Konami ambitiously wanted Silent Hill f to be "100% Japanese horror," a vision that emphasizes the essence of Japanese culture at the core of the story. While the Silent Hill series is typically set in the United States, this shift to the 1960s town of Ebisugaoka provides a fresh take. The game is both a new mainline entry and a standalone spin-off story, yet still incorporates references to previous Silent Hill games. Composer Akira Yamaoka, a Silent Hill series icon, returns to create the haunting soundscapes, while monster designer Kera brings terrifying creatures inspired by Silent Hill 2. The puzzle design is also designed with the concept of "virtual tourism" in mind, allowing players to feel both familiar and slightly "out of time and place" in the Silent Hill f experience.