SILENT HILL f Behind the Scenes #3 – Exploration and Analysis of Combat Innovation and Motion Capture
Today, Konami Digital Entertainment (KONAMI) released the latest SILENT HILL f video, Behind the Scenes #3: Combat and Character Design. Innovative breakthroughs were made in the combat system, puzzle design, and character cutscenes of this title, resulting in a more realistic game experience with greater psychological depth. The production team used protagonist Hinako’s character concept as the core and combined it with advanced motion capture technology to provide players with a profound experience of her inner world and an intense sense of horror.
NeoBards Game Director – Al Yang
NeoBards Game Director Al Yang, who was in charge of the combat system, shared the team’s decision to base the protagonist on an ordinary person due to the story taking place in the Showa era of the 1960s. This resulted in a brand new and more realistic combat experience.
NeoBards Associate Design Director – Capra Shih
NeoBards Associate Design Director Capra Shih expressed how Hinako’s combat style was defined as “fighting skills that ordinary people can perform.” This includes using Focus Attacks and Counters, and temporarily boosting her stamina in dangerous moments with an adrenaline surge. Players can find objects that serve as makeshift weapons throughout the town of Ebisugaoka. Each weapon’s varying handling and rhythm, combined with Omamori charms to boost Hinako’s abilities, allows for many different styles of combat.
In terms of monster design, the dev team focused on integrating their behaviors and symbolism, ensuring they have a close and meaningful connection with the story. The boss battles were also tailor-made and designed by kera to fully convey the captivating storytelling of Ryukishi07 and fully embody the unique “beauty in terror” aesthetic. In a moment of levity, Associate Design Director Capra Shih also joked that he’ll leave the secrets held by these monsters and bosses for players to discover on their own.
Center: NeoBards Lead Level Designer Kaiyu Chang, Right: Lead Programmer Rachael Wu
Puzzles play a crucial role in the game and Lead Level Designer Kaiyu Chang shared how they were designed according to the psychological state of Hinako. For example, a rural puzzle was designed with the theme of “feeling lost or disoriented” to craft a puzzle experience which embodies psychological confusion and seeking the path forward.
NeoBards Lead Concept Artist – Ant Hsu
Lead Concept Artist Ant Hsu added that scarecrows were selected as a symbolic character to guide players. The scarecrow, based on monster designs by kera, combined student uniforms and symbolic masks to present an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. Visually, the level shifts through the seasons, ultimately becoming a desolate, fog-filled environment to signify how the protagonist is gradually entering a deeper psychological state. Kaiyu emphasized that the puzzles not only act as a storytelling device, but exposes the characters’ emotions and subconsciousness, thereby carrying on the franchise’s signature psychological horror.
NeoBards Art Director – Box Shih
NeoBards Art Director Box Shih shared the insights on the motion capture process. Hinako is an emotionally delicate and introverted teenager who suffers from the pressures of Showa era Japan’s society and her family. Konatsu Kato, the actress invited to play Hinako, was able to faithfully interpret the layers of emotions felt by our protagonist through the use of Photoscan and motion capture technology.
From left: NeoBards Cinematic Artist Michael Lee, Producer Tiffany Tsou
Tiffany Tsou, a member of the NeoBards production team, expressed that local actors were hired when filming in Japan to ensure the authenticity of their culture and sentiments. The title’s more than 90 minutes of cutscenes, including script, storyboards, and post-processing were unprecedented challenges for NeoBards. The entire process was conducted in close cooperation with KONAMI, the actors, and production company.
From left: NeoBards Producer Tiffany Tsou, Lead Cinematic Designer Grey Hu
Lead Cinematic Designer Grey Hu explained that game design was still in the process of fine tuning during the motion capture phase, forcing the team to be extremely accommodating and adapt to changes. Actors were asked to perfectly interpret their characters with limited information while directors were on hand to provide guidance. Tiffany added that transforming Ryukishi07’s complex scripts into specific scenes required an in-depth understanding of the text and a lot of back and forth verification. Using the instant playback technology of motion capture, Konatsu Kato observed her performances on-site and adjusted her scenes with other actors to ensure the quality of their performances.
Konatsu Kato plays the protagonist Hinako
Konatsu Kato who plays the protagonist, Hinako, shared her experience doing motion capture for the first time. Filming on-site without any physical sets required imaginative performances and Ms. Kato admitted that the greatest challenge was the precision required for every line. While she has a habit of ad libbing certain lines, this was a performance that required her to accurately stick to the script.
The most memorable aspect for Ms. Kato was performing the multiple endings. Because she had spent so much time with Hinako, the intense swell of emotions she felt from the character has become a precious experience in her acting career. The most difficult scene was when two versions of Hinako faced off; at the time, she completely lost her sense of self to the point of tears, forcing a temporary halt to filming. While the filming process was both moving and sad, she felt a boundless sense of pride and excitement when, for the first time, she saw herself as the protagonist in this gaming masterpiece. Sighing with emotion, Ms. Kato expressed how strange and surreal it is to know that even after she’s gone from the world, players will still be able to experience her performance.
Critically acclaimed SILENT HILL f is available on PlayStation 5, XBOX X|S, Steam, Epic Games, Microsoft Store (Windows), and GOG
©Konami Digital Entertainment
About Us
NeoBards Entertainment was founded in 2017 by a group of industry pioneers with over 20 years of experience from various Eastern and Western cultural backgrounds. Our portfolio includes collaborations with Capcom on Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, Resident Evil Re:Verse, and Resident Evil: Resistance. We also developed Dynasty Warrior M, a mobile game licensed by Koei and published by Nexon, and participated in the development of Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by Square Enix. Stay tuned for future news as the studio also has several titles currently in development.
We take pride in integrating international talent and resources to deliver high-quality, premium game products for established IPs and original properties alike. Committed to development, we embrace both the challenges and joys of the creative process.
