Hell Descent:
While Games Access 2010 may not have provided any new info on Silent Hill 8; it looks like this interview by Czech video game site Doupe provides some. The site got to sit down with Lead Designer of Silent Hill 8, Mark Berka. Mark tells of how the game will be moving away from the more action oriented feel of Silent Hill Homecoming to something akin to Silent Hill 2. The games primary influence, in terms of atmosphere, will be Silent Hill 2. Seeing as Silent Hill 2 was the highlight of the Silent Hill series, this is good to hear. But didn’t Double Helix, creators of Silent Hill Homecoming state the same? Mark also states that while he and the team enjoyed the Silent Hill movie; no inspiration from the film will be used. The team is apparently also working with key members from the series. Whether this be the new ‘Team Silence’ which are the western developers, or older members like Owaku and Ito from ‘Team Silent’ is not stated.

Silent Hill 8 is also set to focus more on the psychological horror aspects of the series and less on the survival horror. Silent Hill 8 will follow escaped convict Murphy Pendleton’s journey into Silent Hill. Mark tells of how a convict protagonist seemed like a good choice because he would have so much background and depth to his character. So far everything we hear sounds good. Hopefully Vatra can channel the spirit of Silent Hill in a unique but familiar way. More info on Silent Hill 8 is supposed to be given this month.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced it is to return to the mist-shrouded streets of Silent Hill (working title), as the eighth title in the series heads to PlayStation®3 and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Scheduled for release in 2011, Silent Hill remains true to the franchise’s original roots, and again takes the form of a third-person horror experience. With an all-new thought-provoking storyline, players will once again find themselves face to face with their deepest sins and fears in the strange world of Silent Hill.

The new game begins after a prison transport vehicle careens off the road, leaving lone inmate Murphy Pendleton stranded in Silent Hill. As Pendleton takes in his new surroundings, users will encounter mind-bending puzzles and horrific creatures and otherworld terrors. Armed only with the everyday objects they can find – from wooden chairs to glass bottles – to fend off their enemies, fight or flight responses are left to the player as they unravel a dark, thought-provoking storyline which will appeal to fans of the early, classic Silent Hill series.

Silent Hill enjoys a wealth of new elements to create a deep, psychological horror experience. In addition to the main storyline, players will also be presented with variable side quests that will change depending on the user’s play style, revealing further unknown evils within the town.

“We are honoring the rich history and strong following of Silent Hill, and working hard to build another unforgettable horror game that the fans truly deserve,” commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing and PR Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “Silent Hill introduces an all-new storyline and unique evolutions in gameplay, building on innovations and successes from over a decade of true survival horror and terror.”

Silent Hill (working title) will be available for PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360 in 2011. For more information, please contact Steve Merrett at Voltage PR on 020 7903 5122 or email steve@voltagepr.com.

www.konami-europe.com