Few other video game horror franchises have had as much of an impact as theSilent Hillseries. Drawing inspiration from classicpsychological horror films such asThe ShiningandJacob’s Ladder, the original title first hit the scene on the PlayStation in 1999. Despite a rabid fanbase and great reviews, the series fizzled out over time after a few lackluster entries and a failed reboot from Hideo Kojima. However, with the video game landscape always in flux, nothing is ever truly gone, and always has a chance to make a comeback.
Over the last several months, rumors have begun doing the rounds that Konami may be planning a revival of many of its long-dormant franchises. This includes the supernatural terrors of theSilent Hillseries, which hasn’t seen a mainline entry since 2012, almost ten years ago. Just the possibility alone is enough to excite fans, but without much information to go on, this potential return to theSilent Hillfranchise could take any form. Nothing has been confirmed, but based on recent rumors as well as current industry trends, the following options are possible routes the series can take.
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Silent Hill Remake
The first option would be for Konami to revisit a pre-existing title and give it the remake treatment. The originalSilent Hillgame and even its PS2 sequels still look good today, but there is definitely room for improvement with the leaps and bounds made with technology since their release. Gamers need to look no further than the unbelievable transformation theResident Evil 2remakehad in comparison to the original. Especially considering these are games so heavily reliant on their visuals to create mood and atmosphere, boosts to the graphics would be a welcome addition.
Revival of Silent Hills/PT
It still stings to bring up how quicklyHideo Kojima’sSilent Hillsprojectfell apart back in early 2015. After the brief yet terrifying demo,PTsent waves through the gaming industry, many were eagerly anticipating the full experience. This desire can still be felt to this day, as many spiritual successors such asAllison Roadclearly took a few notes from its immersive take on first-person horror. Hideo Kojima went on to directDeath Stranding, a game that retained many horror themes, indicating that the acclaimed developer still has an interest in the genre.
Over the course of the year, a puzzling internet mystery surrounding a developer calledBlue Box Game Studioshas led many to believe thatSilent Hillis very much alive. Small details and coincidences have led people to believe it’s all a ruse led by Hideo Kojima himself, building to an eventual announcement that he will be getting another crack at theSilent Hillfranchise. While this would surely be an incredible moment if true, it remains to be seen what the future brings.
Brand New Silent Hill Game/Concept
While remastering old classics and reviving canceled games would be exciting, something entirely new would be just as worthwhile. It is important for every series, no matter what medium, to try new things now and then to keep the franchise fresh. To once again return totheResident Evilseries, it has undergone multiple facelifts and tonal changes over the course of its lifetime. From campy survival horror to over-the-top action and now settling into first-person thrills similar toPTabove.
This is not to suggest that the nextSilent Hillgame needs to include more action elements, as that many feel out of place, but perhaps a stylistic or environmental change might be a good decision to surprise fans. The original game dealt with paranormal forces and a cult, whereasSilent Hill 2instead focused on more cerebral horrors. A new game can follow a similar tactic, perhaps tapping into the concepts of alternate dimensions or even ghosts to shake up its established horror formula.
A newSilent Hillgame is rumored to be in development.
MORE:Horror Fans Should attempt to Play the Original Silent Hill 2 Instead of the HD Collection Version
