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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Silent Hill producer Hulett leaves Konami for WayForward]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/silent-hill-producer-hulett-leaves-konami-for-wayforward/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/silent-hill-producer-hulett-leaves-konami-for-wayforward/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/silent-hill-producer-hulett-leaves-konami-for-wayforward/#comments Tomm Hulett, producer of recent Silent Hill games as well as Rocket Knight, Contra 4 and more, has left Konami to work at Silent Hill: Book of Memories (and Shantae, Mighty Switch Force, Contra 4, et al.) developer WayForward Technologies.

Hulett reported the job change on his LinkedIn profile; we have also obtained confirmation from WayForward representatives. We've reached out to Hulett for more information on his new position, somehow managing not to beg for a lifetime of WayForward Contra sequels in the process. Meanwhile, we'd like to direct you to our Book of Memories development timeline for a look at Hulett's past work.

JoystiqSilent Hill producer Hulett leaves Konami for WayForward originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hilltomm-hulettwayforwardFri, 25 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kojima: Fox Engine could support Silent Hill, other Konami games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/kojima-fox-engine-could-support-silent-hill-other-konami-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/kojima-fox-engine-could-support-silent-hill-other-konami-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/kojima-fox-engine-could-support-silent-hill-other-konami-games/#comments During a Metal Gear 25th Anniversary panel at PAX 2012, designer Hideo Kojima talked about the development of the Fox Engine, which powers Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes. Kojima spoke briefly about the engine's potential and versatility.

"The thing is, once we get the Fox engine moving as we do now. You can make an FPS, you can make an Uncharted, etc. But what I wanted to do is make an open-world game, and that's what I'm doing now," he said.

Kojima added that "other Konami studios may use it as well," and gave the Silent Hill series as an example.

JoystiqKojima: Fox Engine could support Silent Hill, other Konami games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fox-enginehideo-kojimaKonamimetal-gear-ground-zeroesPAXpax-2012pax-prime-2012silent-hillSat, 01 Sep 2012 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[That siren means it's the first Silent Hill: Revelation 3D trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/that-siren-means-its-the-first-silent-hill-revelation-3d-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/that-siren-means-its-the-first-silent-hill-revelation-3d-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/that-siren-means-its-the-first-silent-hill-revelation-3d-traile/#comments That siren means its the first Silent Hill Revelations 3D trailer
When the above debut trailer for the movie sequel, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, hit the office, the Joystiq crew was derailed from any practical work for a good half hour while we discussed everything from the Australianness of the actress playing Heather Mason, to the canonical validity of Pyramid Head outside of James Sunderland's story.

After multiple viewings, our general consensus is one of cautious optimism; while the creative liberties taken with the first film appear to carry over, man does that Otherworld look exactly right. The overall costume design appears to be spot on as well, though we're not so sure about the trailer's mannequin implementation. We suppose all will be revealed when Silent Hill: Revelation 3D hits theaters on October 26.

JoystiqThat siren means it's the first Silent Hill: Revelation 3D trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lionsgateopen-road-filmsSilent-Hillsilent-hill-revelation-3dFri, 27 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Visit Silent Hill during Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/15/visit-silent-hill-during-universal-studios-halloween-horror-nig/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/15/visit-silent-hill-during-universal-studios-halloween-horror-nig/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/15/visit-silent-hill-during-universal-studios-halloween-horror-nig/#comments Visit Silent Hill during Universal Horror Nights this October
You know, we were just saying the other day how we wished we could spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a trip across the country to be tortured by grotesque manifestations of our terrible inner demons and dark secrets. How serendipitous then that Universal Studios and Konami should announce a partnership that fulfills that exact wish!

Well, maybe the Silent Hill portion of Universal Studio's upcoming Halloween Horror Nights attraction won't actually transform life into an unending fount of misery and soullessness, but walking around a replica Silent Hill does sound like a pretty sweet idea.

The announcement video above specifically calls out Fog World, Otherworld, Pyramid Head and the Nurses as parts of the Silent Hill mythos that will be brought to life by the attraction, so if you're seeking redemption for the terrible sins you've committed, maybe book a flight to Hollywood or Orlando this October.

JoystiqVisit Silent Hill during Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jul 2012 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Halloween-Horror-NightsHollywoodKonamiOrlandoSilent-Hillsilent-hill-downpourUniversalUniversal-StudiosSun, 15 Jul 2012 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Revelation 3D in theaters October 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/silent-hill-revelation-3d-in-theaters-october-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/silent-hill-revelation-3d-in-theaters-october-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/silent-hill-revelation-3d-in-theaters-october-26/#comments ImageOpen Road Films has acquired the distribution rights to Silent Hill: Revelation 3D, the sequel to 2006's Pyramid Head fanservice vehicle film adaptation of the Silent Hill franchise. The movie will hit your local cineplex on October 26, and when we say "hit," we mean "climb through a moist, fleshy hole, screaming with the voice of an injured fawn trapped at the bottom of a well."

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D stars Sean Bean, Carrie-Anne Moss and loosely follows the plot of Silent Hill 3, in that one of the characters is named Heather Mason and there's a lot of gross stuff probably. Silent Hill films that aren't about James Sunderland still don't really sit well with us, but we'll see anything that reportedly has Akira Yamaoka's music in it.

Actually, we have to see anything with Akira Yamaoka's music in it. We attended a talk he gave during GDC once, and the music he played for his panel was actually a spiritually binding contract with dark, eldritch terrors. If we don't see this movie, bad things will happen to our organs.

Continue reading Silent Hill: Revelation 3D in theaters October 26

JoystiqSilent Hill: Revelation 3D in theaters October 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokakonamimovieopen-road-filmsrelease-datesilent-hillsilent-hill-moviesilent-hill-revelation-3dWed, 18 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Plus in April: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier beta, free Shank 2, Shift 2 Unleashed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/playstation-plus-in-april-ghost-recon-future-soldier-beta-fre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/playstation-plus-in-april-ghost-recon-future-soldier-beta-fre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/playstation-plus-in-april-ghost-recon-future-soldier-beta-fre/#comments PlayStation Plus subscribers have a lot to look forward to in April. Starting on April 3, both Shank 2 and Shift 2 Unleashed will be available as free downloads for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Other free games for April include the PSOne Classic Silent Hill, PSN Minis Canabalt, Farm Frenzy 2 and Mystic Garden, and PSN title Frogger Returns.

In addition to these free games, PlayStation Plus subscribers will get early access to the closed beta for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, which kicks off sometime this month -- no date yet, says the PlayStation Blog. Finally, discounts: House of the Dead 4, Disney Universe and GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City will all be on sale this month at reduced prices.

JoystiqPlayStation Plus in April: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier beta, free Shank 2, Shift 2 Unleashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ghost-Recon-Future-Soldierplaystationplaystation-plusps3shank-2shift-2-unleashedsilent-hillubisoftMon, 26 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers: Silent Hill: Book of Memories delayed until May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/retailers-silent-hill-book-of-memories-delayed-until-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/retailers-silent-hill-book-of-memories-delayed-until-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/retailers-silent-hill-book-of-memories-delayed-until-may-31/#comments Konami's attempt at a Silent Hill hat-trick for the month of March may have fallen short just before the buzzer: Silent Hill: Book of Memories has had its release date changed from March 27 to May 31, according to Amazon and Gamefly.

As you'll recall, Book of Memories was originally slated to be released in February, relatively alongside the Vita's North American debut. It was then delayed until March, as was the Silent Hill HD Collection, in an effort to extract the highest amount of retail synergy possible from Silent Hill: Downpour's release.

We've reached out Konami for confirmation; in the meantime, those of you who absolutely must be terrified on the go should load your MP3 player with the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack.

Joystiq, its parent companies and their affiliates are not responsible for panic attacks, mental breakdowns or other disruptive/embarrassing public episodes caused by listening to the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack in public.

[Thanks, Adam!]

JoystiqRetailers: Silent Hill: Book of Memories delayed until May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondelaygameflykonamiplaystationplaystation-vitasilent-hillsilent-hill-book-of-memoriesvitaSat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Downpour brings the old back to the new]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/silent-hill-downpour-brings-the-old-back-to-the-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/silent-hill-downpour-brings-the-old-back-to-the-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/silent-hill-downpour-brings-the-old-back-to-the-new/#comments
As we saw back at E3, Silent Hill: Downpour evokes the feel of old Silent Hill games, by sending its protagonist Murphy into the familiar town, where he finds monsters, creepiness, and all sorts of dangerous puzzles. But producer Tomm Hulett says this version of the game isn't just about revisiting the setting of the old titles -- he's trying to collect some new fans as well.

"Bringing Silent Hill into sort of a modern game, for old fans, mainstream, for new fans, whatever, it's interesting," he told us at a recent preview event. "Because you need to keep those classic elements but you need to make them interesting for people who are used to Dead Space or Red Dead."

To that end, Downpour has a few systems in it designed to make sure that the new game not only lives up to the Silent Hill franchise, but allows newer players (and even those who just want a good scare) to experience all the frightening fun, too.

Gallery: Silent Hill Downpour (1/4/12)

Continue reading Silent Hill: Downpour brings the old back to the new

JoystiqSilent Hill: Downpour brings the old back to the new originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimicrosoftpcplaystationproducerps3silent-hillsilent-hill-downpourtomm-hulettvatra-gamesxboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Downpour Design Director leaves Vatra Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/silent-hill-downpour-design-director-leaves-vatra-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/silent-hill-downpour-design-director-leaves-vatra-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/silent-hill-downpour-design-director-leaves-vatra-games/#comments Brian Gomez, design director for Vatra Games' upcoming Silent Hill: Downpour, has left the company in order to pursue other opportunities a little closer to home. "When it was announced that Downpour was being delayed to 2012, my family and I came to the decision that I couldn't keep making the commute between Los Angeles and Brno for another 4 to 6 months," Gomez said in a letter to the Silent Hill Historical Society.

Gomez reassured the Silent Hill hopeful that his absence will have no adverse effect on Downpour's development, as it is nearly completed. Gomez also implied creative differences between his vision and Konami's, although he did not cite them as a reason for his departure: "There's a lot of things I still want to do in this genre that Konami simply didn't let me do."

Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, is a solid 6,049.2 miles away from Los Angeles, which is a fairly substantial commute for any family man. Silent Hill: Downpour is still slated for a 2012 release, come rain or shine.

JoystiqSilent Hill: Downpour Design Director leaves Vatra Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-gomezkonamimicrosoftplaystationps3silent-hillsilent-hill-downpourvatravatra-gamesxboxSat, 05 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Book of Memories is really about a book of memories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/silent-hill-book-of-memories-is-really-about-a-book-of-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/silent-hill-book-of-memories-is-really-about-a-book-of-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/silent-hill-book-of-memories-is-really-about-a-book-of-memories/#comments

In this video, Konami producer Tomm Hulett explains the premise of the PlayStation Vita's weird spin-off game, Silent Hill: Book of Memories. "You receive a strange book. When you open it, you see your entire life story written on those pages," he said. "All your memories." You can then rewrite your memories and alter reality.

Apparently, judging by the gameplay, all the player-created characters then rewrite their lives as monster-filled nightmares -- with Hulett suggesting that even Pyramid Head shows up. In any other game, that would be weird, but it wouldn't be Silent Hill if the protagonist wasn't totally bonkers.

Speaking of gameplay, the above video features the first (early) direct-feed gameplay footage.

JoystiqSilent Hill: Book of Memories is really about a book of memories originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2011konamiplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitasilent-hillsilent-hill-book-of-memoriestomm-hulettvitaWayForwardFri, 19 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill HD Collection also heading to Xbox 360, Konami 'aiming' for simultaneous launch on both consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/silent-hill-hd-collection-also-heading-to-xbox-360-konami-aimi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/silent-hill-hd-collection-also-heading-to-xbox-360-konami-aimi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/silent-hill-hd-collection-also-heading-to-xbox-360-konami-aimi/#comments ' Silent Hill: Downpour producer Tomm Hulett announced -- in video form -- during Konami's Gamescom press conference that the upcoming Silent Hill HD Collection would also be coming to Xbox 360. It was initially announced for PlayStation 3 only. According to Hulett, the HD Collection's Xbox 360 version is coming as a result of fan response to the originally announced exclusivity.

Without giving a solid release date (the game is currently pegged for "September/October") Hulett noted that Konami is "aiming" to release Silent Hill HD Collection on both consoles simultaneously.

JoystiqSilent Hill HD Collection also heading to Xbox 360, Konami 'aiming' for simultaneous launch on both consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescomgamescom-2011konamimicrosoftplaystationps3silent-hillsilent-hill-hd-collectiontomm-hulettxboxWed, 17 Aug 2011 05:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Play For Japan: The Album helps rebuild Japan, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/play-for-japan-the-album-helps-rebuild-japan-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/play-for-japan-the-album-helps-rebuild-japan-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/play-for-japan-the-album-helps-rebuild-japan-available-now/#comments Announced last May and originally slated for a June release, Play For Japan: The Album is finally available for your listening pleasure. The album features original tracks by 18 of gaming history's greatest composers, including Silent Hill's Akira Yamaoka, Metal Gear Solid 4's Nobuko Toda, and if you buy the album from iTunes, Super Mario Bros.'s Koji Kondo.

The album is already available via iTunes in the US, Canada, and UK, and will be available everywhere else (from iTunes and Amazon) starting July 15. It costs $9.99 USD, one hundred percent of which benefits the Japanese Red Cross' efforts in rebuilding Japan's infrastructure. It also benefits your eardrums. The full track listing is after the jump.

Continue reading Play For Japan: The Album helps rebuild Japan, available now

JoystiqPlay For Japan: The Album helps rebuild Japan, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokaamazoncharitydisaster-reliefitunesjapan-earthquakeKoji-Kondometal-gear-solid-4musicNobuko-Todaplay-for-japanplay-for-japan-the-albumreliefsilent-hillSuper-Mario-BrosSat, 09 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A few shots of the Silent Hill: Revelation movie set]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/a-few-shots-of-the-silent-hill-revelation-movie-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/a-few-shots-of-the-silent-hill-revelation-movie-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/a-few-shots-of-the-silent-hill-revelation-movie-set/#comments A handful of new photos have been posted on the Silent Hill: Revelation Facebook page. The pics don't offer a great deal of new information on the film, though we do get to see a bit of Silent Hill's traditional ashen/snow-covered wastes. We also get our first peek at Carrie-Anne Moss, who's looking awfully pale. Oh, and the nurses! Let's not forget the nurses ... as if our tortured psyche could ever let them go.

JoystiqA few shots of the Silent Hill: Revelation movie set originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carrie-anne-mossmoviemoviessilent-hillsilent-hill-downpoursilent-hill-revelationsilent-hill-revelation-3dWed, 29 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill Collection will be on PlayStation 3 only, this fall [Update: PS3 exclusive for 'right now']]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/silent-hill-collection-will-be-on-playstation-3-only-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/silent-hill-collection-will-be-on-playstation-3-only-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/silent-hill-collection-will-be-on-playstation-3-only-this-fall/#comments Konami didn't have much to say about the newly HD-ified Silent Hill Collection when it was announced during the company's pre-E3, but a short listing in a recent email revealed some more details. As we knew already, the Collection includes only Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3 with new, high-definition graphics. What we didn't know is that the Silent Hill Collection will be available on PlayStation 3 only, unlike the Zone of the Enders HD Collection and Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, both of which will also make it to Xbox 360.

That PlayStation 3 release brings with it the requisite trophy support, "all-new voice acting directed by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, and a fall 2011 release window.

Update: In an interview with Joystiq, Silent Hill producer Tom Hulett stated that the Silent Hill Collection is PS3 exclusive "right now." According to Hulett, "It's always been a primarily Sony platform series. So, right now we're just aiming at a Sony exclusive, which isn't to say [that] in the future it won't be available anywhere else, but right now it's a Sony exclusive. Keep those multiplatform fingers crossed!

JoystiqSilent Hill Collection will be on PlayStation 3 only, this fall [Update: PS3 exclusive for 'right now'] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011konamiplaystationps3silent-hillsilent-hill-2silent-hill-3silent-hill-collectionsilent-hill-hd-collectionThu, 09 Jun 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami reveals Metal Gear Solid, Zone of the Enders, Silent Hill HD remakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/konami-reveals-metal-gear-solid-zone-of-the-enders-silent-hill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/konami-reveals-metal-gear-solid-zone-of-the-enders-silent-hill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/konami-reveals-metal-gear-solid-zone-of-the-enders-silent-hill/#comments The Metal Gear Solid HD Collection will feature MGS 2, MGS 3: Snake Eater and MGS: Peace Walker -- strangely, the original Metal Gear Solid is absent. Why not just touch up Twin Snakes? Regardless, the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection will be available on the PS3 and Xbox and support 1080p graphics and, on the PS3, a neat 'Transfarring' feature where you can transfer your Peace Walker game save from your PSP to your PS3.

As for Zone of the Enders HD Collection, it's a collection of Zone of the Enders and Zone of the Enders 2, natch. Little beyond its existence was given, outside of a tentative 2012 launch window. It'll also be available on both the PS3 and Xbox 360, with the former version supporting the new Transfarring feature -- though in what way we're still trying to get clarification on. Update: Our own Mike Schramm is on-hand at the Konami event in LA and asked for clarification on the Transfarring feature in ZOE HD. "Wait for future announcements," a Konami representative replied. Looks like we'll have to wait for that clarification!

The Silent Hill Collection will feature only Silent Hill 2 and 3, touched up in HD. No exact consoles were mentioned.

JoystiqKonami reveals Metal Gear Solid, Zone of the Enders, Silent Hill HD remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmicrosoftplaystationps3silent-hillsilent-hill-collectionsilent-hill-hd-collectionxboxzone-of-the-enderszone-of-the-enders-hd-collectionThu, 02 Jun 2011 20:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill composer's guitar auctioned for Japan relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/silent-hill-composers-guitar-auctioned-for-japan-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/silent-hill-composers-guitar-auctioned-for-japan-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/silent-hill-composers-guitar-auctioned-for-japan-relief/#comments What's scarier, being absolutely broke or regretting never taking a chance to have a piece of video game history? An auction for Akira Yamaoka's guitar and FX amps, which were used to create the audio atmosphere for a little franchise called Silent Hill, is currently underway on eBay (and will last for five days).

The auction is part of Play for Japan, a coordinated effort to present consumers and gamers with means to help the relief effort in Japan. If you partake, you'll not only feel good about donating money to Japan, but you'll possibly give this guitar a new home and outlook on life, one filled with joy, sunshine and family -- not giant death bunnies and other unspeakable horrors.

JoystiqSilent Hill composer's guitar auctioned for Japan relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokaauctioncharityjapanmicrosoftnintendoplay-for-japanplaystationps3pspsilent-hillSilent-Hill-Shattered-MemoriessonywiixboxWed, 30 Mar 2011 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch these impressive Silent Hill and Dragon Age fan film trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/watch-these-impressive-silent-hill-and-dragon-age-fan-film-trail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/watch-these-impressive-silent-hill-and-dragon-age-fan-film-trail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/watch-these-impressive-silent-hill-and-dragon-age-fan-film-trail/#comments It might seem strange to pair Silent Hill and Dragon Age fan film trailers in one post, but they just happen to share the same director, Leo Kei Angelos. Both projects are planned for release as complete short films later this year, and they already look impressive.

In fact, if the super, super creepy trailer is any indication, the Silent Hill inspired film, The Confined, just might turn out better than its full-length cinematic counterpart. Check out both trailers after the break.

Continue reading Watch these impressive Silent Hill and Dragon Age fan film trailers

JoystiqWatch these impressive Silent Hill and Dragon Age fan film trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-agefan-filmfanmadefilmleo-kei-angelosmicrosoftmovienintendoplaystationps3silent-hillsilent-hill-downpourwiixboxTue, 29 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill soundtrack collection is frighteningly huge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/silent-hill-soundtrack-collection-is-frighteningly-huge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/silent-hill-soundtrack-collection-is-frighteningly-huge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/silent-hill-soundtrack-collection-is-frighteningly-huge/#comments For the next entry in its outlandishly enormous CD box set series, Konami is releasing a collection of music from the Silent Hill series. The Silent Hill Sounds Box, despite its name, isn't just nine discs full of radio static; it's actually eight discs of game soundtracks, from the original through Silent Hill: The Arcade, with a ninth disc full of trailers.

The ¥13,230 ($160) set also includes a booklet full of concept art. It'll be released in Japan on March 16, but is unlikely to make it into even the least haunted towns in America.

JoystiqSilent Hill soundtrack collection is frighteningly huge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokajapankonamimicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3pspsilent-hillsilent-hill-sounds-boxsonysoundtrackwiixboxWed, 23 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Your contribution to Silent Hill: Downpour is of grave importance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/your-contribution-to-silent-hill-downpour-is-of-grave-importanc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/your-contribution-to-silent-hill-downpour-is-of-grave-importanc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/your-contribution-to-silent-hill-downpour-is-of-grave-importanc/#commentsFinally, your chance to break into the burgeoning field of virtual grave design! Konami announced a Facebook-based contest in which aspiring monumentalists will be able to have their "spine-chilling burial sculpture" reproduced in Silent Hill: Downpour. Konami will pick its six favorite sculptures on February 10 and then open it up to public voting.

"Since this is a new chapter in the Silent Hill saga," the announcement notes, "sculptures must be original works and not based off of existing characters or creature designs." So, Pyramid Head is out ... but if you want to make an actual pyramid, that's probably fine. It's actually kind of a classic in the tomb business.

Continue reading Your contribution to Silent Hill: Downpour is of grave importance

JoystiqYour contribution to Silent Hill: Downpour is of grave importance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimicrosoftplaystationps3silent-hillsilent-hill-downpourxboxTue, 25 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch the prison bus to Silent Hill: Downpour this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/silent-hill-downpour-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/silent-hill-downpour-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/silent-hill-downpour-this-fall/#commentsKonami officially unveiled Silent Hill: Downpour this morning (leaving, of course, the veil of fog around the town), announcing a fall European release for Vatra Games' exploration of our favorite psychological punishment destination, and sending out a bunch of new screenshots. We're no longer limited to looking at a guy looking at a truck!

In addition to giving us a good look at Murphy Pendleton, the poor sucker doomed to guide us around the new version of Silent Hill, these screenshots offer a glimpse at a few in-game locations: the diner, always a staple of Silent Hill, and the "Devil's Pit," some kind of mountainous area with a rickety-looking ropeway train between peaks. There's also some unidentifiable subterranean area that appears to be covered in rusty grates, in case you were concerned this wasn't actually a Silent Hill game.

Gallery: Silent Hill: Downpour (PS3/Xbox 360)

Continue reading Catch the prison bus to Silent Hill: Downpour this fall

JoystiqCatch the prison bus to Silent Hill: Downpour this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europekonamimicrosoftplaystationps3q3-2011release-datesilent-hillsilent-hill-downpourvatra-gamesxboxMon, 24 Jan 2011 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Pyramid Head resin statue exacts a hefty price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/pyramid-head-resin-statue-exacts-a-hefty-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/pyramid-head-resin-statue-exacts-a-hefty-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/pyramid-head-resin-statue-exacts-a-hefty-price/#commentsPatient Session Recording Excerpt: Harry Sunderland (12/01/2010)

" -- right in the flamingo."

"And that's when you realized it was a nightmare, Harry?"

"Yes. It was so palpable, like I could feel gravity pulling my stomach out through my feet. And this figure just stands there, watching me flounder and sink into my own house."

"And this figure, you say, has very distinct geometric attributes."

"He's got a triangle, or maybe a pyramid for a head. Wait. Oh my god. I -- how did I miss this? I'm so stupid!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself. Remember, you're here because you may be insane, not because you're a dummy."

"Well, I just got back from Japan, and I bought this Trims-made Pyramid Head figure. This thing is a detailed resin statue, doc. It's a Konami Style exclusive and it took them forever to make it."

"And where did you put it?"

"Right above my bed, on a shelf. I mean, I paid like $344 for it. You have to put that stuff on display."

"Why is that, Harry?"

"How else are people going to know what elements of popular culture I enjoy?"

"Of course. So, tell me about this Pyramid-headed person."

"Well, he's from the Silent Hill video games. He's, like, an enigmatic representation of guilt and tore some lady's skin off in the movie. You know ... I'm beginning to think I should have gone for Valtiel. That's what you're thinking, right? This statue hovering over me is messing me up. "

"Okay, I'm going to stop your supposed self-diagnosis right there, Harry. This rationalization isn't doing you any good. Let's talk facts: you spent $344 to sleep underneath the creepiest thing in the world. That's worse than the guy who came in here with a Pennywise snuggie."

"And what happened to him?"

"I told you -- I don't treat dummies."

JoystiqPyramid Head resin statue exacts a hefty price originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturejapankonamimicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pyramid-headsilent-hillwiixboxWed, 01 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill 2 movie production currently stuck in limbo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/silent-hill-2-movie-production-currently-stuck-in-limbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/silent-hill-2-movie-production-currently-stuck-in-limbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/12/silent-hill-2-movie-production-currently-stuck-in-limbo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a recent interview with Fangoria, prolific horror film producer Don Carmody gave an update on the sequel to the 2006 film adaptation of Silent Hill. Things are going less than awesome, as Carmody explained production is "a little stalled now because of [writer/director] Roger Avary's [legal problems], so a little unsure yet." Carmody is referring to Avary's one-year prison sentence, which he received after being charged with vehicular manslaughter following a fatal 2008 car accident.

Carmody went on to explain, "the original plan was Roger writing and polishing the screenplay, and when he had finished his thing, we'd begin full-blown preproduction. I'm not sure what's going on with that. We know we want to make Silent Hill 2 and have a basic outline for it. We'll have to see." According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department website, Avary has been released from prison -- whether or not he's in the screenwriting mood remains to be seen.

JoystiqSilent Hill 2 movie production currently stuck in limbo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don-carmodyhorrorkonamiroger-avarysilent-hillsilent-hill-2silent-hill-movieThu, 12 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill 8 (working title) coming in 2011 from Vatra Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/new-silent-hill-game-coming-in-2011-from-vatra-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/new-silent-hill-game-coming-in-2011-from-vatra-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/new-silent-hill-game-coming-in-2011-from-vatra-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Konami has just shared details on the brand new, Vatra Games-developed Silent Hill game for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 coming next year in 2011. Apparently it will have an escaped prisoner finding the town of Silent Hill, which is a little surprising. Haven't they closed the doors and locked the locks on that place yet? Every other year, it's somebody wandering in there to be chased down by evil nurses or pyramid heads, or whatever else they've come up with.

The game will have a brand new composer, Dan Licht, known for his work on the television show Dexter. He's replacing Akira Yamaoka, longtime composer and sound designer, who recently left for Grasshopper Manufacture. We'll look for the game in 2011, and in the meantime, please, everybody. If the sign says Silent Hill, just turn around and head back to the interstate.

Update: Press release get! The release from Konami says the game is called Silent Hill 8, but that's just a working title so far. The escaped prisoner's name is Murphy Pendleton, and he'll be part of "an all-new storyline and unique evolutions in gameplay." Sounds fun!

JoystiqSilent Hill 8 (working title) coming in 2011 from Vatra Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokadan-lichtdextere3-2010konamimicrosoftplaystationprisonerps3silent-hillsilent-hill-2011silent-hill-downpourvatra-gamesxboxWed, 16 Jun 2010 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Producer hopes to start filming Silent Hill 2 in 'late spring']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/producer-hopes-to-start-filming-silent-hill-2-in-late-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/producer-hopes-to-start-filming-silent-hill-2-in-late-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/producer-hopes-to-start-filming-silent-hill-2-in-late-spring/#comments Anxious to check out the sequel to 2006's big screen adaptation of Silent Hill? Producer Don Carmody -- who is also working on the upcoming Paul W.S. Anderson film, Resident Evil: Afterlife -- told Fearnet that he's "hoping to start [filming] it in late spring in Toronto." Carmody also reveals in the interview that the first film generated a lot of hate mail. Here's hoping the second go-round invokes a bit less vitriol.

The sequel will once again feature actress Radha Mitchell, but, as we reported last year, director Christophe Gans does not appear to be returning. Is that a good or bad thing? We'll let you decide.

JoystiqProducer hopes to start filming Silent Hill 2 in 'late spring' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don-carmodydramafantasyfilmhollywoodmovieradha-mitchellsilent-hillsilent-hill-moviesuspenseThu, 06 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Silent Hill in the hands of Vatra Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/new-silent-hill-in-the-hands-of-vatra-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/new-silent-hill-in-the-hands-of-vatra-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/new-silent-hill-in-the-hands-of-vatra-games/#comments 1UP reports that the recently revealed "next Silent Hill" game will not, in fact, be developed by Climax, which is fresh from the totally awesome Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Instead, the lead has been taken by Vatra Games, a Czech studio whose only other credit is retro relaunch Rush'N Attack: Ex-Patriot, also announced on Friday.

It's not that we think Vatra will do a bad job -- we frankly have no clue what they'll do. But we were so looking forward to seeing where Climax took the franchise after Shattered Memories that it's hard to not be a little deflated and, perhaps, even ... shattered by its absence.

On a slightly more informative note, Vatra's official page says it's working on two games for PS3, 360 and PC, so that likely gives an indication of the platforms on which the new Silent Hill will appear.

JoystiqNew Silent Hill in the hands of Vatra Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climaxkonamiMicrosoftrush-n-attackrushn-attacksilent-hillvatravatra-gamesXbox-360Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New Silent Hill shown, details to become less foggy at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/new-silent-hill-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/new-silent-hill-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/new-silent-hill-game/#comments Konami's Gamers Night 2010 presentation concluded with a nice surprise: A teaser trailer for what could only be a new Silent Hill game. Well, maybe not entirely new.

In the footage, which appeared to be an in-engine recording of gameplay from one or both of the current HD consoles, a male character resembling James Sunderland from Silent Hill 2 awoke from a public bench and began wandering the foggy, deserted streets of a suburban neighborhood. While the game's title was not revealed, given the recent revisiting of the original Silent Hill in Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, a remake of the second game in the series doesn't seem too far-fetched.

The teaser ended with the tagline: "End the Silence" and "E3." We suspect the weather report for Los Angeles in the third week of June will call for sunny with a chance of terrifying fog.

JoystiqNew Silent Hill shown, details to become less foggy at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010konamikonami-gamers-night-2010silent-hillFri, 09 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Akira Yamaoka explains Grasshopper jump]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/interview-akira-yamaoka-explains-grasshopper-jump/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/interview-akira-yamaoka-explains-grasshopper-jump/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/interview-akira-yamaoka-explains-grasshopper-jump/#comments Having composed Silent Hill's unmistakable audio ever since the series began, Akira Yamaoka is best known for unsettling even the soundest of minds with an unpredictable mixture of industrial noise, haunting melodies and straight-up rock. He left his position as producer and fan-made custodian of the survival-horror franchise earlier this year to join Grasshopper Manufacture and Goichi "Suda 51" Suda's "video game band."

Although Grasshopper isn't ready to talk specifically about its upcoming collaboration with EA, we did get an opportunity at GDC to ask Akira Yamaoka a few general questions about his move and his relationship with Silent Hill.

Joystiq: What have you seen at GDC this year that interested you?

Akira Yamaoka: [laughs] I'm actually really busy with having interviews and I did a session, so I was busy with preparation for that. So, I didn't have much chance to look at a lot of sessions yet because of that, but the image around GDC has been changing. It seems like a lot of seminars are more like -- they don't really talk about new technology but they talk more about concepts and stuff like that. That's what I feel about GDC now.

Continue reading Interview: Akira Yamaoka explains Grasshopper jump

JoystiqInterview: Akira Yamaoka explains Grasshopper jump originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokaaudiogdc-2010grasshopper-manufactureinterviewkonamisilent-hillsuda-51Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: Akira Yamaoka on the disturbing power of audio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/akira-yamaoka-on-the-disturbing-power-of-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/akira-yamaoka-on-the-disturbing-power-of-audio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/akira-yamaoka-on-the-disturbing-power-of-audio/#comments The title of Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka's GDC panel was "As long as the audio is fun, the game will be too." Kind of a perplexing title, especially if you've enjoyed Yamaoka's work in the horror genre. Don't get us wrong, it's good, we're just not sure fun is the word for it. Yamaoka used the panel to explain precisely why his music and sound effects are so disturbing, and it's more technical than you might think.

"Sound is very close to stimulating emotions in your brain," said Yamaoka via an interpreter. "What do humans fear?" He asked. In the case of audio, he noted that gaps between visual cues and accompanying audio. Specifically, if a sound precedes a visual cue, it can cause anxiety, while a sound that arrives too late is comforting. As an example, he noted the sounds of footsteps being made slightly before the onscreen action in a game. He noted that this effect can be felt even if the sync between sound and visual is off by a few frames of animation. Yamaoka said later in the panel that he used this technique in Silent Hill 3.

Another technique mentioned was the use of silence."When there's no sound, the brain fills in the gap," said Yamaoka. He then played a special version of Beethoven's "Für Elise" which had been injected with tiny, periodic gaps of silence. He then played the same piece, only this time injecting harsh noise instead of silence. Even packed in a fully lit lecture hall with hundreds of GDC attendees, it was unsettling. Unfortunately, Yamaoka wasn't able to give us the sound samples used during the panel, so we've done our best to recreate them:


Thankfully, Yamaoka closed the session with a soothing guitar performance, which we were able to capture for your enjoyment. Listen to it below and stay tuned for an interview with Mr. Yamoaka on Joystiq in the near future.

JoystiqGDC: Akira Yamaoka on the disturbing power of audio originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akira-Yamaokaaudiogdcgdc-2010grasshopper-manufacturermusicsilent-hillFri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill composer Yamaoka joins Suda 51's 'video game band']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/silent-hill-composer-yamaoka-joins-suda-51s-video-game-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/silent-hill-composer-yamaoka-joins-suda-51s-video-game-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/silent-hill-composer-yamaoka-joins-suda-51s-video-game-band/#commentsAkira Yamaoka, composer of every Silent Hill score except one, and producer on every title in the series since 3, has joined Suda 51's studio, Grasshopper Manufacture, following his departure from Konami last month. Yamaoka has already contributed tracks to this month's No More Heroes 2 and is working on music for EA's mysterious Suda/Shinji Mikami action horror game. Though we were once concerned about the long wait time for the collaborative project (or any information about it), now that the wait has resulted in the addition of Yamaoka to its development team, we don't mind. At all.

"Ever since I saw a video of Silent Hill 2 at the Tokyo Game Show nine years ago, I've always dreamed of working alongside him," Suda told Famitsu, as translated by 1UP. "That's why I thought I'd invite him over when I started hearing rumors that he left [Konami]."

"It was a case of really good timing," Yamaoka said. "I knew about Suda long before I met him; I saw Grasshopper as one of those few Japanese outfits whose games can appeal to an overseas audience. I had a chance to meet him in Los Angeles and we talked about this and that, and once we started discussing how we wanted to do something creative for a world audience, I was hooked on the company."

Also new to Grasshopper: Kazutoshi Iida, creator of Aquanaut's Holiday, Tail of the Sun, Doshin the Giant, and Discipline, who will certainly make the already idiosyncratic works of Grasshopper Manufacture even stranger.

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqSilent Hill composer Yamaoka joins Suda 51's 'video game band' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokagrasshopper-manufactureno-more-heroesshinji-mikamisilent-hillsuda-51suda51Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Shattered Memories recollects Feb. 5 UK release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/silent-hill-shattered-memories-recollects-feb-5-uk-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/silent-hill-shattered-memories-recollects-feb-5-uk-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/silent-hill-shattered-memories-recollects-feb-5-uk-release/#comments The "reimagined" first installment of Silent Hill is set to shatter memories in Europe on February 5, 2010. Konami confirmed the survival-horror title will release on Wii, PS2 and PSP on the appointed date. For those who can't wait, there's always an early Homecoming in anticipation for that return to the cursed town.

Reviews of the game have been what Metacritic defines as "generally favorable," with a 76 average. Our own review took the approach that the game is good, but is it still Silent Hill with all the changes?

Gallery: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii, 8/11/09)

JoystiqSilent Hill: Shattered Memories recollects Feb. 5 UK release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeNintendosilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriesukWiiTue, 22 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/review-silent-hill-shattered-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/review-silent-hill-shattered-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/review-silent-hill-shattered-memories/#comments I'm a big fan of Silent Hill. I've played every game in the series and a few years ago you might even have caught me defending the Silent Hill movie. When I first heard that Climax was re-imagining the first game in the Silent Hill series, and putting it on the Wii, I was a bit nervous. When the company revealed the logo and announced that the rust laden, nightmarish Otherworld was being brushed aside for an ice world, I was downright scared. After gathering some more info and trying the game at E3, all fears were assuaged. This was to be the great hope of the Silent Hill series.

Having spent two evenings with the game and completing the story for the first time, I'm conflicted. Was it good? Yes. I'm just not sure it's Silent Hill.

Gallery: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii)

Continue reading Review: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

JoystiqReview: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamiNintendosilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriesWiiWed, 09 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami coin-op cameo in Silent Hill: Shattered Memories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/konami-coin-op-cameo-in-silent-hill-shattered-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/konami-coin-op-cameo-in-silent-hill-shattered-memories/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/konami-coin-op-cameo-in-silent-hill-shattered-memories/#comments While playing through Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for review, our very own Richard Mitchell stumbled upon a pretty neat thing: classic Konami coin-op arcade cabinets. Sadly, you can't play the cabinets in-game, but it's a nice Easter egg for fans, if we may say so. There's Contra, Rush'N Attack and -- our personal favorite -- Gradius. Check 'em out in the video above.

JoystiqKonami coin-op cameo in Silent Hill: Shattered Memories originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecontragradiuskonamirushn-attackrushnattacksilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriesWed, 09 Dec 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill adapted for the stage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/silent-hill-adapted-for-the-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/silent-hill-adapted-for-the-stage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/silent-hill-adapted-for-the-stage/#comments We're not sure what makes a franchise a good fit for unconventional adaptations, but Silent Hill certainly has it. First it was transformed into a haunted house, now a group of fans in Sweden has put together a stage play based on the second game in the series.

Though the play will be subtitled and put on to YouTube eventually, we don't have any details about the production just yet. We assume, however, it'll basically be like Miss Saigon if everyone in Miss Saigon had a pyramid for a head. Sure, the critics will say it's unorthodox, but they also said Babs was too young to play Dolly Levi and we all saw how that turned out.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqSilent Hill adapted for the stage originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamisilent-hilltheatreTue, 08 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Shattered Memories trailer rocks out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/silent-hill-shattered-memories-trailer-rocks-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/silent-hill-shattered-memories-trailer-rocks-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/silent-hill-shattered-memories-trailer-rocks-out/#comments Konami has released a new trailer for Silent Hill: Shattered Memories and ... it kind of rocks. Literally. Rather than flooding the senses with creepy atmosphere, rusted metal and sexually confusing nurses, the trailer opts instead for a montage of the game's characters and some rock music, specifically "When You're Gone," a new theme composed by the series' longtime (and recently departed) maestro, Akira Yamaoka.

Sharp-eyed viewers will also notice that Cybil, the friendly police officer from the original Silent Hill, appears in two different variations in the trailer. The version of Cybil encountered will be different for each player, depending on the player's actions prior to meeting her in the game. Also featured in the video: Monsters. Lots of 'em.

Shattered Memories releases December 8.

JoystiqSilent Hill: Shattered Memories trailer rocks out originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamiNintendosilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriesWiiWed, 02 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill's Akira Yamaoka officially leaves Konami]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/silent-hills-akira-yamaoka-officially-leaves-konami/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/silent-hills-akira-yamaoka-officially-leaves-konami/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/silent-hills-akira-yamaoka-officially-leaves-konami/#commentsThat eerie, oppressive sound you hear is that of a million Silent Hill soundtracks being played in memoriam of Akira Yamaoka. Original Sound Version has confirmed Yamaoka's departure from Konami, a rumor that began circulating yesterday. Yamaoka is known primarily for his work on the characteristic soundscapes of Konami's Silent Hill series, including the upcoming Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. In fact, the man has composed the soundtrack for every game in the series (with the exception of the GBA spinoff, Silent Hill Play Novel). He has also served as a producer on the series since Silent Hill 3.

Exactly where the composer plans to go from here is unknown, though OSV claims to be preparing an interview with Yamaoka in "the coming days." In the meantime, we plan to let his music lull us into a nervous, nightmare-ridden sleep.

[Via Hell Descent]

JoystiqSilent Hill's Akira Yamaoka officially leaves Konami originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokakonamipeace-outsilent-hillsoundtrackWed, 02 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka leaves Konami]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rumor-silent-hill-composer-akira-yamaoka-leaves-konami/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rumor-silent-hill-composer-akira-yamaoka-leaves-konami/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/rumor-silent-hill-composer-akira-yamaoka-leaves-konami/#comments Aeropause claims that Akira Yamaoka, the man responsible for Silent Hill's evocative sound, has apparently left Konami after 16 years and is currently vacationing in Europe. Fans of the survival-horror series would rightfully claim that Yamaoka, whose work has been a constant in the entire series, is inextricably linked to Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories producer Tomm Hulett told Joystiq in an interview back in June that Yamaoka's music "adds a special element, it's kind of the atmosphere of the town." He continued, "If Akira's music isn't there, it just doesn't sound quite right. And I'm sure that there are people out there who could emulate the sound and try to get it close, but there would be something missing." We've followed up with the publisher for confirmation and comment.

JoystiqRumor: Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka leaves Konami originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokakonamimusicrumorsilent-hillsilent-hill-homecomingsilent-hill-originssilent-hill-shattered-memoriesTue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silent Hill: Shattered Memories debuts on Wii Dec. 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/silent-hill-shattered-memories-debuts-on-wii-dec-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/silent-hill-shattered-memories-debuts-on-wii-dec-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/silent-hill-shattered-memories-debuts-on-wii-dec-8/#comments It looks like GameStop got it right, as IGN reports that Silent Hill: Shattered Memories will arrive on the Wii on December 8. The PS2 and PSP versions have yet to be given solid release dates, with Konami promising to reveal further information at a later time. Given the Wii version's proximity to the holiday shopping season, it sounds like PSP and PS2 players can consider their sanity safe until 2010 -- though not long after, considering our experience with the PSP version at Tokyo Game Show.

Wii owners, on the other hand, should start preparing now by stocking up on flashlights, blankets and plenty of batteries. Just remember, so long as you're completely covered they can't get you. Braver readers might consider perusing some of our terrifying Shattered Memories preview coverage.

JoystiqSilent Hill: Shattered Memories debuts on Wii Dec. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climaxkonamiNintendorelease-datesilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriessurvival-horrorWiiThu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami not silent about Silent Hill: Shattered Memories' European release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/konami-not-silent-about-silent-hill-shattered-memories-europea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/konami-not-silent-about-silent-hill-shattered-memories-europea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/konami-not-silent-about-silent-hill-shattered-memories-europea/#commentsSomehow, Konami managed to provide a release date for Silent Hill: Shattered Memories while still not clearing up any of the recent confusion about the release date. How? By announcing a release date for Europe. Eurogamer reports that Konami will release the re-imagined survival-horror game on Wii, PS2, and PSP in February 2010.

While the Eurogamer article references the uncertain American release date, no answer is given. Either the release date is being moved to 2010 worldwide, or Europe has the usual delay after the American date. The uncertainty is by far the scariest aspect of this game! Either that or the nightmare world that alters itself to more directly involve your worst fears. One of those.

Gallery: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii)

JoystiqKonami not silent about Silent Hill: Shattered Memories' European release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climazdelayseuropekonamiNintendosilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriesWiiTue, 13 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers move Silent Hill: Shattered Memories release date again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/retailers-move-silent-hill-shattered-memories-release-date-agai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/retailers-move-silent-hill-shattered-memories-release-date-agai/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/12/retailers-move-silent-hill-shattered-memories-release-date-agai/#commentsKonami has yet to offer an official release date for Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, and the unofficial release dates keep shifting identities like some kind of haunted village. After Nintendo dated the game on its release schedule, we thought we could safely expect the game in November, but retailers have changed their dates once again.

GameStop now expects to have Shattered Memories in stock on December 8. GameFly, whose dates tend to differ from official ones by a few days, lists the Wii game as being available November 26, but the PS2 and PSP versions on December 31. Wal-Mart's dates put the Wii version at November 24 and the PlayStation games on Christmas Day (which is probably not the real ship date, on account of there not being any mail delivery that day).

Basically, the game is coming out later. It's not in stores right this second. That's all we can say with any degree of certainty.

Gallery: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii)


[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqRetailers move Silent Hill: Shattered Memories release date again originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climaxdelayskonamiNintendosilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriesWiiMon, 12 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Hands-on: Silent Hill Shattered Memories (PSP)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/tgs-2009-hands-on-silent-hill-shattered-memories-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/tgs-2009-hands-on-silent-hill-shattered-memories-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/26/tgs-2009-hands-on-silent-hill-shattered-memories-psp/#comments

Much like 2007's Silent Hill: Origins, the PSP version of Shattered Memories is quite capable of conveying an eerie, unsettling experience, even on a platform that might seem ill-equipped for the survival-horror genre in comparison to home consoles. The Wii re-imagining of Konami's PS1 classic is faithfully represented on Sony's portable, with only a few framerate hiccups tarnishing a very impressive visual representation.

Recreating the Wii version's moody ambiance isn't the port's only major success, as it handles the absence of the motion-sensitive remote quite elegantly. Here, you manipulate Harry Mason's flashlight from a third-person perspective by holding R1 and moving the analog nub. While this removes the ability to move and peer into the terrifying town's dark recesses at the same time, the game's generally slow pace makes such multitasking more of a luxury than a necessity.

Gallery: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (PSP)

Continue reading TGS 2009: Hands-on: Silent Hill Shattered Memories (PSP)

JoystiqTGS 2009: Hands-on: Silent Hill Shattered Memories (PSP) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamishattered-memoriessilent-hillsilent-hill-shattered-memoriestgs-2009Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST