Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Pyramid Head and Robbie the Rabbit in Silent Hill: Homecoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/pyramid-head-and-robbie-the-rabbit-in-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/pyramid-head-and-robbie-the-rabbit-in-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/pyramid-head-and-robbie-the-rabbit-in-silent-hill-homecoming/#commentsFiled under:


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.


JoystiqPyramid Head and Robbie the Rabbit in Silent Hill: Homecoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamipyramid-headsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingThu, 17 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq E3 hands-on: Silent Hill: Homecoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/joystiq-e3-hands-on-silent-hill-homecoming/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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: Silent Hill: Homecoming (5-21-08)

Continue reading Joystiq E3 hands-on: Silent Hill: Homecoming

JoystiqJoystiq E3 hands-on: Silent Hill: Homecoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helixe3e3-08e308joystiqfeatureskonamiPS3silent-hillsilent-hill-5the-collectiveXbox-360Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameplay video shows first part of Silent Hill: Homecoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/gameplay-video-shows-first-part-of-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/gameplay-video-shows-first-part-of-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/gameplay-video-shows-first-part-of-silent-hill-homecoming/#commentsFiled under:


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.!]

JoystiqGameplay video shows first part of Silent Hill: Homecoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingSat, 05 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Homecoming video showcases new mechanics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/silent-hill-homecoming-video-showcases-new-mechanics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/silent-hill-homecoming-video-showcases-new-mechanics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/silent-hill-homecoming-video-showcases-new-mechanics/#commentsFiled under:


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]

JoystiqSilent Hill: Homecoming video showcases new mechanics originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingFri, 27 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB Watch: Swan Song Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/esrb-watch-swan-song-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/esrb-watch-swan-song-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/esrb-watch-swan-song-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

JoystiqESRB Watch: Swan Song Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cribbagemadden-09rocket-riotsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingsoulcaliburivticket-to-ridexblaTue, 24 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Homecoming preview discusses combat, branching conversations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/silent-hill-homecoming-preview-discusses-combat-branching-conv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/silent-hill-homecoming-preview-discusses-combat-branching-conv/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/silent-hill-homecoming-preview-discusses-combat-branching-conv/#commentsFiled under:

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.

JoystiqSilent Hill: Homecoming preview discusses combat, branching conversations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helixkonamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingThu, 19 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Akira Yamaoka admits David Lynch as Silent Hill influence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/akira-yamaoka-admits-david-lynch-as-silent-hill-influence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/akira-yamaoka-admits-david-lynch-as-silent-hill-influence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/akira-yamaoka-admits-david-lynch-as-silent-hill-influence/#commentsFiled under:

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?

JoystiqAkira Yamaoka admits David Lynch as Silent Hill influence originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokakonamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingsilent-hill-vWed, 11 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some worries put to eternal rest in Silent Hill Homecoming interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/some-worries-put-to-eternal-rest-in-silent-hill-homecoming-inter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/some-worries-put-to-eternal-rest-in-silent-hill-homecoming-inter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/some-worries-put-to-eternal-rest-in-silent-hill-homecoming-inter/#commentsFiled under:

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.

JoystiqSome worries put to eternal rest in Silent Hill Homecoming interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helixkonamisilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingsilent-hill-vMon, 02 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Silent Hill: Homecoming screens damage psyche]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/new-silent-hill-homecoming-screens-damage-psyche/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/new-silent-hill-homecoming-screens-damage-psyche/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/new-silent-hill-homecoming-screens-damage-psyche/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.


JoystiqNew Silent Hill: Homecoming screens damage psyche originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectivedouble-helixkonamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingsilent-hill-vthe-collectiveThu, 22 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New 'scream' shots of Silent Hill: Homecoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/new-scream-shots-of-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/new-scream-shots-of-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/new-scream-shots-of-silent-hill-homecoming/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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: Silent Hill: Homecoming (5-21-08)

JoystiqNew 'scream' shots of Silent Hill: Homecoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 May 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helixkonamiPS3screenshotssilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingXbox-360Wed, 21 May 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funny endings return for Silent Hill: Homecoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/funny-endings-return-for-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/funny-endings-return-for-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/funny-endings-return-for-silent-hill-homecoming/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Continue reading Funny endings return for Silent Hill: Homecoming

JoystiqFunny endings return for Silent Hill: Homecoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helixkonamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingthe-collectiveMon, 19 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Homecoming brings home several videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/silent-hill-homecoming-brings-home-several-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/silent-hill-homecoming-brings-home-several-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/silent-hill-homecoming-brings-home-several-videos/#commentsFiled under:

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.

Continue reading Silent Hill: Homecoming brings home several videos

JoystiqSilent Hill: Homecoming brings home several videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingthe-collectiveSat, 17 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Silent Hill: Homecoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/joystiq-hands-on-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/joystiq-hands-on-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/joystiq-hands-on-silent-hill-homecoming/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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: Silent Hill: Homecoming (PS3)

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Silent Hill: Homecoming

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Silent Hill: Homecoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helixhandsonhorrorkonamikonami-gamers-night-2008mysteryPS3silent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingsurvival-horrorXbox-360Fri, 16 May 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New grisly video and images of Silent Hill: Homecoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/new-grisly-video-and-images-of-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/new-grisly-video-and-images-of-silent-hill-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/new-grisly-video-and-images-of-silent-hill-homecoming/#commentsFiled under: ,


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)

Continue reading New grisly video and images of Silent Hill: Homecoming

JoystiqNew grisly video and images of Silent Hill: Homecoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingthe-collectiveFri, 16 May 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Homecoming creeps out of hiding]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/silent-hill-homecoming-creeps-out-of-hiding/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/silent-hill-homecoming-creeps-out-of-hiding/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/silent-hill-homecoming-creeps-out-of-hiding/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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: Silent Hill: Homecoming (PS3)


Gallery: Silent Hill: Homecoming (Xbox 360)

Continue reading Silent Hill: Homecoming creeps out of hiding

JoystiqSilent Hill: Homecoming creeps out of hiding originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdouble-helixkonamikonami-gamers-night-2008PS3silent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingXbox-360Thu, 15 May 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill - Homecoming: 11 haunting new screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/silent-hill-homecoming-11-haunting-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/silent-hill-homecoming-11-haunting-new-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/silent-hill-homecoming-11-haunting-new-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

JoystiqSilent Hill - Homecoming: 11 haunting new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releaseskonamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingsilent-hill-vthe-collectiveFri, 25 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More Silent Hill: Homecoming screens to creep you out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/more-silent-hill-homecoming-screens-to-creep-you-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/more-silent-hill-homecoming-screens-to-creep-you-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/more-silent-hill-homecoming-screens-to-creep-you-out/#commentsFiled under:


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.

JoystiqMore Silent Hill: Homecoming screens to creep you out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingFri, 25 Apr 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill V dated for September, renamed 'Homecoming']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-dated-for-september-renamed-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-dated-for-september-renamed-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-dated-for-september-renamed-homecoming/#commentsFiled under: ,


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]

JoystiqSilent Hill V dated for September, renamed 'Homecoming' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingsilent-hill-vthe-collectiveMon, 21 Apr 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill V gets new name: Homecoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-gets-new-name-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-gets-new-name-homecoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-gets-new-name-homecoming/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

JoystiqSilent Hill V gets new name: Homecoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>silent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingMon, 21 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill V now 'Homecoming,' dated for September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-now-homecoming-dated-for-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-now-homecoming-dated-for-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/silent-hill-v-now-homecoming-dated-for-september/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

JoystiqSilent Hill V now 'Homecoming,' dated for September originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdouble-helixkonamiPS3silent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-homecomingXbox-360Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Foundation 9 melts together Collective and Shiny into Double Helix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/foundation-9-melts-together-collective-and-shiny-into-double-hel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/foundation-9-melts-together-collective-and-shiny-into-double-hel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/foundation-9-melts-together-collective-and-shiny-into-double-hel/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Whatever last remnants of identity clung to by both Shiny and The Collective were lost today as the duo were merged together by owner Foundation 9, creating a new, wholly unfamiliar entity known as Double Helix. Studio head Michael Saxs Persson calls the new name and logo, which were chosen from a pool of employee submissions, a "perfect" match for the company, adding that "making games is in our DNA."

The founding follows the initial merger, announced last October, and according to Foundation 9 creates a studio "that is now able to build upon its previous experience to gain new heights in quality and efficiency." And all it cost us was our fond memories of a simpler time spent playing the likes of MDK and Earthworm Jim. While the company remains coy regarding what it's up to currently, today's announcement notes that Double Helix is developing a trio of multi-platform licensed games, one of which we assume to be the already announced Silent Hill V.

JoystiqFoundation 9 melts together Collective and Shiny into Double Helix originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectivedouble-helixdoublehelixearthworm-jimearthwormjimfoundation-9foundation9mdkmergerPS3shinysilent-hill-5silent-hill-vsilenthill5silenthillvthe-collectivethecollectiveXbox-360Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New soul withering shots of Silent Hill V]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/new-soul-withering-shots-of-silent-hill-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/new-soul-withering-shots-of-silent-hill-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/new-soul-withering-shots-of-silent-hill-v/#commentsFiled under:


After spotting some brand new Silent Hill V screenshots on the web today, we quickly set about acquiring them ourselves. After instating requesting the aid of an intrepid colleague at Joystiq, we thought we had acquired the images in questions. Alas, we were unable to get the lovely, watermark-free versions of the images, but we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the shots we had acquired seem to be brand new. So, as we endeavor to nab the images we originally sought, enjoy our three brand new images in the gallery below.

JoystiqNew soul withering shots of Silent Hill V originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectivekonamish5shvsilent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-vthe-collectiveFri, 29 Feb 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter the door of flesh with new Silent Hill 5 screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/enter-the-door-of-flesh-with-new-silent-hill-5-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/enter-the-door-of-flesh-with-new-silent-hill-5-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/enter-the-door-of-flesh-with-new-silent-hill-5-screenshots/#commentsFiled under:

It's time to look at some high-res screenshots of Silent Hill V. Dim your lights, put on that Silent Hill 3 soundtrack that came with the game (you know you have it, avid SH fans!), and click on over to SilentHill5.net to check them out. You'll see some familiar monsters with new design twists, some areas we've not seen yet, and some enemies we are glad have finally been revealed. Don't worry kids, there's nothing too grotesque that would get you in trouble for looking at. That is, if parents are keeping tabs on that sort of thing. Enjoy!

[via SilentHill5.net]

JoystiqEnter the door of flesh with new Silent Hill 5 screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hill-5the-collectiveMon, 18 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill 5 coming along nicely according to 1UP's preview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/silent-hill-5-coming-along-nicely-according-to-1ups-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/silent-hill-5-coming-along-nicely-according-to-1ups-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/silent-hill-5-coming-along-nicely-according-to-1ups-preview/#commentsFiled under:

1UP has a pretty in-depth preview of Silent Hill 5 up which should dispel any misgivings you might have about the game's western development. Due for a fall '08 release the game seems to be coming along quite nicely and 1UP got a nice chunk of juicy details out of the developers.

For starters, Silent Hill 5 will be a standalone adventure with a separate story and new characters. The game still promises to be a part of the Silent Hill canon, however, and not just in name. Some series mainstays are back, including the crawling fog, levels that transform from light and airy to grime covered and bloody and a permanent grain filter over the action. All of these things have been improved on for the next generation of consoles.

New features will also be implemented into SH5, such as utilisation of the Havok physics engine to allow furniture to be accidentally knocked, alerting your enemy of where you are. The battle system will also have an overhaul, making combat a bigger part of the game than in previous iterations of the series. For the full lowdown on the game be sure to check out 1UP's preview for plenty more SH5 info.

JoystiqSilent Hill 5 coming along nicely according to 1UP's preview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1Upkonamish5silent-hill-5Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yamaoka: Japanese game development 'is in trouble']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/yamaoka-japanese-game-development-is-in-trouble/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/yamaoka-japanese-game-development-is-in-trouble/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/26/yamaoka-japanese-game-development-is-in-trouble/#commentsFiled under:

The man who makes Silent Hill sound so creepy, Konami's Akira Yamaoka, has been working with an American team to bring you Silent Hill 5 and as a result, has a pretty unique perspective on how Japanese and U.S. teams compare. His conclusion? The future isn't particularly bright for Japanese houses. "[The U.S teams'] graphical and technical ability is amazing," he says. "There's a huge gap, actually. They're very advanced. I'm Japanese, and I think this is not just with Silent Hill but with the whole of the industry -- I look at what American developers are doing and I think wow ... Japan is in trouble."

He elaborates on the problems, citing too much pressure on aging developers and the language barrier slowing some development. We would have guessed that the troubles would stem from trying to work under the constant threat of ninja attack, but it should be noted that we're not big readers.

JoystiqYamaoka: Japanese game development 'is in trouble' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokajapankonamisilent-hillsilent-hill-5Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behold, a few minutes of Silent Hill 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/behold-a-few-minutes-of-silent-hill-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/behold-a-few-minutes-of-silent-hill-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/behold-a-few-minutes-of-silent-hill-5/#commentsFiled under:

Well... if you can handle the guy talking in a foreign language in the background (we won't even guess which language to save face), you've got a couple minutes of Silent Hill V to watch. The atmosphere is as moody and daunting as ever and it seems to be a throwback to the original game's tone -- walking into some random house, that is. Maybe we'll get more random homes to walk into. And the "checkpoint" that comes up on screen? Kind of strange, but if it gets rid of save points, that could work out for the better. We'll keep you posted as more details emerge.

JoystiqBehold, a few minutes of Silent Hill 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamish5silent-hill-5silent-hill-vthe-collectiveMon, 10 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Silent Hill V details finally surface]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/new-silent-hill-v-details-finally-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/new-silent-hill-v-details-finally-surface/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/new-silent-hill-v-details-finally-surface/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's been a while since Konami first announced Silent Hill V, and details revealed since have been few and far between. A new issue of Official Playstation Magazine, however, has revealed some new tidbits of information about the latest in the survival horror series.

The radio and the flashlight -- which were abandoned in the previous Silent Hill game -- return in the fifth console installment of the series. Unlike previous games, the camera will feature full 3D movement, and the article hints at some possible Sixaxis functionality in the PS3 version. The rest of the article features some new, "exclusive" images and character renderings, and recaps story and gameplay elements that were already known, but it could be a nice refresher for anyone who's forgotten exactly what to look forward to.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqNew Silent Hill V details finally surface originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamips3silent-hillsilent-hill-5silent-hill-vsilenthillsilenthill5silenthillvsurvival-horrorsurvivalhorrorthe-collectiveXbox-360xbox360Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PLAY magazine scares up new Silent Hill V info]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/play-magazine-scares-up-new-silent-hill-v-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/play-magazine-scares-up-new-silent-hill-v-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/play-magazine-scares-up-new-silent-hill-v-info/#commentsFiled under:


The fine folks over at SilentHill5.net have uncovered new Silent Hill V details by way of PLAY magazine. We have learned that the flashlight and static emitting radio will make a return after they went inexplicably missing in Silent Hill 4. Also, monsters will react to your flashlight (or any light source), particularly the series' trademark nurses -- this becomes especially apparent (and frightening) when you have to use an X-ray viewer to solve a puzzle. Thankfully, Silent Hill V abandons cinematic camera angles in favor of a player-controlled camera, so hopefully you won't get jumped while solving said puzzle. Speaking of puzzles, the game incorporates button matching segments similar to those found in God of War and Shenmue for certain segments -- like loosening the straps on your gurney, for example. Why are you in a gurney? Don't ask. Finally, the game incorporates a new system in which players must tend their wounds. Untended wounds will affect gameplay. In a nice twist, wounds affect enemies too. Somehow, we doubt that fact will be of any comfort as scads of demented nurses use your body for surgical practice.

[Via PS3F]

JoystiqPLAY magazine scares up new Silent Hill V info originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamish5shvsilent-hill-5silent-hill-vsilenthill5silenthillvthe-collectivethecollectiveWed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill V sees the return of radio, flashlight ... sixaxis?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/silent-hill-v-sees-the-return-of-radio-flashlight-sixaxis/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/silent-hill-v-sees-the-return-of-radio-flashlight-sixaxis/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/silent-hill-v-sees-the-return-of-radio-flashlight-sixaxis/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've been wondering what's in store for us in Silent Hill V ever since we first caught sight of it a long time back. Would the American company, The Collective, simply mash together existing elements in the franchise to give us a ho-hum formulaic view of the mist-ridden town as a different character, or offer something new to bring some life back into arguably the most horrifying series of games known to man? Well, we still don't know, but some of the latest scans from PLAY magazine give us some idea of what to expect, including a little bit about the characters you'll encounter.

Better combat seems like a promise, since the protagonist Alex was taught to be a hunter at an early age, with proficiencies in grappling, using weapons, and evading attacks. The radio, which emits static when enemies are nearby, and the flashlight were dropped in Silent Hill 4: The Room because ... well ... for some reason, but they're returning in this title. The camera will feature full 360-degree motion, which is a nice touch, and the PlayStation 3 version is noted to have some possible Sixaxis functionality.

An interesting tidbit paying homage to Metal Gear Solid 3 is the active wound system. No more health drinks to heal up those scratches! You've got to take care of those wounds the old fashioned way, though there's no detail to go off of yet. It probably won't be as in-depth as MGS3, but it should give you an added sense of fear as you try to get to a safe zone while your arm dribbles a path of blood for critters to follow. We'll keep you updated as we find out more on the game!

JoystiqSilent Hill V sees the return of radio, flashlight ... sixaxis? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hill-5silent-hill-vthe-collectiveTue, 27 Nov 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill 5 screenshots have nurses, boys, and knives!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/silent-hill-5-screenshots-have-nurses-boys-and-knives/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/silent-hill-5-screenshots-have-nurses-boys-and-knives/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/silent-hill-5-screenshots-have-nurses-boys-and-knives/#commentsFiled under:

It's about that time for Konami to shove out some screenshots for the upcoming multiplatform Silent Hill 5. With the first and third games only available on Sony systems as well as the upcoming PSP Origins title, we're pretty confident this game will make a comfortable splash back into the pool of fans that made it a hit in the first place. What can we say about the new screenshots? Well, they're creepy. The lighting seems to have come a long way, which really is key to the horror element of the games. If light didn't glisten against the fresh blood on the legs of a creepy-ass mannequin, we probably wouldn't be scared at all (sarcasm, friends, sarcasm). No matter how you feel, we know there are plenty of people out there who would really love to see this running on the PS3, but for that, we'll have to wait a bit.

JoystiqSilent Hill 5 screenshots have nurses, boys, and knives! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hill-5Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Silent Hill 5 scans to drool over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/new-silent-hill-5-scans-to-drool-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/new-silent-hill-5-scans-to-drool-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/17/new-silent-hill-5-scans-to-drool-over/#commentsFiled under:

Every time I see new screens, scans or videos of Silent Hill 5, I fall in love all over again. This game just looks so damn good, and if you want more proof, take a look at these new scans from Playzone magazine.

While Playzone doesn't give us any real new information about Konami's popular survival horror title, I'm sure some of you will be pleased just to see more scantily clad nurses.

When you're finished drooling over these new screens, be sure to cast your vote for Silent Hill 5 in this week's Poll Police!

JoystiqNew Silent Hill 5 scans to drool over originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>horrorkonamiscanssilent-hill-5silenthill5survival-horrorMon, 17 Sep 2007 14:00:00 EST