Silent Hill F just got its first major review score, and horror fans should be seriously excited. A leaked DualShockers review has surfaced giving the upcoming psychological horror game an impressive 9.5 out of 10, describing it as “genuinely spectacular.”
What Makes Silent Hill F Special According to Early Reviews
The leaked review comes from Elena Chapella, a DualShockers writer who managed to get an early copy of the game. After finishing the story over a weekend, she shared detailed impressions on Reddit before the post was mysteriously deleted. Her enthusiasm was clear – she’s already diving into New Game Plus mode.
What’s particularly interesting about Silent Hill F is how it manages to feel completely fresh while still capturing that classic Silent Hill anxiety and fear. The game is set in 1960s rural Japan in the fictional town of Ebisugaoka, where you play as high school student Hinako Shimizu navigating through fog-covered streets and psychological horrors.
Combat System Walks the Line Between Classic and Modern
One of the biggest concerns fans had was about the combat system. The leaked review reveals that Silent Hill F “teeters on souls-like, but not completely.” This means you can’t just run in swinging – you need to pick and choose your battles strategically, staying true to traditional Silent Hill gameplay.
The reviewer emphasized that while combat is challenging, it doesn’t overwhelm the psychological horror elements that make Silent Hill special. There’s also a “classic Silent Hill” difficulty option for players who want a more traditional experience.
Story Depth and Multiple Endings Revealed
Here’s where Silent Hill F gets really interesting. The New Game Plus mode doesn’t just let you replay with better gear – it actually continues the story. The reviewer confirmed there are multiple endings, though they couldn’t share specifics due to embargo restrictions.
The storytelling approach is heavily lore-driven. Players need to pay attention to journal entries and documents scattered throughout the game. Your journal updates frequently, building the narrative piece by piece rather than spoon-feeding you everything through cutscenes.
Content Warnings Aren’t Just for Show
The reviewer issued a strong warning about the game’s mature content, emphasizing that players should “pay attention to the content warnings.” Silent Hill F carries an M for Mature 17+ rating with warnings for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, and Partial Nudity. The ESRB description mentions characters “getting impaled in the neck and/or getting their faces ripped apart.”
This isn’t surprising given the series’ history, but it sounds like Silent Hill F might be pushing boundaries even further than previous entries.
Development Team Brings Serious Credentials
Silent Hill F is being developed by NeoBards Entertainment and published by Konami. The story comes from Ryukishi07, creator of the acclaimed Higurashi series, while longtime Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka returns to create the atmospheric soundtrack.
This combination of fresh perspectives with series veterans seems to be paying off. The leaked review suggests the team has successfully created something that feels both entirely new and authentically Silent Hill.
Release Date and Platform Availability
Silent Hill F launches on September 25, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. With just days remaining until release, this early positive review has generated significant buzz among horror gaming communities.
The game promises around 12-13 hours of content for the initial playthrough, not counting the additional story content available through New Game Plus mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What score did Silent Hill F get in the leaked review?
The DualShockers review gave Silent Hill F a 9.5 out of 10, calling it “genuinely spectacular.”
Is Silent Hill F really souls-like?
Not exactly. The combat “teeters on souls-like” but maintains traditional Silent Hill strategic combat where you pick and choose battles carefully.
How long is Silent Hill F?
The average playtime is approximately 12-13 hours, with additional content available through New Game Plus that continues the story.
Does Silent Hill F have multiple endings?
Yes, the game features multiple endings, and New Game Plus mode continues the story rather than just providing replay value with better equipment.
When does Silent Hill F release?
Silent Hill F launches on September 25, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Is Silent Hill F appropriate for all audiences?
No, the game is rated M for Mature 17+ with content warnings for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, and Partial Nudity. The reviewer specifically warned players to pay attention to content warnings.
Who is developing Silent Hill F?
NeoBards Entertainment is developing the game, published by Konami, with story by Ryukishi07 and music by Akira Yamaoka.
Final Thoughts on the Silent Hill F Review Leak
While leaked reviews should always be taken with some caution, the detailed impressions and high score suggest Silent Hill F might be something special. The combination of traditional Silent Hill psychological horror with modern gameplay mechanics and a unique Japanese setting could create the perfect storm for horror game fans.
The fact that New Game Plus continues the story rather than just providing standard replay value shows real ambition from the development team. Combined with the lore-heavy storytelling approach and strategic combat system, Silent Hill F appears to respect the series’ legacy while pushing it in new directions.
With just days until release, horror fans won’t have to wait much longer to see if this leaked review’s enthusiasm translates to the full gaming community’s reception.