The debate among Silent Hill fans has been ongoing for some time, but recent comments from Konami suggest that Silent Hill f is not a soulslike game. In an interview with IGN, the game’s producer, Motoi Okamoto, expressed frustration with the online discussion and insisted that the game’s mechanics are not exclusive to the soulslike genre.
Silent Hill f takes place in 1960s Japan and follows Hinako Shimizu, a teenager struggling under pressure from her friends, family, and society. The game’s combat has similarities to Silent Hill 2 Remake’s close-range combat, with dodge and attack mechanics that require timing. The limited reach and lengthy attack motions give the combat a realistic feel.
The game also features timed dodges and counterattacks, which can be utilized by triggering Focus mode with L2. However, Okamoto emphasized that these mechanics are not new to action horror games, citing examples from classic Silent Hill titles like Silent Hill 4 and Silent Hill 3.
Okamoto expressed his frustration with the online dialogue surrounding the game, stating that labeling it a soulslike is “disingenuous.” He clarified that while the game may share some similarities with soulslike games, its combat mechanics are not unique to the genre. Silent Hill f will be released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on September 25.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/these-things-arent-new-and-exclusive-to-soulslike-games-silent-hill-f-producer-wants-to-set-the-record-straight-on-combat