Summary
Silent Hillis known widely as a classic survival horror franchise, a name that evokes a sense of nostalgia and fear in those familiar with the elements of the series. Famous for its horrific creature designs, rusty/foggy environments, and supernatural elements,Silent Hillis iconic in many ways. For those who are unfamiliar, it is also the name of the fictional town in which the games are set. Mostgames in the franchisetake place in and aroundSilent Hill, though some occasionally deviate. However, the franchise has never before left the United States.
Other locations explored in theSilent Hillgames released thus far are the towns of Ashfield and Shepard’s Glen, each with similar characteristics toSilent Hill. However, withKonami’s relaunch of theSilent Hillfranchiseoutlined in the company’s live-stream event, the games are exploring new locations and gameplay styles. Among the various games, movies, and experimental experiences announced wasSilent Hill f, one of the standout titles shown in the live stream. As the first mainline installment since 2012’sSilent Hill: Downpour,Silent Hill fsets a precedent for where the series may go in the future.
What Silent Hill f’s Setting Means For The Series
Silent Hill Can Happen Anywhere
Traditionally, the creatures and supernatural environments ofSilent Hillcome from thedeepest part of the protagonists' psyche. In the first few games, the enemy types revolve around the playercharacter’s fears, guilt, etc.The town ofSilent Hilldraws on these fears due to acursethat lingers throughout the area. Essentially, a cult attempted to resurrect their god on sacred land once cherished by native tribes for its mysterious power. Only the ritual went wrong, and the area’s power became corrupt.
Later installments took place in other American towns, but they were all generally pretty similar tothe setting ofSilent Hill.Silent Hill ftakes the series outside the States for the first time, showing that the sinister evil in the franchise can exist elsewhere. This opens the door to a wide world of possibilities of where aSilent Hillgame could be set and what elements it could include. There could potentially be other games set in any other country or time, freeing the franchise from the typicallyrusty urban environmentsand allowing for greater variety.
Silent Hill Can Be A Period Piece
1960s rural Japan is a unique setting as far asmainstream survival horror gamesgo, and it opens the door to a very different installment in an established franchise. Featuring historically inspired buildings, weapons, and items can add to the unpredictability of the experience. It also grants an opportunity for enemy types to becompletely different from previous games, as the protagonist would likely have a different frame of reference based on cultural inspiration.
Konami seeking to breathe fresh air into the franchise is exciting to see!
As the earliest game intheSilent Hilltimeline,fopens up new possibilities for exploring the lore. There could benew explanationsas to why these horrific events occur, possibly completely different from past games. But if1960s Japancould appear in a mainline,Silent Hill, the series could potentially go even further back in time in a future spin-off or main title. Maybe aSilent Hillset in feudal Japancould be interesting, or perhaps in the titular town during colonial times. There’s plenty of room for speculation at this point, but regardless of what the future holds, Konami seeking to breathe fresh air into the franchise is exciting to see.
Silent Hill
Silent Hill is a series of survival horror games best known for its original trilogy. The first three games stood out with how atmospheric they were, along with their engrossing storylines that were often told through symbolism and metaphors.Silent Hill 2 is set to be remade by Bloober Team, a game that could reignite the franchise.
