Silent Hill f receives praise for story while combat draws mixed reactions from fans and critics

Silent Hill f, released by NeoBards and published by Konami, has received broad critical praise alongside divided fan responses, particularly in relation to its combat mechanics.

Critics commended the game’s “legendary horror series’ most unsettling atmosphere and writing to date,” recognising its shift to a rural 1960s Japanese setting and strong narrative by Ryukishi07. 

Visuals set in Ebisugaoka, rich in cultural details and folklore, also drew warm approval. The Verge praised the emotional intensity and the mystery threaded through environmental storytelling. 

However, multiple reviews, including those from GamesRadar+ and TechRadar, flagged the combat system as a weak point. Players and critics alike described its melee focus, parrying, and stamina mechanics as “clunky” or overengineered, detracting from tension. TechRadar noted that the combat feels burdensome at times. 

Fans on Reddit have echoed these concerns. One user posted that the combat animations risk “destroying immersion” because of interruptions and discomfort during encounters. 

Other fans celebrated the game’s strong setting, psychological horror, and the new protagonist Hinako Shimizu, finding the story emotionally compelling and welcoming its departure from familiar Silent Hill tropes.

Producer Motoi Okamoto addressed the divisiveness in interviews, commenting that the game’s Metacritic score of 86 reflects both praise and criticism. He acknowledged that the combat may split opinions while pointing to the widely lauded story and writing as vindication of having Ryukishi07 onboard. 

Overall, Silent Hill f emerges as a game many consider a strong and ambitious entry in the franchise. Praise centres on its narrative writing and atmospheric setting, while the combat system remains a source of debate.