The release of Silent Hill f, the first mainline entry in the acclaimed horror franchise in over a decade, has stirred considerable discussion in gaming circles, particularly regarding its absence from the nominations for Game of the Year at The Game Awards in March 2025. Despite its critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase, the game has not resonated universally with voters, highlighting the challenges horror titles often face during awards season.
Upon completing a notable segment of the game, dubbed the “scarecrow puzzle,” many players expressed their enthusiasm, considering it a strong contender for the top honor. The game is not just another horror title; it presents a unique blend of stunning visuals and an engaging narrative that sets it apart from its predecessors. The combat system, while divisive, has garnered a loyal following among those who appreciate its nuanced approach.
Despite its artistic merits, Silent Hill f encountered significant hurdles in securing a nomination. The game’s structure, particularly its combat mechanics and the presentation of its multiple endings, contributed to its lukewarm reception among the nominating body, which includes representatives from outlets like Polygon. Critics have pointed out that the game concludes with an abrupt ending, which may have alienated potential voters.
The default ending, experienced by all players upon their first completion of the game, is notably brief and filled with unforeseen plot twists that leave many questions unanswered. To access the remaining endings, players are required to replay the game multiple times—often totaling an additional 32 to 40 hours of gameplay. This requirement may deter players from fully engaging with the narrative, as only 59% of players on PlayStation 5 have completed the game, with just 30% discovering the sacred weapon necessary for two alternate endings.
Konami has since issued updates aimed at addressing some of these concerns by reducing the number of unskippable enemy encounters in the New Game Plus mode. Nevertheless, the core issue remains: the primary ending lacks sufficient context to feel like a satisfying conclusion to the protagonist Hinako’s story. Instead, it resembles a cliffhanger that demands further engagement to clarify plot developments.
While replaying games to unlock additional endings is not a novel concept—Baldur’s Gate 3, for instance, won Game of the Year in 2023 largely due to its well-crafted conclusions—Silent Hill f diverges from the norm. Past installments in the franchise typically provided a complete narrative experience on the first playthrough, offering players a sense of closure regardless of the ending they achieved.
In comparison, the endings of older titles, such as those from Bloober Team’s remake of Silent Hill 2, while varying in nature, still delivered a satisfying resolution to players. The disconnect in Silent Hill f raises questions about the game’s design and its potential impact on player engagement and satisfaction.
Despite the challenges faced by Silent Hill f, it has still managed to earn a nomination for Best Narrative at The Game Awards, a recognition that underscores its artistic achievements. As the gaming community reflects on the game’s merits and shortcomings, it serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between innovation, player experience, and critical acclaim in the ever-evolving landscape of video games.
