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It’s time for our annual countdown to recognize the best games of the year. Over the next 10 days, we’ll be counting down the top 10 games of 2025.
As always, the votes of each member of the Press Start team were collated, weighted from 10th to 1st place, to compile the best results of the year. A game worthy of the top spot will be awarded a maximum of 10 points, and its value will go down to the 10th selection, which will be awarded 1 point.
Sensing that the Silent Hill series had succumbed to relatively bland Westernization throughout recent series, perhaps explaining their lukewarm reception, Konami decided to ensure that Silent Hill F was authentically Japanese horror in every sense of the word. Perhaps the most surprising move is that they moved the franchise away from the misty towns they saw in their restless dreams, instead opting to settle in a quaint Japanese country town.
By enlisting the help of Ryukishi07, a writer who deals with the macabre nature of Japanese horror, Silent Hill partially encapsulates the outdated and unpleasant aspects of Japanese culture while retaining the series’ common elements of tackling its characters’ inner demons, recapturing the fear and tone the series has long been known for.
Silent Hill F was hugely popular, becoming the fastest-selling title in the franchise to date, proving Konami’s hunch that the series was in dire need of action was correct. We’ve always seen Resident Evil go from strength to strength, and after Bloober Team’s remake of Silent Hill 2 was named Game of the Year last year, it’s great to see Konami pairing their horror IP with some strong titles.
harry says
“In many ways, the odds feel stacked against Silent Hill. Series tradition aside, F’s reimagining of this titular town within the framework of rural Japan is bold, choosing to delve into horrors more familiar to Silent Hill than other games in the series. It’s a risk that ultimately pays off, contributing greatly to Silent Hill’s core conceit without losing the identity that makes it so special.
This setting, combined with one of the best horror protagonists in recent memory and a visceral story, creates an unforgettable psychological horror experience. Silent Hill F is a confident, haunting, and unsettling return from one of gaming’s all-time greats, and it hopefully opens the door to a comeback after years of unfortunate woes. ”
In our review, James gave Silent Hill a 9 out of 10 and said:
“Silent Hill F brilliantly demonstrates a clear understanding of what makes Silent Hill work. Its storytelling is equal parts wicked and restrained, enhanced by a simple but satisfying combat system. Throw in some challenging boss fights, and you’ve got a Silent Hill experience that meaningfully expands on the original game.
This is a subtly frightening adventure that retains the core of what makes Silent Hill special, but dares to be different. While some elements and difficulty may be off-putting for some, and the skill system is strangely lame, Silent Hill F is a fun and chilling experience from start to finish, unlike anything you’ve played before. ”
On the review aggregation site Metacritic, Silent Hill F is resting with an average score of 86.
Congratulations to Konami on making it to the top 10 of 2025!
2025 Game of the Year
#10 – Ghost of Yotei
#9 – Ball x Pit
#8 – Dispatch
#7 – silent hill f
