CRTV device, horror-focused combat, and PS5 features detailed
Summary
– Silent Hill: Townfall shifts to a first-person perspective for exploration and combat
– The new CRTV device evolves the iconic radio into an interactive story and survival tool
– Combat blends melee, ranged, stealth, and dynamic enemy tracking on PS5
A new trailer for Silent Hill: Townfall finally offers a deeper look at the long-awaited project, first announced in 2022. The footage debuted during a recent State of Play presentation and confirms several major details about gameplay direction, perspective, and core mechanics.
Developed by Screen Burn Interactive, the game introduces a new town, a new protagonist named Simon Ordell, and a narrative centered on mystery, tragedy, and loss. The studio explained that while Townfall expands the series in new ways, it remains grounded in the atmosphere and psychological tension that define Silent Hill.
One of the most notable reveals is the shift to a first-person perspective. The developers stated that this viewpoint best supports the game’s narrative design and puzzle structure. Environments are built with close attention to detail, encouraging players to search carefully for clues and interact with objects in a tactile way that reinforces immersion.
A central gameplay mechanic revolves around the CRTV, a handheld device inspired by the franchise’s iconic radio. Unlike traditional radio, which passively alerts players to nearby threats through static, the CRTV functions as both a survival tool and a storytelling device. It allows Simon to scan the environment, detect enemies behind obstacles, tune in to mysterious broadcasts, and uncover hidden narrative elements scattered throughout the town.
Combat in Townfall leans heavily into horror tension. While players will have access to melee and ranged weapons, fighting is not always the safest option. The first-person perspective makes encounters feel immediate and unsettling, removing the visual distance often found in third-person survival horror.
Stealth plays an equally critical role. Players can use environmental distractions, hiding mechanics, and a peek system to avoid detection. Enemies are designed to respond dynamically to noise and movement, hunting the player if too much attention is drawn to them. The developers emphasized that switching strategies mid-encounter is often necessary to survive.
PlayStation 5 features also factor into the experience. The team confirmed that DualSense functionality is being used to enhance tension and immersion. Players may feel enemy footsteps through haptic feedback or experience weight shifts during combat interactions, adding another sensory layer to exploration and survival.
Series producer Motoi Okamoto noted that although Townfall presents a different setting from previous entries, it preserves the franchise’s core identity. Rich storytelling, challenging puzzles, atmospheric environments, and psychological horror remain central pillars of the experience.
The trailer raises new questions about the town and Simon’s role within it. Still, one thing is clear: Silent Hill: Townfall is aiming to deliver a refined, horror-centric experience that balances narrative depth with intense, close-quarters survival.
