[Scarlett.]

Konami's Tomm Hulett has waved aside "strong" fan criticism of exploration "short cuts" built into Silent Hill: Downpour, saying that complaints are the product of "misconception".

The new game (eighth in the series) stars Murphy Pendelton, an escaped convict unlucky enough to wander into the spooky Midwestern 'burg, and will return the series to the more open-ended level format offered by the original and first sequel.

With the playing area reported to be much larger than that of any previous Silent Hills, Vata Games has designed a run-down subway system to offer fast travel between areas. Fans have slated the move, arguing that the inclusion of a subway cuts against the franchise's moody backwater ethos, but according to Hulett, their fears are misplaced.

"We've noticed that the idea of a "Subway system" has really gotten a strong response from fans," the Konami producer told OXM in an interview. "I think there's a misconception that Murphy will be buying tickets and waiting on the platform for the 5:00 train to reach his destination."

"It's a lot more 'Silent Hill' than all that. As you can see in the screenshots, along the way to a train platform Murphy will locate broken areas in the wall he can squeeze through."

"These lead to service tunnels that he can traverse to reach other areas of town. So as you can see, the subway tunnels are 'shortcuts' that will speed up your town navigation - not literal train rides."

Murphy will carry a town map, automatically updated with red arrows and crosses in keeping with series tradition, and devotees can expect "plenty of nods to past Silent Hills" in the environments.

Look out for more from Hulett shortly in the form of a mighty OXM feature. In the meantime, here are some screenshots and concept arts to chew over. Keep tuning that radio.

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Also in a podcast interview with 'Silent Hill Experienced', writer, Tom Waltz detailed the amount of exploration in the game, stating that there will be dozens of side quests in each playthrough that will adapt to your playing style ala Shattered Memories

Also, running water will apparently symbolise the need to RUN LIKE HELL! As a preview details a scene when the rain starts coming, you're left with the choice to fight the creatures or hide until it's passed