[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.

______________________________

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

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

i see chewys finger

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by Scott

i see chewys finger

*just realises what you mean LOL!*

This is the subway mentioned

[Scarlett.]

[Scarlett.]

It's been hinted throughout the series (Harry and Heather used to live in Portland)/Shepherd's Glen's town hall had books on New England mining towns

Anyway, here's the proof that cements it
Prison bus has Maine numberplate, and has the writing "Maine Department of Corrections" above the fire exit door.

and then the I-95 logo appears above Silent Hill on a road sign, the I-95 runs along the East Coast of America, ending in Maine, New England :P

[Scarlett.]

Konami is holding a pre-E3 conference, with Downpour heading its roster of games

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Here's the countdown

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MVC has an interview with Konami's UK distributor, who seems to confirm a November release for the 3DS MGS game and Downpour

http://www.mcvuk.com/features/924/INTERVIEW-Pete-Stone

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Not much, but a little look at the game

Youtube video

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Looks like the weapons actually break apart in real time, instead of being in one piece, then suddenly breaking

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A few pics from the trailer, looks like it's from earlier on in the production cycle

[LaLaLand]

Oh that looks brilliant! I do like me some Silent Hill! I remember the very first one for the PS1 I bought and didn't properly play for about a year as it used to scare me like mad (think I was only about 9 at the time!)

[Scarlett.]

Lol! Same here, it too me ages to complete Silent Hill 2, even though I was playing on the Beginner difficulty, where only Pyramid Head can really kill you xD

[LaLaLand]

Originally Posted by Chewy

Lol! Same here, it too me ages to complete Silent Hill 2, even though I was playing on the Beginner difficulty, where only Pyramid Head can really kill you xD

Hah I know the feeling. Which was it that not far from the very start you had to walk down an alleyway and the camera view was like from a high-up angle (possibly CCTV aspect) and you couldn't see what was around the corner? Think it was SH1. THAT took me about an hour to brave going around the corner lmao.

EDIT: HERE IT IS!

[Scarlett.]

Haha! That alley was PURE nightmare fuel xD

The producer of Downpour just explained to me and a few other fans that the weapons in the new game, when broken, will still be useable, but things such as falling down a long drop can take away your weapons

[Rob]

That's quite scary!

[Scarlett.]

It gets much worse than that

[Rob]

Lovely lol, not my kinda thing then!

[Scarlett.]

I hope Downpour manages to be as scary lol

[Scarlett.]

Rumour has it that Downpour could be one of the Wii 2 launch titles

[Scarlett.]

The producer just confirmed to me that we will be able to use a rifle and pistol as Melee weapons :3

[Scarlett.]

10 hours to go
http://www.konami.com/e3/

[Scarlett.]

WARNING: Following screenshots may look amazing

Youtube video

[LaLaLand]

WOW! Well I'm getting this game for sure. Lol.

[Scarlett.]

I love how we're getting scenes set in the real world too, usually we're just thrown into the foggy world