Silent Hill: Townfall takes the series into a fully first-person horror experience

Silent Hill: Townfall will be the franchise’s first full game experienced from a first-person view, placing players behind the eyes of protagonist Simon Ordell. The game launches on PlayStation 5 on September 24.

The perspective narrows the player’s field of view and demands attention to threats from the sides and behind. Its 2.35:1 aspect ratio creates a cinematic image while reducing vertical visibility, making sound important when enemies are outside the frame.

CRTV tracks nearby enemies

Townfall replaces the series’ familiar warning-radio concept with a handheld CRTV. Players can tune it to different frequencies to see nearby enemy positions, while the DualSense controller provides a haptic pulse when a new threat approaches.

Combat and stealth require quick reactions

Monsters attack at close range, and the player’s defense is limited to holding up fragile objects. Blocking counterattacks and striking back require quick timing, but many encounters are better handled by slipping past enemies unnoticed.

Simon can duck behind fences, signs and parked cars, lean around corners, and peek over cover. He can also hide in cabinets, closets and lockers, though an enemy that sees him enter will pull him out.

First person changes exploration

Opening doors, searching drawers, reading emails and checking the map all leave the player more exposed or limit their view of the surroundings. Puzzles likewise require rooms and buildings to be searched for notes and diagrams while creatures may be looking for Simon.

Motion controls can be enabled in the settings, allowing the DualSense to aim firearms or thrown objects by tilting the controller. The perspective also reveals Simon’s inner thoughts through on-screen text, including reactions to disturbing scenes.