"New Silent Hill Title Aimed at New and Veteran Players, Konami Announces"

Konami has officially announced that Silent Hill f is not a sequel to any previous Silent Hill games. Much like Silent Hill 2, it will present a standalone narrative that is "independent from the series." This confirmation came directly from the publisher via X/Twitter, emphasizing that this latest addition to the horror franchise, typically set in a quaint east-coast American town, will be "a completely new title" accessible even to those who have never experienced the Silent Hill series before.

This approach to storytelling isn't unprecedented within the Silent Hill universe. While Silent Hill 1, Silent Hill 3, and Silent Hill Origins weave a connected narrative, other entries, notably Silent Hill 2, have more tenuous connections to the town itself. Additionally, portions of Silent Hill 4: The Room and Homecoming occur outside the iconic town. Konami's statement clarifies that the understanding of Silent Hill f's unique setting in 1960s Japan will not hinge on prior knowledge of the 26-year-old series.

Set against the backdrop of 1960s Japan, Silent Hill f follows the journey of Shimizu Hinako, a teenager grappling with the pressures imposed by her friends, family, and society. The narrative is crafted by Ryukishi07, renowned for the When They Cry visual novel series. The game made headlines with its Japanese-language reveal trailer in March, marking it as the first Silent Hill game to receive an 18+ rating certification in Japan.

Although still in development, the rating for Silent Hill f is subject to change. Previous entries in the series, such as Silent Hill, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill 3, and Silent Hill: The Room, have secured a CERO:C rating, suitable for those aged 15 and older, while other games developed outside Japan received either CERO:C or CERO:D (ages 17+). Silent Hill f is rated Mature in the U.S., PEGI 18 in Europe, and CERO:Z in Japan.

Currently, no release date has been set for Silent Hill f, and details about No Code's forthcoming Silent Hill project, Townfall, remain scarce.