Iconic horror franchise returns with a FREE new game on PS5 and a second surprise
ONE of the world's most iconic horror game franchises returns after a decade.
Konami shocked fans with not one but two announcements – and the latest entry is available today completely free on PS5.
2
Silent Hill was a hit from the 1990s with several games and even two films.
Fans of the series have been craving a new game ever since the ill-fated PT demo released in 2014.
“We wanted to create a new, modern Silent Hill. As part of this, we explored how we could integrate contemporary issues.
Motoi Okamoto
It was sensationally pulled following a decision to cancel a planned Silent Hills title and not much from the franchise has appeared since, aside from last year's interactive streaming series Silent Hill: Ascension.
Such is the desire for more Silent Hill, PS4 consoles with PT installed before it was removed can fetch around £500.
“In 2022, we announced a revival of the Silent Hill series, along with several new titles in development, and this marks the first of that new wave of games to be released,” said Motoi Okamoto, a producer for Konami.
“We're releasing the entire game for free, so if you've never played a Silent Hill game, we hope you take this opportunity to get a taste of what Silent Hill is all about.”
This latest installment, Silent Hill: The Short Message, follows protagonist Anita as her sense of reality is shattered by a series of bizarre and alien spaces and a twisted monster.
“We wanted to create a new, modern Silent Hill,” Okamoto continued.
'As part of this, we investigated how we could integrate contemporary problems.
'Ultimately we looked at how modern young people communicate online and via telephones, and what role that could play in a psychological horror story.
“The scary thing about social media, for example, is how even insignificant individual comments can build and build en masse until they become an overwhelming wave of hate crashing down on you.”
Gamers have already rushed to download the new title, saying it lasts about an hour and a half.
“That actually came out of nowhere, I just finished it…hits right on the mark…” one user wrote.
“Welp, looks like we're in for a scare tonight, boiz,” wrote another.
“I'm playing this right now and the message is DEEP!” a third commented.
Others were quick to point to the PT fiasco and say, “DO NOT erase your hard drives this time!”
Looking back at Silent Hill
The very first Silent Hill game was released on the PS1 in 1999.
It grew into one of the most recognized horror game franchises and included a dozen more titles.
In 2006, Silent Hill was adapted into a film that grossed $156 million – a sequel was released in 2012 and a third called Return to Silent Hill is currently being filmed.
Gamers have been waiting for a new Silent Hill game for years – their last disappointment was 2012's Silent Hills, which had Japanese video game design legend Hideo Kojima and Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro attached.
But the title was dramatically canceled and the entire franchise was left in limbo for an undisclosed reason – rumors suggested it was due to a falling out between Kojima and Konami.
Remake
Silent Hill's return came during a packed PlayStation State of Play, an event the gaming giant uses to tease all its upcoming projects.
Fans have also learned that Silent Hill 2 is being remade for the PS5 with “improved and modernized” combat.
The game was first released in 2001, but there is no date yet for the remake to be released.
All the latest PS5 reviews from The Sun
Learn about the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.