After an extended interval of silence, final yr introduced what can solely be referred to as a glut of Silent Hill-related information. There’s a brand new title set in Sixties Japan (opens in new tab), Silent Hill Townfall from NoCode (opens in new tab), after which maybe the most-anticipated undertaking of all: A ground-up remake of Silent Hill 2 (opens in new tab), thought-about by some to be not solely the sequence’ highpoint however the most effective horror sport ever made.
Konami’s Group Silent, sadly, not exists, and so improvement is being dealt with by Bloober Group, a studio that now kinds itself as a specialist in horror. Bloober CEO Piotr Babieno is bold about what the developer can obtain on a undertaking with a bigger scale than it is sometimes labored on, and has not too long ago been speaking about shifting past the oft-derided time period of “strolling simulator” in the way it units up and spooks out gamers.
“We nonetheless want to make significant video games, we nonetheless want to maintain our DNA to inform [stories] about issues that are vital to us,” Babieno instructed IGN in an interview (opens in new tab). “Nevertheless, not by environmental storytelling, however by full motion, to have rather more mass enchantment. And I believe that that is the explanation why we have now chosen Silent Hill.”
Babieno additionally went on, maybe unsurprisingly, to defend Konami, the Japanese writer behind Silent Hill which has, in recent times, been letting a complete bunch of beloved gaming sequence collect mud. Konami’s popularity amongst components of the gaming group is, nevertheless unfairly, at an all-time low, and the hangover from Hideo Kojima’s acrimonious departure continues to at the present time.
“These people who find themselves in control of Konami Gaming proper now, after all I can not inform you all the small print, however I consider that they do perceive how gaming works,” mentioned Babieno. “They got here from firms which labored on many nice initiatives, and I am fairly certain that they’re making nice selections by selecting companions, by selecting initiatives… And I do perceive that individuals are a bit of bit indignant at Konami for the stuff which occurred up to now, however I want to say, give them the time, as a result of they do know what they’re doing.”
Sadly Babieno was much less forthcoming about precisely what the studio’s plans are with Silent Hill 2, and the way it will re-imagine mechanics that sorely want it (opens in new tab) with out dropping the distinctive ambiance and paranoia of the unique. The one regarding observe for me is that, when Babieno is discussing the studio’s strategy to horror video games usually, the outdated canard of ethical selections comes up.
“Our thought is to make video games which can make an impression on you, that you just perceive extra not a lot about our characters, not essentially in regards to the universe which we’re creating, however about your self,” mentioned Babieno. “As a result of these selections which we’re providing within the sport will can help you perceive higher, ‘Am I [a certain kind of] individual? Why did I make this alternative and never the opposite? Is there one thing incorrect with me?’
“These ethical conflicts, that are in the most effective video games, aren’t made by folks greater than as soon as, perhaps twice [in real life]. Normally by no means. However as a result of we have now the chance to examine ourselves by taking part in video games, we’re capable of perceive ourselves and others higher.”
Keep in mind that the above does not essentially confer with Silent Hill 2: Bloober Group is engaged on that, but in addition an unnamed undertaking with Personal Division, whereas Layers of Concern (opens in new tab) is due in June.
The rationale I flag it although is that Silent Hill 2 does have what might be termed ‘ethical selections’, however they’re carried out in a nuanced sufficient method that gamers might nearly be forgiven for not noticing them. This subtlety is among the causes it is so admired, and the type of ethical conflicts Babieno is referencing aren’t made express however must be progressively pieced-together and figured-out. Bloober’s beforehand mentioned “we need to stick near the unique (opens in new tab).” Let’s hope it does.