Resident Evil and Silent Hill: Still Going?
Yes, both Resident Evil and Silent Hill still have momentum, though in very different ways. Resident Evil remains a major commercial and critical force, with mainline games, remakes, and a live-action TV series in active production. Silent Hill, after a long hiatus, is being deliberately revived with new games, a film, and a renewed focus from its publisher, Konami.
Resident Evil: The Mainline Series and Remakes
Capcom’s flagship horror franchise has been on a strong run since 2017’s Resident Evil 7: Biohazard shifted the series to first-person and returned it to its survival-horror roots. That game was followed by Resident Evil Village (2021), which sold over 10 million copies and won several Game of the Year awards. The company has also found enormous success remaking classic entries: Resident Evil 2 (2019), Resident Evil 3 (2020), and Resident Evil 4 (2023) all received critical acclaim and strong sales, with the RE4 remake alone surpassing 7 million units by early 2024.
Capcom has not slowed down. In 2024, they released Resident Evil: Death Island, an animated film, and announced a live-action series for Netflix titled Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, which debuted in 2021. More importantly, the company has confirmed that new mainline entries and remakes are in development, though specific titles have not been officially announced. The franchise also thrives in spin-offs, mobile games, and a robust merchandise line, ensuring it remains a constant presence in gaming culture.
Silent Hill: The Long Hiatus and the Revival
Silent Hill’s momentum stalled for nearly a decade after the cancellation of Silent Hills (the playable teaser P.T. was removed from PlayStation Store in 2015) and the poor reception of Silent Hill: Downpour (2012) and Silent Hill: Book of Memories (2012). For years, Konami seemed to abandon the franchise, focusing on mobile games and pachinko machines. Fans feared the series was dead.
That changed in October 2022, when Konami announced a multi-pronged revival. The centerpiece is Silent Hill 2, a full remake developed by Bloober Team (known for Layers of Fear and The Medium), which released on October 8, 2024 for PlayStation 5 and PC. The remake received strong reviews, with critics praising its atmosphere and updated combat while noting it stays faithful to the original. Alongside the remake, Konami revealed several new projects: Silent Hill: Townfall, developed by No Code (creators of Stories Untold and Observation), and Silent Hill f, a new mainline entry set in 1960s Japan, written by Higurashi author Ryukishi07. A new film, Return to Silent Hill, directed by Christophe Gans (who also directed the 2006 film), was announced and is currently in production.
The revival is not just about new games. Konami has also re-released the original Silent Hill games on modern platforms via the Silent Hill: Transmission series, and has been actively licensing the franchise for merchandise, board games, and even a silent hill-themed escape room in Japan. This multi-platform approach suggests Konami is serious about rebuilding the brand, though the success of the remake will likely determine how far they go.
How the Two Franchises Compare in Momentum
Resident Evil’s momentum is steady and high-volume. Capcom releases a major title every 2-3 years, and each one is a top-tier production with global marketing. The franchise has a clear identity: it evolves gameplay (first-person in RE7, third-person in RE4 remake) while keeping a consistent cast and lore. Its sales figures are consistently in the millions, and it has a strong presence in movies, TV, and merchandise.
Silent Hill’s momentum is more fragile but arguably more interesting. It’s a revival from near-death, so every new announcement is met with intense scrutiny. The fanbase is smaller but extremely passionate, and the series’ psychological horror style—focusing on guilt, trauma, and surreal symbolism—has no direct competitor in the mainstream. The success of the Silent Hill 2 remake is a positive sign, but the franchise still has to prove it can sustain a new mainline entry (Silent Hill f) without the original team (Team Silent, which disbanded after Silent Hill 4 in 2004).
Common Misconceptions and Fan Debates
- “Silent Hill is dead.� This was true from 2012 to 2022, but the 2022 announcement and the 2024 remake have clearly resurrected it. Whether it stays alive depends on future sales and Konami’s commitment.
- “Resident Evil is no longer horror.� While recent games like RE4 and Village are more action-oriented, RE7 and RE2 remake are genuinely terrifying. The series balances action and horror depending on the entry.
- “Silent Hill 2 is the best in the series.� Many fans and critics agree, but some prefer the original Silent Hill (1999) for its atmosphere or Silent Hill 3 for its direct sequel to the first game. The remake has reignited this debate.
What to Play First: A Quick Guide
If you’re new to either franchise, here are solid starting points:
- Resident Evil: Start with Resident Evil 2 (2019) remake. It’s modern, accessible, and captures the classic survival-horror formula. If you prefer first-person, go with Resident Evil 7.
- Silent Hill: Play the Silent Hill 2 remake (2024) if you want a modern experience. For the original, the best way is to emulate the PS2 version or find a used copy, as the original is not available on modern consoles without emulation. The HD Collection (PS3/Xbox 360) is widely criticized for technical issues, so avoid it if possible.
Costs and Availability
Resident Evil games are widely available on all modern platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch for some older titles). Prices vary, but new releases are typically $59.99 USD, and older titles often drop to $19.99 or less during sales. Capcom frequently bundles the remakes in collections.
Silent Hill games are harder to find. The Silent Hill 2 remake is $69.99 USD on PS5/PC. The original games are not sold digitally on modern consoles, so you’ll need to buy physical copies (which can be expensive—original PS2 copies of Silent Hill 2 often sell for $50-$100) or emulate them. The Silent Hill HD Collection is available on Xbox 360 and PS3, but it has known bugs and altered voice acting, making it a poor way to experience the classics.
Future Outlook
Resident Evil’s future is secure. Capcom has stated that they plan to continue releasing mainline entries and remakes, and the franchise’s sales are only growing. The next mainline game, Resident Evil 9, is rumored to be in development, though Capcom has not confirmed it.
Silent Hill’s future is more uncertain but promising. The Silent Hill 2 remake’s success (it sold over 1 million copies in its first week) likely greenlights more projects. Silent Hill f is still in development, and Return to Silent Hill is in production. If these deliver, the franchise could regain its place as a top horror brand. If they stumble, it might retreat again, but the fact that Konami is investing at all is a positive sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silent Hill 2 remake worth playing if I’ve never played the original?
Yes, absolutely. The remake is designed to be a standalone experience. It modernizes the gameplay (over-the-shoulder camera, updated combat) while preserving the story and atmosphere. You don’t need to know anything about the original to enjoy it.
Are the Resident Evil remakes required to understand the main story?
No, each remake is a self-contained story. The mainline games have a continuing plot, but you can jump in at almost any point. The remakes of RE2, RE3, and RE4 are excellent entry points.
Why did Silent Hill disappear for so long?
Konami had internal restructuring in 2015, which led to the cancellation of Silent Hills (the game directed by Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro). After that, the company focused on other projects, and the franchise lay dormant until the 2022 revival announcement.
Which franchise is scarier?
This is subjective, but generally, Silent Hill is considered more psychologically unsettling, focusing on personal trauma and surreal horror. Resident Evil is more about jump scares and monster chases, though recent entries like RE7 are genuinely terrifying.
Can I play Silent Hill 1-4 on modern consoles?
Officially, no. The original Silent Hill games are not available on PS5, Xbox Series, or Switch. You can play them on PC via emulation (like PCSX2 for PS2 games) or buy original hardware and discs. The HD Collection is an option on Xbox 360/PS3, but it has known issues.
Will there be a Resident Evil 9?
Capcom has not officially announced it, but it’s almost certain. The franchise is their best-selling horror IP, and they’ve consistently released mainline entries every few years. Rumors suggest it’s in development, but nothing is confirmed.
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