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Joystiq E3 hands-on: Silent Hill: Homecoming
A few things. First, I love the Silent Hill series. Second, E3 really isn't the venue for demoing a Silent Hill game. Even in Konami's relatively quiet meeting room, it was impossible to hear any dialogue or music in Silent Hill: Homecoming -- headphones were available, but they were broken ... grrr. Considering that the soundscape of any given Silent Hill game is responsible for half of the atmosphere (arguably more), it makes it hard to judge how the game feels. So, you'll just have to settle for a look at how the game plays.%Gallery-23416%
Pyramid Head and Robbie the Rabbit in Silent Hill: Homecoming
Fan favorites Pyramid Head and Robbie the Rabbit will apparently be making appearances in the upcoming sequel Silent Hill: Homecoming. Joystiq spotted Pyramid Head at E3 and even has photographic prove, as seen above. The character is meant to be a manifestation of guilt (though one could say all the enemies in Silent Hill fall in that category, but that's a story for a fansite ... ) and has only appeared so far in Silent Hill 2 and the theatrical movie, but his role here is unknown. Robbie the Rabbit first appeared in Silent Hill 3 as the creepy mascot of the amusement park the player is trapped in, as well as Silent Hill: The Room as a doll in Eileen's room. We also have six new screenshots, with all the screwed-up goodness you expect from the franchise. %Gallery-12896%
Gameplay video shows first part of Silent Hill: Homecoming
Supposedly from an early beta version of Silent Hill: Homecoming on the PS3, this Russian gameplay video shows a playthrough of what appears to be the first chapter of the game. Gameplay-wise everything looks similar to what we have seen before, and the provider of the video assures us the narrator isn't saying anything we didn't know already. In terms of story, we'll refrain from saying much as small story elements are disclosed in the 13+ minute video, but it involves the protagonist Alex returning home and running into some old family and friends. Look for Silent Hill: Homecoming when it arrives September of this year.[Thanks, Leigh B.!]
Silent Hill: Homecoming video showcases new mechanics
A French gameplay video of Silent Hill: Homecoming has been spotted at website Gamersyde. It's a bit long, clocking at over 10 minutes, and it is an extended version of a video from Konami Gamers' Day 08 last month. This one features some of the elements reported earlier, such as new combat mechanics and branching conversations. The combat, though supposedly more difficult than previous games, looks more fluid and less jerky. Another interesting note is that unlike his predecessors, it appears the player can actually hear this protagonist speak when he remarks on the environment around himself.The game stars Alex Shepherd, solider who just returned from war, searching for this brother Josh in Silent Hill. In the video, Alex is dragged through a hospital strapped to a bed where he witnesses some rather horrific things -- he eventually is able to escape his bondage (by pressing X apparently) and though the ex-soldier finds his brother, his sibling appears unfazed by the grotesqueness around him. Scary indeed. The branching conversations featured at the end of the video and the buttons pressed in order to free yourself remind us of an earlier game on PS2, Indigo Prophecy. Take a look at all the killer nurses you can handle here.[Via Maxconsole]
ESRB Watch: Swan Song Edition
Yeah we know the post title is a bit needlesssly grim. Let's face it, we're going to still be getting some information about releases from the ESRB. And hopefully some publishers simply won't much care about putting their games up there early. Others like Playful Entertainment, publishers of Ticket to Ride, seem to still want their ratings to go up at the last minute (TtR releases this week). However, if we're to believe that the publishers of the other two XBLA games on the list (Rocket Riot and Cribbage) also want their games to pop up at the last minute, we could be looking at the first hint of next week's releases. Or we could just be paranoid about this whole ESRB thing.
Silent Hill: Homecoming preview discusses combat, branching conversations
Are you still worried about Silent Hill: Homecoming being in the hands of a Western developer instead of Team Silent? Konami producer William Oertel put it pretty well: "Much of it is very deliberate. You don't have to go into every single detail. You leave it to the fans to decipher...In a sense, the whole game is like a puzzle." This is part of the ideology of the development staff -- to keep the game more on the psychological level like the legendary Silent Hill 2 and less on the literal side, like the first and third installments. We support this move.A preview of the game doesn't go into the storyline very much, since they claim it is quite on-track with previous titles and wish to refrain from spoiling anything. However, they do comment on the new battle system and how it, actually, works in favor of the Silent Hill style of play. Every weapon as a finishing move, dodging is challenging ... combat is, essentially, more difficult. Enemies detect sound and light pretty viciously now -- they reacted before, but now it's clear when you knock over any of the surrounding stuff, the enemy comes running.Conversations branch, too. During some of the games discussions between characters, you can choose from a couple of different answers that will yield different reactions or get you a little more background information. It doesn't sound overly complex, but it'll be interesting to see if these branches actually influence the type of ending you get. All in all, it's sounding pretty well done.
Akira Yamaoka admits David Lynch as Silent Hill influence
The new Silent Hill game isn't completely abandoned by the original Japanese devs: long-time composer for the series, Akira Yamaoka, is still on board and singing praises to the new staff and the new game. Yamaoka sat down with Gamasutra at a recent Konami event and spoke a bit about the game. Let's listen in.Yamaoka thinks it's a natural step for the game to move on to Western developers -- it had originally been a game whose horror is derived from American cinema. Plus the franchise is more popular in the US, he says. Yamaoka is also trying to move away from the horror genre, saying he "worked on some other titles that are not horror titles. But also I have something, another project in mind, that I'm trying to develop." If you're looking for what influences the Silent Hill team, he says it's probably David Lynch (The Elephant Man, specifically). So there you go. At least we can expect his white-noise style of music to scare us silly in Silent Hill: Homecoming, right?
Some worries put to eternal rest in Silent Hill Homecoming interview
An exclusive interview was snagged by SilentHill5.net with the game's lead designer over at Double Helix, Jason Allen. Since this is more of a fansite than anything else, the questions are actually geared toward easing the thoughts of longtime Silent Hill fans -- which means the questions are probably what you want to hear answers to. Our summary, naturally, will cover the answers as well.While the game appears action-oriented, the developers have focused primarily on the signature atmosphere of the series. However, Double Helix was asked to create the game to appeal to a larger audience and they felt a revamped fighting system would assist in that regard. This change may also be felt with the puzzles -- they're a more seamless experience now, instead of moving to a static screen with a puzzle, they will be viewed in a more seamless manner (that's probably easier to see than explain).The game is trying to remain true to its roots. The developers understand people's hesitations and have done several things to keep the game in-line with its roots: the text, map system, sounds, picking up notes and other items has remained the same as ever. Difficulty settings will exist for the game, but they will not have an option for puzzle difficulty. They hope people realize they've kept the heart of the game alive and the magic is still there. There are more questions to go over, like boss battles, objectives, and item management. However, they didn't really give any valuable answers to them, so we'll leave checking those out to you. We'll remain cautiously optimistic about this game, but our anticipation is growing.
New Silent Hill: Homecoming screens damage psyche
It's a strange kind of excitement when a new batch of Silent Hill: Homecoming screenshots is released. There is happiness at the prospect of any news regarding Silent Hill and there is also the lurking fear that accompanies it. The latest screens keep most of the fear in check, thankfully, as creepiness is kept to a minimum. Sure, we do get some new shots of the nurses (as well as a new monster apparently obsessed with yoga), but we've learned to deal with them. Psychologically, at least, we can (mostly) handle the nurses. Check out the new screens and hope that Homecoming lives up to its predecessors.%Gallery-23427%
New 'scream' shots of Silent Hill: Homecoming
click to make with the zooming Did we mention just how creepy the latest Silent Hill installment is in our most recent update on the game? Let's see ... yes, we did. Still, for those who either refuse to believe us – in which case you're meanies – or aren't yet convinced of its (dare we say?) fear factor, we offer you a ghastly gaggle of new shots from the game, by way of Konami. Just don't blame us if you have trouble breathing eating seeing walking talking sleeping after viewing them.%Gallery-23416%
Funny endings return for Silent Hill: Homecoming
Speaking to GameTrailers, Silent Hill: Homecoming producer and composer Akira Yamaoka has revealed that funny endings will be returning in upcoming Double Helix (formerly The Collective) take on the series. When asked about what elements from previous games would be returning in Homecoming, Yamaoka said (through a translator), "I think humor is important. A lot of Silent Hill fans enjoy different endings, like the UFO ending, the dog ending, right? Those funny endings are an important part of Silent Hill."We'd be hard-pressed to disagree, as the humorous endings (spoilers ... sort of) serve as a much needed counterbalance to the disturbing, soul-shattering imagery that the series is known for. Oh, and Yamaoka's favorite entry in the series? Silent Hill 2 (ahem ... duh). Check out the full interview after the break.
Silent Hill: Homecoming brings home several videos
We've got one video above and several more videos after the cut detailing different areas of Silent Hill: Homecoming. While some may decry the game as an abandoned franchise by Team Silent, or a Me-Too title done by outsourced developers, you have to admit they've nailed the atmosphere pretty well. This is a Silent Hill game, but we can't really judge this type of game until it's been played through from beginning to bloody end. Then thought about on a deep psychological level for several hours. Anyway, enjoy these videos, featuring lots of nurses and lots of dogs, then let us know what you think.
Joystiq hands-on: Silent Hill: Homecoming
click to enlarge scary-size What's scarier: Silent Hill, or finding out that the latest game in the series isn't being developed by the folks who made the last five games? For many fans, it was the latter when, at E3 2007, Konami revealed that Western outfit The Collective (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Marc Ecko's Getting Up) – now Double Helix – would be crafting the creeps this time 'round.Things, as they are wont to do, change ... but from our time with the latest playable version of Silent Hill: Homecoming, we were more scared by the game than we were about how it's going to turn out. The generally positive vibe was generated in large part by what lead designer Jason Allen told us is changing – but also what isn't. Full impressions after the break.%Gallery-22985%
New grisly video and images of Silent Hill: Homecoming
click to enlarge Okay, with this fresh media form The Collective's take on Silent Hill (subtitled Homecoming), our fears are somewhat allayed. Given that the new Silent Hill is being developed by an American team outside of Konami, we were initially skeptical. The new images and (finally!) video have made us feel just a little bit better. First of all, the new score by longtime series composer Akira Yamaoka is in full effect and sets the mood nicely. Second, the game actually looks pretty good with combat in particular looking to be improved over previous iterations. But enough blather, check it out for yourself. Find three new videos embedded after the break. Gallery: Silent Hill: Homecoming (Xbox 360)
Silent Hill: Homecoming creeps out of hiding
click to enlarge Wait ... where are the floats, the cheerleaders, the awkward slow-dancing? Oh, its not that kind of homecoming. No, it's a Silent Hill homecoming, which means it's really foggy, those "cheerleaders" are grotesque creatures, and the dance move of choice is called "running for your life."Konami finally rolled out a playable build of the series' fifth installment at its press event last night, and we were on hand to, well ... get our hands on it. We're writing up our impressions, along with Double Helix design lead Jason Allen's musings on bringing the series to a new generation. For now, get tickled by the first screens (on your console of choice) -- and several new videos embedded after the break!%Gallery-22985%%Gallery-22986%
Silent Hill - Homecoming: 11 haunting new screens
Coming soon from The Collective is the fifth game in Konami's Silent Hill series, recently renamed Silent Hill: Homecoming. From the 11 new screenshots we've snagged it appears that the California-based developer has captured the creepy atmosphere of the original Silent Hill games. Since it was announced that The Collective would be developing the latest entry of the series, and not the original Konami team, fans have been somewhat reluctant to get on board with the game. While it isn't set to release until the fall, the game at least appears to be a step in the right direction.%Gallery-17264%
More Silent Hill: Homecoming screens to creep you out
Click for high-resolution image. Returning home has never been such a creepy experience. Well, at least for Alex Shepherd, our main dude for Silent Hill: Homecoming. Perhaps someone should have warned him not to drive out during a misty fog. We guess he didn't get the memo. Anyhow, it's his fault for transporting himself to a place of silent, empty streets. On the bright side of things, if he hadn't done the big no-no, then we wouldn't have these screenshots to show you, or a game for that matter. In these screenshots we have right here, we see some common Silent Hill scenery. We're talking about endless fog and bizarre symbols on the walls. Not to mention a glimpse at those unhelpful locals; they're usually way too busy looking like they haven't slept for weeks to even bother being friendly. Anyway, there's more to be seen, like faceless enemies, so check out the gallery.%Gallery-12896%
Silent Hill V dated for September, renamed 'Homecoming'
We're going to join Joystiq in a little speculation here. Okay, first, the details. One, Silent Hill V has been renamed Silent Hill: Homecoming. Joystiq speculates that this name change has been made to distinguish the latest entry from the series proper because it's being developed by The Collective rather than Konami. We would add that it's also possible that Konami wants to distinguish Silent Hill V from the two other survival horror games that happen to be the fifth installments in their respective series.Two, Silent Hill: Homecoming is set to arrive in September ... in Europe. We're going to side with Joystiq on this one and assume that it should arrive in North America at around the same time. Dare we allow ourselves to get excited?[Via Joystiq]
Silent Hill V now 'Homecoming,' dated for September
When you're a blogger and you don't have a lot of facts to go on, one of your greatest tools is hypothesizing, or as it's more commonly known, guessing. For example: Konami has announced that Silent Hill V has been retitled Silent Hill: Homecoming. Now, we don't know the reason for the change, but we're going to hypothesize that people were uncomfortable with an American-developed game that appears to be a departure from previous Silent Hills being one of the main, numbered series. See what we did there? That was just guessing. They also say that the game will be out in Europe at the end of September. We're going to hypothesize that it will also arrive in America around that same time, but honestly we have no idea. [Update: Hypothesis correct!] Feel free to offer your slightly less authoritative hypotheses about the name change below.
Silent Hill V gets new name: Homecoming
Click for high-resolution image. The first Silent Hill game of the new generation is donning a new name. Silent Hill: Homecoming is coming to PS3 this September -- at least in Europe in both Europe and America.Homecoming introduces series newcomer Alex Shepherd, who's trying to return home to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his brother. Of course, Alex will discover the truth behind his brother's disappearance only by confronting the horrors of Silent Hill.%Gallery-12896%
