Fans divided over Silent Hill f's 'soulslike' combat

Silent Hill f ignites debate with its 'soulslike' combat, dividing fans over its new melee focus and action elements.

: Silent Hill f's combat system, inspired by 'soulslike' mechanics, has generated mixed reactions from the franchise's fandom. As the game's release approaches on September 25, concerns center on its heavier emphasis on melee combat and action-oriented gameplay, losely compared to previous entries like Silent Hill 2. Developed by Neobards Entertainment, the game's setting in 1960s Japan and its character design have sparked interest. While some fans are open to change, others fear it may alienate the series' core audience by straying too far into action territory.

Silent Hill f has stirred the Silent Hill community with its innovative yet controversial combat mechanics described as being 'soulslike', akin to the style popularized by FromSoftware's games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. These changes have caused a rift among fans, with some eagerly anticipating the fresh take, while others fear it may stray too far from the series' roots, traditionally steeped in atmospheric horror rather than action-packed encounters.

Set for release on September 25, 2025, and developed by Neobards Entertainment, the game will take players to 1960s Japan, focusing on a young protagonist named Shimizu Hinako, exploring her eerie and changed hometown. The choice of this era and the new Japanese setting is an intriguing move for Konami, creating significant anticipation and discussion within gaming forums.

A major point of contention arises from the inclusion of combat requiring precise counter timings, reminiscent of Sekiro, coupled with the use of degradable weapons—a mechanic previously seen in Silent Hill 4: The Room and Silent Hill Origins. Many fans express apprehension over how this might impact exploration: concerns over weapon conservation potentially discouraging meticulous exploration and discovery.

Fans have taken to Reddit to express their concerns and hope. One user commented on the quality and detail of the game's visuals and the impressive work done by the developers, although they voiced worry about enemy reactions to player attacks. Another user cautioned against 'trend chasing' and urged the developers not to alienate the core audience by emulating popular game mechanics at the expense of the series' identity.

Konami has not been deaf to the outcry, as Vikki Blake noted, recalling the parallels with previous concerns over the Silent Hill 2 remake's deviations, which ultimately received critical acclaim. The development team's choices, from working with famous character designer Kera to employing writer Ryukishi07, highlight a dedication to integrating strong narrative elements with dynamic gameplay, aiming to deliver an engaging horror experience despite the combat overhaul.

Sources: Eurogamer, PlayStation Blog

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