Silent Hill: Ascension, the latest addition to the Silent Hill franchise, has recently opened for pre-registrations for mobile devices. While my initial reaction to the announcement was one of indifference, given the underwhelming sequels and spin-offs that have come before, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the unique approach taken by Ascension. Developed by Behaviour Interactive, in collaboration with Bad Robot Games and Genvid Entertainment, this interactive drama offers a crowdsourced storytelling experience, similar to the massively multiplayer game Until Dawn. With daily story scenes and viewer participation in decision-making, Silent Hill: Ascension promises an immersive journey for horror enthusiasts.
The premise of Silent Hill: Ascension revolves around various main characters located across the globe, all haunted by the emergence of new and terrifying monsters from the Silent Hill universe. As ominous shadows loom, these creatures threaten to engulf individuals, their loved ones, and even entire towns. The darkness is awakened by recent murders and the deeply buried guilt and fears of the characters. The fate of these tormented souls is in the hands of the players, as they shape the story through their decisions, leading to poignant moments of redemption, suffering, or damnation.
Konami, the mastermind behind the Silent Hill series, has promised a plethora of new and imaginative monsters in Silent Hill: Ascension. Among these creatures is a peculiar version of Pyramid Head, featuring a square, porous head. It seems that Konami has an infatuation with Pyramid Head, as they continue to introduce variations of this iconic character. One can’t help but wonder if they have enough Pyramid Head variations to host a fashion show or build an entire roster for a Smash Bros-style game. Despite the ever-growing Pyramid Head family, the introduction of new monsters brings a fresh sense of terror and excitement to the Silent Hill universe.
While Silent Hill: Ascension and its predecessors have enjoyed commercial success, there is a growing sentiment that indie developers are the true heirs to the Silent Hill legacy. Smaller teams, such as the creators of Signalis, have shown remarkable skill in crafting atmospheric and unsettling experiences. Their understanding of how to create a grim and foreboding setting is unparalleled. Although behemoth studios continue to produce Silent Hill games, the charm and innovation of indie developers are capturing the hearts of horror enthusiasts. The upcoming projects from these indie teams, alongside the highly-anticipated Silent Hill: Townhall developed by No Code, offer hope that the true spirit of Silent Hill will be kept alive.
Looking towards the future, the Silent Hill franchise seems to be headed in two distinct directions. Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 remake generates both excitement and trepidation among fans, given their recent release, The Medium, received mixed reviews. On the other hand, Silent Hill f, set in 1960s Japan, presents an intriguing premise that may rekindle the franchise’s former glory. As fans eagerly await the arrival of these two projects, it is clear that the Silent Hill universe continues to captivate the imaginations of horror enthusiasts.
Silent Hill: Ascension’s approach to crowd-sourced storytelling presents a unique opportunity for horror gaming enthusiasts to shape the course of the narrative. With new and terrifying monsters, the game offers a fresh take on the Silent Hill universe. While the franchise’s future hangs in the balance, it is essential to recognize the creative efforts of indie developers who are carrying the torch forward. As we eagerly anticipate the release of Silent Hill: Ascension and the upcoming projects, we can’t deny the enduring fascination and allure of the Silent Hill franchise.
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