Konami has officially announced Silent Hill 8 at their E3 press conference today. Developed by Vatra Studios, it’s described as a “horror third person experience,” meaning that the prior first-person rumor is a no-go.

The game stars inmate Murphy Pendleton, who is left stranded in Silent Hill after his prison transport truck staggers off the road. The game promises mind-bending puzzles, horrific creatures, the use of quick response weapons (such as a chair), and a “thought-provoking” storyline. Side-quests, diving deeper into the unknown evils of Silent Hill, will also be available to players.

It’s out in 2011 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES SILENT HILL 8 (working title) FOR PLAYSTATION 3 AND XBOX 360
Survival Horror Series Returns to Next-Gen Platforms With New Level of Mind-Bending Terror

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – June 16, 2010 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today unveiled Silent Hill 8 (working title), the eighth installment of the Silent Hill franchise. Scheduled to launch in 2011 on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Staying true to the franchise’s original roots, the game returns with another third person horror experience, and an all new thought provoking storyline. Players will once again find themselves face to face with their deepest sins and fears in the strange world of Silent Hill.

“In honoring the rich history and strong following of Silent Hill, we’re working hard to build a next generation horror game that the fans truly deserve,” said Shinji Hirano, President of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “This Silent Hill introduces an all-new storyline and unique evolutions in gameplay, building on innovations and successes from over a decade of true survival horror and terror.”

The survival horror experience begins after a prison transport vehicle careens off the road, leaving lone inmate Murphy Pendleton stranded in Silent Hill. Gamers will encounter mind-bending puzzles, as well as horrific creatures and other world terrors using everyday objects from wooden chairs to glass bottles to fend off their enemies. The natural response, fight or flight is left to the player as they unravel a dark, thought-provoking storyline which will appeal to fans of the early, classic Silent Hill series, as well as anyone who enjoys a deep, psychological horror experience. In addition to the main storyline, players will also be presented with variable side quests along the way that can change depending on their play style, revealing unknown evils within the town.

Silent Hill 8 (working title) is scheduled to launch in 2011 on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. For assets and additional information, please visit http://www.konami.com/downloads/.