Silent Hill Townfall Set in 1996 Scotland with New Phenomenon-Based Approach

New Setting and Developer

Silent Hill Townfall, announced in 2022, is being developed by Glasgow-based studio Screen Burn, known for horror adventure titles like Stories Untold and Observation. The game departs from previous Silent Hill settings, placing players in a remote Scottish coastal village in 1996. The lead character, Simon Ordell, wakes up with amnesia and an IV cannula in his hand, drawn to a town he vaguely recognizes.

Refreshing the Series

Series producer Motoi Okamoto explained that the geographical change was made to combat player fatigue with repetitive locations and gameplay. The goal is to refresh the series and create a new experience by reinterpreting Silent Hill not as a specific physical location, but as a phenomenon or a state of mind. The fictional town of St Amelia is inspired by real Scottish seafront towns.

Gameplay and Atmosphere

A two-hour preview of the game revealed a distinct Silent Hill experience with a "gloomy British slant." Players explore an abandoned fishing town, characterized by grey stone walls, small shops, and an eerie atmosphere. Environmental details include lobster cages, an old British Telecom phone box, and flickering streetlights. The town shows signs of abandonment and past protests against a corporation named CEG.

Exploration and Emerging Details

The initial hour of gameplay allows for free exploration of the abandoned homes, which feature ordinary details like old PCs, dated bathrooms, and Formica kitchens, contributing to the creepy ambiance. As players explore, strange details begin to emerge, hinting at Simon's past connection to the place.