The Signature Multiple Endings of Silent Hill Games
Silent Hill games have long been known for their diverse range of endings, a hallmark that dates back to the franchise’s inception in 1999. Each installment introduces new conclusions, whether they expand on previous endings, present entirely alternate scenarios, or even offer a lighter twist. The latest title, Silent Hill f, continues this legacy, incorporating various endings, including some that delve into the realm of the extraterrestrial. Notably, the method for unlocking the UFO ending in this game deviates from its predecessors, emphasizing a different approach that involves less reliance on alien technology.
Unlocking the UFO Ending: A First Playthrough Challenge
As is typical with many entries in the Silent Hill series, the more whimsical and outrageous endings, such as the UFO conclusion, cannot be obtained during the first playthrough of Silent Hill f. In a notable shift from tradition, this game offers only one ending available during the initial run, with additional endings accessible only through New Game Plus. To unlock these endings, players must start a New Game Plus from a Clear Game save rather than a fresh game. Fortunately, achieving the initial ending is a straightforward task that can be accomplished relatively early in your gameplay. It’s advisable to maintain a Clear Game save to facilitate a smooth transition into New Game Plus, as failing to do so would require a complete replay of the game.
Steps to Access the UFO Ending
To unlock the UFO ending, players must complete several tasks, which can be reviewed in the Endings section of the Main Menu after achieving the original ending. While there are multiple prerequisites to fulfill, most of them can be completed early in the game. The necessary steps include: listening to all UFO radio broadcasts, locating three “The Great Space Invasion” movie posters in sequential order after each radio broadcast, and finally, finding the movie review for “The Great Space Invasion” after the previous steps have been completed. Although the list may seem strict, the steps are relatively flexible.
Locating the UFO Radio Broadcasts
The first step in unlocking the UFO ending involves finding three radio broadcasts. The first broadcast is located shortly after encountering the Fog Monster for the first time. As you navigate the narrow paths, a light will indicate an alley to explore. Once inside, you’ll discover a radio crackling with a report about a bridge that has been destroyed by an unidentified object, adding an air of mystery to your adventure. Each subsequent poster can be found after listening to the corresponding radio broadcast; however, there’s no need to complete all broadcasts before interacting with the posters.
Finding the Second Radio Broadcast
The second UFO radio broadcast is located on the path to Rinko’s house, specifically within the building at the corner of the rice fields. Access the house via a ladder at the back, and you’ll find the radio in one of the rooms. Listening in reveals a peculiar message where numerous voices chime in with “congratulations” before abruptly cutting off, a nod to the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, which features themes of alien invasions.
Accessing the Final Radio Broadcast
The third and final radio broadcast can be discovered in the southern area of Ebisugaoka, similar to the first one. This broadcast is found while accompanying Rinko and Shu on your way to the Middle School. After entering a house to pass through, you’ll hear the familiar crackling of a radio, which tells an odd story about how not every day needs to be extraordinary—suggesting even extraterrestrial elements. While there are no clear indicators confirming you’ve listened to all necessary broadcasts, their unusual content should suffice as evidence.
Discovering The Great Space Invasion Movie Posters
In addition to the UFO radio broadcasts, players must locate three movie posters for “The Great Space Invasion,” a task that aligns perfectly with the interests of Shu and Hinako. These posters must be found in a specific sequence; interacting with them out of order will prevent the ending from being unlocked. Fortunately, players can rectify their sequence by simply interacting with the posters again in the correct order, allowing for flexibility in completing this task.
Interacting with the First Movie Poster
While not the initial movie poster encountered, it is the first one that players must interact with. This poster is located while traversing towards Rinko’s house, situated in the rice fields. You’ll find it on the wall of a house in the eastern corner after removing some planks. Upon interaction, a vintage filter will cover the screen, revealing a UFO darting across the sky.
Finding the Second Movie Poster
The second movie poster appears back in Ebisugaoka as you try to catch up with Shu and Rinko en route to the Middle School. This poster is easy to spot, positioned directly opposite the Hokora. If approached in the correct order, a brief cutscene will play, displaying two UFOs in flight.
Locating the Final Movie Poster
For the last movie poster, players will need to backtrack a bit. This poster is technically the first one you can find but must be interacted with last. It’s found in an alley north of Chizuruya, which can be accessed by maneuvering from the east. If you arrived here early, you might encounter a mannequin enemy near the poster. When approached correctly, a short cutscene will show three UFOs in the air; if accessed in the wrong order, players will only hear a deflated alien sound.
Obtaining The Great Space Invasion Movie Review
Once both the UFO radio broadcasts have been listened to and the movie posters have been collected, players can finally find “The Great Space Invasion” movie review. This essential item only appears after completing the previous conditions and is located near the entrance of Chizuruya. As you step away from the last poster, an alien noise will grow louder as you near Chizuruya. Interacting with the movie review will trigger the ending, so ensure you save your progress beforehand if you wish to continue your current run. Interestingly, the game retains a record of the radio broadcasts across multiple playthroughs. Therefore, if you listened to all broadcasts in a previous session with the same save file, you may only need to locate the posters to unlock the ending. If you miss the movie review at this stage, it can also be acquired upon returning to Ebisugaoka later in the game.
