Prefecture to be the main setting for the game as he jokingly referred to it as "Quiet Hill", but were overwhelmed by the presence of the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji.
He explained (machine-translated), "However, when I actually went there, I felt that the presence of Mt. Fuji seen from Shizuoka was too strong and did not fit the stage of ‘Silent Hill’. The sacred peak Fuji looks down on me wherever I am, so the foggy worldview of the work loses."
This urged them to explore further, and they eventually discovered the labyrinthine alleyways of Kanayama, located in Gifu Prefecture. Ryukishi07 stated, "After visiting several other locations, I felt that the grid-like townscape of Kanayama was an interesting shape, so I suggested that."
He previously mentioned during the Silent Hill Transmission in March that the team went to the town and recorded day-to-day sounds and combined them with old reference materials of the area to capture the 1960s aesthetic they were eyeing.
Relating to ‘Higurashi: When They Cry’
About a week ago, Silent Hill’s official Twitter (X) account began posting introductions to some of the game’s characters, starting with the main protagonist, Shimizu Hinako. With the game’s somewhat similar background to Ryukishi07’s most famous work, "Higurashi: When They Cry", fans wondered whether it has any connection with the upcoming Silent Hill f.
Ryukishi07 said, "I didn't write the scenario for this work based on the premise of ‘Higurashi’ at all. This is a story created entirely within the world of ‘Silent Hill’." However, Producer Motoi Okamoto noted that Ryukishi07’s work was what pushed them to reach out to the writer and create a haunting new Silent Hill title.
Okamoto elaborated, "After reading the story of people being at the mercy of a village shrouded in fog, I was convinced that this person would surely draw a wonderful 'Silent Hill', so I called out to him."
Character Roles and Introductions
Beyond the setting, fans are also curious about the roles of Hinako’s friends in the story, particularly with Igarashi Sakuko, as she appeared several times in recent trailers. Her character introduction reads, "Hinako's friend. Gentle and easygoing. A natural type who can see fairies. As the daughter of a shrine priest, she helps out in a miko outfit during events."
Okamoto explained further that Sakuko depicts "that one kid in every class who likes the occult," which is typical in Japanese school stories. However, he stated that being in a Silent Hill title, they will have their twist on it. He stated, "Is what she sees really just a playful delusion, or is it real? This serious question adds depth to this character."
Other than Sakuko, character introductions for Iwai Shu – Hinako’s childhood friend, and Nishida Rinko – another friend of hers and Shu, were also shared. Additionally, the Ebisuoka Junior High School was also introduced, which is described as a splendid school that is "somewhat out of place in the town."
As the release date of the game approaches, KONAMI gears up to share more details about the new title in the classic horror series. With the developers promising "100% of the essence of Japanese horror.", fans will be treated to a bone-chilling thriller with one of the best horror writers in 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:
"Silent Hill F" domestic exclusive interview
Silent Hill Twitter (X) post on Igarashi Sakuko Character Introduction
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