Akira Yamaoka has been "really impressed" by the technology he's seen at Californian studio The Collective...

The Producer/Composer on Silent Hill V, Akira Yamaoka, has commended the Western technology he's seen at Californian studio The Collective. He also suggests that Japanese development studios might not be as advanced as their American counterparts.

The first next-gen instalment in Konami's Silent Hill series (Silent Hill V), is also going to be the first in the series to be developed outside of Japan, casting further significance upon Yamaoka's comments. Yamaoka has worked on all of the previous Silent Hill games under various Composer and Producer roles.

Speaking in Game Developer Magazine (via QJ.net), Yamaoka said "Western development techniques are very advanced. There are of course advantages and disadvantages, but overall, I'm really impressed with the American staff and their technology."

Adding, "Their graphical and technical ability is amazing. There's a huge leap, actually. I look at what American developers are doing and I think, wow, Japan is in trouble."